Why Alexandria

Big ideas need
great neighbors.

Minutes from the nation's capital and built for what's next — a city designed for long-term growth, where talent wants to be and businesses want to build.

Our Story

A place built for what's next.

Alexandria offers direct access to the capital region, enjoys a highly connected transportation network, and nurtures the kind of flexibility businesses need to grow.

But what sets it apart is the experience of being here: walkable neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and a community that attracts talent and supports their success.

Minutes from the nation's capital and built for what's next, Alexandria gives companies space to scale in a place designed for long-term growth.

Old Town

Old Town Alexandria is a nationally designated historic district on the Potomac River waterfront. It seamlessly blends its deep historical roots with a modern, walkable lifestyle.

  • A Travel + Leisure Top 5 Best City in the U.S.
  • A Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S.
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Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing

An innovation hub designed for hands-on research, emerging technologies, and industry collaboration — complete with next-generation labs and testing spaces.

  • Projected to graduate 750 master's students annually
  • Host more than 100 doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows
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Potomac River Generating Station

Alexandria's most ambitious waterfront redevelopment is transforming a former power plant into a vibrant mixed-use destination on the Potomac.

2.5M SF · 18.8 acres · Waterfront access · DC views
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The Vision

Intentional Growth and Focus

ALX Forward: A Unified Vision

Alexandria is investing in the kind of growth that strengthens, supports, and creates lasting opportunities for the people and companies that choose to be here.

Through ALX Forward, Alexandria is focused on three priorities: creating vibrant places, supporting business growth, and building an environment where entrepreneurs and emerging industries can thrive.

01 — Place

Place-Based Growth

Transforming key sites and underused spaces into vibrant, mixed-use destinations that bring new energy, opportunity, and community connection to Alexandria.

  • Accelerating catalyst site development
  • Activating waterfronts and public spaces
  • Streamlining development and placemaking
  • Investing in experiences that attract people and business
02 — Business

Business Growth and Attraction

Supporting existing businesses while attracting forward-looking industries that strengthen Alexandria's economy and workforce.

  • Helping businesses grow and stay
  • Building strong talent pipelines
  • Expanding Alexandria's business community
  • Positioning the city for long-term competitiveness
03 — Innovation

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Creating the conditions for startups, innovators, and small businesses to launch, scale, and succeed.

  • Expanding incubator and accelerator opportunities
  • Supporting founders and emerging companies
  • Strengthening the innovation ecosystem
  • Encouraging collaboration across industries

Alexandria is looking beyond short-term wins. We're building long-term partnerships with companies that want to grow with purpose, invest in community, and help shape what's next for the region. Ready to start the conversation? Connect with Maria to learn more about opportunities in Alexandria.

Schedule a meeting
Programs

Support That Moves Business Forward

The City of Alexandria invests directly in programs that help businesses grow, compete, and stay connected to the community — supporting companies at every stage, from startups and small businesses to expanding employers. Every opportunity is approached collaboratively, with solutions tailored to the needs of each business and project.

[$X] in financial and incentive programs, including local grants, tax tools, and state-level support. Figure to be confirmed by client

Local Business Incentives & Support

Alexandria Investment Fund: A discretionary grant program that supports city investment, local match contributions for state incentive programs, projects that fill or catalyze office or hotel building development, and business attraction that significantly increases city tax revenue.

  • Tax and Fee Reductions
  • Tax Exempt Bond Financing
  • Targeted Infrastructure Investments
  • Arts & Entertainment Incentive
  • Small Business Incentive
  • Industrial Development Authority (IDA)

State-Level Incentives from Virginia

Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund (COF)
Flexible grants to close competitive expansion or relocation deals.
Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant (VEDIG)
Targeted for high-impact headquarters and administrative operations.
Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP)
Funding and support for companies creating new jobs or adopting new technologies.
Workforce

Alexandria's Competitive Edge

A deep bench of highly educated talent driving innovation across industries.

66%

of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher — among the most educated cities in the nation.

Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing

Positions Alexandria at the forefront of tech innovation — graduate education and research in AI, 5G, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.

A Regional Tech Hub

Member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance, connected to NVTC and NOVA AIM initiatives.

Educational Excellence

Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing, George Mason University, and NOVA Community College power the region's workforce.

Quality of Place

A place people choose.

Alexandria is the kind of place people choose — for their careers, their families, and their future. For businesses, that means access to talent that's engaged, invested, and eager to contribute. When people want to be here, companies are better positioned to grow here.

Walkable & Accessible

Seamlessly Connected

One of Virginia's most walkable cities — with direct access to the capital region by Metro, rail, air, and local transit.

52 miles of bike
lanes & trails
Community

City Energy. Neighborhood Charm.

Alexandria combines the energy of an urban center with the character of distinct neighborhoods and abundant green space. From coworking hubs and waterfront parks to local restaurants, cultural events, and walkable streets, it's a place where people can build careers, make connections, and enjoy a high quality of life.

30K hours volunteered in
Alexandria annually
Proximity / Transportation

Go anywhere from here.

subway

5 Metro Stops

Direct connections throughout the DC metro region.

flight

3 International Airports

DCA, IAD, and BWI serving the capital region and beyond.

train

Train Service

Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE).

directions_boat

Bus, Bikes & Water Taxis

Multi-modal access throughout the city and waterfront.

Investing in the network

Alexandria Fourth Track Rail Improvements

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), together with the City of Alexandria, Amtrak, VRE, and CSX, is improving and expanding passenger rail service in Alexandria and Northern Virginia.

$238.4M
Project budget

Six Miles of Railroad Infrastructure

Arlington to Alexandria — one additional track from Long Bridge Aquatic Center to just west of Alexandria Station.

$97.7M
Project budget

King Street & Commonwealth Avenue Bridges

Bridge replacements improving rail safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

$XX.XM
Project budget · TBC

Recently Broke Ground — Project TBC

Placeholder for the recently-broke-ground rail project (“Brooke Ground”) — project name and details to be confirmed by the client.

News & Stories

What's happening in Alexandria

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Team

Your Team on the Ground

Growth is easier when you know the right people. AEDP brings together local expertise, strong community relationships, and a practical understanding of what businesses need to succeed — helping companies navigate opportunities and build momentum in Alexandria.

Meet the team
Ready to grow with us?

Alex Cooley

Director of Business Development

Contact Alex to get started — he'll connect you with the right resources, sites, and people to make your move to Alexandria happen.