Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

The Commission’s service area includes 40 tobacco-dependent localities in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Local governments and nonprofits serving those localities are eligible to apply to the Commission’s grant and loan programs for projects that will enhance the economic growth and development of the region. See our [Grant and Loan Programs page](https://revitalizeva.org/programs/) for more information on specific programs. **Tobacco Region Localities:** **Counties of:** Amelia, Appomattox, Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Cumberland, Dickenson, Dinwiddie, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lee, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Sussex, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe **Cities of:** Bristol, Danville, Emporia, Galax, Martinsville, Norton \*The City of Lynchburg is not in the Tobacco Region In today’s environment – where markets are largely global and employment is increasingly knowledge-based – the Commission seeks to accelerate regional transformation, giving citizens expansive opportunities for education and employment, and providing communities the benefits of economic stability, diversification, and enhanced prosperity. In particular, the Commission seeks to meet the region’s specific challenges related to a historic dependence on tobacco production, textile and furniture manufacturing, and coal production. As a result, the Commission also recognizes that investments should reflect and directly advance local, regional and state priorities as established by elected and appointed officials, representatives from institutions of higher education, and other community leaders. The Commission views economic development as a partnership, and will – as often as practicable -seek input from regional stakeholders to ensure its priorities align with those of the region. The Commission’s work is grounded in an objective and quantifiable economic base analysis. In general, directly productive industries, and the workforce training and development which supports them, do more to further this goal and should be favored over an increase in service industries primarily serving local markets. Finally, the Commission must focus on ensuring the maximum impact of its expenditures, both as they relate to creating economic growth, and as they relate to maintaining the Commission’s fiscal sustainability as a critical source of capital to the region the Commission serves.