May 4–8 observance highlighted local impact, job creation, and continued economic momentum
Stafford, VA — May 6, 2026 — The Stafford County Board of Supervisors formally recognized Economic Development Week (May 4–8, 2026) through an official proclamation, highlighting the vital role economic development plays in strengthening communities, creating jobs, and enhancing quality of life both locally and globally.
The proclamation acknowledged the more than 100,000 economic development professionals worldwide who work to create opportunity, support business growth, and foster long-term, equitable community development. It also recognized the leadership of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), which has advanced economic prosperity for a century and established Economic Development Week to elevate awareness of the field’s impact.
Locally, the Board of Supervisors emphasized Stafford County’s continued growth and the tangible results of its economic development efforts. Through strategic planning, targeted industry recruitment, and business support initiatives, Stafford has strengthened its position as a competitive and thriving business environment within the region.
Recent progress has included significant industrial and commercial expansion, particularly along the Centreport Parkway corridor, where a combination of completed, active, and proposed projects represents more than $110 billion in capital investment and the potential creation of over 14,000 jobs. This growth has been driven not only by data center development, but also by the expansion of supporting industries such as construction materials, electrical supply, and distribution operations.
The County has also experienced strong demand for industrial space, with approximately 550,000 square feet of newly delivered capacity rapidly leased in early 2026, and more than 2 million square feet of additional development anticipated. Major distribution operations, including fulfillment and logistics facilities, have further contributed to job creation and economic diversification.
In addition to large-scale investment, Stafford County has continued to prioritize support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Initiatives such as the Legacy Business Recognition Program have celebrated longstanding businesses that have helped shape the County’s identity, while the Shop Small Stafford campaign has driven measurable local impact—engaging dozens of businesses and generating tens of thousands of dollars in local economic activity in a single event.
Ongoing engagement efforts, including business outreach, surveys, and more than 30 ribbon cuttings annually, have supported over 200 businesses in establishing, expanding, and thriving within Stafford County. These efforts, combined with innovative communication strategies, have also earned international recognition, including multiple Horizon Awards for excellence in digital media and outreach.
“Economic Development Week provided an opportunity to recognize not only the profession, but the real results happening here in Stafford County,” said Liz Barber, Director of Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism. “From major capital investment to small business growth, we are seeing the impact of intentional, strategic economic development in our community every day.”
The Board’s proclamation reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration among public and private partners to drive investment, expand career opportunities, and support a strong and resilient local economy.
For more information about Stafford County’s economic development programs and initiatives, visit gostaffordva.com.
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About Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism | Stafford EDA
The Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism is the sales and customer service arm for Stafford County, Virginia, committed to advancing expansion and investment for the community. As the official economic development organization of Stafford County, our mission is to promote, solicit and encourage business growth through marketing and media services that enhance economic activity and quality of life within the Stafford region. Stafford County is located halfway between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. In partnership with the Stafford Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism and the EDA has helped finance and support business growth in Stafford since the EDA’s inception in 1970. In addition to business loan programs, in recent years, the EDA has helped develop a number of vacant and underused properties in Stafford.
For more information on Stafford’s Economic Development and the Stafford EDA, visit www.GoStaffordVA.com and www.StaffordEDA.com, and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn or get connected through the monthly business newsletter.