Abingdon receives $50k for farmers market improvements
The funds were awarded through Youngkin's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant program.
'Awards from the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Infrastructure Grant program are pivotal in providing targeted support to communities who want to create innovative solutions to local, healthy food access,' Youngkin said in a news release. 'We are proud to invest in the efforts of these dedicated food leaders who are making a lasting impact on the lives of Virginians across the Commonwealth.'
Abingdon food scene nominated for USA TODAY's 10Best
The funds will go towards enclosing and heating the Abingdon Farmers Market to transform the site into a year-round facility.
A removable weather-resistant curtain wall, tracked door, heating and a two-bay sink will be added.
The improvements will increase the market's operational capacity and strengthen its role as an economic driver in the community, all while supporting local farmers, the release stated.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Joint commission hears roadmaps for Virginia's retail cannabis rollout
Cannabis plant. (Photo by Getty Images) Virginia's long-delayed path toward a legal cannabis marketplace took another step forward Wednesday as the state's new bipartisan commission convened for its second meeting at the Capitol, listening to hours of presentations on taxation, equity, and the role of small businesses in shaping what could become a billion-dollar industry. The joint commission — created this year by lawmakers after Gov. Glenn Youngkin once again vetoed legislation establishing a retail system — is charged with building consensus around a plan to launch sales by 2026. On Wednesday, it heard from national experts, equity advocates, fiscal analysts, and small business owners whose livelihoods may hinge on the rules Virginia adopts. The political stakes remain high in an election year when three statewide offices and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are on the ballot. In a stark contrast to Youngkin, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor, has already signaled she would sign cannabis retail legislation if it reaches her desk. 'I support a legal marketplace for cannabis,' she told The Mercury in an interview earlier this month. 'I want to ensure that it is fully regulated, people know what they're buying, and revenues go towards education.' Virginia first made headlines in 2021 when lawmakers voted to legalize possession and home cultivation of small amounts of marijuana, making it the first Southern state to do so. But while residents can grow plants at home, retail sales were never authorized. Lawmakers attempted to fix that earlier this year with a bipartisan proposal to create a regulated market starting in 2026, complete with microbusiness licenses, a seed-to-sale tracking system, and projected revenues of $87.8 million annually by 2031. The bill would have steered 40% of tax revenue to early childhood education, 30% to equity reinvestment, 25% to substance use treatment, and 5% to public health. Youngkin vetoed the plan, warning it would endanger public safety and expose children to harm. He also struck down companion measures to expunge old marijuana convictions and shield parents from custody challenges based on legal cannabis use. Advocates blasted his vetoes as shortsighted. In response, lawmakers created the Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales through House Joint Resolution 497 — a move that did not require the governor's signature. The body will operate through 2028 as a venue for public input and legislative planning. Its first meeting in July was mostly organizational. Wednesday's session — its second — was the first chance to dig into the policy choices facing Virginia. Andrea Jimenez, a policy specialist with the National Conference of State Legislatures, opened the meeting with a survey of how 23 states have structured their cannabis markets. Taxation, she explained, varies widely — by percentage of price, product weight, or even potency. Jimenez pointed to Maryland, which recently raised its marijuana tax from 9% to 12%, directing most revenue to the general fund and the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. Colorado, by contrast, splits its 15% excise and 15% sales taxes between schools, local governments, and general funds. New York and Connecticut have experimented with potency-based taxes and earmarked large shares of revenue for equity programs. But even states with established markets have faced challenges. 'There's just simply too much product for the amount of demand that exists,' Jimenez warned, noting falling marijuana prices in California, Colorado, and Michigan that have depressed revenues. Equity was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of Marijuana Justice, reminded lawmakers that legalization in Virginia was driven not only by economics but by racial justice. 'In 2020, JLARC confirmed what many Virginians knew — that Black folks in Virginia were being arrested 3.5 times more and received marijuana convictions 3.9 times the rate of white Virginians,' Wise said, referring to a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee published that year. That disproportionate enforcement inspired lawmakers to pass the 2021 law ending criminalization. Wise urged the commission to uphold the commitments made then, including the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Program and Loan Fund. 'An adequate investment in a strategic rollout that considers these issues will give us the best chance that we have for a successful, long-term market,' she said. Projected revenue under Virginia's current framework — about $74 million to $94 million annually — could fund scholarships, workforce training, and community reinvestment. But Wise cautioned that opt-out referendums could allow localities to ban sales until 2026, weakening both revenues and equity goals. Rodrigo Soto of The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis offered a broader fiscal context. His group modeled how cannabis revenues stack up against other revenue options the legislature might consider in 2026, from income tax changes to corporate levies. Creating a retail cannabis market could bring in about $61.5 million under the current bill, Soto said. But if taxed at 20% to 25%, as JLARC recommended, revenues could range from $122 million to $254 million annually by the market's fifth year. 'The design choices really matter,' Soto told the panel. Distribution decisions — such as how much goes to pre-K, substance use programs, or public health — will ultimately shape the impact on Virginians. Perhaps the most passionate testimony came from small business owners who fear being shut out of the new market. Barbara Biddle, founder of District Hemp Botanicals, recounted how her company grew from a $2,000 investment and a six-foot table into three storefronts and nearly $2 million in revenue. But after lawmakers passed a 2023 bill restricting hemp-derived products, she lost half her business overnight. 'The bill did far more than just outlaw Delta 8,' Biddle said, referring to Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis sativa plant. 'It knocked out 90% of the market, including non-intoxicating CBD products my customers came to rely on.' Biddle warned the panel to avoid mistakes that favored large corporations at the expense of local entrepreneurs. 'Doing so will not only promote safety, but also preserve fair competition and prevent consumers from bearing the burden of artificially high prices,' she said. Her colleague, Eric Spanbauer of the East Coast Collective, echoed those concerns. 'These are not faceless corporations,' he said. 'They're your neighbors, your local employers, and your community partners.' Spanbauer urged the state to lower application fees, expand license caps, and offer micro-licenses and training for small operators. 'If we repeat the same pattern, writing rules that only billion-dollar corporations can comply with, we risk destroying the very foundation of what could be a thriving, inclusive Virginia-based marijuana industry,' he said. Wednesday's presentations underscored the delicate balance facing lawmakers: generating revenue, ensuring equity, supporting small businesses, and satisfying a wary public. Most Republicans, led by Youngkin, remain skeptical. The governor has consistently argued legalization will not eliminate the black market and could worsen youth drug use. His veto message earlier this year cited risks of 'increased gang activity' and 'adverse effects on children's and adolescents' health.' Democrats, meanwhile, are betting the politics will shift with a new governor. Spanberger has leaned into her support for legalization, framing it as a matter of regulation and education funding. 'Consumer knowledge, heavily regulated, heavily taxed, with revenues mostly going towards education,' she said in the interview with The Mercury. The commission will continue meeting, with the goal of crafting legislation for introduction in 2026. Members stressed that public input and stakeholder testimony will guide the process. For now, cannabis in the commonwealth remains in limbo: it's legal to possess, illegal to buy. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Virginians say housing costs are a crisis, want lawmakers to act
A house for sale in Richmond. (Photo by Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury) A new statewide survey finds housing one of Virginians' top concerns — and that a strong majority want lawmakers to act on it. Most respondents said they support policies to make it easier to build more and smaller types of homes, reduce regulatory requirements, and push local governments to streamline home construction. Concerns over housing costs weren't limited to urban or suburban areas. Half of rural respondents also expressed worry. Overall, 73% of those surveyed agreed that the state lacks enough affordable homes to rent or buy. The survey was conducted online last month by YouGov for the Commonwealth Housing Coalition, a consortium of housing nonprofits and advocacy groups. Laura Dobbs, policy director at Housing Opportunities Made Equal, said in an interview that the findings reinforce what some Virginia lawmakers have already tried to address in recent legislative sessions. Before answering housing-specific questions, respondents were asked about their top concern. Thirty-seven percent listed housing costs, followed by inflation and healthcare. Even among those who didn't list housing as their top worry, 84% still agreed state lawmakers should address Virginia's housing shortage and costs. Survey participants also weighed in on proposals that lawmakers have previously introduced, each earning at least 65% approval and less than 25% of opposition. Examples included laws to prevent landlords of older properties from raising rents beyond certain limits without upgrades; incentives to build apartments near business and shopping districts; allowing faith-based organizations to develop housing on their land; and efforts to encourage local governments to loosen zoning for more housing options. Some of those efforts failed this year but are expected to return. One example is a bipartisan proposal from Sens. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, and Bill Stanley, R- Franklin, to encourage local zoning that permits Accessory Dwelling Units — such as carriage houses or in-law suites. Meanwhile, the mixed-use developments in places like Libby Mill or Short Pump in Henrico County are the kind of model that Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico,wanted to replicate statewide in a failed bill. His proposal would have required localities to adopt by-right zoning for multifamily housing near commercial districts. Likewise, a proposal from Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, would have given the state authority to intervene when local governments fail to act on affordable housing. VanValkenburg also had a version, but Helmer's passed the House of Delegates before falling in the Senate. 'We've been relying on localities to do this for long enough, and they just aren't going far enough or not keeping up with the demand,' Dobbs said. She added that buy-in from survey respondents shows appetite for statewide action. Because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, local governments only have the powers the state grants them. While that division of authority allows local tailoring of laws, it also creates tension. At the time, VanValkenburg described his bill as a 'give and take' between preserving local control and addressing a statewide housing shortage. Glenn Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield had cautioned it would be an 'erosion' of local authority. Despite being at odds over that bill, both men had legislation this year to block large investment firms from buying properties in Virginia. Those bills failed this year, but Sturtevant discussed the issue with the Virginia Housing Commission this week. The goal is to prevent hedge funds and other large firms from out-bidding first-time homebuyers. He also noted how they purchase mobile home parks, which often leads to resident displacement. 'This is only going after the biggest of the big entities,' Sturtevant told the commission Tuesday. 'This totally protects your mom and pop landlords and small businesses.' Similar proposals have surfaced in Congress and other states, but Sturtevant wants Virginia to pursue its own version. He acknowledged the idea isn't a 'silver bullet' for the housing crisis but said it could address a troubling trend. Axios reported earlier this year that 20% of Richmond's apartments are owned by private equity firms. Some of his Chesterfield constituents, he added, have struggled to buy their first home. 'The last time Wall Street was using the housing market like a stock portfolio, we had the 2008 housing crisis,' he said. 'Homes are for people.' Dobbs noted that even when such firms do rent out properties, tenants often find it harder to resolve maintenance issues. She emphasized that first-time buyers, including clients at HOME of Virginia, can't compete with firms that can 'drop cash' offers or skip inspections, adding that she's 'on board with Sturtevant that we should really do something about it.' The housing commission, on which Dobbs serves, raised questions about how such a bill would be enforced and suggested tweaking it ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Another area state lawmakers may consider for addressing housing supply and affordability is boosting the Virginia Housing Trust Fund. An analysis by the Virginia Housing Alliance, presented to the Housing Commission, highlighted that the fund has helped create more than 19,000 affordable units across the state and invested $66 million in homeless reduction grants. VHA Policy Director Isabel McLain noted that while Virginia is not among the states with the lowest level of investments in such funds, 'we are definitely not leading the pack.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Mid-sized US cities dominate ranking of emerging business destinations
American Express has released new travel data revealing emerging cities for business trips, and the results may surprise you. In a report released last month, the company analyzed year-over-year growth in hotel and airline transactions among commercial customers. American Express's report made no mention of bustling coastal markets like New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco, but rather several mid-sized cities were included in list of the emerging business travel areas, a handful of which have experienced population growth in recent years. According to the company, these cities are rising in popularity as business travel destinations. Richmond, Virginia A hub for several Fortune 500 companies, like Performance Food Group, CarMax, Altria and Dominion Energy, American Express says it has seen an increase in companies flocking to the southern city due to incentive-based business expansion legislation. Virginia has exceeded $100 billion in capital investment commitments from company expansions statewide, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a news release in March. Richmond is undergoing developments in the Richmond Diamond District, which will transform 67 acres into a neighborhood to keep up with demand. Another project will target the City Center Innovation District to accomplish similar goals, making the city more attractive to businesses. Columbus, Ohio Home to over 240 startups, Columbus has managed to attract several biotech and technology companies specializing in AI innovation. Census data from this year shows Columbus is major driver of growth in the Midwest, with a growing population that nears 1 million. Charleston, South Carolina Charleston, known for its stunning beaches and charming historic architecture, has experienced a boom of tech, aerospace and automotive companies flocking to set up hubs there, Amex notes. It recently hit a record of $14.03 billion generated from tourism in 2024, a 7.1% increase from the prior year and businesses are taking notice. Ingevity, a company that markets and manufactures specialty chemicals, announced last year it is investing $53 million over five years in its Charleston County manufacturing facility. "Ingevity's $53.3 million investment in their Charleston County facility underscores their confidence in our community," said Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III at the time of the announcement. "This significant commitment reflects the strength of our partnership and highlights Charleston County as a leader in fostering innovation and sustainable growth." Boise, Idaho This city experienced rapid growth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to moving data from HireAHelper, four times as many people moved to Boise, Idaho than left it in 2020. The migration primarily stemmed from people in western states moving to the area. In 2020, the city's population was about 230,000 and has since increased to roughly 237,000. That rapid increase has business leaders setting up shop in the city, with companies in the software, cleantech and outdoor lifestyle industries expanding their presence in Boise. New Orleans Walkability, a compact layout, and unique culture is what's driving business to New Orleans, American Express reports. Additionally, city leaders have taken steps to increase ongoing infrastructure enhancements at local venues. Those investments are expected to attract more conventions, create jobs and boost the local economy. Last week, 1834 Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, announced the launch of the inaugural $20 million fund to invest in startups found by alumni of Tulane University, one of the city's universities, further bolstering economic mobility. 1834 Ventures is channeling the funds into Louisiana "with the goal of building a more vibrant startup ecosystem" and "diversifying the state's economy," according to a news release from Louisiana Economic Development. Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@
