Navigating Growth and Community Dynamics in Winchester, Virginia

Our News

July 18, 2024

Brick entry way labeled Old town Winchester

Winchester, Virginia, is known for its blend of history, culture and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors and a vibrant community for its residents. Outdoor adventurers enjoy easy access to Shenandoah National Park, while history enthusiasts can walk the streets of a city that changed hands between Union and Confederate forces several times during the Civil War.

In May, President Tom Barkin, Regional Executive Renee Haltom and Regional Community Development Manager Jarrod Elwell met with local community and business leaders in Winchester and its surrounding counties to gain a fuller understanding of the economic strengths and opportunities facing the region as part of the Bank’s Community Conversations program.

The Winchester Metro Area is the fastest growing metro area in the state of Virginia, with its population growing at almost five times the rate of Virginia as a whole. Some municipalities in the region are embracing growth, while others are being intentional in maintaining their rural character. One challenge for communities experiencing an influx of population is figuring out a shared plan for the future across leaders and localities, from housing and economic development to comprehensive infrastructure solutions.

A Unified Commitment to Education and Career Development

As Winchester’s leaders explore a common vision for their future, one thing they all agree on is the importance of career and technical education.

During the trip, the team spoke with leaders from Laurel Ridge Community College, a leader in providing a broad array of workforce development programs to students throughout the area. Laurel Ridge boasts the largest dual enrollment program in the state, graduating 320 high school students this year with either a 1-year certificate or a 2-year degree.

Winchester Public Schools partnered with Laurel Ridge on the Shihadeh Innovation Center. Now in its third year, the Innovation Center was seeded by a private $4 million investment and provides all 9th through 12th graders with career and technical training regardless of whether they plan to go into a trade. Local industry partners like the Winchester Regional Airport, one of only seven business-class airports in Virginia, provide work-based training and learning opportunities that can lead to certifications.

“More and more I’m seeing community colleges like Laurel Ridge partnering on innovative programs that not only better prepare students for the regional job market, but also help increase enrollment at times when four-year colleges are telling me they’re struggling,” said Barkin after his visit to the Innovation Center. “It’s a win for students, the local area and the community colleges themselves.”

Housing Crossroads: Differing Perspectives on Navigating Population Growth

In the Winchester area, housing costs are steadily increasing, driven in part by an influx of commuters from Washington, D.C., seeking more affordable, small-town living. In a meeting with Frederick County, for instance, officials discussed how the county has increased residential construction to help accommodate population growth.

According to a recent study by the Richmond Fed, in the Fifth District the number of new residential permits issued by a locality can be used as an indicator of housing supply growth. From 2021 to 2022, three of the six municipalities in the planning district issued more building permits than the national average, indicating a growth in the number of housing units, while the other three issued less or the same rate of new residential permits as the national average. The Richmond Fed’s outreach team routinely hears that local zoning restrictions, permitting regulations and approval processes, and availability and affordability of land are just a few factors that can hinder housing supply growth.

The rising demand for and cost of housing in the area highlights an underlying tension for the many smaller towns fortunate to experience growth: embracing growth and accommodating new residents while also preserving the area’s rural roots.

Sign that says love in a grassy field in Winchester, Virginia

Embracing Community Support in Addressing Health Challenges and Rising Demand

During a roundtable on health, workforce and housing, hosted by Our Health on its campus, the team learned more about the current health concerns for the area, which include a rise in substance abuse and a need for additional mental health services for residents. Our Health, an umbrella organization, opened in October 2003 as a means of providing a centralized location for many of Winchester’s health and human service agencies. Our Health also recruits volunteers, researches and writes grant applications, provides training and technical assistance, and offers management and financial guidance for its nearly 100 partner agencies.

Additionally, Winchester’s Sinclair Health Clinic, which aims to provide comprehensive primary care and promote the overall wellbeing of uninsured and underinsured patients, has experienced a recent surge in new patients, particularly among those who previously earned too much to qualify for services. In 2023, the clinic served thousands of patients, over half of which were uninsured.

The area boasts an exceptionally high volunteer rate, reflecting a strong sense of community and willingness to support one another in times of need. Through collaboration and continued community engagement, the Winchester area strives to address its health care needs while nurturing a culture of care and support for all its residents.

What’s Next: A Shared Vision for the Future?

A few thought-provoking questions arose during our meetings with community stakeholders across the Winchester area:

As Winchester surges as the fastest growing area in the state, what lessons can other localities glean from its approach to harnessing urban overflow?
What concerted efforts are underway to expand the housing inventory, ensuring affordability for the diverse workforce vital to the region’s economic growth?
Amid the momentum of growth, how can the region work together to pursue a shared vision for its inevitable expansion? And, in that vision, how can the area maintain some of its rural, small-town charm?

In grappling with these questions, Winchester and its surrounding counties stand at a pivotal moment, where the decisions made today will shape their future. Like many places in the Fifth District, this region is faced with choices about how they want to grow, how they want to preserve rural characteristics and how they can unite under a shared vision. One thing is clear: Winchester is a community overflowing with beauty, compassion and a wealth of opportunities waiting to be seized.

Dive Deeper:

Jim Strader

Navigating Growth and Community Dynamics in Winchester, Virginia

Topics