Virginia Senators, Local Candidates Push for Transparency in Economic Development Deals
Virginia's U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, alongside local candidates in the Roanoke-Lynchburg area, are advocating for an end to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in economic development deals, particularly those involving data centers. The call for greater transparency stems from…
Roanoke Lynchburg, VA, September 17, 2026 —
Virginia’s top federal lawmakers and local political figures are calling for increased transparency in economic development initiatives, specifically targeting the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that shield certain project details from public scrutiny. U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are among those advocating for an end to these secrecy clauses, a stance echoed by local candidates in the Roanoke-Lynchburg region.
The push for greater openness is driven by concerns over how NDAs can obscure public understanding and oversight of significant economic development projects. This issue has come to the forefront due to recent ventures, such as a land deal involving Roanoke County. Details surrounding this particular transaction have been kept confidential due to the existence of NDAs.
Critics argue that the prevalent use of NDAs in economic development, particularly for projects like data centers which can have substantial local impacts, undermines public trust. They contend that such agreements limit accountability in crucial local decision-making processes. The lack of transparency can make it difficult for residents and elected officials to fully assess the potential benefits, costs, and implications of these deals.
While the specific content of the Roanoke County land deal remains undisclosed, the debate centers on the principle of public access to information concerning taxpayer-funded incentives or land transactions. The movement aims to foster a more open environment where the public can be better informed about decisions that shape their communities. The contractors involved in such deals, as well as the precise terms and conditions of the agreements, were not detailed in the information provided. The extent of NDAs used in other economic development projects in the region was also not specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Madeleine Ahmadi on www.wdbj7.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
