Alex Forward 2026 Q1 Updates

 ALX Forward Q1 2026 Updates

In 2025, the Alexandria City Council adopted “Strengthen our Economy” as one of the four priorities to provide a clear, guiding structure that connects budget decisions, policies, and programs to community needs. Under this priority, City Council adopted the ALX Forward Strategic Economic Framework on January 13, 2026 after a year plus community engagement effort.

In 2026 Q1, three working groups - Place-Based Development, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Workforce - have met to identify current initiatives and future work plans that align with the ALX Forward catalyst initiatives. Approximately 70 initiatives are underway or part of workplans. Additionally, the City Manager proposed $750,000 for five ALX Forward Catalytic Initiatives in FY27 ($325,000 for two place-based initiatives, $225,000 for two business retention & recruitment initiatives, and $200,000 for one entrepreneurial and innovation initiative). Below is a summary with highlights for Q1 and a lookahead below. 

• Place-Based Development: Over 30 current and planned initiatives were identified within the 4 strategies of Goal 1.
• Business/Entrepreneurship: Approximately 15 current and planned initiatives were identified within the 5 strategies across two goal areas (2. Business Retention and Recruitment; 3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation).
• Workforce: Approximately 25 current and planned initiatives were identified within the 2 strategies across two goal areas (2. Business Retention and Recruitment; 3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation). 

In 2026 Q2, the workgroups will begin discussions on future initiatives, identifying gaps, and outlining the path forward.

Arlington Public Schools, Northern Virginia Community College, and Virginia Tech expand Ecosystem Initiatives

 

The Virginia Department of Education STEM leaders recognized the collaboration between the Career, Technical and Adult Education Office of Arlington Public Schools, the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, and Virginia Tech's, D.C. area Technical Education and Workforce Development programs with 2026 support for efforts to promote innovate STEM opportunities and workforce pathwaysfor all students.

Governor signs workforce education and training bills

 Governor Spanberger Signs Bills Into Law to Raise State Minimum Wage, Boost Workforce Training, & Support Economic Growth

The Governor Signed Bills to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 per Hour, Bring New Workers to Virginia’s Offshore Wind Industry, & Connect High School Students with Apprenticeships

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today signed into law legislation to incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour, secure stronger wages for Virginians who feed and fuel the Commonwealth, and connect more Virginians with career opportunities.

“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures. I am signing legislation to support the men and women who power our economy, including so many of the people who keep our agriculture industry strong — and we were proud to work with the Virginia Farm Bureau to strike a balance to protect farm workers and our vital farming industry.”

Spanberger continued, “Virginia’s competitive advantage is our talent. Preparing Virginia’s next generation to succeed not only helps young Virginians earn a good living, but it makes clear to businesses across the nation that they will thrive in our Commonwealth. Because investing in our workforce is a win for