alexandriaecon

06/19/2026

✨ Honoring Juneteenth in Alexandria ✨

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and invites us to reflect on our shared history and recognize the generations of Black Americans whose contributions continue to shape our community.

Pictured here is Truths That Rise From the Roots Remembered at Alexandria's African American Heritage Park. Created by sculptor Jerome Meadows, the bronze sculpture honors the lasting impact of African Americans in Alexandria and beyond.

Join us in honoring Juneteenth by exploring local events and learning more about the holiday ⬇️

🔗 City Juneteenth Events: https://hubs.ly/Q04lVRsp0

🔗 Visit Alexandria's Juneteenth Guide: https://hubs.ly/Q04lVTcx0

AlexandriaVA.gov

06/18/2026

🌈📚 AEDP Business Spotlight: Friends to Lovers 📚🌈

For Pride Month, we're celebrating local businesses that prove representation isn't just important—it's worth making room for on every shelf.

Meet Jamie Fortin, owner of Friends to Lovers, Alexandria's beloved bookstore for hopeless romantics.

As you browse the shelves, you'll spot little Pride flags that help readers identify books with LGBTQ+ representation. The team also thoughtfully curates titles from authors with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, helping LGBTQ+ and BIPOC readers alike discover stories where they can see themselves reflected.

We're proud to celebrate businesses like Friends to Lovers that help make Alexandria a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant community ✨

📘 In need of a good book? Learn more about Friends to Lovers BUT don't blame us if your TBR pile gets taller: https://hubs.ly/Q04l-cyn0

💡 Thinking about starting or growing a business in Alexandria?
Subscribe to our newsletter to explore resources to turn you dream into reality: https://hubs.ly/Q04l-f1V0

06/15/2026

📣 News from the (water) front! First Phase of Landmark Redevelopment Approved

City Council unanimously approved the first phase of the Potomac River Generating Station redevelopment this week, advancing plans to transform the long-vacant waterfront site into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, reports The Alexandria Brief.

Council also approved a $135 million tax increment financing package to support the public infrastructure needed to prepare the site for redevelopment, including environmental remediation, open space, new streets, and improved pedestrian and bicycle connections.

When complete, the project will bring housing, retail, affordable housing, public waterfront access, and more than 10 acres of open space to Old Town North, helping reconnect the community to one of Alexandria's most prominent waterfront sites. Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2027.

Read more from The Alexandria Brief: https://hubs.ly/Q04lrkHb0

🔗 Details on the project are available at https://hubs.ly/Q04lrbT20.

📸: Rendering of Potomac River Generating Station (PRGS) Power Plant Redevelopment (City of Alexandria). Photo courtesy of The Alexandria Brief.

AlexandriaVA.gov

06/09/2026

📣 Regional Growth Pauses But Optimism Remains

The Washington Business Journal reports that CBRE's REVIVE Regional Vibrancy Index dropped in May after growing in March and April, attributing the slight drop to inflation caused by the war in Iran. Commercial real estate was hit especially hard but there are bright spots on the horizon in jobs and hotel occupancy numbers.

“My optimistic view is that we're going through a temporary pause or dampening on the region's vibrancy that will get through, and some of that momentum we had through the winter will continue,” CBRE Senior Director of Research Ian Anderson told the outlet.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4xqloT9

The war in Iran is starting to take its toll on Greater Washington's economy. Here's how.

06/08/2026

📣 ICYMI: Power Plant Redevelopment Heads to Council

The proposal for City investment in public infrastructure on the former Potomac River Generation Station site will head before City Council this week. On June 9, City Manager Jim Parajon will introduce the term sheet for up to $135 million in tax increment financing (TIF). On Saturday, June 13, there will be a public hearing on the investment proposal as well as proposals for the buildings on Blocks B and C and open space to be delivered with Phase 1 of the development.

The proposed mixed-use project represents an estimated $2 billion private investment and would generate $1 billion in new revenue over the financing term as well as bring more than 1,000 housing units, public open space, arts and cultural amenities, and public waterfront access to the nearly 19-acre site.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4opWuyL

AlexandriaVA.gov

06/05/2026

☀️ As we step into summer, there’s one celebration we’re already looking forward to...

AEDP’s own Marian Marquez was named one of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 40 Over 40 Honorees 👏🎉

As Senior Vice President at AEDP, Marian oversees the organization’s business investment, real estate, and small business divisions—driving key initiatives that shape Alexandria’s economic future. From supporting startups through Accelerate ALX and co-launching the National Innovation Quarter (National IQ), to collaborating with City leadership and industry partners on ALX Forward, Marian continues to play a key role in advancing Alexandria’s innovation economy and long-term growth.

We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and all she continues to do for ALX 💫

🥂 Join us in cheering on this year’s 40 Over 40 class ahead of the celebration this August and check out the full list of honorees below!

🔗 https://bit.ly/4vqFpHe

06/01/2026

🌈 Color us excited! It's Pride Month in ALX 🌈

Celebrate all month long with community events, art, music, workshops, family activities, and the 9th Annual Alexandria Pride Fair 🫶

And for your next cozy watch? Revisit the final season of Q***r Eye on Netflix and play spot-the-ALX 👀✨ You’ll catch familiar faves like Salon deZEN, 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood, and the King Street Progress Pride Rainbow Crosswalk as the Fab Five bring their magic to the City ✨

🏳️‍🌈 Check out Visit Alexandria VA's LGBTQ+ guide to learn more about local Pride events and ways to get involved: https://bit.ly/4o02HkT

***rEye

06/01/2026

🚨 Applications are officially OPEN for Accelerate ALX 🚨

Alexandria-based startups operating in AI/ML, cybersecurity, defense, quantum, energy, aerospace, robotics, and computer services are invited to apply for Accelerate ALX, the City's first tech accelerator cohort. Applications close June 30, 2026.

💥 No cost to participate
💥 No equity taken
💥 Mentorship, connections, and strategic support

Want to learn more before applying? Join us for an in-person Accelerate ALX Info Session on June 16 ➡️ Register here: https://share.hsforms.com/1k3-aU988TfeyXsWtCJUUgQnt0vi

🔗 Click here to apply: https://bit.ly/43FxDNP

AlexandriaVA.gov

05/29/2026

✨ As AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close, we're reminded that the entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who help make Alexandria such a vibrant community deserve to be celebrated not just this month, but all year long ✨

Meet Jade Kim Trusso, founder of Nothing in Between Studio, a wellness-focused beauty studio bringing a fresh approach to self-care to ALX 💅🌿

After moving to the U.S. from South Korea in 2014, Jade turned her passion for wellness and healthier beauty standards into a growing business with locations in Falls Church, Tysons, and right here on King Street.

More than a nail salon, Nothing in Between Studio is built around transparency, wellness, and community—offering non-toxic nail care, holistic treatments, and a space where people feel genuinely cared for.

As Jade says...

"Nothing In Between is more than just our name—it's our mantra. Transparency is at the core of everything we do. We believe you shouldn't have to choose between effectiveness and safety, luxury and sustainability."

🔗 Treat yo' self and see what makes Nothing in Between Studio an Old Town fave: https://bit.ly/4x2CuWY

05/29/2026

📣 NEWS: Alexandria Businesses 🤝 Virginia Tech Students = Nationally Recognized Impact

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and Virginia Tech have been recognized by Business Facilities with a 2026 Economic Development Award for Connecting Tech Talent.

Launched in 2025, the program connects Alexandria businesses with Virginia Tech graduate students for real-world consulting projects, internships, and future hiring opportunities. In its first year, student teams helped local entrepreneurs tackle projects ranging from inventory management and facility planning to financial dashboards, web tools, and AI automations.

The collaboration has already delivered hands-on support for Alexandria businesses, from helping PIES Fitness Yoga & Studio rethink its facility layout to building a financial data dashboard for Old Town Curated to better track business performance.

🔗 Read the Business Facilities award announcement here: https://bit.ly/4u3oKZg

Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing