Northern Virginia is stronger together. In 2018, four jurisdictions, together with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), pitched a regional brand in reply to Amazon’s request for proposals for its HQ2 location. That brand, inNOVAtion, was ultimately awarded the project, bringing jobs and development to the area.

As a result of the successful collaboration, the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (NOVA EDA) was established in 2019 with ten jurisdictions represented throughout the area.

The organization’s 2023 leadership includes:

  • Chair: Buddy Rizer, CEcD, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development
  • Vice Chair: Patrick Small, CEcD, Manassas Department of Economic Development
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Christina Winn, Prince William County Department of Economic Development

"Virginia is consistently rated among the best states in which to do business and Northern Virginia is a large driver of that success,” said Rizer. “In fact, of all the Fortune 500 companies based in the greater D.C. area, two-thirds have chosen to locate in NOVA. A strong collaborative relationship between our individual jurisdictions makes this market attractive to companies looking to join a thriving and diverse economic community."

Cooperation among economic development departments has been encouraged by local and state leaders as the effect of such partnerships can be seen in not only asset development, but also in workforce, transportation, and affordable housing. The NOVA EDA is one of 18 regional economic development coalitions in Virginia.

"Regional collaboration integrates resources, talent, and assets to maximize economic development," said Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of Virginia Economic Development Partnership. "The NOVA EDA makes a highly marketable region even more competitive, and I look forward to the great opportunities this partnership will catalyze under Buddy Rizer’s leadership this year."

The NOVA EDA is comprised of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Arlington Economic Development, Fairfax City Economic Development, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, City of Falls Church Economic Development, Fauquier County Department of Economic Development, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, City of Manassas Park Economic Development, and Prince William County Department of Economic Development.

To learn more about the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance, please visit novaeda.org.

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