Franklin County leaders explain how development prospects are reviewed

Franklin County leaders are trying to answer public questions about how large economic-development prospects are reviewed before they become public projects.

In a June 25 joint statement, Board Chair Lorie Smith and County Administrator Steve Sandy said the county regularly receives project inquiries through groups such as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Roanoke Regional Partnership, utility providers and site-selection consultants. The statement says many inquiries never move past early review or become completed projects.

The county said each opportunity is evaluated on factors such as site suitability, infrastructure capacity, workforce availability, transportation access and fit with Franklin County's long-term development goals. The statement also explains why some early-stage discussions remain confidential under Virginia law while saying public hearings or other approvals would occur if a proposal reaches that stage.

• What to know: The statement points to Summit View Business Park as county-owned land where the Board of Supervisors has oversight over future development.
• Who is affected: Rocky Mount residents, rural Franklin County communities, nearby property owners, job seekers and businesses watching industrial-growth signals.
• Why it matters: Economic-development secrecy often creates public concern, so residents need clear checkpoints for when land-use, infrastructure or public-hearing decisions become visible.

Residents tracking a specific prospect should watch for formal agenda items, public notices, zoning actions, site-plan steps or incentive votes rather than assuming every preliminary inquiry will turn into a project.

Source: Reporting based on Franklin County's June 25, 2026 News Flash item, Joint Statement from the Franklin County Administrator and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, checked June 26, 2026.