The announcement in November that Microporous LLC will invest $1.35 billion in a manufacturing facility employing 2,015 at the Southern Virginia Megasite is the good news that Danville and Pittsylvania County have been looking forward to for decades.
That news, along with a steady stream of new business announcements since 2018, is helping build back an economy severely battered by the closure of Dan River Mills in the early 2000s. With opportunities, however, come challenges, and the anticipated exponential economic growth coming to the Danville Pittsylvania region will likely have significant effects on everyday life for citizens and existing businesses.
Here are five key challenges:
- Infrastructure Strain and Development: Pressure is already on local infrastructure that is the foundation on which growth is built. Utilities, roads, public transportation and healthcare services are all affected. Investment in infrastructure projects will be not only necessary but critical. To ensure reliability, investments need to be made to maintain the systems we have. To encourage new growth, investments are necessary to expand services. Solving infrastructure challenges will likely cause temporary pain but lead to long-term gain for the region.
- Job Creation and Skills Needs: The influx of large businesses will create numerous job opportunities, leading to a demand for a diverse range of skills. Maintaining strong workforce development programs and training initiatives is critical to help equip residents with the skills required for new positions, especially in technology, manufacturing and services.
- Population Growth and Housing Demand: Economic growth typically attracts new residents. Population growth will increase demand for housing and may strain the existing real estate market, leading to rising home prices and rental costs. New housing developments and infrastructure are critical to accommodate newcomers.
- Local Business Competition and Adaptation: Larger companies entering the market could lead to challenges for small businesses, which might need to innovate or adapt their offerings. On the flip side, new businesses can also create synergies and supply chain opportunities for local enterprises.
- Community and Environmental Impact: Rapid economic growth can impact community dynamics and the environment. Increased commercial activity may lead to changes in the character of neighborhoods and increased demand for public services. Careful planning will be essential to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure sustainable development practices are followed to preserve local resources.
Clearly growth creates opportunities, but it also poses challenges that will require thoughtful planning and community engagement to ensure the region capitalizes on the opportunities on the horizon and a positive outcome is achieved for all stakeholders in Danville and Pittsylvania County.
Anne Moore-Sparks serves on the steering committee of the Partnership for Regional Prosperity, a civic think tank formed by local elected bodies to make Danville and Pittsylvania County models of future-forward thinking and action.