AGP Executive Report

Data Centers: Amazon has scrapped plans for four Northern Virginia facilities after local backlash, a setback for the region’s data-center expansion. Manufacturing Investment: Eli Lilly has broken ground on a $5 billion Goochland pharmaceutical plant. M.C. Dean plans to invest more than $400 million in Caroline County, creating nearly 2,000 jobs. Energy Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is seeking a six-year rate freeze if regulators approve Dominion Energy’s merger with NextEra, as a separate rate proposal could add about $43 a month to household bills. Agriculture: Virginia farmers are set to receive about $65 million in federal safety-net and conservation payments, offering support after a difficult crop year.

Major Investment: Eli Lilly broke ground on its $5 billion Goochland manufacturing plant, which is expected to create 1,800 construction jobs and 650 permanent positions. M.C. Dean is also planning a more than $400 million Caroline County expansion, with nearly 2,000 jobs. Defense Hiring: Arlington-based Cybastion will hold an Oct. 27 job fair for roles in intelligence, engineering, cybersecurity, finance and government contracting. Energy and Rates: Virginia’s $67 billion Dominion-NextEra merger faces opposition from state regulators and leaders. Gov. Abigail Spanberger has called for a six-year rate freeze if it proceeds, as officials debate how to meet rising power demand. Cannabis Probe: State Sen. Louise Lucas and six others were indicted in an alleged marijuana, racketeering and money-laundering scheme tied to a Portsmouth cannabis business. The charges remain allegations. Grid Reliability: Old Dominion Electric Cooperative launched a home-battery program for residential customers, offering incentives for participants who help support grid reliability.

Energy Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger wants a six-year freeze on Dominion’s base residential rates and larger bill credits as conditions for approving the proposed $67 billion Dominion–NextEra merger. The deal faces growing opposition as regulators review it. AI Workforce: Virginia and Oklahoma will share a $1.1 million grant for an 18-month study of how AI could change state jobs, hiring needs and employee skills. Broadband: RiverStreet Networks and its parent filed for Chapter 11 and proposed a $92.5 million asset sale to Oaktree, subject to court and federal approval. The company says it plans to keep serving current customers. Data Centers: Amazon dropped plans for a data center campus at the former George Washington University site in Ashburn after backlash, as Virginia communities weigh development limits and power demands. Public Integrity: Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six others were indicted in an alleged marijuana trafficking and money-laundering scheme. Prosecutors accuse Lucas of using her office to protect the operation; the charges have not been proven in court.

Energy and Rates: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is pressing for a six-year electricity-rate freeze as a condition of supporting the proposed Dominion Energy–NextEra merger. State leaders and utility regulators have also urged rejection of the deal as proposed, while Virginia has approved a 3-gigawatt Dominion gas-fired power station. Data Centers: Suffolk approved a temporary pause on new data-center applications, amid regional calls for tighter oversight. Google’s Botetourt County project is moving ahead, while Amazon dropped its planned $427 million Ashburn campus and pledged the land for other uses. Business Investment: Volvo Trucks North America plans to add up to 500 jobs at its New River Valley plant. M.C. Dean is planning a $412.5 million Virginia manufacturing expansion. Household Costs: Virginia launched a $150 million program to help lower health-insurance premiums, with aid available first-come, first-served.

Data Centers & Housing: Amazon is dropping plans for data centers at its former George Washington University campus in Ashburn. It will pursue housing-led mixed-use development and set aside land for community arts and sports facilities. Energy: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is demanding a six-year electricity-rate freeze and other conditions before supporting Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra; regulators and state officials have urged rejection of the deal as proposed. Jobs & Investment: M.C. Dean plans a $412.5 million Virginia manufacturing expansion expected to add 1,950 jobs. Local Development: Cumberland supervisors approved Dominion’s permit for a proposed 3,000-megawatt gas plant, citing potential jobs and tax revenue despite residents’ concerns about impacts. Kilmarnock is also seeking public input on downtown revitalization, backed by a $75,000 state grant. Seafood: A recall of Virginia oysters harvested from the Little Wicomico River is tied to a multistate Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 27 people; harvesting in part of the river is closed through Nov. 7.

Commercial Growth: Onelife Fitness plans two Richmond-area clubs at Henrico’s Midtown64 and Short Pump’s Avenlea, investing about $24 million at each site and aiming to open by 2028. Data Center Shift: Amazon will drop its planned Ashburn data center and give Loudoun County 25 acres for community facilities and mixed-use development, plus $5 million for its housing fund. In Hampton Roads, residents are calling for a statewide pause on new data centers over power, water and neighborhood concerns. Energy & Regulation: Gov. Abigail Spanberger and State Corporation Commission staff are urging regulators to reject Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra as filed. Spanberger is seeking a six-year rate freeze and other consumer protections. Manufacturing Jobs: M.C. Dean plans a $412.5 million Virginia expansion, adding two factories and 1,950 jobs. Industry Consolidation: Virginia’s two largest craft brewers are merging.

Energy & Utilities: Virginia SCC staff recommended rejecting Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra. Gov. Abigail Spanberger is also demanding a six-year rate freeze and other protections before the deal can proceed. Manufacturing Investment: M.C. Dean plans to spend $412.5 million expanding its Caroline County campus, adding two factories and 1,950 jobs by 2030. Data Center Debate: Virginia’s fast-growing data center industry faces mounting scrutiny over electricity costs and grid demands. Loudoun County is weighing a 12-month pause on new applications, while statewide moratorium bills are stacking up ahead of the legislative session. Defense Business: Falls Church-based Northrop Grumman raised its 2026 earnings outlook after quarterly sales grew 7%, with its backlog reaching a record $109.6 billion.

Energy & Utilities: Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged regulators to reject Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra unless customers get a rate freeze; SCC staff also recommended rejecting the deal as proposed. Data Centers: Loudoun County is weighing a one-year pause on new data center and substation applications as Virginia communities push for tighter controls. The debate is intensifying alongside plans for a $100 billion Southern Virginia campus and a proposed 650-megawatt nuclear plant. Defense & Jobs: General Dynamics Mission Systems won a $194 million Navy contract modification, with a quarter of the work in Manassas; the project is expected to add about 200 engineering and manufacturing jobs across two states. Housing & Growth: Alexandria is among 14 cities receiving Bloomberg Philanthropies funding to expand proven housing programs, while a $100 million project near Virginia Center Commons would add apartments and refurbish office buildings. Business Climate: Virginia’s general-fund revenue grew 8%, and Spanberger authorized dyed diesel for on-road use to ease fuel supplies and costs for farmers and families.

State Economy: Virginia’s General Fund revenues grew 8%, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger authorized dyed diesel for on-road use to help farmers and families manage rising fuel costs. Energy and Data Centers: Dominion Energy’s roadmap keeps fossil fuels in the mix while expanding solar, as proposed data-center moratoriums gain traction and Google is reported to be considering a Roanoke County site. Development: A $100 million project near Virginia Center Commons will add apartments and renovate office buildings; Richmond International Airport is preparing for a $250 million security-checkpoint project. Business Growth: South Korean café chain Twosome Place opened its first U.S. location in Virginia, drawing crowds. Trade and Jobs: The Port of Virginia named ADM its shipper of the year, and Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding announced skilled-trades hiring events.

Retail Expansion: South Korean café chain Twosome Place opened its first U.S. location on King Street in Alexandria, drawing lines on opening day and bringing more than 80 Korean-inspired food and drink options to Old Town. Data Center Debate: Virginia’s fast-growing sector faces mounting scrutiny: Leesburg residents rallied for a moratorium, and a state senator has proposed a three-year pause on new projects. A separate report said a Virginia data center ran diesel generators during a Code Red alert, when state regulators could not stop them. Manufacturing: M.C. Dean is expanding its Caroline County operations and plans to open Virginia facilities for modular power systems. State Economy: Virginia’s general fund revenues grew, while a $100 million Henrico development is set to add 279 apartments.

State Finances: Virginia’s general fund revenues grew, while a separate fiscal report gave the state a B and highlighted an annual deficit; its AAA bond rating was affirmed. Data Centers: Google was confirmed as the company behind a proposed Roanoke County data center as lawmakers weigh a statewide moratorium. A separate Virginia case, where a data center ran diesel generators during a Code Red alert, has sharpened questions about oversight, power demand and costs. Power Grid: Virginia was awarded up to $50 million in federal funding for energy projects, alongside announced grid upgrades in parts of Appalachian Power’s service area. Manufacturing Jobs: M.C. Dean plans a $412 million Virginia expansion, adding two factories and 1,950 jobs. Agriculture: Virginia farmers can claim a tax credit worth 50% of the fair market value of qualifying food donated to state food banks, up to $10,000 per taxpayer annually.

State Finances: Virginia’s General Fund revenue rose 11.5% in September from a year earlier, leaving first-quarter collections 3.2% above forecast. Corporate and individual tax payments account for most of the surplus, though the state says those revenues can swing sharply. Data Center Debate: Virginia lawmakers are preparing bills to pause data center growth as concerns mount over power costs and backup diesel generator use. Energy Investment: The federal government awarded Virginia up to $50 million for grid upgrades, including work in Appalachian Power’s service area. Manufacturing Jobs: M.C. Dean plans to invest $412.5 million in its Caroline County operations, a proposed expansion expected to create 1,950 jobs.

Data Center Debate: Virginia lawmakers are preparing bills for January that could pause new data center approvals, including a proposed three-year statewide moratorium. The debate is intensifying as Google considers a Roanoke County project and concerns grow over power use, pollution and local impacts. Business Expansion: M.C. Dean plans to invest $412.5 million in two Caroline County manufacturing facilities, with the project expected to create 1,950 jobs. Fuel Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger authorized temporary on-road use of dyed diesel to ease pressure on farmers, loggers and haulers facing high fuel prices. Power Infrastructure: Virginia was awarded up to $50 million in federal funding for grid upgrades, as electricity demand climbs. Business Climate: Virginia’s AAA bond rating was affirmed by all three major ratings agencies, a sign of continued confidence in the state’s finances.

Data Centers: Google was confirmed as the company behind a proposed Roanoke County project, as Virginia lawmakers weigh a pause on new approvals and Rep. Eugene Vindman pushes to keep data center power costs off household bills. Power Grid: Virginia could receive up to $50 million in federal funding to rebuild Appalachian Power’s New London–Otter transmission line, aimed at easing bottlenecks and meeting rising demand. Business Climate: The Richmond Fed reports Central Virginia small businesses are optimistic, though confidence is uneven. Tourism and Gaming: Virginia casinos generated more than $97.5 million in September. Workforce: A renewed five-year federal grant will fund Virginia Tech’s Talent Search program, supporting 891 students a year with college and career guidance.

Data Center Debate: Google is considering a data center at Roanoke County’s Wood Haven Technology Park as Virginia lawmakers weigh proposals to pause or restrict new projects. The push for a moratorium comes amid concerns over power demand and local oversight; one state regulator said it lacked authority to stop a data center’s day-long generator run. Energy and Utilities: A proposed 23% electric-rate increase for parts of Southwest Virginia is headed to regulators, while the proposed $67 billion Dominion–NextEra merger faces scrutiny over potential customer costs. Development and Jobs: A $100 million Henrico project will add 279 apartments, and M.C. Dean plans to open modular power-systems manufacturing facilities in Virginia.**

Data Center Pressure: Frederick County supervisors voted unanimously to remove data centers as an allowed use, while a state senator has proposed a three-year moratorium. A federal emergency order letting PJM use backup generators underscores concerns that electricity demand is outpacing new supply. Cannabis Taxes: Fairfax County is moving ahead with Virginia’s maximum 3.5% local tax on recreational marijuana sales as the state prepares to launch its retail market. Business Expansion: M.C. Dean plans a $412 million Virginia expansion, with two factories expected to add 1,950 jobs. Energy Deal: Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra faces scrutiny over potential utility-bill impacts as regulators review the deal. Mining Technology: Lynchburg-based Innovative Wireless Technologies is leading a $25 million project in a $73 million federal initiative; Virginia Tech is expected to receive $4.6 million to help test advanced mining systems.