PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — Prince William County is a big place. More than just the county of nearly a half-million people, there are five towns and two cities geographically located inside Prince William County’s borders.
When it comes to economic development, different businesses are drawn to different areas and around the county.
Leadership Prince William recently hosted Economic Development and Tourism Day, designed to explore economic development and tourism as it relates to the region, to include the towns of Dumfries, Haymarket, Occoquan, Quantico, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Manassas Economic Development Director Patrick Small organized the event that included a panel discussion on alternative economic development which included the Mayors of Occoquan, City of Manassas Park and Dumfries.
Small said the panel was designed to show how economic development looks across different municipalities.
Manassas Park Mayor Jeanette Rishell said commercial development defines economic development for her city. One of the strengths of her city is its ability to respond to events and requests at a greater speed than a larger locality.
“It is important to maintain strong core services (education, police and fire) so Manassas Park will remain a City where people desire to live, work and raise a family,” said Rishell, “Home values are tied directly to our ability to provide these services. A strong community creates a strong business environment.”
Rishell said the City’s goal is to become an intentional destination for individuals and families. One of the biggest burdens of the City is managing debt from the 2000s, said Rishell.
“For FY19 that debt service is about 24 percent of the City budget,” said Rishell, “That seriously limits the decisions we are able to make on behalf of the City, its residents, and staff. But commercial development will help us address this issue.”
Rishell said their strong sense of community is their number attracter as a City. The city’s community center is a large driver of the debt, and so it the city’s aging water infrastructure.
Despite this, the city continues to work on a plan to remake the area near the Manassas Park Virginia Railway Express station into a mixed-use, downtown center.
“In a world of high-tech, we will always need high-touch, and that is most readily obtained in a smaller locality such as Manassas Park,” said Rishell.
In Dumfries, traffic on congested Route 1 is the topic of conversation, especially when it comes to convincing a business to locate there. Mayor Derrick Wood expressed concern over the controversial highway construction of Route 1 that is running straight through his town.
He said he would like to reduce traffic for those traveling to the town instead of just those driving through it. “We are trying to create an identity with businesses and we’d like to highlight those businesses, but we need control over our own main street and downtown Dumfries,” said Wood.
A 20-year-old plan to widen the northbound portion of Route 1 in Dumfries from two to six lanes, and then shift southbound traffic to the new roadway alignment was partially funded last year. Thanks to the Northern Transportation Authority, there’s a now about $7 million for roadway design and utility relocation.
Wood said shifting the majority of vehicle traffic away from Main Street and in front of town hall opening up the flow of traffic to “downtown” Dumfries will create opportunities for pedestrian foot traffic, attract more businesses and residents.
Small said he invited these municipalities into his panel discussion to demonstrate that economic development is not designed just for the big cities, but is essential for small cities and towns as well.
“No locality should be overlooked,” said Small. “Towns without economic developers still need its presence within their community. It is still important.”
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
