• The Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program (“EPP") in the 2024 Session, which had a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025.

• The pilot program allows up to two Virginia Business Ready Sites Program-eligible sites (§ 2.2-2240.2:1) and four economic development projects to participate in the program per year.

• The EPP requires local and state agencies to process and render decisions on relevant permits or requests for approval within 180 days of receiving application materials.

• The EPP has been marketed to economic development prospects since the guidelines were established in January 2025, with companies noting the program as a major factor separating Virginia from its competitors.

• Since the end of the 2025 fiscal year, two companies partnering with Virginia localities have confirmed participation in the program. These projects will have a lasting impact in the Commonwealth, announcing nearly $10 billion in capital investment and creating 1,250 new jobs, while citing Virginia’s favorable business climate and responsive government support as key decision-making factors.