Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin marked three years of the Partnership for Petersburg with a celebration at the historic Petersburg Public Library, joined by local officials including Mayor Sam Parham and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. The partnership, launched in August 2022, brings together state, local, community, and faith leaders to improve the well-being and economic vitality of Petersburg through collaborative efforts.
During the event, Governor Youngkin announced a $3 million investment in partnership with nonprofit drug-maker Civica to manufacture affordable, fast-acting insulin at Petersburg’s CAMPUS facility. This initiative aims to lower the cost of life-saving insulin for hundreds of thousands of Virginians and millions nationwide. Additionally, $7.5 million was allocated from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to fund flood resiliency projects, raising total state support for flood mitigation in Petersburg to $12.5 million.
The celebration included the signing of a pledge wall by community and government representatives to reinforce their ongoing commitment to the Partnership for Petersburg. Following the library event, officials visited the site of the blighted Travel Inn, slated for demolition with support from the Industrial Revitalization Fund, part of the state’s efforts to remove blighted properties and revitalize downtown Petersburg.
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin recognized community champions she calls her “FLOVA Friends,” highlighting individuals who have significantly contributed to the partnership’s progress in education, public safety, health, and community service. These community leaders shared personal stories reflecting the positive impact of the partnership on Petersburg’s residents.
Governor Youngkin described the partnership as a covenant uniting diverse sectors to uplift Petersburg. Mayor Sam Parham expressed gratitude for the Youngkins’ support and vision, emphasizing the shared commitment to building a stronger Petersburg. Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears underscored the partnership’s achievements and expressed optimism for the future growth and transformation of the city.
The Partnership for Petersburg focuses on six pillars: community, transportation, commerce and trade, health, education, and public safety. Key community initiatives include the Virginia Community Resource Center, which has served over 23,000 visitors through 11 organizations, and the Girls with Pearls mentoring program supporting local students. Efforts to raise awareness about fentanyl and opioid dangers have been launched, alongside salary donations by the Governor and First Lady to local nonprofits.
Transportation improvements include the completion of an $8 million multimodal park and ride center that increased bus ridership by over 25%, federal funding secured for modernizing the Petersburg Ettrick Train Station, and significant investments to improve highway access along I-95 and I-85 corridors. Passenger rail service has expanded with increased ridership on the DC-Petersburg-Norfolk route.
Commerce and trade initiatives have supported rental housing development, homeownership loans, and revitalization projects including the Sycamore Grove mixed-use development and the reopening of Hotel Petersburg as a boutique facility. The city also hosts job fairs to connect residents with employment opportunities, including events for returning citizens.
Health-focused efforts have included large-scale health training events, mobile grocery services providing thousands of meals, vision screenings for students, and expanded maternal health services such as doula care and postpartum clinic visits. Substantial investments in water and wastewater infrastructure are underway, promising long-term community and economic benefits. The city has seen a notable reduction in fentanyl-related overdose deaths and overall drug fatalities in recent years.
Education initiatives support after-school programs serving thousands of students, intensive tutoring through partnerships with local HBCUs and new providers, and literacy mentoring with strong results. The Governor and First Lady have personally supported these efforts by donating their gubernatorial salaries to relevant programs.
Public safety improvements include millions in state grants for corrections and community services, new resources such as a mobile command unit and drug K-9, and implementation of gang violence intervention programs. Enhanced crime-solving tools like Ballistic IQ have been deployed to improve law enforcement capabilities in Petersburg.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Partnership for Petersburg to transform the city through collaborative investments, community engagement, and focused programs aimed at building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous community.
