One year after its launch, the NOVA Roadmap has evolved from an ambitious vision into a regional movement focused on strengthening Northern Virginia’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Introduced by NVC in July 2025 in partnership with Accenture, the NOVA Roadmap was created to help the region navigate economic uncertainty, reduce its reliance on federal spending, and strengthen Northern Virginia’s position as a leader in innovation, talent, and investment.
The Roadmap challenged the region to move beyond a “wait and see” approach and embrace coordinated action around four bold goals: reinvent the economy, cultivate affordability for our workforce, attract sustained investment, and tell our powerful story.
One year later, those goals continue to unite business leaders, elected officials, educational institutions, and community stakeholders around a shared vision for the region’s future.
“As we celebrate the first anniversary of the NOVA Roadmap, we are encouraged by the momentum we have built together,” said Julie Coons, President and CEO of NVC. “What began as a call to action has become a catalyst for collaboration and progress. The Roadmap has created a shared vision for Northern Virginia’s future and positioned our region to compete more effectively in a rapidly changing economy.”
Taking Action
When the Roadmap was unveiled, federal workforce reductions, contracting volatility, housing affordability, infrastructure capacity, and talent retention emerged as growing concerns in NVC’s 2025 Quarterly Business Leader Surveys, showing the need for a more diversified economic future.
Over the past year, NVC has advanced the Roadmap through advocacy efforts in Richmond and the work of its Executive Councils.
Highlighted in the May 2026 NOVA Roadmap Progress Report, these efforts have helped align business leaders and policymakers around key issues including economic diversification, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, energy capacity, and regulatory modernization.
Executive Councils Driving Progress
A key driver of the Roadmap’s progress has been the formation of seven NOVA Roadmap Executive Councils. Established shortly after the initiative’s launch, the councils bring together leaders from investor organizations to identify priorities, shape policy recommendations, and support NVC’s advocacy efforts.
The councils focus on the economic environment, talent and workforce, federal innovation, energy and mobility, healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship, and NextGen leadership. Led by executive-level co-chairs, they help translate the Roadmap’s goals into practical solutions. Since their formation, the councils have convened 21 times and continue to serve as a forum for regional leadership and problem-solving.
Throughout 2026, council members have explored various issues mentioned in the Roadmap report. Those discussions have been complemented by exclusive Policy Labs featuring elected officials and industry experts, ensuring the Roadmap remains informed by real-world challenges and opportunities.
Perspectives from Executive Council Co-Chairs
Economic Environment:
- “The NOVA Roadmap has already proven to be a critical tool for improving Northern Virginia’s competitive edge. Through our Economic Environment Executive Council, we are translating those priorities into practical advocacy that grows the economy and keeps investment flowing into our region.” – Kathryn Falk, Cox Communications
- “What NVC has done with the creation of NOVA Roadmap is identify many areas that we can focus on as a region for economic growth and improving quality of life. NVC’s advocacy and engagement with industry leadership, local jurisdictions, and state leaders in Richmond is helping clear the path for private investment to increase housing production and grow opportunities.” – Taylor Chess, Peterson Companies
Talent and Workforce:
“Bringing state leaders like Delegate Bonita Anthony and Virginia Works Commissioner Nicole Overley into our Talent & Workforce Executive Council conversations underscored the reach and importance of NVC’s business advocacy. NOVA Roadmap gives us a shared framework to build scalable workforce pipelines that meet employer needs.” – Laura Giangiuli, CALIBRE.
Federal Innovation:
“Northern Virginia sits on an unmatched concentration of science, technology, and mission expertise. NOVA Roadmap and our Federal Innovation Council are converting that into policy that attracts private capital, grows the workforce, and positions this region as the nation’s innovation engine.” – Bill Streilein, Noblis.
Healthcare:
- “Health care affordability and a stable care delivery system are essential to employer competitiveness. Through NOVA Roadmap, our Healthcare Executive Council is advancing pragmatic policy solutions to rein in costs while protecting access; we are developing practical goals concerning innovation, system alignment, and access to care.” – Rebecca Fallen, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- “NOVA Roadmap helped focus our healthcare advocacy on predictable policies that ensure our healthcare delivery system can thrive. The conversations driven by our Healthcare Executive Council result in meaningful outcomes that support patients, communities, and employers across Northern Virginia.” – Michael Forehand, Inova Health
Technology and Entrepreneurship:
- “Northern Virginia’s innovation economy depends on clear policy, workforce talent, and predictable incentives. NOVA Roadmap and our Technology & Entrepreneurship Executive Council have been instrumental in shaping pro‑growth policies to let startups scale here.” – John Song, Baird
- “From data center stewardship to talent retention, NOVA Roadmap anchors our tech advocacy in practical steps that protect critical infrastructure while nurturing the next generation of businesses and entrepreneurs.” – Richard Sawchak, SPA, Inc.
Energy and Mobility:
- “Reliable energy and smart mobility investments are foundational to economic growth. Through NOVA Roadmap, our council has driven actionable proposals to speed permitting for renewables and secure responsible transit funding.” – Chris Ellis, Huntington Bank
- “Energy resilience and efficient permitting are business imperatives. NOVA Roadmap provides the strategic priorities we need to modernize energy infrastructure while balancing affordability goals.” – Christian Deschauer, Washington Gas
Building a Coalition for the Region’s Future
The Roadmap’s growing influence is reflected in the support it has received from our business community. When the report was initially released, there were fewer than 30 investor organizations. That number has now more than doubled to over 60 investors. These supporting organizations represent a wide range of industries.
That support has enabled NVC to convene business leaders, elected officials, and economic development professionals to strengthen Northern Virginia’s competitiveness. Through Policy Labs, executive roundtables, leadership forums, and advocacy efforts, the Roadmap has fostered cross-sector partnerships and elevated regional priorities.
Looking Ahead
While the first year focused on building the foundation, the NOVA Roadmap was always intended to be a multi-year initiative.
The challenges facing Northern Virginia will not be solved overnight. Still, the Roadmap’s first year has demonstrated the value of a clear regional strategy and sustained engagement from leaders across sectors.
“The momentum we’ve built in just one year demonstrates what’s possible when business, government, and community leaders align around common goals,” said Richard Pineda, President and CEO of CALIBRE and Chairman of the NVC Board of Directors. “As we look ahead, we are focused on building on this foundation and continuing to strengthen Northern Virginia’s position as one of the nation’s most competitive and innovative regions.”
The NOVA Roadmap was built on a simple premise: Northern Virginia’s future should be shaped intentionally, not left to chance. One year later, it has become more than a report. It is a platform for action, a vehicle for regional collaboration, and a long-term commitment to strengthening the region’s economic future.
For more information on getting involved with the NOVA Roadmap, email SVP of Member Engagement Jared Sloane.
