AGP Executive Report

Data Center Pushback: Virginia’s AI infrastructure boom is facing mounting resistance. Amazon agreed to drop plans for data centers on George Washington University’s Virginia campus after backlash, while Hampton Roads protesters called for a statewide pause and Loudoun County is weighing a yearlong halt to new applications. Energy and Rates: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says she wants a six-year electricity-rate freeze before backing Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra. State regulators’ staff have urged rejection of the deal as proposed, adding to scrutiny of a major utility takeover. Health Coverage: A new state coalition of insurers, hospitals, clinics and community groups plans outreach to help Virginians keep Medicaid as federal rules tighten. State officials estimate about 300,000 residents could lose coverage next year, with missed notices or deadlines a key risk. Midterm Stakes: With Virginia races nearing Election Day, affordability remains a central concern for voters, including in competitive Virginia Beach. Agricultural Trade: Virginia farmers and a visiting Canadian delegation are working to preserve cross-border trade ties through meetings with producers and state officials.

Data Center Pushback: Residents rallied in Virginia Beach and Danville for a statewide pause on new data centers, citing concerns about power, water and community impacts. Virginia has hundreds of facilities operating or planned, and lawmakers are weighing moratorium proposals. Dominion Merger: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is pressing for a six-year electricity-rate freeze and clearer financial commitments before regulators consider Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra. State Corporation Commission staff recommended rejecting the deal as proposed, saying key savings remain unclear. Election Watch: Virginia’s competitive House races are drawing national attention, with Democrats targeting Republican-held seats in the 1st, 2nd and 5th districts ahead of Election Day. Road Funding: Transportation Secretary Nick Donohue warned senators that Virginia faces road-maintenance funding gaps, blaming the Youngkin administration’s shift of maintenance money to construction; Youngkin’s office disputed that account. Rural Investment: Sen. Mark Warner presented Hurt with an $8.3 million federal award to help rebuild its water-treatment plant, a project expected to ease high utility bills and support future development.

Energy Bills: Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged Virginia regulators to reject the proposed $67 billion Dominion-NextEra merger unless it includes a six-year residential rate freeze and added bill credits. State Corporation Commission staff also recommended rejecting the deal. Data Centers: Opposition is growing as a Virginia Democratic senator proposes a three-year statewide pause, Loudoun considers a 12-month application freeze and Danville residents call for a halt. The state has 398 data centers, with 287 more planned. Local Accountability: Boydton officials debated years of overdue financial audits; the town has not completed one since fiscal 2022, though officials say audits are needed for some grants and financing. Virginia Business: Hardywood acquired Starr Hill in an all-equity deal, joining the state’s two largest craft breweries. The nine taprooms and 180 jobs are expected to remain. Election Watch: Early ballots cast in Virginia are nearly double the 2022 total, as close races and voter outreach draw attention ahead of Nov. 3.

Crime: An Arlington man was extradited to Georgia and charged in a scheme investigators say cost a church more than $60,000. Energy and Data Centers: Virginia’s utility debate is intensifying: State Corporation Commission staff recommended rejecting Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged a rate freeze and other customer protections. Loudoun County is weighing a one-year pause on data-center and substation applications, as Danville protesters and state lawmakers push for broader limits over concerns about power bills and water use. Elections: Early voting is underway across Virginia, with ballots cast so far nearly double the number at this point in 2022. Housing: Martinsville is moving ahead with plans to turn a vacant industrial building into 70-plus apartments and retail space, with rents expected at $900 to $1,200 a month. Research: Virginia Tech’s National Security Institute marked five years, reporting more than $174 million in awards and hands-on experience for over 3,000 students.

Virginia Elections: With the Nov. 3 midterms nearing, early voting is underway and James Madison University experts say voter concerns include rising prices, President Trump’s influence and the lack of a clear message from either party. Data Center Debate: Virginia’s fast-growing data center industry is emerging as a campaign flashpoint. Loudoun County has 233 centers built or under construction, while residents report noise and health concerns; bills to pause new approvals are stacking up ahead of the legislative session. A national poll found most voters favor restrictions or a pause over tax incentives. Household Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger temporarily authorized dyed diesel for on-road use to help farmers, loggers and haulers cope with high fuel costs; the state will still collect the diesel tax. State Finances: Virginia’s general fund revenue rose 8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, though officials cautioned that strong early collections may not signal a lasting trend. Norfolk Investment: A city-backed investment firm again put no money into Norfolk, despite council’s 2022 request to seek local projects; members say they’ll push it to support affordable housing.

Virginia Elections: Early voting picked up as Virginia held its first Sunday voting ahead of Nov. 3. In Richmond, about 500 people rallied at Monroe Park, with speakers urging turnout and highlighting three proposed constitutional amendments. Land and Conservation: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a new state conservation area protecting more than 2,000 acres near Buffalo Mountain in Carroll and Floyd counties, including trout streams and a popular hiking vista. Research: A Mayo Clinic–Virginia Tech study identified five distinct forms of fatty liver disease, findings that could help doctors better assess risks and tailor treatment. Business: A Korean café chain’s first U.S. location opened in Alexandria, drawing long lines on its first day. Data Centers: Opposition is building ahead of Virginia’s legislative session, with moratorium bills proposed as residents raise concerns about water use and energy demand.

Virginia Tech: Richard Linton, Kansas State’s president and an avowed sports fanatic, will lead Virginia Tech as its 17th president. Midterm Elections: Hundreds rallied in Richmond for a “No Kings” protest, while early voting across Virginia has surged to nearly double 2022 levels. Data Centers: Opposition is growing across party lines, with residents raising concerns about water and power costs as lawmakers prepare data-center bills for the next legislative session. Business and Budget: M.C. Dean plans a $412 million Virginia expansion, including two factories and 1,950 jobs. Meanwhile, state revenues grew 8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, running 3.2% ahead of forecast.

Election Watch: About 400 people gathered for Richmond’s latest “No Kings” rally Saturday, where organizers urged support for three proposed constitutional amendments. Across Virginia, early ballots are running nearly double 2022 levels, with midterms approaching. Public Safety: The FBI intercepted mail containing a suspicious substance addressed to Rep. Bobby Scott’s district office in Newport News; investigators are probing similar mailings nationwide. Data Center Debate: Proposed moratorium bills are stacking up ahead of Virginia’s legislative session. Google was confirmed as the company behind a proposed Roanoke County data center, while Rep. Eugene Vindman is pushing to shield household electricity bills from data center costs. Jobs and Investment: M.C. Dean plans to invest $412.5 million in its Caroline County manufacturing campus, a proposed expansion expected to create 1,950 jobs. Farm Economy: Virginia farmers face a hay shortage of about 500,000 tons after drought cut yields, prompting emergency transport waivers and renewed calls for longer-term support.

Public Safety: A Richmond daycare administrator faces firearm charges after a toddler found her loaded gun at the center and put it in their mouth, according to state records. Election Watch: Virginia has seen nearly double the early ballots cast by this point in 2022. In a closely watched congressional contest, Democrat Tom Perriello holds a fundraising advantage over Republican John McGuire. Data Center Debate: Google has been confirmed as the company behind a proposed Roanoke County data center, as Virginia lawmakers prepare bills to pause approvals and Rep. Eugene Vindman proposes shielding household power bills from data center costs. Jobs and Investment: M.C. Dean plans a $412.5 million Caroline County expansion expected to create 1,950 jobs. Consumer Alert: A Richmond homeowner says a $129,000 solar installation failed to deliver promised savings; state records show 21 complaints against the installer, while the BBB lists 352.

Virginia Elections: Early voting is running nearly double the pace of 2022, with competitive races drawing attention. In the 1st Congressional District, challenger Shannon Taylor says inflation and corruption are top voter concerns. Data Center Debate: Google is evaluating a proposed 94-acre data center site in Roanoke County, while Rep. Eugene Vindman wants large facilities to cover their own power and infrastructure costs. State lawmakers are also preparing data-center moratorium bills. Costs and Energy: Gov. Abigail Spanberger temporarily authorized dyed diesel for on-road use through Dec. 31, aiming to ease pressure on farmers, haulers and families facing high fuel costs. Schools and Students: Albemarle supervisors are seeking greater state scrutiny of the school district over child-abuse reporting and transparency concerns. Virginia Tech also won a five-year grant to support college and career planning for 891 students annually across 11 school divisions.

Data Center Debate: Virginia lawmakers are preparing bills to pause new data center approvals, including a proposal for a statewide three-year moratorium starting in 2027. Supporters cite rising power demand and concerns about transmission lines, water use and neighborhood impacts. Health Care: Children’s hospitals in Richmond, Norfolk and Charlottesville continue to hold transgender services for patients under 19 amid federal policy changes and uncertainty over Medicaid coverage. Virginia Politics: Sen. Mark Warner is seeking a final term, while Hispanic voters at a Northern Virginia festival named immigration and the economy as key midterm concerns. Transportation: A $550 million federal grant will advance the Raleigh-to-Richmond S-Line, which aims to cut travel times by up to 90 minutes and add more reliable passenger service. Energy Costs: A proposed 23% electric-rate increase for parts of Southwest Virginia is headed to state regulators.

Senate Race: Democrat Mark Warner is seeking a fourth and final term against Republican veteran Bert Mizusawa. The Virginia contest has drawn less money and attention than other close Senate races, and analysts say Warner is well positioned. Virginia Tech: Dr. Richard Linton, a three-time Hokie and outgoing Kansas State president, will become Virginia Tech’s 17th president in the spring. Power and Health Care: A PJM emergency order allowed backup generators to help prevent outages as electricity demand outpaces new capacity, renewing concerns about grid strain. Meanwhile, Anthem and Sentara remain at odds over a contract that could disrupt coverage for Virginia members after Dec. 31. Rural Economy: At a Lexington summit, Gov. Abigail Spanberger discussed drought, rising costs and rural growth; she said 18 projects are expected to create more than 5,000 jobs, including a planned $537 million facility in Pittsylvania County. Schools and Jobs: A federal appeals court revived Virginia school districts’ challenge to a funding freeze tied to bathroom policies. Separately, M.C. Dean’s planned $412 million expansion will add two Virginia factories and 1,950 jobs.

Election Watch: A new CNU poll puts Democrat Elaine Luria three points ahead of Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans in Virginia’s 2nd District, as ballots go out for November races. College Access: A federal judge upheld Virginia’s law allowing some undocumented students who meet residency and tax requirements to pay in-state tuition; the Justice Department’s challenge may continue. Energy & Growth: Researchers from William & Mary, VCU and UVA are gathering to discuss how Virginia could help advance nuclear fusion. Meanwhile, data-center expansion and utility costs are fueling debate over the Dominion-NextEra merger and whether data centers should cover their own costs. Higher Education: Virginia Tech named Kansas State president Richard Linton as its next leader. A new national survey from Arlington-based Hanover Research finds 36% of prospective college students worry about affordability, while interest in associate degrees is rising. Health & Safety: UVA reported 32 rapes and 35 aggravated assaults on campus in 2025, up from 19 and 27 the year before. State health officials are urging Virginians to get flu and other seasonal vaccines.

Higher Education: Virginia Tech named Kansas State President Richard Linton its 17th president, choosing him to succeed Tim Sands. Data Centers: Growth plans are facing stronger scrutiny: Stafford County postponed a project hearing after staff recommended denying most applications, while Virginia lawmakers weigh tighter AI oversight. Jobs and Investment: M.C. Dean plans a $412.5 million expansion in Caroline County, with 1,950 jobs expected. State Finances: All three major ratings agencies affirmed Virginia’s AAA bond rating. Energy: Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra continues to draw criticism, with concerns about potential effects on utility bills. Higher Education Access: A federal judge upheld Virginia’s law allowing eligible immigrant students to pay in-state college tuition.

AI Oversight: New research presented to Virginia’s Senate says the state’s AI rules don’t adequately assess risks, renewing calls for more expertise as lawmakers shape future regulations. Data Centers & Jobs: Stafford County postponed a hearing on a proposed data center after staff recommended denial. In Caroline County, M.C. Dean has proposed a $412.5 million expansion expected to create 1,950 jobs. A separate report says data-center tax exemptions have cost Virginia $1.6 billion. State Finances: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says all three major ratings agencies affirmed Virginia’s AAA bond rating. Election Campaigns: Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin joined Rep. Ben Cline at a Fishersville rally, urging voters to back the Republican incumbent. Bay & Food Security: The Chesapeake Bay earned its best overall health grade in 40 years, while a separate report says nearly half of Virginia households don’t have enough to eat.

Richmond Spending: City Council voted 7-2 to revive a public payment register, but the revised law will omit detailed invoice descriptions and payments to individuals over privacy and workload concerns. AI Oversight: A JLARC review found 76% of state employees use AI, while only 28% of agencies have written guidance; lawmakers were urged to strengthen oversight and protect sensitive data. Jobs and Growth: M.C. Dean proposes investing $412.5 million in Caroline County, creating 1,950 jobs, pending local approvals. Virginia’s AAA bond rating was affirmed by all three major agencies. Surveillance Debate: Norfolk’s city manager defended Flock license-plate cameras as residents protested, saying access is logged and audited; the city plans to keep using them. Data Center Politics: Data centers and their effects on power bills are emerging as a major election issue in Virginia, where communities are weighing new projects and their costs.