Virginia has risen to the third position in CNBC’s annual “America’s Top States for Business” rankings, a significant improvement attributed to the Commonwealth's world-class infrastructure and exceptional workforce development initiatives. Governor Abigail Spanberger announced the achievement, highlighting the state's strategic investments.
Governor Spanberger emphasized her administration's focus on economic growth since taking office. "Since I took office, I have been focused on growing a stronger, more resilient economy — despite the economic uncertainty coming out of Washington, resulting in rising costs, and deep cuts to our federal workforce. In six months, we have demonstrated success in doing just that; we have brought more than $5 billion in new business investment to communities across the Commonwealth, creating more than 3,000 new jobs," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. She added that Virginia continues to invest in talent, education, childcare, housing, and physical infrastructure.
The Commonwealth secured a #2 ranking in the Infrastructure category, reflecting major investments such as improvements to The Port of Virginia and ongoing upgrades to the Interstate 81 corridor. CNBC also factored in ease of permitting for the first time, where Virginia demonstrated a strong reputation for speed to market. The General Assembly has further allocated $50 million to the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said, "Virginia’s business climate is built on partnership. By working together across state, regional, and local levels, we have created an environment where companies of all sizes can move faster, access exceptional talent, innovate, invest, and scale."
Under Governor Spanberger’s leadership, Virginia continues to enhance talent development through programs like InternshipsVA and the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which Business Facilities recently ranked as the #1 Customized Workforce Training Program in the U.S. VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi affirmed, "Companies choose Virginia because we provide all of the things they need to succeed — a world-class talent ecosystem, robust infrastructure, project-ready sites, a collaborative and transparent permitting process, and exceptional partnership at all levels." These ongoing efforts aim to ensure businesses thrive in Virginia today and in the future.