Chamber Insider Blog

Loudoun County, VA — A survey capturing the sentiments of 120 business CEO’s and executives across Northern Virginia reveals a growing caution among regional business leaders amid a shifting economic landscape influenced by federal actions, workforce challenges, and housing and infrastructure challenges.

“While Loudoun’s economic engine remains strong, this report underscores the need for proactive leadership on housing, transportation, and workforce issues,” said Tony Howard, President & CEO, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. “While our region’s business leaders remain confident in their own operations, they also recognize that meeting the challenges ahead depends on real coordinated public policy and regional collaboration.”

The Q4 Business Leader Survey was commissioned by the Northern Virginia Chamber and the Communications firm Pinkston, with support from the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and five other regional chambers.

Key Findings

Economic Outlook

• Nearly half (48%) of respondents expect Northern Virginia’s economy to decline in the next six months, compared to just 35% who said the same in July’s report.
• Despite regional concerns, 66% of executives remain optimistic about their own company’s performance heading into 2026.

Government Shutdown and Federal Policy Impacts

• 43% of business leaders report the ongoing federal government shutdown is negatively impacting their companies. The shutdown ranked as the top external issue affecting business operations (65%), followed by federal agency layoffs (52%) and inflation (52%).

Workforce and Hiring

• 25% of employers plan to increase hiring in the next six months, while 53% anticipate maintaining current staffing levels.
• 60% say they are facing the same level of difficulty in finding qualified talent as last year, underscoring persistent workforce challenges across the region.

Top Policy Priorities

• Business leaders identified transportation and infrastructure (28%) and affordable housing (28%) as the top priorities for the next Governor.
• Other high-ranking issues include lowering taxes (25%), preserving right-to-work laws (24%), and reducing regulations (16%).

About the Survey

The NVC/Pinkston Business Leader Survey was conducted October 13–21, 2025, and represents responses from 120 CEOs, executives, and business owners across Northern Virginia.
Participants included members of seven partner chambers:

• Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Loudoun Chamber of Commerce
• Arlington Chamber of Commerce
• Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
• Falls Church Chamber of Commerce
• Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Prince William County Chamber of Commerce

The survey provides quarterly insights into regional business sentiment and policy priorities to help guide decision-making among government leaders and economic stakeholders.

About the Loudoun Chamber

The Loudoun Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most innovative counties. With over 1,000 members, the Chamber promotes policies and partnerships that foster economic opportunity, prosperity, and quality of life in Loudoun County and the Greater Washington region.

Learn more at www.loudounchamber.org.