Fredericksburg Economic Development Breakfast Recap
On March 24, community leaders, partners, and stakeholders gathered at Fredericksburg Square for the latest Economic Development Breakfast, a morning focused on progress, partnerships, and what’s ahead for the city’s economic future.
EDA Update
EDA Chair Meredith Schatz shared the Authority’s ongoing work through its Community Impact Pillars—supporting small businesses, creating jobs and opportunities, increasing tourism, advancing redevelopment, and strengthening the overall community.
Economic Development & Tourism Update
Director Josh Summits provided a data-driven look at Fredericksburg’s momentum, highlighting 2025 business openings and new leases, strong tax revenue comparisons from 2019-2025, and current vacancy rates across retail, office, industrial, and downtown spaces. Key project updates included the Renwick Complex adaptive reuse, a sports tourism feasibility study, and a commercial corridor revitalization study.
CEDS Update
Sarah Oldaker of the George Washington Regional Commission outlined the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), emphasizing regional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a forward-looking roadmap. The plan focuses on workforce alignment, infrastructure, strategic industry growth, housing balance, small business support, tourism coordination, and data-driven decision-making.
Fredericksburg Main Street Update
Chris Allen highlighted Main Street’s role as the “front porch of our community,” sharing updates on events, marketing efforts, and the continued impact of downtown as a vibrant, locally driven destination. Insights from recent business feedback surveys also underscored the strength and needs of the downtown community.
Together, these updates reflect a city moving forward with intention—grounded in collaboration, guided by data, and focused on building a resilient and thriving Fredericksburg.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast provided by the Courtyard by Marriott, and we extend our sincere thanks to their team for impeccable service and seamless audio-visual support that helped make the event a success.