Arlington Celebrates Virginia’s No. 3 CNBC Top States Ranking
July 13, 2026
Arlington Economic Development today joined leaders across the Commonwealth in celebrating Virginia’s rise to No. 3 in CNBC’s 2026 “America’s Top States for Business” rankings. CNBC scored all 50 states on 138 metrics across 10 categories of competitiveness in the 2026 ranking.
Virginia moved up from No. 4 in 2025 to No. 3 in 2026, trailing only Ohio and North Carolina in CNBC’s annual ranking. The Commonwealth also maintained its No. 2 ranking in Infrastructure and finished in the top 10 in six of the 10 categories, including Technology & Innovation, Quality of Life, Education, Workforce, Access to Capital, and Infrastructure.
“Virginia’s rise in the rankings is an important signal for Arlington and for the region,” said Matt de Ferranti, Chair of the Arlington County Board. “Our County will continue working with state, regional and private-sector partners to strengthen the fundamentals that matter most to businesses and residents: economic resilience, access to opportunity, infrastructure, innovation and quality of life.”
Virginia has finished in the top five of every CNBC “America’s Top States for Business” ranking since 2018 and has earned the No. 1 spot six times, more than any other state in the history of the study. CNBC’s 2026 methodology placed the greatest weight on Infrastructure, followed by Economy and Workforce.
“Arlington’s economy is deeply connected to Virginia’s overall competitiveness,” said Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz. “This recognition reinforces the value of continued investments in infrastructure, talent, housing, innovation, and community assets that help employers and workers choose Arlington and choose Virginia.”
“Virginia’s continued national leadership in the CNBC rankings reflects what businesses see every day in Arlington: exceptional talent, unmatched connectivity, strong public-private collaboration and an innovation ecosystem built for the future,” said Anna Nissinen, Chief Economic Development Officer and Director of Arlington Economic Development. “Arlington is proud to help drive the Commonwealth’s competitiveness through our focus on business investment, placemaking, tourism, arts and culture, and next-generation industries that are shaping the regional economy.”
Arlington’s role in Virginia’s business climate has continued to evolve through major economic development initiatives, including National Innovation Quarter, an innovation district spanning Arlington and Alexandria that launched earlier this year and is designed to bring together industry, government, academia and entrepreneurs around national competitiveness and next-generation technology. National IQ launched in 2026 with founding partners including Amazon, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Virginia Tech, Arlington Economic Development, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, JBG SMITH, the National Landing Business Improvement District and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.
CNBC’s recognition follows the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s announcement that Virginia is investing in business-ready sites, infrastructure improvements, and expedited permitting to strengthen the Commonwealth’s competitiveness.
“Arlington is competing from a position of strength,” Nissinen said. “Our talent base, strategic location, innovation assets, and quality of life create a powerful value proposition for businesses looking to grow. As Virginia continues to earn national recognition, Arlington will keep advancing that momentum through a collaborative, future-focused approach to economic competitiveness.”
About Arlington Economic Development
Arlington Economic Development (AED) is committed to helping Arlington thrive as an economically vital, competitive, and sustainable community by providing leadership and services to Arlington’s business, real estate, tourism, and cultural affairs sectors. The AED team leads groundbreaking programs designed to grow, attract, and retain business in Arlington and invest in place-based strategies that ensure Arlington remains a key destination for talent and visitors alike.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ryan Hudson
Communications Director, Arlington County
703-228-3311
rhudson@arlingtonva.us