Amherst County believes job creation and economic development are fundamental to the future prosperity of the County.
The mission of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Amherst County is to promote economic development policies and practices that help retain the county’s existing businesses and employment base; facilitate the growth of existing commercial and industrial enterprises; and attract new businesses and employment opportunities. Success in this mission will result in high-quality jobs and a stable and diverse tax base that increases the quality of life of Amherst County residents.
Economic Development Strategic Plan
The EDA completed an economic development strategic plan in July 2016 after receiving $122,000 in grant funds. The strategic plan conducted the first in-depth analysis of the Amherst County economy to determine the top 5 economic development initiatives that could be undertaken to replace lost jobs, expand the employment base of the county, increase the county tax base, and better position our community to seize economic development opportunities when they arise.
The economic development strategic plan has been endorsed by the Amherst County Board of Supervisors who funded the implementation of the plan with a .01 cent real estate tax. A video of the Strategic Plan
Economic Development Strategic Plan 2016
2-Page Overview of Strategic Plan 2016
2017 Amherst Strategic Plan Update
The EDA was created by the Amherst County Board of Supervisors with authority to acquire, own, lease, and dispose of properties and make loans for the general purpose of promoting and developing manufacturing, industrial, governmental, non-profit and commercial enterprises and institutions of higher education to locate or remain in Amherst County.
EDA board members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to four-year terms and represent one of 5 election districts.
Board Meetings
The EDA board meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Amherst County Depot Conference Room, 328 Richmond Hwy. Amherst, Va.
Approved Agendas of EDA Board Meetings: January 2017, February 2017, Special Meeting March 7, 2017, March 2017, April 2017, May 2017, June 2017, July 2017, August 2017, September 2017, Oct. 18, 2017, Oct. 18, 2017, Nov. 15, 2017, Dec. 21, 2017, Jan 10, 2018, Feb. 15, 2018, April 2018, May 2018,June 13, 2018 , July 12, 2018 , August 8, 2018, September 2018, October 2018, November 2018, December 2018,January 2019, February 2019
Approved Minutes of EDA Board Meetings: January 2017, February 2017, Special March 7, 2017, March 2017, April 2017, May 2017, June 2017, July 2017, August 2017, September 2017, October 2017, November 2017, December 2017, January 2018, February 2018, April 2018, May 2018, June 2018, July 2018, July Workshop, August 2018 ,September 2018 , October 2018 ,November 2018,December 2018,January 2019
Local Government Information
Amherst County has a county administrator and a 5 member board of supervisors.
The Town of Amherst is the county seat. There are no other incorporated towns in the county.
