Loudoun County reports $8.43B investment and 137 wins as job market stabilizes

The Loudoun County Finance/Government Operations and Economic Development Committee convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss various economic indicators and developments within the county. The meeting highlighted significant achievements and ongoing challenges as the fiscal year approaches its conclusion.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) reported 137 wins for the fiscal year 2025, translating to 4,425 jobs and an impressive $8.43 billion in investments, with two months remaining in the fiscal year. This announcement followed a successful Small Business Week, which included a summit and a GovCon event in Leesburg, demonstrating the board's commitment to engaging with local small businesses.

A comprehensive analysis of employment data revealed that approximately 43,000 government contractors reside in Loudoun, representing 17.2% of the local labor force. Of these, about 16,000 work within the county, accounting for 8.4% of all jobs. The total number of federal employees and contractors living in Loudoun is around 61,000, or 24% of the labor force, while those working in the county number approximately 23,000, making up 11.7% of local employment. Notably, 697 federal contracts have been awarded to Loudoun companies this fiscal year, with a significant portion of these contracts related to law enforcement and technical systems.

Despite these positive indicators, the committee acknowledged emerging economic warning signs. Many businesses are adopting a cautious approach to new investments, as evidenced by a decrease in newly posted jobs in April, which fell to 3,453 from 4,150 in March. However, the total number of active jobs increased to 12,489, up from 11,900 in March.

The unemployment rate for the Northern Virginia region stands at 3.1%, slightly lower than Virginia's rate of 3.2% and the national average of 4.2%. In April, the U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs, although federal government employment saw a decline of 13,000 in February, 4,000 in March, and an additional 9,000 in April.

The meeting also noted a record collection of $16.3 billion in duties in April, attributed to recent tariff increases, particularly on steel and aluminum products from Mexico and Canada. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicated a modest annual price increase of 2.3%, the lowest since February 2021.

Lastly, the committee reviewed the 2025 retail study for Loudoun, which updates previous assessments from 2016 and 2019, focusing on post-pandemic dynamics and trends affecting key corridors in Eastern Loudoun, including Route 7, Leesburg Pike, and the Dulles Town Center area.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Loudoun County's economic resilience amid challenges, with ongoing efforts to support small businesses and adapt to changing market conditions. The committee plans to continue monitoring these developments closely as the fiscal year progresses.