Home Partnership for Petersburg ‘provides a model for other localities in Virginia’
Local

Partnership for Petersburg ‘provides a model for other localities in Virginia’

Rebecca Barnabi
Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks with attendees at the One-Year Partnership for Petersburg initiative at the Petersburg Public Library on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Petersburg residents and Gov. Glenn Youngkin celebrated the One-Year Partnership for Petersburg initiative yesterday.

Testimonials from Petersburg residents highlighted key accomplishments across the six pillars of the partnership, which was launched on August 22, 2022, with state, local, community and faith leaders who have come together with support from the Commonwealth to transform Petersburg into one of the best cities to live, work and raise a family.

“Over the year, the Commonwealth has seen a significant shift in the City of Petersburg, transforming communities and bettering the lives of many,” said Youngkin said. “Working with state government, city government and the private sector, our teams are working hard to bring comprehensive solutions to the problems that have been putting Petersburg behind. I am proud to support the people of Petersburg and look forward to celebrating the next year of opportunity and success.”

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin said the community holds a special place in the hearts of Virginians.

“We are grateful for the caring and strong leadership of our partners and the commitment demonstrated by the people of Petersburg to help their beautiful city flourish,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears said genuine trust and cooperation among stakeholders make transformation possible.

“We must continue the good work started here in Petersburg for the sake of the children, so that they can have a hope and a future,” Earle-Sears said.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said he is honored to serve the residents of Petersburg and make their community safer. His office is dedicated “to reducing violent crime in this city by utilizing innovative strategies to prevent and prosecute criminal activity. We are dedicated to tackling the serious problems preventing Petersburg from reaching its full potential, and I’m so proud of the progress made in just one year.”

“Over the past year, Petersburg has seen remarkable progress under the Partnership for Petersburg initiative,” Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham said. “Our gratitude extends to Gov. Youngkin and his team, the General Assembly, and the Commonwealth for their significant contributions. There are initiatives underway that are changing lives and other programs that will transform lives, though the impact may not be immediately visible. Addressing six decades of major challenges won’t be a quick process. However, with the Partnership support from the Governor, Petersburg is charting its path toward a future filled with positive changes for upcoming generations. This journey and its associated challenges will necessitate sustained bipartisan support from our elected leaders. As Petersburg thrives, it provides a model for other localities in Virginia and across the nation to follow for their own transformative programs, using our city’s blueprint as a guide.”

Del. Kim Taylor said the partnership has been a catalyst for economic success.

“It fills me with immense pride to witness the positive impact it has had on our community, revitalizing businesses, creating jobs and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Together, we have unlocked a brighter future for Petersburg, and the Partnership stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication,” Taylor said.

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.

Latest News

driver pulled over by police
Virginia

Police release dashcam video from crash involving trooper, driver on side of road

2025 public service awards JMU
Education, Local

Four Shenandoah Valley residents honored by JMU for public service work

Four Shenandoah Valley residents are being honored for their public service work in regional government and nonprofit organizations.

police court law
Politics

Former top CIA official pleads guilty to acting as foreign agent, lobbyist

A former CIA official pleaded guilty on Wednesday to acting as an unauthorized foreign agent during his time in the spy agency. According to information from the plea agreement, Dale Britt Bendler, 68, of Miami, had retired as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service in 2014, and began working as a full-time contractor at...

interstate 81
Virginia

Virginia: 24-year-old woman dead, ejected from vehicle in I-81 crash

staunton-rolling-coal-incident-vehicle
Local, Politics

Staunton PD had past issues with tow-truck driver charged in April 5 rally incident

donald trump dei
Politics

Letter: The embrace of Trump’s anti-DEI edicts will leave scars for Black Americans

Education, Local

2025 Teachers of the Year: Waynesboro Schools honors ‘the best of the best’