Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI)

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8:30AM-4:30PM M-F
703-324-5171 TTY 711
12015 Route 50, Suite 510
Fairfax, VA 22033
Rebecca Moudry
Director

Department Resources

DEI News and Notes

Below is a compendium listing of news articles and blog posts from the Department of Economic Initiatives. 


Fairfax County Businesses Respond to Economic Pressures with Strategic Pivots 
December 2, 2025
Fall 2025 Business Pulse Survey reveals firms seeking new markets, reducing costs, and selectively adopting AI .  The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives announced the findings from its Fall 2025 Business Pulse Survey, which indicates a decrease in local business optimism amid rising costs and declining sales. The survey, a confidential poll designed to capture a snapshot of the county’s economic health and evolving business landscape, collected 450 responses between September 24 and October 25, 2025.  The survey found that 51% of businesses expressed they are not optimistic about their prospects over the next six months, representing a shift in sentiment from the previous spring survey.  This tempered optimism reflects real financial pressures: 80% of firms reported increased operational costs while 64% experienced declining sales or revenue.  This pressure is heightened by the federal spending landscape, as 73% of firms with ties to federal contracts reported a decline in those revenue streams over the last six months. The majority of survey respondents were very small businesses—sole proprietorships or companies with one to four employees—making these financial pressures especially significant. Fairfax County businesses are pursuing proactive strategies in response to economic realities. Over the next six months firms plan to seek new markets or customers (57%) and reduce operational costs (43%). The survey revealed a split approach to utilizing artificial intelligence (AI): 33% of businesses regularly utilize artificial intelligence tools, primarily for marketing, sales and operational efficiency. Conversely, 43% of business respondents have not adopted the technology and are not currently considering it. “These results underscore the complex financial headwinds our businesses are navigating, particularly the pressure from rising costs combined with softening demand,” said Rebecca Moudry, Director of the Department of Economic Initiatives. “The data reinforces Fairfax County’s commitment to providing targeted resources - through Fairfax CORE and other programs - that help our businesses explore new opportunities and evolve in this changing market.” _____________________________________________ The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) is a catalyst to create a vibrant and sustainable Fairfax County. Through collaboration, innovative solutions, and partnerships the department develops and implements strategies to drive business growth, improve the business climate and further diversify the County’s economy.  DEI’s focus is on the wide array of economic drivers, including inventive projects and business incentives; small business growth/expansion and advancement of strategies, research and innovative programs. ##
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Fairfax County Invites Businesses Take Business Pulse Survey
September 24, 2025
The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) is asking business owners to participate in its latest Business Pulse Survey. This is an opportunity for all businesses, large and small, across the county to provide direct feedback on the current economic climate, operational challenges, and their outlook for the future. The confidential survey is designed to capture a real-time snapshot of the health of Fairfax County’s business community. The insights gathered will help inform the county’s economic development strategies, business support programs, and assist policymakers to make decisions that benefit the local economy. Why Participate? Your Voice Matters:  Your input helps Fairfax County leaders understand the specific challenges and successes of the local business community. Data-Driven Decisions: The findings will be used inform policymakers as they consider initiatives tailored to the needs of businesses. Contribute to a Stronger Economy: By participating, you are helping to build a more resilient and supportive business environment in Fairfax County. “The Fairfax County Business Pulse Survey is an essential tool for hearing directly from businesses,” said Rebecca Moudry, Director of the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives. “The insights we gather help us to better understand the local economy and design programs and services, such as Fairfax CORE, that deliver meaningful support for entrepreneurs and businesses.” The survey is confidential and takes only a few minutes to complete. Businesses can access the survey by visiting the survey page.  The deadline for submissions is October 21, 2025. For more information on the Fairfax County Business Pulse Survey and other business resources, please visit FairfaxCounty.gov/economic-initiatives About the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives: The Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) is a Fairfax County government agency that leads programs and initiatives to foster economic development and position Fairfax County to be an economically competitive and prosperous community for all. The DEI works to cultivate a diverse and thriving local business base, facilitate development through public-private partnerships, and foster the entrepreneurial and innovative-driven ecosystem.      
Workhouse Arts Center Achieves Record Visitation
May 28, 2025
Attendance Increases 56%  The Workhouse Arts Campus has announced a record-breaking year, with visitor numbers reaching an all-time high of approximately 166,000 in 2024 – a 56% increase over the previous year. This surge in visitation is attributed to the Workhouse's expanding offerings, including new attractions and ongoing programming that continues to draw diverse audiences from the region and beyond. A key highlight was the opening of Bunnyman Brewing Café at the Workhouse, which has become a popular destination and has contributed to boosted campus visits. The brewery joins a wide array of attractions and events that make the Workhouse Campus a vibrant cultural hub. The Workhouse Arts Campus is one of the largest arts centers in the region, spanning 55 acres. It hosts over 800 events, art classes, and activities annually, including more than 300 performances, exhibitions, and community events each year, enriching the cultural fabric of the region. Their resident artists and creators work across various art disciplines, including painting, ceramics, photography, glass, and fiber arts. The Workhouse also offers 10 unique event rental spaces and the art galleries and exhibition spaces, along with the Lorton Prison Museum   , featuring the only remaining cell block from the 3,500+ acre Lorton Reformatory complex. This increase in visitors has a substantial economic impact, supporting regional tourism and local businesses. The Workhouse Arts Campus continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the region, offering accessible arts experiences and fostering engagement for this vibrant Fairfax County community.

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