The cost of Stafford County’s long-planned courthouse replacement project has increased significantly, with county officials acknowledging major changes in scope. During the March 11, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, staff presented the latest budget updates, revealing the financial impact of the courthouse expansion.
“There definitely is a project cost increase with this courthouse,” said County Administrator Bill Ashton. “This is a new full court that will be across the street. So there is a cost increase on this, but the timing looks like it should be relatively the same.”
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More than a year after the city demolished the Olde Towne Inn, efforts are underway to improve the now vacant lot in the heart of downtown Manassas. The city recently announced a $160,000 project to convert the space into a temporary parking lot, a move that comes as plans for a new hotel on the site have stalled.
The Olde Towne Inn, which stood at 9405 Main Street, was purchased by the Manassas Economic Development Authority for $5.75 million in February 2023. The motel, a downtown staple for decades, was razed in November 2023 to make way for a new hotel or mixed-use development. However, financing issues and parking constraints have complicated efforts to attract developers.
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Businesses and leaders from the City of Manassas were among the top honorees at the annual Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, with local companies securing most of the prestigious recognitions.
The event, held at Foxchase Manor in Manassas on February 27, 2025, celebrated the achievements of outstanding businesses that contribute to the region’s economic vitality and community development.
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The Manassas Regional Airport is on the verge of a major transformation as it progresses toward becoming a Part 139 certificated airport, a designation that would allow it to offer commercial airline service. This advancement, along with ongoing modernization efforts, was a key focus of the latest Manassas City Council meeting on February 10, 2025.
Airport Commission Chairman Rod Hall underscored the significance of the upcoming certification, noting that it would place Manassas in an elite category.
"Today, the airport stands at the cusp of becoming a Part 139 certificated airport, offering commercial service, working in collaborative efforts with our partner, Avports. Our team is working up and down the certification checklist from ARF, security, and environmental assessments work to addressing current infrastructure deficiencies. All parties are working diligently towards achieving certification this year."
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The Manassas City Council has voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The agreement, approved during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures that Micron’s annual tax payments will increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has sparked concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources indicate that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
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Manassas is considering a significant tax incentive to support Micron Technology Inc.'s planned expansion, which includes a $2 billion capital investment in its semiconductor manufacturing facility. The proposal, set to be discussed at the Manassas City Council meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, would extend Micron’s favorable tax classification for semiconductor equipment through 2035.
The expansion comes as Micron is slated to receive $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act, a federal initiative to boost domestic semiconductor production. The funding will help Micron modernize and expand its Manassas facility, particularly by onshoring its 1-alpha DRAM technology, which improves memory chip performance and power efficiency. The project is expected to create over 400 direct manufacturing jobs and up to 2,700 indirect jobs at its peak.
City’s Proposed Tax Incentive
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At the Jan. 27 Manassas City Council Meeting, the Department of Economic Development detailed the economic health of the city in the past year as new businesses entered the city and tourism increased.
Patrick Small, director of the department, said his department prefers to track the results of his department's work rather than the number of business inquiries it receives or trade shows it attends.
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Manassas city officials are discussing major redevelopment projects, particularly in Old Town, Mathis Avenue, and Fairview Avenue. According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed interest in city-owned properties, prompting the council to consider issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to attract large-scale investment.
Old Town Inn Redevelopment & Parking Solutions
A key focus of the meeting was the Old Town Inn site, where city officials debated whether to prioritize a new hotel or a mixed-use project. The lack of parking downtown remains a significant challenge, and council members acknowledged that constructing a 300-space parking deck is critical to enabling future development.
According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed interest in city-owned properties, prompting the council to consider issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to attract large-scale investment.
Old Town Inn Redevelopment & Parking Solutions
A key focus of the meeting was the Old Town Inn site, where city officials debated whether to prioritize a new hotel or a mixed-use project. The lack of parking downtown remains a significant challenge, and council members acknowledged that constructing a 300-space parking deck is critical to enabling future development.
“This is more than 300 spaces; I think we’ve fit into the site, but you’re talking about, of course, existing City Hall, which is a little short of 100 spaces right now. And then two to three, I think, three levels of where we’re at right now. So, 300 spaces are critical to unlocking the development potential of the Old Town Inn site. It is very hard to park and get a lot of development,”? said Assistant City Manager and Director of Planning & Community Development.
City staff proposed a phased development plan, starting with parking infrastructure before selling city-owned land to developers for private investment. Arcieri emphasized that structured parking will be a requirement for any redevelopment project to maintain accessibility and attract businesses.
Developer Interest in Mathis Avenue and Fairview Avenue
The Mathis Avenue corridor, long seen as a prime area for revitalization, has garnered interest from multiple developers for projects that could include townhomes, apartments, and mixed-use retail spaces.
“With my developer hat on, Matt’s right on point,” said Councilman Mark Wolfe. “Whatever happens here will actually set the tone, not only for Mathis Avenue but for any redevelopment going towards Old Town. This piece is very critical”.
In 2024, Manassas took a significant step in its redevelopment efforts by purchasing the 14-acre Manassas Shopping Center on Mathis Avenue for $16 million. The shopping center is home to 21 commercial tenants, including notable businesses like Advance Auto Parts and Pitkins Hardware stores. By becoming the landlord of these establishments, the city plans to oversee and guide the area’s transformation to bolster local economic development.
Discussions also touched on Fairview Avenue, where developers have inquired about purchasing land for high-density residential projects. However, some council members raised concerns about affordable housing and resident displacement.
“”We need to make sure we’re taking care of the folks as part of any proposal who are already living on the property. So I think when staff talks about this, addressing displacement, preferably on-site, is going to be something we’re going to push,” said Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna
Mixed-Use vs. Residential: What’s the Right Balance?
One of the primary debates during the meeting was whether to allow residential units in redevelopment projects. While some officials see high-density housing as necessary for economic growth, others worry about overcrowding and increased demand for city services.
Council members were split on the issue, with some advocating for a developer-led vision and others urging planning to preserve green spaces and community character.
Next Steps: Issuing RFPs and Public Engagement
As developers continue to approach the city with proposals, officials are debating whether to issue individual RFPs for each site or consolidate projects under one master plan.
City officials confirmed that formal RFPs will be issued in 2025, strongly emphasizing developer contributions to infrastructure projects.
Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts.
Key Developments and Business Growth
The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with a year of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a business district.
This year’s spotlight was also on the EDA’s contributions to Manassas’ economic landscape. The $16 million purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center is one of the most significant developments.
This acquisition aims to revitalize the Mathis Avenue corridor, a long-awaited effort in the city’s planning, set to incorporate community feedback during spring 2025 planning sessions. EDA Chair Denise Harrover emphasized the importance of this project, pointing to the growth potential for future business opportunities and community development. Additionally, a new extended-stay hotel development at the Landing at Cannon Branch was approved, contributing to the city’s expanding tourism and hospitality industries, generating tax revenue, and creating jobs.
Community Engagement and Future Projects
Community engagement will play a role in the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts. Future community conversations to discuss the redevelopment of the Manassas Shopping Center will allow residents to offer input and share their vision for the area. This aligns with the broader goal to transform underutilized properties and enhance the city’s overall appeal as a place to live, work, and do business. The council has expressed openness to incorporating affordable housing elements into these redevelopment plans.
With other developments in the pipeline, including new data centers and multifamily projects, the city is positioning itself for long-term economic health. The council continues to focus on improving commercial and industrial corridors while seeking ways to attract and retain new businesses.
Manassas is also making strides in workforce development with programs like Grow Manassas, which helps residents access higher education opportunities in fields like nursing. In collaboration with UVA Health, this program will provide full scholarships for residents to pursue nursing degrees, an essential step in addressing the region’s growing healthcare needs.
