Virginia Law

Article 4. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Virginia Economic Development Partnership Act."

B. The General Assembly has determined that there exists in the Commonwealth a need to encourage, stimulate and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth through economic development.

C. To achieve the objective of subsection B, there is created a political subdivision of the Commonwealth to be known as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority. The Authority's exercise of powers and duties conferred by this article shall be deemed the performance of an essential governmental function and matters of public necessity for which public moneys may be spent and private property acquired.

1995, c. 638, §§ 2.1-548.26, 2.1-548.28; 2001, c. 844.

Repealed by Acts 2017, cc. 804 and 824, cl. 2, effective April 5, 2017.

A. The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors (the Board) consisting of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, the Chairman of the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board, the Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, and the Staff Directors of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, serving as ex officio, voting members, and 11 voting members to be appointed as follows:

1. Seven nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor; and

2. Four nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Joint Rules Committee.

B. 1. Each of the nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor and the Joint Rules Committee shall possess expertise in at least one of the following areas: marketing; international commerce; finance or grant administration; state, regional, or local economic development; measuring the effectiveness of incentive programs; law; information technology; transportation; workforce development; manufacturing; biotechnology; cybersecurity; defense; energy; or any other industry identified in the comprehensive economic development policy developed pursuant to § 2.2-205.

2. Each of the nine regions defined by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board pursuant to subdivision A 1 of § 2.2-2486 shall be represented by at least one member of the Board. In determining such geographical representation, ex officio members of the Board may be considered to represent the region in which they serve in their official capacity.

C. After the initial staggering of terms, members shall serve terms of four years, except that ex officio members of the Board shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two terms; however, after the expiration of the term of a member appointed to serve three years or less, two additional terms may be served if appointed thereto. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may be appointed to serve two additional terms. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

D. Members of the Board shall receive such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Authority.

E. The Board shall be deemed a supervisory board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100.

F. The Board shall elect a chairman from the nonlegislative citizen members of the Board, and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall serve as vice-chairman. The Board shall also elect a secretary and a treasurer, who need not be members of the Board, and may also elect other subordinate officers, who need not be members of the Board. The Chairman and the Vice-chairman, with approval by the Board, shall create an executive committee of the Board. The Board may also form advisory committees, which may include representatives who are not members of the Board, to undertake more extensive study and discussion of the issues before the Board.

G. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the Authority's business, and no vacancy in the membership shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise the rights and perform all duties of the Authority. The meetings of the Board shall be held at least quarterly or at the call of the chairman.

H. The Board shall appoint the chief executive officer of the Authority, who shall not be a member of the Board, whose title shall be President and Chief Executive Officer and may be referred to as the President or as the Chief Executive Officer and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and carry out such powers and duties conferred upon him by the Board.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829.

The Chief Executive Officer shall employ or retain such agents or employees subordinate to the Chief Executive Officer as may be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Authority conferred upon the Chief Executive Officer, subject to the Board's approval. Employees of the Authority shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and participation in all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law. The Chief Executive Officer shall also exercise such of the powers and duties relating to the direction of the Commonwealth's economic development efforts conferred upon the Authority as may be delegated to him by the Board, including powers and duties involving the exercise of discretion. The Chief Executive Officer shall also exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him or as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.32; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 1998, c. 359; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 869.

A. The Board shall appoint an internal auditor, who shall not be a member of the Board and who shall report directly to the Board. The internal auditor shall have the following duties:

1. Perform periodic audits, as deemed advisable by the internal auditor, on any operations, accounts, and transactions of the Authority, including the Division of Incentives, and report its findings to the Board; and

2. Develop and implement an annual work plan that identifies anticipated auditing activities for the fiscal year. Prior to implementation, the work plan shall be presented by the auditor to the Board for approval by the executive committee of the Board at the last meeting of the executive committee in the fiscal year immediately preceding the year in which the annual work plan would become effective.

B. After review by the Board, a copy of the audit reports required by subsection A shall be submitted to the special subcommittee for economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

2017, cc. 804, 824.

The Authority is granted all powers necessary or convenient for the carrying out of its statutory purposes, including, but not limited to, the power to:

1. Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, complain and defend in all courts;

2. Adopt, use, and alter at will a common seal;

3. Acquire, purchase, hold, use, lease or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the Authority, and to lease as lessee, any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board and to lease as lessor to any person, any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority, whether wholly or partially completed, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board and to sell, transfer or convey any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired or held by the Authority on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board, provided that the terms of any conveyance or lease of real property shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Governor;

4. Fix, alter, charge and collect rates, rentals, fees, and other charges for the use of property of, the sale of products of, or services rendered by the Authority at rates to be determined by it for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority;

5. Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, the furtherance of its purposes, and the execution of its powers under this article, including agreements with any person or federal agency;

6. Employ, at its discretion, consultants, researchers, attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and agents as may be necessary, and to fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the Authority. The Authority may hire employees within and without the Commonwealth and the United States without regard to whether such employees are citizens of the Commonwealth. Legal services for the Authority shall be provided by the Attorney General in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 2.2-500 et seq.);

7. Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association or person, grants or other aid to be expended in accomplishing the objectives of the Authority, and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state, and any municipality, county or other political subdivision thereof or from any other source, aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law; and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth;

8. Render advice and assistance and to provide services to state agencies, local and regional economic development entities, private firms, and other persons providing services or facilities for economic development in Virginia;

9. Develop, undertake, and provide programs, alone or in conjunction with any person, for economic research, industrial development research, and all other research that might lead to improvements in economic development in Virginia;

10. Adopt, alter, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which its business shall be transacted and the manner in which the powers of the Authority shall be exercised and its duties performed;

11. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted to it by law, and perform any act or carry out any function not inconsistent with state law that may be useful in carrying out the provisions of this article; and

12. Administer any program established under the Virginia Jobs Investment Program described in § 2.2-2240.3.

1995, c. 638, §§ 2.1-548.33, 2.1-548.34, 2.1-548.35; 2001, c. 844; 2014, cc. 41, 464; 2016, c. 32.

A. The Board and the Chief Executive Officer shall develop and update biennially, prior to the start of each of the Commonwealth's biennial budget periods, a strategic plan for specific economic development activities for the Commonwealth as a whole. The strategic plan shall be responsive to the comprehensive economic development policy developed pursuant to § 2.2-205. The strategic plan of the Authority shall, at a minimum, include:

1. The identification of specific goals and objectives for the Authority and the development of quantifiable metrics and performance measures for attaining each such goal and objective;

2. A systematic assessment of how the Authority can best add value in carrying out each of its statutory powers and duties; and

3. Such other information deemed appropriate by the Board to ensure that the Authority fully executes its powers and duties.

B. The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on its strategic plan, any modifications to the strategic plan, and its progress toward meeting the goals and objectives as stated in the strategic plan. The report shall be submitted to the Governor, the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget, the special subcommittee on economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

C. The Board shall include in its strategic planning process the participation of key economic development partners, including state, regional, and local economic development agencies and organizations, rural stakeholders, and international trade organizations.

D. In addition, the Board and the Chief Executive Officer shall develop and update annually prior to the start of the fiscal year:

1. A marketing plan for the Commonwealth as a whole. The marketing plan of the Authority shall, at a minimum, include:

a. Identification of the Authority's specific and measurable marketing goals and the timetable to achieve such goals;

b. Identification of specific marketing activities, including efforts intended to secure economic development opportunities in proximity to high unemployment areas;

c. The resources and staff allocated to such marketing activities; and

d. The development of quantifiable metrics and performance measures for attaining each such goal.

The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on its marketing plan, any modifications to the marketing plan, and its progress toward meeting the goals and objectives as stated in the marketing plan. The report shall be submitted to the Governor, the special subcommittee on economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations; and

2. An operational plan for carrying out the powers and duties of the Authority. The operational plan of the Authority shall, at a minimum, include:

a. A process to evaluate the Authority's effectiveness in exercising the powers and duties conferred by this article, including the Authority's ability to work with other state, regional, and local economic development organizations and international trade organizations; and

b. A strategy for coordinating with state agencies that administer economic development incentive programs and relevant executive branch committees, councils, authorities, and commissions to maximize the effectiveness of state economic development programs and activities.

The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on its operational plan, any modifications to the operational plan, and its progress toward meeting the goals and objectives as stated in the operational plan. Such report shall contain the audited financial statements of the Authority for the year ending the previous June 30 and shall be submitted to the Governor, the special subcommittee on economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2020, c. 591.

The Attorney General or his designee assigned as counsel to the Board shall provide instruction to the Board on its responsibilities and obligations as a supervisory board within 30 days after the initial appointment of members of the Board. Thereafter, such counsel shall provide such instruction biennially.

2017, cc. 804, 824.

A. Within the Authority shall be created a Division of Incentives that shall be responsible for reviewing, vetting, tracking, and coordinating economic development incentives administered by or through the Authority and for aligning those incentives with economic development incentives offered by other entities in the Commonwealth.

B. No project that includes an offer of economic development incentives by the Commonwealth, including grants or loans from the Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund, shall be approved by the Governor until (i) the Division of Incentives has undertaken appropriate due diligence regarding the proposed project and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade has certified that the proposed incentives to be offered are appropriate based on the investment and job creation anticipated to be generated by the project and (ii) when required by § 30-310, the MEI Project Approval Commission has reviewed the proposed incentives.

C. Any contract or memorandum of understanding for the award of economic development incentives by the Commonwealth shall set forth the investment and job creation requirements for the payment of the incentive and shall include a stipulation that the business beneficiary of the incentives shall be liable for the repayment of all or a portion of the incentives to the Commonwealth if the business beneficiary fails to make the required investments or create the required number of jobs. For purposes of this section, an incentive awarded by the Commonwealth shall include an incentive awarded from a fund operated by the Commonwealth, including the Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund. If it is determined that a business beneficiary is liable for the repayment of all or a portion of an economic development incentive awarded by the Commonwealth, the Board may refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General pursuant to § 2.2-518. Prior to the referral to the Office of the Attorney General, the Board shall direct any political subdivision that is a party to the relevant contract or memorandum of understanding to assign its rights to the Commonwealth arising under such contract or memorandum of understanding in which the business beneficiary is liable to repay all or a portion of an economic development incentive awarded by the Commonwealth. In any such matter referred to the Office of the Attorney General, a business beneficiary liable to repay all or a portion of an economic development incentive awarded by the Commonwealth shall also be liable to pay interest, administrative charges, attorney fees, and other applicable fees.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, approval of the Board shall be required to grant an extension for an approved project to meet the investment and job creation requirements set forth in the contract or memorandum of understanding. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, approval of both the Board and the MEI Project Approval Commission shall be required to grant any additional extensions.

E. The Division of Incentives shall provide semiannual updates to the Board of the status and progress of investment and job creation requirements for all projects for which economic development incentives have been awarded, until such time as the investment and job creation requirements are met or the incentives are repaid to the Commonwealth. Updates shall be provided more frequently upon the request of the Board, or if deemed necessary by the Division of Incentives.

F. The Board shall establish a subcommittee, consisting of ex officio members of the Board authorized pursuant to §§ 2.2-2040 and 60.2-114 and federal law to receive and review employment information received from the Virginia Employment Commission and the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, in order to assist the Division of Incentives with the verification of employment and wage claims of those businesses that have received incentive awards. Such information shall be confidential and shall not be (i) redisclosed to other members of the Board or to the public in accordance with the provisions of subsection B of § 2.2-2040 and subdivision C 2 of § 60.2-114 or (ii) subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

G. For purposes of this section, the award of economic development incentives by the Commonwealth shall include an award of funds from the Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund, regardless of whether the contract or memorandum of understanding for the disbursement of funds is with the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof and the business beneficiary.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829; 2020, c. 591; 2023, cc. 624, 625.

A. It shall be the duty of the Authority to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Authority is charged with the following duties and responsibilities to:

1. See that there are prepared and carried out effective economic development marketing and promotional programs;

2. Make available, in conjunction and cooperation with localities, chambers of commerce, industrial authorities, and other public and private groups, to prospective new businesses basic information and pertinent factors of interest and concern to such businesses;

3. Formulate, promulgate, and advance programs throughout the Commonwealth for encouraging the location of new businesses in the Commonwealth and the retention and growth of existing businesses;

4. Encourage and solicit private sector involvement, support, and funding for economic development in the Commonwealth;

5. Encourage the coordination of the economic development efforts of public institutions, regions, communities, and private industry and collect and maintain data on the development and utilization of economic development capabilities;

6. Establish such offices within and without the Commonwealth that are necessary to the expansion and development of industries and trade;

7. Encourage the export of products and services from the Commonwealth to international markets;

8. Advise, upon request, the State Board for Community Colleges in designating technical training programs in Virginia's comprehensive community colleges for the Community College Incentive Scholarship Program pursuant to former § 23-220.4;

9. Offer a program for the issuance of export documentation for companies located in Virginia exporting goods and services if no federal agency or other regulatory body or issuing entity will provide export documentation in a form deemed necessary for international commerce; and

10. Establish an Office of Education and Labor Market Alignment (the Office) to coordinate data analysis on workforce and higher education alignment and translate data to partners. The Office shall provide a unified, consistent and impartial source of information or analysis for policy development and implementation related to education, the labor market, and workforce development. The Office shall partner with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, institutions of higher education, the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board, the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, and other relevant entities to offer resources and expertise related to education, workforce development, and labor market alignment. The Office shall communicate relevant information in a clear and concise manner to enable policy and decision makers to navigate the complex connections between education, workforce development, and labor market alignment.

B. The Authority may develop a site and building assessment program to identify and assess the Commonwealth's industrial sites of at least 100 acres. In developing such a program, the Authority shall establish assessment guidelines and procedures for identification of industrial sites, resource requirements, and development oversight. The Authority shall invite participation by regional and industry stakeholders to assess potential sites, identify product shortfalls, and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly for marketing such sites, in alignment with the goals outlined in the Governor's economic development plan.

C. The Authority may encourage the import of products and services from international markets to the Commonwealth.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.29; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 1997, cc. 437, 448; 1999, c. 542; 2001, cc. 483, 557, 844; 2004, cc. 650, 872; 2009, cc. 374, 569; 2015, c. 342; 2016, c. 315; 2017, cc. 13, 19; 2020, c. 591; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 502; 2023, cc. 624, 625.

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 591, cl. 2.

It shall also be the duty of the Authority to:

1. Assist in the development of the comprehensive economic development strategy for the Commonwealth, starting the first year of each new gubernatorial administration, consistent with the provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-204 et seq.) of Chapter 2;

2. Report annually to the Governor on the status of the implementation of the comprehensive economic development strategy and recommend legislative and executive actions related to the implementation of the comprehensive economic development strategy; and

3. Conduct such studies and research, in collaboration with state agencies, baccalaureate institutions of higher education, local and regional industrial authorities and organizations, and other persons within and without the Commonwealth, as the Board deems necessary, to assist in the development of the comprehensive economic strategy and the development of recommendations and advice on the improvement of economic development and related programs and strategies across the Commonwealth.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.30; 2001, c. 844.

A. The Board shall establish an Advisory Committee on Business Development and Marketing (the Committee) consisting of 10 nonlegislative citizen members representing local or regional economic development entities from each of the regions designated by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board in accordance with § 2.2-2486 as follows:

1. Four nonlegislative citizen members, at least one of whom shall be from Northern Virginia, one of whom shall be from Hampton Roads, and one of whom shall be from Richmond, to be appointed by the Governor and approved by the General Assembly;

2. Five nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Joint Rules Committee; and

3. One nonlegislative citizen member of the Board appointed by the Chairman of the Board.

B. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed. Members appointed to the Committee shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Administrative and staff support for the Committee shall be provided by the Authority upon approval of the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

C. The Committee shall advise the Board on all matters relating to business development and marketing and shall make recommendations upon request of the Board.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829.

A. The Board shall establish an Advisory Committee on International Trade (the Committee) consisting of the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, serving as an ex officio member with voting privileges and whose term is coincident with his term of office, and nine nonlegislative citizen members as follows:

1. One member who is a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Virginia Port Authority and two nonlegislative citizen members possessing experience or expertise in international trade or trade promotion appointed by the Governor and approved by the General Assembly;

2. Five nonlegislative citizen members possessing experience or expertise in international trade or trade promotion appointed by the Joint Rules Committee; and

3. One nonlegislative citizen member of the Board appointed by the Chairman of the Board.

The Virginia Manufacturing Association shall submit to the Governor and the Joint Rules Committee a list of 12 recommendations for appointments to the Committee. One of the Governor's appointments pursuant to subdivision 1 shall be made from such list, and two of the Joint Rules Committee's appointments pursuant to subdivision 2 shall be made from such list.

B. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed. Members appointed to the Committee shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Administrative and staff support for the Committee shall be provided by the Authority upon approval of the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

C. The Committee shall advise the Board on all matters relating to international trade and trade promotion and shall make recommendations upon request of the Board.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829.

The Board may establish nonprofit, nonstock corporations under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as public instrumentalities exercising public and essential governmental functions, to assist the Board and the Authority in (i) promoting Virginia's economic development and tourism promotion efforts in the national and international corporate community; (ii) raising money in the corporate and nonprofit community to pay for advertising and promotion of the Commonwealth; (iii) raising nonstate dollars to complement state and local economic development activities; or (iv) conducting or undertaking other activities useful in carrying out the provisions of this article.

The board of directors of any such corporation shall be composed of the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and eight members appointed by the Board of the Authority. However, any such corporation established to promote the tourism industry in the Commonwealth shall be composed of the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, six members appointed by the Board of the Authority, and six members who represent the tourism industry appointed by the Governor. The terms of the members of any corporation established to promote the tourism industry in the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor shall be four years.

The Board shall require any such corporation to report to it at least annually on its activities.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.43; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 869.

A. The General Assembly may appropriate grants to the Authority for use by a nonprofit, public benefit research institute that (i) conducts research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, foundations, and other organizations and (ii) commercializes technology.

B. The Authority is hereby authorized to create a nonprofit, nonstock corporation to receive such grants and to oversee the administration of the payment of the grants. As a condition to the payment of any grants to the Authority under this section, the General Assembly may require that such nonprofit, nonstock corporation be created.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-2240, the Board of Directors of the nonprofit, nonstock corporation shall consist of nine voting members as follows: (i) the president of the University of Virginia, or his designee, (ii) the president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or his designee, (iii) the president of James Madison University, or his designee, (iv) the president (or the designee of such president) of Virginia Commonwealth University, Christopher Newport University, the University of Mary Washington, Radford University, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, or Longwood University, as appointed by the Governor, with appointments to this position rotated equally among such baccalaureate public institutions of higher education, (v) one citizen member who shall have substantial experience in research and development in the fields of pharmaceuticals, engineering, energy, or similar sciences, appointed by the Governor, (vi) a representative of a nonprofit, public benefit research institute that has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Commonwealth, (vii) the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, or his designee, (viii) the Secretary of Administration, or his designee, and (ix) a representative of a local government that has concluded a Memorandum of Agreement with such research institute. Citizen members appointed by the Governor shall serve for four-year terms, but no citizen member shall serve for more than two full successive terms. A vacancy for a citizen member shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired term.

D. The Board is authorized to make grant payments only to those nonprofit, public benefit research institutes described in subsection A that have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commonwealth. The MOA shall, at a minimum, (i) require the research institute to perform research, development, and commercialization activities that improve society and facilitate economic growth; (ii) require research to be conducted collaboratively with Virginia public and private institutions and that such collaborative research benefit the capabilities, facilities, and staff of all organizations involved; (iii) require the research institute to develop protocols for the commercialization efforts of the institute, including protocols addressing intellectual property rights; (iv) require the Board to evaluate fulfillment of key milestones for the research institute, which shall include but not be limited to milestones relating to job creation, research institute reinvestment goals, research proposals submissions, and royalties, and to annually evaluate the Commonwealth's investment in the research institute by reporting on the institute's progress in meeting such milestones; and (v) establish relationships and expectations between the research institutes and public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth, including opportunities for principal investigators to serve as adjunct faculty and the creation of internships for students and postdoctoral appointees.

E. The maximum amount of grants awarded by the Board shall not exceed a total of $22 million per recipient through June 30, 2013.

F. The Board of any nonprofit, nonstock corporation created under this section shall be established in the executive branch of state government. The records of the corporation, its Board members, and employees that are deemed confidential or proprietary shall be exempt from disclosure pursuant to subdivision 3 of § 2.2-3705.6 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

2007, c. 693; 2020, c. 738.

Repealed by Acts 2022, c. 83, cl. 2.

A. As used in this section:

"Eligible site" means a site suitable to be marketed for industrial or commercial economic development purposes, as determined by the Authority. For a site development grant, an "eligible site" shall meet, or be determined by the Authority to be expected to meet, each of the following criteria: (i) the site is at least 100 contiguous acres, or it is a brownfield, as defined in § 10.1-1230; (ii) the site has parcels zoned for industrial or commercial uses; and (iii) the site is publicly owned, or if the site is under private ownership, there is an option agreement or other documentation of a commitment by the private owner to a competitive sales price, to permit access to the site for site assessment, and to market the site for industrial or commercial economic development purposes. The Authority may determine a site of at least 50 contiguous acres to be an eligible site if such site meets the criteria in clauses (ii) and (iii) and such site (a) is located in Region 1 or 2, (b) is located in a locality or region in which topographic or environmental factors constrain the availability of viable sites for economic development, (c) presents a unique economic development opportunity based on infrastructure, logistics, or other distinguishable features of the site, or (d) creates an economic development opportunity not currently available in the regional inventory of economic development sites. For a site characterization grant, an "eligible site" means any site of at least 25 acres that is suitable for potential industrial or commercial development.

"Fund" means the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund established under subsection B.

"Industrial employment" means total Virginia employment for the most recent calendar year for which data is available, in the manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) or warehousing and storage (NAICS 493110) industries, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.

"Region" means a region designated by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board under § 2.2-2484.

"Site characterization grant" means a grant to ascertain and designate a site's level of development as outlined in the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund guidelines.

"Site development grant" means a grant to further develop a site for marketing to economic development projects as outlined in the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund guidelines.

B. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys appropriated by the General Assembly for the Fund, and from any other sources, public or private, shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund.

C. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to provide site characterization grants and site development grants for eligible sites for the purpose of creating and maintaining a portfolio of project-ready sites to promote economic development in all regions of the Commonwealth. Such grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis in accordance with the procedures of subsection D.

D. 1. The Governor shall award grants from the Fund only to political subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

2. The Authority shall establish guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria for the award and distribution of grants from the Fund. The preparation of the guidelines shall be exempt from the requirements of Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

3. To qualify to receive a grant from the Fund, a grant recipient shall enter into a performance agreement with the Authority that contains, at a minimum, provisions for disbursement of the grant, use of the proceeds, reporting, and repayment obligations in the event that the recipient fails to meet the terms of the performance agreement. Any repayment of grant funds required by such performance agreement shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund.

4. Any grant awarded from the Fund shall require matching funds as described in the guidelines established under subdivision 2.

E. The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on grant awards and expenditures from the Fund. The report shall include total appropriations made or transferred to the Fund, total grants awarded, total expenditures from the Fund, cash balances, and balances available for future commitments. The Authority shall prepare the report required by this subsection in conjunction with the reports required under § 2.2-2237.1.

F. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his authorized representative shall audit the accounts of the Fund in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The cost of such audit services shall be borne by the Fund.

2022, c. 83; 2024, cc. 378, 379.

A. For purposes of this section:

"Eligible site" means a site that meets the qualifications for a site development grant pursuant to § 2.2-2240.2:1, including sites located in Region 1 or 2 that meet the requirements of such section.

"Program" means the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program.

"Project" means an economic development project by a traded-sector company involving significant capital investment and new job creation in the locality in which the project is located.

"Traded-sector company" means a company that directly or indirectly derives more than 50 percent of its revenue from out-of-state sources.

B. There is hereby created the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program to accomplish the objectives described in this section. The Authority shall annually designate up to two eligible sites and four projects for participation in the Program. Sites and projects eligible for the Program shall include only (i) eligible sites or (ii) projects with significant local, regional, or statewide economic impact that the governing body of the locality in which the project is located has either (a) approved following a public meeting or hearing or (b) submitted, by resolution, for consideration to be included in the Program. No more than two eligible sites or projects shall be designated as part of the Program within one locality annually. Where possible, eligible sites or projects designated by the Authority for participation in the Program shall be equitably distributed geographically throughout the Commonwealth.

C. For any eligible site or project designated by the Authority for participation in the Program, the Authority shall complete a review process within 45 days of such designation. Such review process shall (i) reduce permitting conflicts by providing guidance regarding the permits needed from each agency or governmental entity and steps the applicant can take to expedite permit application review and (ii) provide guidance regarding site planning and development, site suitability and limitations, and facility design. For projects requiring multiple agency permits, the Authority may designate one agency as the lead agency to coordinate the overall permit reviews for the project.

D. For any complete application for a permit or request for approval associated with an eligible site or project designated by the Authority as part of the Program and submitted to a local governmental entity or state agency, whether or not independent, such agency or other entity shall render a decision on the application within 180 days. However, after consultation with the Authority, an applicant and the relevant agency or governmental entity may agree, by memorandum of understanding, to authorize a timeline for rendering decisions that exceeds 180 days. If an agency or other entity requires additional information or documentation from an applicant, including information to render the application or request complete, the agency or other entity shall notify the applicant within 60 days of receipt of the permit application or request for approval. Upon receipt of such request for additional information, an applicant shall respond to the agency or other entity with the required information or documentation within 45 days. If the applicant exceeds the 45-day response timeline, then the 180-day timeline governing an agency or other entity for approval decisions shall be extended by the same number of days by which the 45-day response timeline was exceeded. If the applicant does not provide the additionally requested information within 135 days of the request, the applicant will be deemed noncompliant and shall no longer be designated as participating in the Program, and the Authority may designate an alternative site or project to participate in the Program in its place. If an agency or other governmental entity requires an approval or affirmative action from (i) a federal entity or (ii) an agency or other public or private entity over which the agency or other governmental entity does not exercise control, before a decision can be rendered, then the 180-day timeline shall be extended by the number of days during which a decision on such approval or affirmative action is pending.

E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or eliminate any legally required opportunities for public comment or input related to a requested permit or approval. If any such public comment or input would require the permitting or approval process to extend beyond 180 days, the 180-day timeline shall be extended by the number of days necessary to provide the full public comment or input period required by law.

F. All local government entities and state agencies, whether or not independent, shall cooperate with the Authority in carrying out the provisions of this section.

G. That the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority shall report annually by December 1 to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations on the progress of the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program (the Program) established pursuant to this act for the duration of the Program.

2024, cc. 471, 501.

A. As used in this section and §§ 2.2-2240.4, 2.2-2240.5, and 2.2-2240.6, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Capital investment" means an investment in real property, personal property, or both, at a manufacturing or basic nonmanufacturing facility within the Commonwealth that is or may be capitalized by the company and that establishes or increases the productivity of the manufacturing facility, results in the utilization of a more advanced technology than is in use immediately prior to such investment, or both.

"Full-time employee" means a natural person employed for indefinite duration in a position requiring a minimum of either (i) 35 hours of the employee's time per week for the entire normal year, which "normal year" shall consist of at least 48 weeks, or (ii) 1,680 hours per year. Seasonal or temporary employees shall not qualify as new full-time employees under the Program.

"Fund" means the Virginia Jobs Investment Program Fund created in this section.

"Program" means the Virginia Jobs Investment Program created in this section.

B. There is hereby created the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support private sector job creation by encouraging the expansion of existing Virginia businesses and the start-up of new business operations in Virginia. The Program shall support existing businesses and economic development prospects by offering funding to offset recruiting and training and retraining costs incurred by companies that are either creating new jobs or implementing technological upgrades and by providing assistance with workforce-related challenges and organizational development workshops.

C. The Program shall consist of the following component programs:

1. The Virginia New Jobs Program;

2. The Workforce Retraining Program; and

3. The Small Business New Jobs and Retraining Programs.

D. To be eligible for assistance under any of the component programs of the Program, a company shall:

1. Create or sustain employment for the Commonwealth in a basic sector industry or function, which would include businesses or functions that directly or indirectly derive more than 50 percent of their revenues from out-of-state sources, as determined by the Authority;

2. Pay a minimum entry-level wage rate per hour of at least 1.2 times the federal minimum wage or the Virginia minimum wage, as required by the Virginia Minimum Wage Act (§ 40.1-28.8 et seq.), whichever is higher. In areas that have an unemployment rate of one and one-half times the statewide average unemployment rate, the wage rate minimum may be waived by the Authority. Only full-time positions that qualify for benefits shall be eligible for assistance;

3. Meet such additional criteria as may be set forth by the Authority.

E. There is hereby established in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Jobs Investment Program Fund (the Fund). The Fund shall consist of any moneys appropriated thereto by the General Assembly from time to time and designated for the Fund. Any moneys deposited to or remaining in the Fund during or at the end of each fiscal year or biennium, including interest thereon, shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund and be available for allocation under this article in ensuing fiscal years. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for grants to eligible businesses as permitted by the Program. The total amount of funds provided to eligible businesses under the Program for any year, shall not exceed the amount appropriated by the General Assembly to the Fund for such year, plus any carryover from previous years. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the President and Chief Executive Officer or his designee. The Fund shall be administered by the President and Chief Executive Officer.

2014, cc. 41, 464; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 16.

A. The Authority shall develop as a component of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program the Virginia New Jobs Program to support the expansion of existing Virginia companies and new facility locations involving competition with other states or countries.

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance, an expansion of an existing company or a new company location shall (i) create a minimum of 25 net new jobs for full-time employees, (ii) make a capital investment of at least $1 million, and (iii) include Virginia in a current competition for the location of the project with at least one other state or country.

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade may waive these requirements but shall promptly provide written notice of any such waiver to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees, which notice shall include a justification for any waiver of these requirements.

2014, cc. 41, 464.

A. The Authority shall develop as a component of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program the Workforce Retraining Program to provide consulting services and funding to assist companies and businesses with retraining their existing workforces to increase productivity.

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance a company shall demonstrate that (i) it is undergoing integration of new technology into its production process, a change of product line in keeping with marketplace demands, or substantial change to its service delivery process that would require assimilation of new skills and technological capabilities by the firm's existing labor force and (ii) for each such integration of new technology, change of product, or substantial change to its service delivery process, (a) no less than 10 full-time employees are involved and (b) a minimum capital investment of $500,000 will be made within a 12-month period.

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade may waive these requirements but shall promptly provide written notice of any such waiver to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees, which notice shall include a justification for any waiver of these requirements.

2014, cc. 41, 464.

A. The Authority shall develop as a component of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program the Small Business New Jobs and Retraining Programs to support the establishment or expansion of Virginia's small businesses or to improve their efficiency through retraining.

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance for new job creation a company shall create a minimum of five net new jobs for full-time employees and make a capital investment of at least $100,000. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance for retraining a company shall demonstrate that (i) it is undergoing integration of new technology into its production process, a change of product line in keeping with marketplace demands, or substantial change to its service delivery process that would require assimilation of new skills and technological capabilities by the firm's existing labor force and (ii) for each such integration of new technology, change of product, or substantial change to its service delivery process, (a) no less than five full-time employees are involved and (b) a minimum capital investment of $50,000 will be made within a 12-month period.

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade may waive these requirements but shall promptly provide written notice of any such waiver to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees, which notice shall include a justification for any waiver of these requirements.

2014, cc. 41, 464.

All moneys of the Authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the Authority. Such moneys shall be deposited in the first instance by the treasurer in one or more banks or trust companies, in one or more special accounts. All banks and trust companies are authorized to give such security for such deposits, if required by the Authority. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on the warrant or other orders of such persons as the Authority may authorize to execute such warrants or orders.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.39; 2001, c. 844.

The accounts and records of the Authority showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be in a form prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives shall annually examine the accounts and books of the Authority.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.40; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 650; 2020, c. 591.

The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their living conditions, and as the undertaking of activities in the furtherance of the purposes of the Authority constitutes the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article or upon the income therefrom, including sales and use taxes on the tangible personal property used in the operations of the Authority. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of any property of the Authority businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.41; 2001, c. 844.

A. The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) and the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) of this title shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under this article.

B. The governing board of the Authority shall adopt policies for the procurement of goods and services. Such policies shall:

1. Seek competition to the maximum practical degree;

2. Require competitive negotiation for professional services, which includes the requirements of §§ 2.2-4302.2 and 2.2-4303.1, unless there is only one source practically available and the Authority has complied with the requirements of subsection C;

3. Prohibit discrimination against a bidder or offeror based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a service disabled veteran, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law relating to discrimination in employment; and

4. Incorporate the prompt payment principles of § 2.2-4350 and the payment clauses of § 2.2-4354. The Authority shall include provisions for the inspection of public records in § 2.2-4342.

C. For purchases of (i) goods or nonprofessional services under $200,000 or (ii) professional services or non-transportation-related construction under $80,000, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2. For purchases of (a) goods or nonprofessional services for $200,000 or more or (b) professional services or non-transportation-related construction of $80,000 or more, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that such purchase contributes to the public purpose and mission of the Authority as described in § 2.2-2234. The Authority shall state in such writing (1) an explanation of such determination, (2) that which is being purchased, (3) the contractor selected for such purchase, (4) the date of the award of such contract, and (5) the relationship of such purchase to the public purpose and mission of the Authority. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

D. In case of emergency, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that an emergency exists and makes the purchase needed with such competition as is practicable under the circumstances. The Authority shall state in such writing (i) that the contract is being awarded on an emergency basis, (ii) that which is being purchased, (iii) the contractor selected, (iv) the date of the award of such contract, and (v) the relationship between the selection of such contract to the circumstances constituting an emergency. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

E. Upon a determination in writing that there is only one source practicably available for that which is to be procured, a contract may be negotiated and awarded to that source without competitive negotiation. The writing shall document the basis for this determination. The Authority shall issue a written notice stating that only one source was determined to be practicably available and identifying that which is being procured, the contractor selected, and the date on which the contract was or will be awarded. This notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website and may be published in a newspaper of general circulation on the day the public body awards or announces its decision to award the contract, whichever occurs first.

F. The Authority shall submit the policies established in accordance with subsection B to the Governor, the Department of General Services, and the Chairs of the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology and the House Committee on General Laws every five years by November 1, beginning November 1, 2024.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.38; 2001, c. 844; 2023, c. 662.

Any government may make appropriations for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance or operation of any property acquired, constructed, improved, maintained or operated by the Authority.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.36; 2001, c. 844.

Any city or county within the Commonwealth in order to provide for the construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair or management of any property, or in order to accomplish any of the purposes of this article may, with or without consideration or for a nominal consideration, lease, sell, convey or otherwise transfer to the Authority any real, personal or mixed property located within such city or county.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.37; 2001, c. 844.