Economic development staff presented a broad report to the commission on Nov. 5 highlighting tourism and commercial activity, workforce programming, and business outreach.

Russell (Director) told the commission that overnight visitor trips to Leesburg were about 106,000 in 2024 and tracked to roughly 110,000 in 2025 through August. He said consumer (meals) tax showed a 9.3% jump in the prior year and about a 5% increase so far in 2025; TOT and business-license revenue were also reported as performing well. Russell warned that while new businesses continue to open, available commercial space downtown is dwindling and staff are watching redevelopment projects to ensure additional space comes online.

Staff also described workforce and entrepreneurship initiatives. Melanie (staff) reported attendance at a Loudoun Coalition for Women and Girls event, a well-attended LCPS workforce summit with apprenticeship programming, a Falls Bluff Elementary entrepreneurship series for fourth- and fifth-graders, and a GovCon exchange scheduled with Stephen Koprince as guest speaker. Allison summarized Small Business Saturday plans for Nov. 29, a 'faces of small business' campaign and a holiday storefront contest coordinated with historic preservation.

Russell said the 30,000-square-foot vacant floor previously leased to Cofense has been filled by DriveStream Inc., a software development company that moved from Sterling. He described the lease as a positive signal that flex and office space in Leesburg is leasing and that new developments such as Westpark are needed to expand capacity.

No formal action was required for these informational items; commissioners thanked staff and encouraged continued outreach to businesses and sponsors for upcoming events.