AGENDA DATE: 9/16/2026
TITLE:
Title
Schedule a Public Hearing for Conveyance of Portions of County Owned Parcels 33-1D, 33-1 and 33-10.
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Schedule a Public Hearing to Consider Conveyance of Portions of County-Owned Parcels 33-1D, 33-1, and 33-10 to the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority (EDA)
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Kilroy, Herrick, Tevendale, Bohdan, Boisvert
PRESENTER (S): Trevor Henry
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On May 24, 2023, the Board of Supervisors (Board) announced its intent to purchase approximately 462 acres to support the security of Rivanna Station and enable economic development compatible with federal operations. Following a public hearing on June 21, 2023, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing business and industry development on the property now known as Rivanna Futures. In December 2023, Albemarle County completed acquisition of Rivanna Futures. In 2024, the Board rezoned and approved a special use permit for a 172-acre portion of Rivanna Futures for light Industrial and office uses, enabling eligibility for site development grant funding. In July 2025, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership awarded $9.7 million to Albemarle County through the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program, supporting site-readiness work, including clearing, grading, and utility planning. In October 2025, AstraZeneca announced its interest in acquiring 82 acres within Rivanna Futures (Attachment A) to develop a biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus involving approximately $4.5 billion in capital investments, 3,000 indirect construction-related jobs, and 600 permanent jobs. On February 18, 2026, the Board authorized the County Executive to execute development-related agreements supporting the AstraZeneca project. To complete the AstraZeneca transaction, the County must first convey the 82-acre portion of Rivanna Futures to the EDA. EDA ownership enables the provision of financial incentives and supports implementation of the County’s economic development strategic plan.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality of Life - Encourage a vibrant community with economic and recreational opportunities that serve all community members
DISCUSSION: Conveyance of the 82-acre portion of Rivanna Futures to the EDA is necessary prior to the EDA transferring the property to AstraZeneca. The proposed conveyance would facilitate development of a biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus that aligns with County goals for economic growth, industry attraction, and creation of an innovation-focused employment center. Virginia Code § 15.2-1800 requires a public hearing before the County may dispose of this real property.
BUDGET IMPACT: The revenues that will be received from the transaction are planned in the FY 27-31 Adopted Capital Improvements Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board authorize a public hearing to consider the conveyance of approximately 82 acres of Rivanna Futures (portions of Parcels 33-1D, 33-1 and 33-10) to the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority in support of the County’s economic development strategic plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed Conveyance Area