Governor McAuliffe was recently in Hampton Roads to showcase Go Virginia, a bipartisan, business-led campaign initiated by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC) and the Council on Virginia’s Future to foster private sector growth and job creation. Go Virginia is focused on the creation of state incentives for regional collaboration by business, education and government.

The premise of GO Virginia is that business, education and community leaders, as well as policy leaders, must come together to collaborate in economic development, job creation, career readiness and other key areas. There is a need for sustained economic growth and diversification in the Commonwealth and state government can be a catalyst and partner for communities and the private sector.

According to the website, Go Virginia seeks to provide incentives, not mandates, to encourage and reward communities for collaboration and growth, resulting in long-term sustainable program.   Go Virginia’s leadership team has a goal of getting bipartisan support and funding for incentives in the Virginia General Assembly during the 2016 legislative session.  HRPDC staff will be monitoring this new initiative and discussing the potential roles for planning district commissions as details unfold.