EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 14 (2026)

STRENGTHENING VIRGINIA'S ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to, §§ 2.2-103 and 2.2-110 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby announce a holistic approach to economic development in the Commonwealth through the establishment of the Governor's Economic Development Policy Steering Committee and directive for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership ("VEDP") to provide regular recommendations to strengthen Virginia’s economic competitiveness.

Importance of the Initiative

Virginia's economic strength is foundational to the Commonwealth's affordability, prosperity, and resilience. A robust economy drives job creation, wage growth, innovation, regional vitality, quality of life, and the public revenues necessary to fund education and infrastructure. Continually recognized as a top state for business, the Commonwealth is home to a wealth of unparalleled resources, ranging from its natural beauty to world-class educational institutions and infrastructure as well as Virginia’s highly educated and skilled workforce.

Today's economic development landscape is increasingly complex and competitive. Business attraction, expansion, retention, and innovation-driven growth depend on coordinated action across state government, including building a skilled workforce through training and education; investing in reliable transportation and infrastructure; lowering housing, energy, and childcare costs; strengthening site readiness and project financing; and streamlining regulatory processes.

Virginia is in a strong competitive position but must continue to innovate and maintain an unwavering focus on growing our economy, creating economic opportunity for all Virginians, and preparing our communities for the future. Success requires speed and certainty through a shared commitment focused on delivering results for businesses, workers, and communities, ensuring Virginia’s affordability, and expanding opportunities across all regions of the Commonwealth.

Directive

Pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth, and pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and the laws of the Commonwealth, I hereby direct the following actions to ensure a holistic approach to economic development across the Commonwealth:

1. Establishing a Cabinet-wide Steering Committee to lead the development of a comprehensive economic development policy for the Commonwealth; and

2. Directing VEDP to regularly assess Virginia's economic competitiveness and recommend initiatives to strengthen Virginia's competitive position.

Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Economic Development Policy

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade is directed to establish and chair the Economic Development Policy Steering Committee, as required under § 2.2-205 of the Code of Virginia. The Economic Development Policy Steering Committee shall be comprised of the Governor's full Cabinet, with the following Secretaries and Officers serving as committee members:

Secretary of Administration;

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry;

Secretary of the Commonwealth;

Secretary of Education;

Secretary of Finance;

Secretary of Health and Human Resources;

Secretary of Labor;

Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources;

Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security;

Secretary of Transportation;

Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs;

Chief Diversity Officer;

Chief Energy Officer; and

Chief Transformation Officer.

Support for the Steering Committee shall be provided by the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, VEDP, the Offices of the Secretariats represented on the Steering Committee and their agencies, and other agencies as may be designated by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. All executive branch agencies must fully cooperate with the Steering Committee and provide input and assistance as may be requested.

Policy Priorities

Virginia has a strong economic foundation as demonstrated by recent investment announcements, improved talent pipelines, and expanded site readiness and infrastructure capacity. But the Commonwealth must continue building on this foundation to maintain Virginia's competitive advantage. That requires increased and intentional cross-Secretariat and cross-agency coordination with businesses and communities focused on three key policy goals:

1. Supercharge Virginia's Business Growth: Build on Virginia's competitive foundation and strategic assets to position the Commonwealth as the nation’s premier business destination.

2. Grow an Economy that Delivers for Every Virginian: Ensure that economic growth translates into opportunity for all Virginians—lowering costs, improving access to affordable housing and childcare, expanding career pathways, and ensuring every region of Virginia wins.

3. Lead the Way in a Changing Economy: Position the Commonwealth at the forefront of emerging industries, workforce transformation, and infrastructure modernization to lead in a rapidly changing global economy.

The Steering Committee shall provide a report setting forth the Commonwealth's proposed Comprehensive Economic Development Policy and addressing all three policy goals to the Governor by January 16, 2027.

Directing the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to Conduct Regular Assessments of Virginia's Economic Competitiveness

I hereby direct VEDP to regularly assess Virginia's economic competitiveness and recommend initiatives to strengthen workforce talent solutions, research and development, innovation, infrastructure, housing affordability, alignment between education and business needs, access to childcare, and other critical areas as identified by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. In developing recommendations, VEDP shall identify opportunities for cross-Secretariat and cross-agency collaboration.

VEDP shall report progress toward this directive regularly to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until amended or rescinded by further executive order. Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 7th day of May 2026.

/s/ Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor