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Special Issue

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Prince William County

Dear Neighbors,


At the Tuesday, January 10, Board meeting, I delivered my annual 2023 State of the County address. This tradition allows us to reflect on our recent successes as we look forward to 2023. In addition to the video and snapshot of key comments below, you can read my full address at the meeting here.


One of the most impressive accomplishments, completion and adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, is a turning point for Prince William County. This extensive plan is the result of six years of hard work, planning, and research, and outlines the County's plan for growth for the next 20 years. It represents a commitment to investing in and guiding our community, from roads and parks to libraries and land use, and it shows our County is a growing, thriving place.


As I embark on my fourth year as your Board Chair, we have much to be excited about. As the most diverse county in Virginia,and the 10th most diverse in the nation, our growing community is a shining example of diversity and inclusivity. I truly believe that Prince William County is a great place to live and do business. It is my honor to serve you, and look forward to the many accomplishments we will achieve through our collaboration. 


In Service,

Chair Ann Wheeler


2023 State of the County Address


Snapshot

Special Acknowledgements


  • Gratitude and appreciation for colleagues on the Board.
  • A special thank you to Pete Candland for his many years of service to the Gainesville Magisterial District (County News issue 145).
  • Welcome to our new County Executive Christopher Shorter (County News issue 138) and the experience in local government operations, strategic planning, and financial management he brings to PWC.
  • Thank you Elijah Johnson for his invaluable contributions as acting County executive this past year (County New issue 94).
  • Thank you to the nearly 6,000 County staff members who work tirelessly every day to make PWC a strong, prosperous, and vital community.

Investing in Education



  • The FY2023 Budget School System funding provided over $100 million more annually than when this Board took office in 2020.
  • Cumulatively, since the Board took office in 2020, an additional $250 million has been provided.

Economic Development



In 2022, internal economic development initiatives resulted in:

  • A capital investment of $1.3 billion.
  • The creation and retention of over 1,700 jobs. 


The BOCS pandemic recover efforts included:

  • ARPA funds to PWC help storefronts, hotels, and small businesses rebound and reimagine their futures.
  • Awarding more than $9 million to approximately 350 small businesses in PWC through the Restore Retail Grant and Lift Up Lodging programs (BOCS issue 94).


In 2023 the Department of Economic Development:

  • Is moving forward with plans to implement an SBA Microloan Program.
  • Will also release the comprehensive Barriers to Success study.
  • Is expanding the IGNITE program (County News issue 45), offering high-growth companies cash grants of up to $100,000.

Financial Status


Recruitment and Retention of a Skilled County Workforce



  • Adopted a collective bargaining ordinance for the first time in County history, allowing employees to negotiate collectively over terms and conditions of employment.
  • Increased police pay scales and incentives to make the PWC Police Department more competitive (County News issue 145).

Safety, Health, Well-Being, and Human Services


Environmental Conservation and Sustainability



Transportation Safety and Mobility



Ann B. Wheeler was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the 2019 General Election and assumed office on January 1, 2020. Prince William County is located 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s second-most populous county with approximately 482,000 residents. 
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