By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
The Town of Dumfries has launched its inaugural Economic Development Authority (EDA), marking a pivotal moment in the community’s evolution. As Virginia’s oldest incorporated town, Dumfries now possesses a formal structure empowered to guide redevelopment, attract funding, and advance long-term economic goals. This new body is expected to play a central role in shaping the town’s future through strategic planning and community engagement.
The EDA’s formation enhances Dumfries’ ability to pursue state, federal, and private investments. It also strengthens governance mechanisms critical to advancing Destination Dumfries 2044, the town’s comprehensive revitalization plan. Key initiatives include transforming Main Street into a pedestrian-friendly center, redeveloping the waterfront area, and preparing for the realignment of Route 1. These efforts aim to boost local commerce, improve public spaces, and increase residential appeal.
Mayor Derrick Wood emphasized the EDA’s role in accelerating progress on existing projects. “Over the next two years, this authority will allow us to act faster and with greater strategic clarity,” he stated. Among the priorities are supporting active requests for proposals (RFPs) for Main Street, the Waterfront, and the Crossroads, relaunching the Dumfries Business Development Association, and launching pilot programs that deliver visible outcomes for residents.
Wood highlighted several cornerstone developments that reflect the town’s renewed momentum:
Overlook Park: A public green space being developed on a former landfill site, offering panoramic views of Quantico Creek and the Potomac River.
Waterfront District: A plan to convert an old salvage yard into a mixed-use neighborhood with commercial and recreational components.
Main Street Revival: Preparations to repurpose the southbound lanes of Route 1 into a walkable urban core.
Business Association Reboot: Reestablishing a formal network for local entrepreneurs and property owners to collaborate on growth strategies.
“The appointment of the first EDA members is not ceremonial—it signals Dumfries’ readiness to shape its own destiny,” Wood said. “We are no longer overlooked; we are unforgettable. With this new tool, we can foster more small enterprises, generate employment, create gathering spaces for families, and build lasting pride in our community.”
The EDA’s initial focus will center on three core objectives: strengthening partnerships with local businesses and property owners, supporting ongoing RFP processes for key development zones, and delivering early, visible improvements such as activating Overlook Park and launching programming on Main Street.
The seven founding members bring diverse professional backgrounds and civic commitment:
Tyrone Brown – 4-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2029)
Sean Spence – 3-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2028)
Benjamin Gyepi-Garbrah – 3-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2028)
Sharay Harris – 2-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2027)
Jurgen Van Dijk – 2-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2027)
Lawrence Nickerson – 1-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)
Nathan Dailey – 1-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)
Each member cited distinct motivations for their involvement. Tyrone Brown stressed improving residents’ quality of life so people choose to live in Dumfries, not merely reside there. Sean Spence, with experience in corporate finance and managing a $500 million infrastructure portfolio, believes his expertise in large-scale investment can help the town compete for external funding. Lawrence Nickerson sees immediate potential in revitalizing vacant commercial spaces through a small business district initiative. Sharay Harris emphasized inclusive development, advocating for systems that ensure all community members benefit, not just established or well-connected stakeholders.
Transparency will be prioritized under the leadership of Town Manager Tangela Innis. Updates will be shared via the town’s website, social media, council meetings, and the Dumfries Citizens Connect mobile app. The app will provide push notifications about EDA meetings, public consultations, and project milestones, while enabling residents to submit feedback, ask questions, and access documents directly from their devices.
As the EDA begins its work, the town anticipates a new phase of growth defined by collaboration, accountability, and measurable progress.
— news from Prince William Living
— News Original —
Dumfries Launches First Economic Development Authority, Ushering in a New Era of Growth
By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
The Town of Dumfries took a historic step forward recently by appointing the inaugural members of its first-ever Economic Development Authority (EDA). For the first time in its long history, Virginia’s oldest Town now has a dedicated body with the authority and expertise to help guide Redevelopment, attract investment, and deliver on the community’s long-term vision.
The creation of the EDA marks a new chapter in Dumfries’ ability to compete for state, federal, and private funding. It also provides professional tools and governance capacity to accelerate the goals of Destination Dumfries 2044, the Town’s blueprint for revitalization. From transforming Main Street into a walkable hub, to reimagining the waterfront, to preparing for the realignment of Route 1, the EDA will be central to shaping Dumfries’ next decade.
A Mayor’s Vision for Action
Mayor Derrick Wood sees the EDA as more than just a formal body. It’s a practical step toward visible progress. “Over the next two years, the EDA will give Dumfries the ability to move faster and more strategically on projects already underway,” he said. “That means supporting RFPs for Main Street, the Waterfront, and the Crossroads, re-establishing the Dumfries Business Development Association, and coordinating early pilots so residents can see tangible results.”
When asked about his statement that “we are no longer overlooked: we are unforgettable,” Mayor Wood pointed to specific projects that will bring that vision to life:
Overlook Park: A public green space with sweeping views of Quantico Creek and the Potomac, built on the site of a former landfill.
Waterfront District: Redevelopment of an old salvage yard into a vibrant, mixed-use community.
Main Street Revival: Preparing for Route 1 ’s southbound lanes to become a walkable town center.
Business Association Reboot: Bringing business owners together again through a revitalized Dumfries Business Development Association.
“Appointing our first EDA members is not just a formality; it is a signal that the Town of Dumfries is ready to lead its own future,” Mayor Wood said. “We are no longer overlooked; we are unforgettable. With the creation of this EDA, Dumfries now has the tools to write the next chapter of our growth: more small businesses, more jobs, more places for families to gather, and more reasons to be proud to call this town home.”
Priorities for the First Year
According to Mayor Wood, the EDA’s top three priorities are clear:
Strengthen Partnerships – Re-establish the Dumfries Business Development Association and build strong relationships with property and business owners.
Support Town Projects – Back the active RFP process for Main Street, the Waterfront, the Crossroads, and retail strategy, ensuring community and business voices are engaged.
Deliver Visible Wins – Help launch activation efforts at Overlook Park, coordinate early Main Street programming, and highlight business opportunities that showcase Dumfries’ momentum.
Meet the Inaugural EDA Members
The seven inaugural members bring a wide range of expertise and passion to the table:
Tyrone Brown – 4-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2029)
Sean Spence – 3-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2028)
Benjamin Gyepi-Garbrah – 3-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2028)
Sharay Harris – 2-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2027)
Jurgen Van Dijk – 2-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2027)
Lawrence Nickerson – 1-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)
Nathan Dailey – 1-year term (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)
Why They Serve
For Tyrone Brown, the motivation is simple:
“To enhance the quality of life for our citizens and give them reasons to live in Dumfries, not just reside here.”
Sean Spence brings deep financial expertise, from corporate finance to managing a $500 million infrastructure program. “My experience with large-scale investment and sustainable growth strategies will help Dumfries compete for state, federal, and private investment,” he said.
Lawrence Nickerson emphasized small business support as the most immediate opportunity. “We have vacant spaces ready to be activated. By building out the Vice Mayor’s vision for a small business district, we can create tangible, near-term results.”
For Sharay Harris, inclusivity is key: “Redevelopment should serve all residents and small businesses, not just the most visible or well-connected. I bring systems to keep us accountable and focused on long-term, inclusive value.”
Keeping the Community Informed
Town staff, led by Town Manager Tangela Innis, underscored the importance of transparency. Updates will be shared through the Town website, social media, council briefings, and the Dumfries Citizens Connect app.
The app, already popular with residents, will play a central role. “Residents will receive push alerts for EDA meetings, public input sessions, and milestones,” Innis explained. “They’ll also be able to submit questions, provide feedback, and access meeting materials directly from their mobile devices.”
What’s Next