Central Virginia Community College
There's No Place Like Home CITY OF LYNCHBURG Office of Economic Development & Tourism FY 2026 1
A Year of Momentum — and an Invitation to Build What’s Next There’s no place like home. For those of us who live, work, build businesses, and welcome visitors in Lynchburg, that is more than a sentiment. It is a commitment to the people and places that make our community what it is— and to the opportunities we can create together. This year, Lynchburg continued to see investment in its businesses, buildings, workforce, and future. The City issued 343 commercial and industrial building permits representing $158 million in stated construction value. Behind those numbers are property owners taking the next step, employers planning for growth, and people putting their skills and ideas to work. Our role in the Office of Economic Development & Tourism is to help make those next steps possible. Sometimes that means connecting a business with a grant or a workforce partner. Sometimes it means preparing a site, helping an entrepreneur find resources, supporting the rehabilitation of an existing building, or making it easier for an employer to reach customers and talent. The work looks different from project to project, but the goal is the same: to help people invest and succeed in Lynchburg. The accomplishments in this report belong to many hands. They reflect the confidence of businesses that choose to grow here, the dedication of employees, the commitment of educators and community partners, and the vision of property owners and entrepreneurs who see potential and act on it. We are grateful to work alongside them.
Marjette G. Upshur
As you read this report, I hope you see more than a collection of statistics. I hope you see what those numbers mean for our community—and recognize an opportunity to be part of what comes next. If you are considering an expansion, rehabilitating a property, looking for employees, starting a business, or exploring a new idea, please reach out.
Director; Office of Economic Development & Tourism
If you know a business or a person whose story we should tell, introduce us. Help us help you. Together, we can continue to build a Lynchburg where people and businesses have every reason to call this place home.
LYH LOVES YOU,
Marjette G. Upshur, Director Office of Economic Development & Tourism 2
YEAR AT A GLANCE $109.9M reported capital investment
$8.4M
344
redevelopment investment
work-based learning students
$426.6M in total visitor spend
15,825 people served by
(total includes direct, indirect, and induced spending)
museums
CITY OF LYNCHBURG AT A GLANCE Population
Labor Force
Unemployment Rate
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau | July 1, 2025 estimate)
(Source: JobsEQ, 2020–2024 ACS)
(Source: BLS, 2025 Annual Average)
81,347 Median Household Income
$57,947
(Source: JobsEQ, 2020–2024 ACS data)
38,381
4.3% High School Graduate or Higher
91.9%
(Source: JobsEQ, 2020–2024, ACS data (ages 25–64))
HELP US BUILD WHAT'S NEXT. 3
Home to
Investment & Growth Across Lynchburg, businesses and property owners continued to invest in buildings, equipment and operations during FY2026. OEDT and its partners helped businesses navigate programs, connect with resources and move projects forward. The numbers are evidence of something larger: companies are choosing to reinvest in Lynchburg and build their next chapter here.
FRAMATOME
4
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BUILDING PERMITS
343
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PERMITS
10
projects/parcels
in JCG awards
523
NET NEW Full-Time Equivalent JOBS Documented through the Enterprise Zone Job Creation Grant program
IN STATED CONSTRUCTION VALUE
Enterprise Zone Real Property Investment Grant (RPIG)
Virginia Enterprise Zone Job Creation Grant (JCG)
$370,560
$158M
$40M
in qualified capital investment
$970K
in RPIG awards
Real Estate Rehabilitation
35
active rehabilitations
$43.9M in assessed value
CENTRA BREAKS GROUND ON NEW PATIENT TOWER In September 2025, Centra broke ground on a 266,200-square-foot patient tower at Lynchburg General Hospital. The project is expected to support more than 2,500 trade-related jobs, with approximately $140 million in local investment anticipated over the three-year construction period.
PLANNING AN INVESTMENT?
TALK TO US EARLY. 5
Home to growing
businesses Lynchburg’s economic strength is built on employers that continue to choose this community for their next investment. During FY2026, OEDT and the EDA supported company expansions, workforce needs and business problem-solving while maintaining relationships with employers across the city. AEROFIN
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A YEAR OF BUSINESS GROWTH
$109.9M IN REPORTED CAPITAL INVESTMENT
37
BAUSCH & LOMB
$37.8M investment
new jobs
164 retained
$1.42M IN EDA PERFORMANCE-AGREEMENT PAYMENTS
DELTA STAR
$33M investment
149 new jobs
468 retained
CENTRA'S CONTINUED INVESTMENT
293
FRAMATOME
new jobs
$32M investment
1,145 retained
75
BUSINESS VISITS
VIRGINIA METAL TREATING
$7.1M investment
4 new jobs
16 current
Through the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program, staff visited local employers to understand business needs and identify growth opportunities.
In FY2026, Centra completed its new 125,000-square-foot Langhorne Medical Center, bringing multiple outpatient specialties together in one modern facility. The investment reflects Centra's continued commitment to Lynchburg as a major regional employer and healthcare provider, strengthening the city's healthcare services and local economy.
tell us what
your business needs. 7
building for what's next Winning the next project starts long before a prospect calls. During FY2026, Lynchburg advanced strategic property and site-readiness work so businesses can move faster when opportunity arrives. At Ivy Creek Innovation Park, state support is helping prepare a new road and two pad-ready sites—expanding Lynchburg’s inventory for future business investment.
IVY CREEK INNOVATION PARK
8
IVY CREEK INNOVATION PARK
Sites A&B
$4.85M
ADVANCING TOWARD PAD-READY DEVELOPMENT
IN STATE FUNDING AWARDED
STRATEGIC PROPERTY ACTIVITY 201 Jefferson Ridge Parkway Acquired 109 Ramsey Place Sold
IVY CREEK SITES A & B
POSITIONING PROPERTIES FOR GROWTH
7
brownfield properties supported
5
strategic property activities
$87,014.50 in brownfield expenditures
Wigginton Road Advanced Ivy Creek Sites A & B Continued sitereadiness work
Lakeside Drive Properties Acquired
EDA CONDUIT FINANCING FACILITATED
$390M $365M Centra Health | $25M Virginia Episcopal School Financing facilitated for major institutional investments, with no direct local taxpayer obligation.
Know a company looking for its next location or a property ready for its next chapter?
introduce US. 9
home to talent
Talent development is an economic development strategy. Lynchburg’s employers are connected to a deep education ecosystem that spans career exploration and internships to degrees, technical credentials and healthcare training. OEDT’s role is to strengthen those connections and make it easier for employers and people to find one another.
CVCC
10
WORK-BASED LEARNING
344
STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN WORK–BASED LEARNING WORKFORCE INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT
35K
DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES RANDOLPH COLLEGE
CONNECTING TALENT TO JOBS
6,689
Jobs Portal visits
31
6,619
outbound clicks to the state job board
interns in FY2026
393
Employment Navigrid visits
EDUCATION & TRAINING PIPELINE
HIRING? Host an intern, share your needs and let us help build the connection. 11
homegrown:
entrepreneurship & redevelopment Some of Lynchburg’s most important growth begins with a local entrepreneur, an existing storefront or a property ready for another life. OEDT connects small businesses and property owners with technical assistance, grants, counseling and redevelopment tools that can help turn an idea— or an underused building—into new economic activity.
LOVE + UMAMI AMY NGO
12
LOCAL INVESTMENT. LASTING IMPACT.
$155K
$8.4M
IN LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT GRANTS
CAPITAL INVESTMENT SUPPORTED BY
REDEVELOPMENT
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
12 local redevelopment grants
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Small Business Development Center
$155K awarded
57 clients
$8.4M capital investment
5 business starts
164 jobs created
32 jobs
16 13
$2.79M in sales
investment $54 inforprivate every $1 awarded
29 events
accepted — Spring cohort
Approximately
136
$472,280 in capital
133 jobs retained
applications
entrepreneurs have completed CO.STARTERS full 10week program.
82 attendees
STADIUM DISTRICT SOCCER AND TACO JESUS
LANEY KICKZ
CO.STARTERS CLASS OF 2026
Have an idea, a growing business or a property ready for its next chapter?
Start with us. 13
home to experiences Tourism is part of Lynchburg’s economy. Visitors stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in local businesses and experience the places that make Lynchburg distinctive. OEDT’s tourism work helps turn those experiences into overnight stays, meetings, tournaments and repeat visits that support businesses throughout the city.
LYNCHBURG AMPHITHEATER AT RIVERFRONT PARK
14
VISITORS FUEL OUR ECONOMY
$426.6M IN TOTAL VISITOR SPEND (Calendar Year 2025) AMAZEMENT SQUARE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Fig. above includes direct, indirect, and induced spending Source: Virginia Tourism Corporation | Tourism Economics
91
$25.3M
450
GROUPS/ EVENTS BOOKED
FY'26 BOOKED ECONOMIC IMPACT
APPOINTMENTS WITH MEETING AND EVENT PLANNERS
57.9% $14.15M AVERAGE HOTEL OCCUPANCY SOURCE: SMITH TRAVEL RESEARCH
ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SPORTING EVENTS HELD IN FY26
UPCOMING DISC GOLF MAJOR EVENTS
PDGA Champions Cup April 15-18, 2027 DGPT Playoff October 14-17, 2027
HILL CITY FC
PDGA 2028 Pro Worlds PDGA/DGPT
PDGA 2028 Masters Worlds
PERCIVAL'S ISLAND
Bring us your meeting, tournament or event and encourage your guests to stay a little longer.
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home to culture & story Culture is part of Lynchburg’s economic story. Arts organizations, historic places, museums and cultural experiences give residents and visitors reasons to gather, explore and spend time in the city. Through targeted grants, visitor services, programming and partnerships, Lynchburg invests in the places and experiences that make this community feel like home.
LYNCHBURG MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER
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INVESTING IN PEOPLE, PLACES, AND POSSIBILITIES
WOLFSBANE PRODUCTIONS
JAMES RIVER ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT PROGRAM
LYNCHBURG MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER
The James River Arts & Cultural District Program supported 13 cultural arts and infrastructure projects, with approximately 45,000 reported engagements. These investments strengthened Lynchburg’s creative economy by supporting artists and cultural organizations, attracting audiences, and creating opportunities for local spending while enriching community life. *Engagement figures are based on applicant reports and may include repeat participation.
15,825 PEOPLE SERVED
12,171 ONSITE VISITORS 3,654 REACHED THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
In July 2025, the Lynchburg Museum and Visitor Center adjusted its operating hours. Current hours are WednesdaySaturday 10a.m. - 3p.m., and Sunday 12-3p.m. Admission remains free.
LYNCHBURG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
25TH DAY AT THE POINT
visit. participate. bring someone with you. tell our story. 17
Connected to Opportunity: Fly LYH Connectivity matters to employers, residents and visitors. During FY2026, United Express service operated by SkyWest launched from Lynchburg Regional Airport to Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare, adding a second network carrier and new options for reaching national and global destinations.
$141.9M ESTIMATED ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTPUT Source: Virginia Department of Aviation, Virginia Airport System Economic Impact Study (2026)
NEW NONSTOP SERVICE
LAUNCHED MARCH 24, 2026
LYH
IAD
LYH
ORD
WASHINGTON DULLES CHICAGO O'HARE
18
18
100 ADDITIONAL SEATS/DAY AT LAUNCH
check lyh first. fly lyh when you can.
fy2026 by the numbers INVESTMENT
BUSINESS GROWTH
343
capital $109.9M reported investment
permits
construction $158M stated value
483
jobs created
$40M
75
business visits
qualified enterprise zone investment
SMALL BUSINESS
TALENT
12
grants
344
work-based learning participants
$8.4M
capital investment
6,619
job-board clicks
57
SBDC clients served
31
JobFit interns
TOURISM
SITES for site $4.85M awarded readiness properties 7 brownfield supported
DIGITAL REACH across 320K+ visits all 3 websites
1,526 downloads
2,528 forms
1,629 searches
91
groups booked
$25.3M
sales booked economic impact
450
appointments conducted
Unless otherwise noted, data and statistics presented in this report were provided by the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism (OEDT) and reflect information available at the time of publication. 19
a year of progress Throughout FY2026, the City of Lynchburg celebrated milestones that strengthened connectivity, revitalized public spaces, and enhanced quality of life. From new air service to downtown improvements and neighborhood investments, these accomplishments reflect continued progress across the city.
JEFFERSON PARK RIBBON CUTTING
New recreation amenities, an accessible playground, and public art brought renewed investment to the Dearington neighborhood.
UNITED AIRLINES SERVICE LAUNCH
New service to two major airline hubs— Washington Dulles and Chicago O'Hare— expanded Lynchburg's access to national and international markets.
COLLEGE LAKE STREAM RESTORATION RIBBON CUTTING
20
Removal of a high-hazard dam restored Blackwater Creek to a free-flowing stream for the first time in more than 90 years, improving environmental resilience and water quality.
RIVERFRONT PARK AMPHITHEATER RIBBON CUTTING & GRAND OPENING
A new riverfront venue welcomed more than 2,000 attendees to its grand opening, expanding opportunities for entertainment, tourism, and community gatherings.
LYNCHBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKMOBILE UNVEILING
Supported by more than $275,000 in private fundraising, the City's first bookmobile expanded access to library services and educational resources across Lynchburg.
LYH BEYOND: CSO TUNNEL TOURS & PROGRESS
Construction advanced on the City's $104 million infrastructure project, designed to store up to 4.7 million gallons of combined sewage and stormwater during heavy rainfall to help protect local waterways.
MAIN STREET REOPENING
Downtown Renewal Phase IV restored twoway traffic from 12th Street to the Lynchburg Expressway, modernizing infrastructure and improving access to downtown businesses.
investments that move
lynchburg forward EXPANDING LYNCHBURG'S AIR CONNECTIVITY The launch of United Airlines service, operated by SkyWest, expanded Lynchburg Regional Airport's connectivity to three major airline hubs across two carriers, strengthening access to national and international markets. In 2025, LYH completed a $17.1 million federally supported runway rehabilitation and served 71,780 departing passengers. Building on these milestones, $13.26 million in additional federal funding was subsequently awarded for airport development and terminal improvements. According to the Virginia Department of Aviation's Airport System Economic Impact Study, LYH generates an estimated $141.9 million in economic output, underscoring its importance to the regional economy.
A NEW DESTINATION ON THE JAMES RIVER The opening of the Lynchburg Amphitheater introduced a new outdoor venue for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings along the James River. More than 2,000 people attended its grand opening, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for this new destination. The venue expands Lynchburg's entertainment offerings, supports downtown activity, and creates new opportunities to attract visitors and strengthen the city's cultural identity. Its distinctive design also earned AIA Blue Ridge's 2026 Award of Honor for architectural excellence.
STRENGTHENING REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION A $24.5 million federal BUILD grant will advance improvements to the US 501/221 Split Pair intersection, one of Lynchburg's busiest transportation corridors. The project will improve traffic flow, roadway safety, and regional connectivity while incorporating enhanced pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodations. This investment reflects continued efforts to modernize critical infrastructure, improve accessibility, and support Lynchburg's longterm economic competitiveness. 21
looking ahead INVESTING IN LYNCHBURG'S FUTURE The City of Lynchburg continues to advance investments in public spaces, neighborhood infrastructure, and community facilities that strengthen quality of life, support economic vitality, and position the city for continued growth.
DOWNTOWN & NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
PARKS, RECREATION & PUBLIC SPACES
Continued investment in Downtown Renewal Phase V and the Fifth Street Utility and Streetscape Project will modernize aging infrastructure while preserving downtown's historic character. Planned Bedford Avenue corridor improvements will enhance walkability, accessibility, and neighborhood connectivity, supporting continued redevelopment and reinvestment.
From the reopening of Miller Park Pool to improvements at Heritage Park, College Park, and Dunbar Community Schoolyard, the City is creating more accessible, welcoming spaces for recreation and community connection. A $5.25 million investment in City Stadium will introduce new familyfriendly amenities while preserving one of Lynchburg's most recognizable historic venues.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES & PUBLIC SERVICES
INFRASTRUCTURE & NEIGHBORHOOD RESILIENCE
The transformation of the Main Library will bring modern technology, creative learning spaces, and new opportunities for community engagement. Meanwhile, plans for Fire Station 9 and $8.7 million in improvements to existing fire stations will strengthen essential public safety facilities and support the personnel who serve Lynchburg.
Significant water, sewer, and stormwater investments in Richland Hills, College Hill, and Daniel's Hill will modernize aging systems, improve service reliability, and strengthen neighborhood resilience. These improvements represent continued investment in the essential infrastructure that supports healthy neighborhoods and long-term economic growth.
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PLANNING TO EXPAND?
HIRING?
INVESTING IN PROPERTY?
help us build what's next let's talk.
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM STAFF:
MUSEUM EXPERIENCE LEADERS:
Marjette Upshur, Director
Noelle Beverly
Josh Tuohy, Assistant Director of Economic Development
Vincent Bruno
Andrew Marks, CGMP, Assistant Director of Tourism
Cathy Dalton
For Economic Development:
Adrian Farrow, Visitor and Convention Services Manager
(434) 455-4490
Abby May, Marketing Manager
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LYNCHBURG: John M. Stone, Chair
info@opportunitylynchburg.com
Keesha Simon, Administrative Manager
opportunitylynchburg.com
Claire Harvey, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Sean Huyett, Secretary - Treasurer
900 Church Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504
LYNCHBURG MUSEUM AND VISITOR SERVICES STAFF:
Whether you're growing a business, investing in property, planning an event or exploring what Lynchburg has to offer, we're here to help.
Ted Delaney, Museum Director & Foundation Secretary
For Tourism:
Laura Crowe
Richard Tugman, Vice Chair Sackett Wood Patricia (Pat) Mosby Kevin Pietrzak Toby Tomko
Crystal Diff, Museum Curator
tourism@lynchburgvirginia.org lynchburgvirginia.org
Natasha Poole, Administrative Manager 23
HAVE A CHALLENGE?
HAVE GOOD NEWS?
KNOW A BUSINESS WE SHOULD MEET?
LYHLOVESYOU.COM 900 CHURCH ST LYNCHBURG, VA 24504 24
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