Recently, NVC convened a series of executive discussions with business leaders, policymakers, and NOVA Roadmap Investors to advance the region’s economic competitiveness. These conversations focused on key policy priorities, including housing affordability and talent and workforce, all of which are critical to moving the NOVA Roadmap forward.
As the NOVA Roadmap initiative approaches its first anniversary, NVC continues to advance recommendations included in the Roadmap report, all while elevating the voice of our business community.
“The recent discussions with Roadmap investors, policymakers, and thought leaders at our Policy Labs and Executive Council meetings have advanced our understanding of the actions needed at the state and local level to achieve Roadmap’s goals,” said NVC Senior Vice President of Government Relations Clayton Medford. “While much work remains, these critical conversations are helping ensure we can move forward in a sustainable way while continuing to address emerging challenges.”
The NOVA Roadmap Executive Councils drive the progress of the Roadmap’s four goals and are comprised of representatives from investor organizations, commensurate with investment level, to shape NVC’s policy agenda. Two Co-Chairs lead each Executive Council.
Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
On May 12, the Talent and Workforce Executive Council met to discuss work-based learning opportunities and welcomed Delegate Bonita Anthony (Norfolk) to discuss her proposed work-based learning pilot.
The Council was also joined by representatives from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), who presented data on recent trends in the federal contractor workforce. While cleared job postings have softened, demand in cybersecurity, AI, and defense continues to drive the region’s economic recovery.
Even with this demand, persistent challenges such as transportation, employer capacity, and coordination with education systems continue to limit scalability. Leaders emphasized the need for stronger foundational skills and more accessible, scalable workforce pathways to support long-term growth.
Navigating the Future of AI and Innovation
On May 7, NVC’s Federal Innovation NOVA Roadmap Executive Council (Federal Innovation EC) — chaired by Noblis CTO Bill Streilein — hosted Enabled Intelligence COO Mark Tramontozzi to discuss emerging AI governance, workforce impacts, and federal procurement shifts affecting Northern Virginia’s business community.
They examined the evolving landscape of AI regulation and its implications for Northern Virginia’s economy. Business leaders discussed federal policy proposals, procurement trends, and the need for maintaining transparency, accountability, and intellectual property protections. The conversation dove into the need for an AI-literate workforce equipped with critical thinking skills, as well as a measured approach to adopting emerging technologies in sensitive sectors.
Exploring Solutions for Housing Affordability
On June 3, NVC convened members, regional policymakers, and housing experts for NVC’s first Policy Lab, the Housing Bank Policy Lab, to explore how Northern Virginia can more effectively address the complex and evolving challenge of housing affordability through innovative financing.
Key themes included the need to expand funding mechanisms, reduce regulatory barriers that delay development, and explore models such as a regional housing bank or special purpose entities supported by blended capital. Participants also emphasized the potential for stronger private-sector involvement and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
Advancing Tax Policy Through Dialogue
On June 15, NVC hosted its second Policy Lab with Delegates Vivian Watts (Annandale) and Richard “Rip” Sullivan (McLean) to examine Virginia’s tax structure and proposals to expand the sales and use tax to services.
The discussion reinforced Goal 3 of the NOVA Roadmap, which calls for the modernization of our “foundational systems.” Business leaders shared perspectives on how potential tax changes would affect growth, while also signaling the importance of incentives and reducing local tax pressures as part of a balanced reform approach.
Pushing Cross-Sector Workforce Development
On June 29, NVC hosted the Energy & Mobility Council and Healthcare Council to discuss workforce development in two key sectors: nuclear energy and healthcare. These two Councils were looped into the conversation because NVC believes workforce development is an issue that cuts across all organizations. To lead, NVC welcomed the Westchester County Association’s Director of Workforce Development, Jason Chapin, who has more than 20 years of workforce development experience working for CUNY, SUNY, The WorkPlace, and WCA on federal, state, and foundation grant projects that have benefited more than 25,000 job seekers.
Call to Action
Organizations that want to play a direct role in shaping the region’s economic future are encouraged to engage. Executive Council participation is available exclusively to NOVA Roadmap investors. To learn more about joining this effort and contributing to upcoming discussions, please contact NVC’s Senior Vice President of Member Engagement, Jared Sloane.
