Annual report provides a transparent look at progress, investment and community impact during the first year of Stafford’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
STAFFORD, Va., September 1, 2026 – Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism has released its FY2026 Year in Review, a public-facing impact report highlighting the county’s economic development activity, major investments, business support efforts and progress implementing Stafford’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
The report, along with a Strategic Plan progress update, was presented by Economic Development and Tourism Director Liz Barber to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The annual report is now available to the public on the county’s Economic Development Strategic Plan webpage.
“Economic development is ultimately about building a strong community and creating the resources necessary to support Stafford’s future,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs. “The update presented to the Board demonstrates meaningful progress while giving our residents a clear view of the work being done. As Stafford continues to grow, maintaining transparency and focusing on thoughtful, balanced economic development will remain important to our long-term success.”
People are also reading…
A year of progress
During FY2026, Stafford advanced initiatives across the Strategic Plan’s priorities of industry support and development, real estate and infrastructure, local business climate, and organizational effectiveness.
Among the year’s highlights, Stafford recorded more than $2.1 billion in capital investment announcements, 1,671 new jobs announced, an estimated $20.4 million in new taxable income projected at full build-out, and 489 businesses assisted through the department’s programs, services and partnerships. Major projects continued to advance, including the Stafford Technology Campus, O’Reilly Distribution Center, Buc-ee’s Travel Center and Embrey Mill Town Center, alongside new international investment and initiatives supporting Stafford’s workforce, business community and long-term economic strength.
The report further highlights Stafford’s commitment to workforce and business development through continued collaboration with Stafford County Public Schools to strengthen career pathways, a growing partnership with the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce to expand resources and opportunities for local businesses, and nationally recognized business programming. This includes the award-winning Legacy Business Program, which celebrates and supports Stafford’s longstanding businesses, as well as the Stafford Marketing Summit, providing businesses with practical marketing tools, expertise and connections to strengthen their competitiveness and long-term success at no cost to the business.
“FY2026 was about moving our strategy into action and establishing a stronger foundation for the years ahead,” said Liz Barber, director of Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism. “This report gives our community an opportunity to see the efforts being made, from supporting local businesses and workforce development to attracting investment and strengthening Stafford’s commercial tax base. These efforts are interconnected and ultimately focused on building a resilient economy that supports the quality of life our residents expect.”
The Economic Development Authority also continued its role as a partner in Stafford’s economic development efforts through business financing resources, programs, events and support for strategic initiatives.
Connecting economic development to the community
Stafford’s Economic Development Strategic Plan establishes a long-term framework for strengthening the local economy while supporting the services, infrastructure and quality of life important to residents. Expanding the commercial tax base, creating employment opportunities, supporting existing businesses, developing a skilled workforce and attracting responsible investment are all components of that work.
The FY2026 Year in Review provides residents, businesses and community partners with a more complete look at the projects, partnerships and initiatives underway and the progress made during fiscal year 2026.
