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RICHMOND, VA - On Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin joined Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Admiral Brian Christine, MD, HHS Senior Advisor Calley Means, HHS Associate Deputy Secretary West Cuthbert, as well as members of the Petersburg community for an important milestone of the Partnership for Petersburg initiative. In addition to recognizing the historic results this Partnership has already delivered for Petersburg, the event also involved major announcements for the future of Petersburg.
"Three and a half years since we initiated our Partnership for Petersburg, this city is safer, healthier, and financially stronger than it's ever been," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "By bringing together local, state, and now federal governments, alongside our private sector partners, we've been able to make a monumental change in the lives of Petersburg residents. Petersburg is a different place than it was when this Partnership began, and I know this community's best days are yet to come."
"I could not be more grateful for the big hearts of the people of Petersburg," said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. "We have witnessed tremendous progress and we are confident this is just the beginning of betterness for a historic and important city."
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. Governor, thank you for believing in Petersburg and fighting for us each and every day," said Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham.
"At HUD, we are focused on expanding affordable housing for hardworking Americans that is safe and free from hazards," said U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner. "Helping communities remove lead-based paint hazards will support Americans in developing or restoring their capacity to improve homes and protect families, especially for young children who are particularly susceptible."
"Petersburg reflects challenges facing communities nationwide," said U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "Life expectancy is low, chronic disease is high, and too many families lack basic care. The Make Petersburg Healthy Again project delivers measurable improvements where they are needed most. HHS is proud to partner with HUD and Mayor Parham, whose leadership makes this work possible."
The Partnership for Petersburg was launched on August 22, 2022, with state, local, community, and faith leaders coming together to make a difference in the lives and livelihoods of the people of Petersburg. The initiative has focused on delivering real results for Petersburg families, students, and small businesses by focusing on six pillars-fostering business and economic growth, improving access to health care, preparing Petersburg students for life, keeping the community safe, keeping Petersburg moving, and building relationships with the community.
The event featured seven distinct announcements.
1. HUD announced a Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), making $4.4 million available to communities to help them build their capacity to control lead-based paint hazards in privately owned rental and owner-occupied housing. HUD will provide technical assistance to the City of Petersburg to support this and future grant opportunities.
2. $2.8 million in existing support to the City of Petersburg from HUD for the removal of hazardous lead paint from homes, along with technical assistance to implement the program effectively.
3. A new 75-acre 300-megawatt data center campus that will total over $1.1 billion in investment and create over 50 permanent jobs from NuVu Real Estate, a Virginia based development company.
4. One-time funding commitment of $13.7 million and $3.2 million in ongoing funding for the construction of a Crisis Receiving Center and Crisis Stabilization Unit run by the Greater Reach Community Service Board.
5. A new 85-unit market rate adaptive reuse development on Bollingbrook Street that will be open within the next six months by Dave McCormack, Owner of Waukeshaw Development in Petersburg.
6. Up to $4 million from HHS to support a Make Petersburg Healthy Again program focused on pediatric asthma and other health related health conditions in the City. Initial actions under the pilot program include the establishment of an urgent care center, expanded access fresh and healthy foods, improved nutrition education, and support for environmental health improvements in buildings, such as the removal of lead hazards in homes.
7. City of Petersburg has signed an updated Industrial Revitalization Grant that will enable a grocery store to come to Petersburg.
In addition: Petersburg City Public Schools applied for and was awarded funding through the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) FY25 to support a major renovation of Petersburg High School, addressing critical infrastructure, safety, ADA, and systems deficiencies identified by VDOE assessments. In June 2025, the Virginia Board of Education awarded the division an initial $13.6 million grant, with additional funds reallocated in January 2026. As a result, Petersburg City Public Schools has now received the full SCAP-eligible award of $27.4 million toward the $91.4 million high school modernization project, supporting the creation of a safe, accessible, 21st-century learning environment.
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