2026 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

HOW WE MOVE FORWARD, TOGETHER

Last year was a pivotal year for AEDP and for the City of Alexandria’s economic development plans. In January, City Council adopted Alexandria’s first
strategic economic plan in almost 20 years. ALX Forward: A Strategic Framework for Economic Growth prioritizes dozens of initiatives over the next five to 10 years to guide the City’s future.

AEDP was proud to lead that effort with our colleagues in the City of Alexandria government. But we’re prouder still of what it means and what comes next, with this clear direction from the community. Our work is important and impactful, and we are being encouraged to do more of it.

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ALX FORWARD

In January, City Council adopted ALX Forward: A Strategic Framework for Economic Growth, the City’s first comprehensive economic development framework in nearly two decades.

The plan comes after an 18-month engagement effort that included focus
groups, surveys, and a daylong Economic Summit designed to answer a critical question: How can Alexandria remain competitive while preserving the qualities that make it a remarkable place to live, work, and do business?

With economic development consultants from TIP Strategies, the City and AEDP engaged residents, business owners, nonprofit leaders, schools, developers, and regional partners through more than 890 community touchpoints. That input was paired with market analysis and benchmarking of peer cities to ensure the framework reflected both local priorities and economic realities.

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2026 STORIES

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

National Innovation Quarter (National IQ) Launches in Northern Virginia

Ten start-ups with high-growth potential in the fields of defense, aerospace, health tech, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity will participate in the City of Alexandria’s first targeted program for tech entrepreneurs.

AEDP Selects FedTech to Launch the Alexandria Business Accelerator

Ten start-ups with high-growth potential in the fields of defense, aerospace, health tech, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity will participate in the City of Alexandria’s first targeted program for tech entrepreneurs.

Place-Based Development

Alexandria Retains National Science Foundation Headquarters

On Friday, November 14, 2025, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) will remain in Alexandria, moving to 401 Dulany Street in the Carlyle neighborhood, onto the same campus as the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Raising the Bar: Inova’s Alexandria Hospital Campus Will Set a New Standard for Regional Healthcare

Inova hosted a topping out ceremony on April 13 in Alexandria’s West End to celebrate the transformation of a vacant mall site into a state-of-the-art healthcare campus.

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Business Retention & Recruitment

Mom’s the Word: Global CEO Julie Talbot on What the Next Chapter Holds for Lansinoh Laboratories

Since 1984, Lansinoh has paved the way for women to nurse on their own terms. Today, the trusted parenting company sells products ranging from breast pumps to baby bottles in over 60 countries, supporting mothers through prenatal care, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and toddlerhood.

More Than a Music Venue: The Birchmere’s Enduring Legacy in Alexandria

For more than 60 years, The Birchmere has been a cornerstone of Alexandria’s live music scene. Founded in 1966 by Gary Oelze, the once small sandwich shop evolved into a 500-seat venue, becoming one of the region’s most beloved music halls.

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SHINING MOMENTS

Several projects and developments across the City this year earned notable economic development accolades. From an all-affordable office conversion to 500 new jobs in the West End, these award-winning deals highlight how combining community needs with business opportunities moves ALX forward.

Chamber ALX Names Marian Marquez 40 Over 40

AEDP Senior Vice President Marian Marquez was recognized by the Chamber ALX as a 2026 40 Over 40 Award Winner. Marian directs the City’s core economic development functions of business investment, real estate, and small business initiatives. From overseeing the City’s first accelerator for high-growth technology startups, Accelerate ALX, co-launching the National Innovation Quarter, and co-leading the effort that led to ALX Forward, Marian plays a vital role in advancing Alexandria’s innovation economy and long-term growth.

Systems Planning & Analysis Expansion Named the Top Non-Manufacturing Deal in Virginia

Area Development magazine’s 21st Annual Shovel Awards recognize impactful developments across the nation. Alexandria-headquartered Systems Planning & Analysis’ purchase of its building and regional expansion was named the best non-manufacturing deal in Virginia and the fifth nationwide. SPA’s $46.9 million investment will bring 1,200 new jobs to Alexandria and Fairfax County over the next five years.

Virginia Tech’s First Alexandria Building is a Top Virginia Project

Virginia Business magazine recognized Virginia Tech’s Academic Building One as a Top Project for 2026. The $310 million faceted Potomac Yard building delivers on the promise of talent development made with the recruitment of Amazon’s HQ2 in 2018. The 11-story, 300,000-square-foot graduate facility anchors Virginia Tech’s presence in the region and fuels Northern Virginia’s efforts to grow its tech talent workforce.

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Tap into Tech Talent Takes Home a Business Facilities EDO Award

AEDP’s Tap into Tech Talent event was honored in Business Facilities magazine’s 2026 Economic Development Organization (EDO) Awards. The EDO Awards spotlight innovative economic development programs and initiatives across the country. The event connects students at the Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing with Alexandria businesses seeking employees, interns, or help with a specific project. Businesses spanned Alexandria’s industries, from consulting firms and biotech to boutique retail and wellness studios.

Business Facilities magazine also named Alexandria the “Top Innovation Hub” to watch in 2025, citing the official opening of Virginia Tech’s new building as a key driver of entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities in the region.

Alexandria Is a Top City for Recent Grads

Coworking Café named Alexandria a Top Mid-Sized U.S. City for Recent Grads Starting a Career in 2026. Alongside neighboring Arlington, Alexandria had the highest share of jobs for recent graduates at 7.5%, and had an increase in degree attainment, median income, and improved employer health insurance coverage from 2025.

5001 Eisenhower Breaks Ground and Earns Deal of the Year Recognition

Virginia Business magazine named the conversion of the long-vacant former Victory Center as a Top Real Estate Deal of 2026. The 640,000 square-foot building at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue, which has been empty since 2003, is being redeveloped to a 377-unit all-affordable residential building thanks to a first-of-its-kind tax abatement from the City of Alexandria and a partnership between owner Stonebridge and Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund.

The project broke ground in February 2026. “Working with the City and Amazon, we are able to think bigger than conversion,” said Douglas M. Firstenberg, Principal at Stonebridge in a press release at the time. “We were able to create a new model for affordable housing. The scale of the project, the range of affordability, unit mix, and the capital committed to the project are unique. We are grateful to all our partners’ commitment to making this project a reality.”

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