Economic Development Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Economic Development Week

WHEREAS, the economic well-being of the Commonwealth of Virginia depends on sustained efforts to create, retain, and expand employment opportunities that support long-term growth, increase prosperity, and strengthen the Commonwealth's fiscal foundation; and

WHEREAS, economic development across Virginia requires coordinated action among local, regional, and state partners-including public-private collaborations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and community organizations-to ensure that every region of the Commonwealth can compete and thrive in a rapidly changing economy; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes that strong economic development is inseparable from affordability, and that access to attainable housing, reliable transportation, childcare, and essential services is critical to ensuring that all Virginians can fully participate in and benefit from economic growth; and

WHEREAS, rising costs of living present challenges for families, workers, and businesses, and the Commonwealth is committed to advancing strategies that reduce financial burdens, expand affordable housing options, strengthen infrastructure, and support communities in maintaining a high quality of life; and

WHEREAS, economic development efforts in Virginia increasingly focus on building a diverse and resilient economy-supporting innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, expanding workforce training, and ensuring that both new and existing businesses have the resources needed to grow and succeed; and

WHEREAS, since its founding in 1982, the Virginia Economic Developers Association has supported the advancement of economic development activities and contributed to the Commonwealth's ability to attract investment, strengthen regional economies, and enhance statewide competitiveness; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia remains steadfast in its commitment to policies that promote business growth, expand job opportunities, encourage innovation, and ensure that economic progress is matched by efforts to keep Virginia an affordable, accessible, and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth affirms that economic development must benefit all Virginians-rural and urban, coastal and inland-by expanding opportunity, addressing affordability concerns, and strengthening the foundations of long-term prosperity; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 4-8, 2026, as ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.