An Overview of NOVA RISE
NVC is hosting the inaugural NOVA Roadmap Innovators & Stakeholders Exchange (NOVA RISE) program on Thursday, April 16, 2026. NOVA RISE is designed to unite business leaders and investors with the innovators shaping the future of our regional economy to discuss topics closely aligned with the NOVA Roadmap.
NVC will be addressing pressing regional challenges with two expert panels: The Business Case for Housing Affordability and Powering Northern Virginia’s Digital Economy.
All business leaders are encouraged to participate to learn more about the trajectory of Northern Virginia and how we can all support the creation of housing affordability and energy infrastructure strategies to ensure our region stays economically competitive.
2026 NOVA RISE sponsors include:
Presenting Sponsor: Washington Gas
Insights Sponsors: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Dominion Energy
VIP Luncheon Sponsor: William A. Hazel
Panel #1: The Business Case for Housing Affordability
The high cost of living in our region impacts every employer, hampering their ability to attract and retain a high-quality workforce. The NOVA Roadmap identifies housing affordability as a critical issue in our region.
This panel will feature developers, planners, and business leaders who will examine what is actually slowing housing production in Northern Virginia, from permitting delays to community opposition. This conversation will explore solutions that are proving effective in other fast-growing regions and focus on actions our business community can take to increase Northern Virginia’s housing supply so we can continue to attract and retain the talent that supports our economy.
Featured Voices:
Dan Alban, Strategic Advisory & Co-Founder, YIMBYs of NOVA
Thomas Fleetwood, Director, Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development
Evan Goldman, Executive Vice President, Land Acquisition and Development, EYA, LLC
The session is moderated by Carmen Romero, CEO of True Ground Housing Partners.
Panel #2: Powering Northern Virginia’s Digital Economy
Northern Virginia is home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers, firmly placing our region at the center of the global digital economy. As our ecosystem of AI, cloud, and advanced technology companies rapidly grows, the demand for energy infrastructure is reaching a critical inflection point. To maintain our leadership position, we must strengthen the power grid, scale renewables and battery storage, and adopt on-site small modular reactors (SMRs) — all of which are fundamental to powering Northern Virginia’s digital future.
Leaders from the energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors will examine how we balance the growing demand for power with the need for resilient, future-ready energy infrastructure. Join us as we discuss the strategies required to sustain Northern Virginia’s innovation-driven growth while building the infrastructure a world-class digital economy demands.
Featured Voices:
Vardahn Chaudhry, Senior Vice President, Asset Management, American Real Estate Partners
Bill Murray, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Dominion Energy
Brandon Todd, Vice President, Government Affairs, Policy & Advocacy, Washington Gas
The session is moderated by Mark Looney, Partner of Cooley LLP.
Fireside Chat: Leading the Next Chapter of Northern Virginia’s Economy
Northern Virginia’s economy has long benefited from our proximity to the federal government, a highly educated workforce, and world-class digital infrastructure. However, we are at a critical juncture. As the region faces mounting pressures — from workforce transitions and affordability challenges to intensifying national competition — the business community must take a definitive role in shaping our regional trajectory.
This fireside chat features a leading voice in business and policy to examine Northern Virginia’s economic competitiveness and the strategic leadership required to sustain our momentum. The discussion will focus on cross-sector collaboration and coalition.
The event will close with an exclusive VIP Luncheon. If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please contact NVC Senior Vice President of Membership Engagement Jared Sloane.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the discussion on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 8:00 – 11:30 am at Valo Park Auditorium. New important guests and speakers to be announced.
To register and learn more about NOVA RISE, visit our website. Explore the NOVA Roadmap’s four bold goals and priorities by visiting the Roadmap page.
