Looking back over the years, he said leaders of Danville worked to invest and shape the future of the city. He acknowledged it took time, patience and determination for the change to happen.
“But today, those investments are paying off in ways none of us could have imagined,” he said. “Danville is now held up as an example of how a community can rebuild, reinvent and reimagine itself.”
Although not directly mentioned, one way millions of extra revenue dollars have flowed into city coffers is with the casino, which opened a full resort in December 2024.
In the first year, about 2 million visitors came through the doors of Caesars Virginia, built on what was the final operating mill of Dan River Inc., a textile giant that was once the heart of the city.
With that collapsing, coupled with a downturn in tobacco, the region spent years thrust into stagnation. Then in 2009, thoughts turned to reenergizing a dormant downtown.
Over more than a decade, private investors bought into the idea of what’s called the River District, which is now a home to new businesses and residents living in transformed tobacco warehouses.
Jones pointed to the city’s awards by those in the governmental sphere, showcasing its innovation and partnerships. Over the last year, city departments and workers earned 33 accolades.
“That kind of recognition doesn’t happen by accident,” he said. “It happens because we have talented, hardworking people who care deeply about this community.”
He thanked the residents for standing firm and believing in the future of the city.
To the city workers, he praised their creativity, commitment and heart.
“You are helping build a city that is stronger, safer, and more hopeful every single day,” he said.
Citing what he termed the “best part,” he vowed the energy will continue as the calendar flips.
“As we head into 2026, I am more optimistic than ever,” he said of the city’s momentum and vision.
“And most importantly, we have each other,” he said. “If we keep working together, supporting one another and dreaming big, the best days of Danville are still ahead.”
Read original article here (Charles Wilborn, Danville Register & Bee)
