This post is written as part of a paid content partnership between Potomac Local and City of Manassas to showcase businesses and economic development in the city.
Historic Heart. Modern Beat.   These four words simply yet masterfully describe the City of Manassas. In case you missed it, this is the City’s new tagline, and it’s pretty spot-on.   Â
Manassas is a city steeped in rich history and tradition and takes great pride in the pivotal role it played in our country’s defining war.Â
Manassas is also transforming.Â
It is attracting a creative class of entrepreneurs that are changing the face of our City. They are authentic, eclectic, driven; and they are breathing new life into Manassas, most notably in Historic Downtown.Â
Of the 16 new businesses to which the City’s Economic Development Office provided site selection assistance, 8 chose downtown, including: Manassas Olive Oil, Center Street Gourmet Wine and Cheese, Totally Vintage and Scattered Seeds.Â
Destination retail establishments like these bring with them a diverse and loyal customer base, critical to the economic sustainability of any community. Not only do they positively contribute to the City’s tax base, they are adding to the unique fabric of what makes Manassas a city with an historic heart and modern beat.   Â
Attracting these new and diverse businesses is critical for continued economic vitality; however it is the City’s existing businesses to which it can attribute the bulk of economic growth. Existing businesses, the ones that have created the allure to attract other companies, represent 80 percent of the economic growth in Manassas.Â
The growth and expansion of these businesses are what drives the City’s economy. Thankfully, existing businesses in Manassas are thriving, in part due to the City’s proactive approach to businesses expansion through the creation of a strong business development program.  Â
The program’s primary focus is on business expansion and becoming a center for entrepreneurial success.  Staff meets with local owners to discuss each company’s individual needs and suggests a variety of business resources. In the last year, the City helped 10 companies expand their operations through this specialized assistance.
The City’s economy is strong, and gets stronger with each new business and each new expansion that occurs in Manassas.Â
Recent Stories
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.
Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.
Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.
By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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.
