Economic Development Authority

AGENDA City of Williamsburg Economic Development Authority Monday, April 13, 2026 A meeting of the Economic Development Authority will be held Monday, April 13, 2026 in the Municipal Building, Large CM Conference Room, 401 Lafayette Street commencing at 11:30 AM. Page I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March Draft Minutes 2-8 IV. REVIEW FINANCIAL STATEMENTS V. CHAIRMAN REPORT VI. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Revenue Sharing Incentive Program Update Total Incentives to Date: $716,232.80 Net New Taxes to City: $1,874,570.90 VII. OLD BUSINESS VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. 2026 Business Appreciation Award 9 - 14 IX. LIAISON REPORT X. NEXT MEETING Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Stryker Center (412 N Boundary Street). XI. ADJOURN Page 1 of 14  MINUTES City of Williamsburg Economic Development Authority March 11, 2026 A meeting of the Economic Development Authority was held on March 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Stryker Center, Room 127, 412 N. Boundary Street. I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Dowdy called the meeting to order at 3:05 PM. II. ROLL CALL The following members were present: Chair Odessa Dowdy, Elaine McBeth, and Adria Vanhoozier Vice Chair Robert (Robby) Willey arrived at 3:07 PM. The following members were absent: Brian Twiddy Staff Attending: Director of Economic Development & Tourism Yuri Matsumoto, Tourism Division Manager Joanna Skrabala, Economic Development Specialist Sarah Seward, Legal Counsel Christina Shelton, Planning Commission Liaison Erica Bowe, and City Council Liaison Barbara Ramsey. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January EDA Minutes Moved by Vanhoozier, seconded by McBeth, to approve the January minutes as presented. Carried 3-0-0-2 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Dowdy, McBeth, Vanhoozier Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Twiddy, Willey IV. REVIEW FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. Financial Statements Ms. Matsumoto reviewed the financial statements for January and February. Page 2 of 14  In January, the EDA received $575.03 in interest earnings. There was a $325.69 expense to Dominion Energy for safety lighting at the former DMV site on Capitol Landing Road. In February, the EDA received $320.33 in Business Roundtable revenue and $517.44 in interest earnings. February expenditures included $62.50 for EDA board member name tags, $252.78 for safety lighting at the former DMV site on Capitol Landing Road, and a $2,080.04 tax incentive payment. V. CHAIRMAN REPORT VI. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Revenue Sharing Incentive Program Update Total Incentives to Date: 716,232.80 Net New Taxes to City: 1,874,570.90 Ms. Matsumoto reported that the Revenue Sharing Incentive Program stands as updated in the meeting packet. Ms. Matsumoto provided updates on several key initiatives and programs, including: • The Hospitality & Tourism Training Program, a partnership with the Virginia Peninsula Community College, was approved for Fast Forward funding at the state level. The program will launch on July 6 and run through December 17. Fast Forward covers one-third of tuition costs for in-demand fields, with potential for 100% coverage for qualifying income levels. • SCORE Williamsburg was named the 2025 chapter of the year in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, SCORE Williamsburg has partnered with the Economic Development Authorities of the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Williamsburg Community Foundation to begin hosting a quarterly series of workshops for businesses. The Chamber will host the first workshop on April 21st, covering marketing and sales, followed by sessions on AI in July, access to capital in October, and business taxes in January 2027. • Progress continues on the launch of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in Merchants Square. Ms. Matsumoto noted that six businesses will be participating in the DORA, and the Williamsburg Police Chief has approved the use of stickers on cups instead of stamped logos, which should help expedite the process. The DORA boundary is limited to the first block of Merchants Square on Duke of Gloucester Street. • Several businesses have recently opened and will be scheduled ribbon- cutting ceremonies, including Don Chido, Ricky’s Wine Bar, and a Turkish restaurant. Economic Development Authority March 11, 2026 Page 3 of 14  • Williamsburg is co-hosting the upcoming spring conference for the Virginia Economic Development Association, which will bring over 350 economic developers from across Virginia to the Williamsburg Lodge from March 25-27. This has led to a partnership with Visit Williamsburg and the Chamber to notify businesses of large incoming groups and conventions. • The Hampton Road Alliance is leading a Defense Technology Delegation to the U.K. from March 15 to 19. Mayor Pons and Councilwoman Ramsey will represent Williamsburg on the trip. Representatives from William & Mary are also attending. • The Regional Business Appreciation Event will be held in May in celebration of Small Business Month. This year is Williamsburg’s turn to host, and it will be held at the Muscarelle Museum of Art. • Staff are coordinating with York County and James City County to update and clean the regional Historic Triangle Wayfinding signage ahead of the semiquincentennial. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Consideration and Action Regarding Proposed Resolution #26-01 and Proposed Resolution #26-02, Authorizing the EDA's Participation in a Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund Grant Award Ms. Matsumoto presented two resolutions. Resolution #26-01 authorizes the EDA's participation in the $5 million grant award from the Commonwealth’s Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund, and authorizes execution of the directed funds agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation. Resolution #26-02 authorizes the chair to sign an agreement with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, assigning the obligations of the EDA from the directed funds agreement to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Moved by Vanhoozier, seconded by McBeth, that the EDA approve proposed Resolution #26-01, authorizing the EDA’s participation in the Virginia Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund grant award and execution of a Directed Funds Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation, and proposed Resolution #26-02, authorizing the assignment of obligations under that agreement to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and execution of an Assumption of Obligations Agreement with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Carried 4-0-0-1 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Dowdy, McBeth, Willey, Vanhoozier Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Twiddy Economic Development Authority March 11, 2026 Page 4 of 14 VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and Action Regarding Updates to the Bylaws of the Economic Development Authority Ms. Matsumoto presented proposed amendments to the EDA bylaws, reducing the number of meetings required annually. The proposal would change meetings from monthly to every other month, beginning in March 2026, while retaining the ability to call special meetings to consider incentive requests, bond applications, and other time-sensitive matters as they arise. The proposed bylaws also formalized the addition of a department report section to the agenda. Moved by McBeth, seconded by Dowdy, that the EDA approve the proposed amendments to the EDA Bylaws as presented, changing the regular meeting schedule from monthly to every other month beginning March 2026, and adding a Department Report Section to the agenda format. Carried 4-0-0-1 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Dowdy, McBeth, Willey, Vanhoozier Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Twiddy B. Review of the Annual Audit of the Economic Development Authority's Financial Records for FY25 Ms. Matsumoto reported that the FY25 audit of the EDA’s financial records was completed and resulted in an unmodified, “clean”, opinion. Ms. Matsumoto also reported that the audit was accompanied by a Management Letter that noted an internal control matter related to the reconciliation of Accounts Receivable. During FY25, the Finance Department recorded an adjustment to correct the account balance after it was determined that the account had not been routinely reconciled. Ms. Matsumoto shared that she had identified the issue in January 2025 and worked with Finance staff to reconcile the account and implement procedures that ensure routine monitoring and reconciliation moving forward. Ms. McBeth commented that the matter identified in the Management Letter was related to the fiscal agent that manages the EDA’s financial records, and not necessarily the fault of Economic Development staff or the Economic Development Authority. Economic Development Authority March 11, 2026 Page 5 of 14  Moved by McBeth, seconded by Vanhoozier, to accept the audit as presented. Carried 4-0-0-1 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Dowdy, McBeth, Willey, Vanhoozier Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Twiddy C. Discussion Regarding the FY27 Draft EDA Budget Ms. Matsumoto presented the draft FY27 budget, noting that it represents a 13.3% reduction from the FY26 budget, primarily due to decreased anticipated incentive payments. Ms. Vanhoozier inquired about the name of the “Downtown Vibrancy" budget line, suggesting that it be expanded beyond downtown. It was recommended that the budget line be renamed "Commercial District Vibrancy" to support funding for projects in other commercial areas throughout the City of Williamsburg. Staff confirmed this change would provide more flexibility and better reflect the EDA's evolving role as various business districts have developed their own organizations and programming. D. Hard Hat Tour of the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center Ms. Matsumoto announced that following the closed session at the end of the agenda, board members would tour the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center. Hard hats and safety vests would be provided on site. IX. LIAISON REPORT A. Business Roundtable – Ms. Dowdy B. Williamsburg Downtown – Mr. Willey C. The Edge District – Mr. Willey D. Tourism Development Grant Review Committee – Mr. Twiddy – No Report E. Williamsburg Public Art Council (WPAC) – Ms. McBeth and Ms. Ramsey F. Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (EVRIFA) – Ms. Ramsey – No Report G. Planning Commission – Ms. Bowe H. City Council – Ms. Ramsey X. CLOSED SESSION A. Closed session pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia pursuant to subparagraph 5 for the purpose of discussing prospective businesses where no public announcement has been made. Economic Development Authority March 11, 2026 Page 6 of 14  Moved by McBeth, seconded by Dowdy, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia, pursuant to subparagraph 5, for the purpose of discussing 27 prospective businesses or expansion of existing businesses where no public announcement has been made. Carried 4-0-0-1 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Dowdy, McBeth, Willey, Vanhoozier Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Twiddy B. Certification of a closed session pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia. Moved by McBeth, seconded by Vanhoozier, to approve the certification of a closed session pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia. Carried 4-0-0-1 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Dowdy, McBeth, Willey, Vanhoozier Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Twiddy X. NEXT MEETING Chair Dowdy shared that the next meeting of the Economic Development Authority would be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:30 AM in the Municipal Building at 401 Lafayette Street. Ms. Vanhoozier noted that the scheduled meeting occurs during the Williamsburg- James City County Public Schools spring break, and some board members may not be able to attend as a result. Ms. Matsumoto responded that staff would send out a poll regarding an adjusted meeting date for April. Ms. Vanhoozier and Mr. Willey departed the meeting at 4:15 PM. XI. ADJOURN Following the tour of the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center, Ms. Dowdy adjourned the meeting at 5:52 PM. Economic Development Authority March 11, 2026 Page 7 of 14 Odessa Dowdy, Chair Yuri Matsumoto, Secretary Economic Development Authority March 11, 2026 Page 8 of 14  Economic Development Authority Agenda Item Summary Meeting Date: April 13, 2026 Staff Contact: Sarah Seward, Economic Development Specialist Agenda Item Wording: 2026 Business Appreciation Award Background Information: Annually, the Economic Development Authority recognizes a City business for its hard work and dedication to making the City a better place to live, work and visit. Criteria for nomination include: • Physical presence in the City of Williamsburg • Demonstrated Staying Power (Open for business in the City for at least 5 years) • Employ fewer than 100 persons in the City of Williamsburg • Innovativeness of Product or Service Offered (Illustrations of the creativity and imagination of the nominee) • Responded Positively to Adversity (Examples of problems faced in the business and the strategies used to solve them) • Contributions to Community-Oriented Projects • Exemplary Customer Service (Evidence of customer satisfaction) • Environmental Sensitivity (Attractive grounds and evidence of having implemented environmentally friendly policies) As noted at the January 2026 EDA meeting, the online nomination form launched on February 13th and closed on March 27th. The EDA is scheduled to select a winner at its meeting on April 13, 2026. The winner will be presented with the award by the Mayor at the May 14 City Council meeting. No new nominations were received in 2026. As requested by the EDA in 2023, nominations from the previous year were retained for consideration this year. • Eligible 2025 nominees: Streamline Roofing, Paint on Pottery, and Against the Grain Hospitality Previous Relevant Action: March 3, 2023 – The EDA requested that nominations be kept on record for consideration the following year during 2023 Business Appreciation Award selection. Staff Recommendation: That the EDA select a winner for the 2026 Business Appreciation Award. Sample Motion: I move that the EDA select [insert business name] as the recipient of the 2026 Business Appreciation Award. Page 9 of 14  2025 BUSINESS APPRECIATION AWARD NOMINATIONS Business Information: Number of Employees: 50 Precarious Beer Project Length of Time in City: 6 years 110 S. Henry Street, Suite F Williamsburg, VA precariousbeer.com Brief description of business: We created Precarious Beer Project for people who love beer and love life. The way we see it, the world is a beautiful and precarious place. We’re all on an adventure, here to take chances and enjoy every minute. Our own Precarious adventure began in 2017 within the 700 square foot brewery portion of the Amber Ox Public House in Colonial Williamsburg. Just a year later, our founders Andrew Voss and Chris Cook took a chance on their vision of a larger, dedicated location—just a few blocks away in Merchant Square. The Precarious Beer Hall opened with a world-class tasting room, a street-style taqueria called Electric Circus Taco Bar, an arcade with vintage games, and multiple outdoor spaces. It was an instant institution. Of course, the real winner was the beer. From stouts and sours to lagers and IPAs, the brewery had everything we needed to make the finest, most Precarious beers possible. Before we knew it, Precarious had won a Silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival—the first year we entered. A huge win for the team came in 2022 when we were named Brewery Group of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival, an incredible honor. Today, the Precarious community is home to friends, families and neighbors from all over. Locals and visitors gather at our hall-length tables to relax, have fun, and enjoy our legendary array of craft beers & bites. Examples of customer service: One of our core values is, "you're only as good as your last dish". We take that a step farther and also incorporate our service & beverage program into that mantra. Each day we strive to offer the best customer experience in the Williamsburg market. From tourists visiting us for the day, our loyal locals who we see multiple times a week, large sports teams/groups in town for the weekend, corporate gatherings convening at the Colonial Williamsburg conference space, or those day travelers from Richmond to Virginia Beach. It is a non-negotiable for us that all of our guests are treated with care & grace. Examples of product/service innovations: We proudly serve beer that is made on premise and is unique to us. We are greatly inspired by our culinary partners and flavor profiles that are a bit Page 10 of 14  2025 BUSINESS APPRECIATION AWARD NOMINATIONS unusual. Along with traditional lagers and hazy ipas, we also brew items like a Kolsch with oyster shells from another local business, we've partnered with Colonial Williamsburg to brew a historical Porter, we've acquired a number of different items from local farms over the years to work into our beer program to keep it exciting. In addition to the beer, our food program at the beer hall is ever- changing. We first opened with Electric Circus Taco Bar which specializes in street style tacos and our modern twist on classics such as, Elote & Adobo Dry Rub Wings. We then expanded the Taproom space in 2021 and added in Ol' Dominion Burger Bar, an homage to our beautiful state. At ODB we specialize in smash burgers & hand cut fries! Examples of business community contributions: Each year we try to focus our charitable efforts in hopes to make a longer and larger difference. We partner with Heritage Humane Society every year for the anniversary of Precarious opening its doors. We partner with Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters every year for our annual Field Dayz festival hosted on the lawn of the Colonial Williamsburg Art Museum. We also partner with FISH and Grove Christian Outreach around the holiday season to provide toys & essentials for those less fortunate. Throughout the year Precarious Beer Project also brews numerous beers where a portion of proceeds is returned to various non-profits. These include; We Love LA, which benefits the Wildfire Response Fund, Boss of the Bine, which benefits the Pink Boots Society, Black is Beautiful, which benefits the the National Black Brewers Association, Combat Kittens which benefits the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, joining the Pouring for our Neighbors initiative that helped those effected by flooding in NC, and many more over the years. Our non-alcoholic beer brand ENAY, also gives 1% annually back to wellness for service industry workers, most recently the beneficiary was CHOW. Examples of employee retention/satisfaction: A majority of our staff has been with us for multiple years at this point. Some key members of our team have been with us since Precarious first opened its doors. Shannon Waggoner, our Taproom Supervisor and Julie Tridente our Director of Brewing Operations both began in smaller roles when we opened our doors in 2019 and have rose to the position they currently hold. Nicholas Graziano, our Director of Operations has been with the company since Amber Ox Public House first opened its doors in 2016. Examples of how the business demonstrated exemplary problem solving in the face of challenges (i.e. during COVID-19 or otherwise): We had to close our doors on March 15th of 2020 once the pandemic hit. Four days later we had opened a curbside beer & food pickup station to ensure the people of Williamsburg could still get their hands on delicious tacos & libations. We ran a 6-day a week operation curbside until we were able to slowly open portions of our inside space while still following state & federal guidelines. Page 11 of 14  2025 BUSINESS APPRECIATION AWARD NOMINATIONS Business Information: Number of Employees: 6 Paint on Pottery Length of Time in City: 14 years 1430 High Street, Suite 504 Williamsburg, VA Paintonpotterytoo.com Brief description of business: A pottery painting studio that offers a creative and relaxing environment where individuals can personalize and decorate pre-made pottery pieces. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, the studio provides a wide range of pottery items like mugs, plates, and bowls, along with all the supplies needed to add your unique touch using vibrant paints and glazes. It’s the perfect place for fun group activities, family outings, or a solo creative escape. Examples of customer service: Personalized Guidance: Staff members greet customers warmly and offer a brief walkthrough of the pottery options available. They take the time to suggest color combinations, painting techniques, and designs based on the customer’s preferences or the occasion (e.g., a birthday or anniversary). Attention to Detail: Staff is attentive to the needs of each customer, making sure they have the proper supplies, such as brushes, paints, and aprons. They check in periodically to see if customers need any assistance, providing extra attention to beginners. Accommodating Special Requests: A customer may ask for a custom design, perhaps a specific name or theme for an event. The staff willingly accommodates this request, even offering to hand- paint special details or guide the customer through the process to ensure the design is perfect. Examples of product/service innovations: We recently started doing classes tailored to the unique interests of the community. Examples would be a Taylor Swift night, a parents night out, adult clay classes and even a charcuterie clay class. Examples of business community contributions: We work with Heritage Humane Society, William and Mary, and WJCC spirit nights. We have worked with special needs programs as well as Alzheimer’s organizations and churches. Examples of employee retention/satisfaction: We have the same employees that come back year after year on their breaks to work. We have had the same shop manager for 5 years and the same artist for 10. Page 12 of 14  2025 BUSINESS APPRECIATION AWARD NOMINATIONS Examples of how the business demonstrated exemplary problem solving in the face of challenges (i.e. during COVID-19 or otherwise): We provided To Go Kits during COVID 19. It provided a fun activity while being isolated at home. Page 13 of 14  2025 BUSINESS APPRECIATION AWARD NOMINATIONS Business Information: Number of Employees: Streamline Roofing Length of Time in City: 150 Strawberry Plains Road, Suite B Williamsburg, VA www.streamlineroofingco.com Brief description of business: Streamline Roofing has been locally owned and operated since 2014. Streamline Roofing is. Contractor A licensed contractor proving residential and commercial roof replacements and repairs. Why do you think this business should be nominated for the 2025 Business Appreciation Award?: Not only does Streamline Roofing provide exceptional craftsmanship and customer service, they give back to their community. For 8 years Streamline Roofing has given back with their Raise the Roof-Raise the Community Free Roof Giveaway. Recognizing local residents and organizations who raise the community and providing them with a free roof. Examples of exceptional service to customers: Here is a recent e-mail from a customer, “Your help was surprising, unexpected, and it really meant a lot to me. I don’t like playing the old single mom card, or being so vulnerable in email or with a group like this, but it is what it is.” Examples of business community contributions: sbestos certified and make a concerted effort to recycle materials. Page 14 of 14