Businesses Affected by Columbia Pike Transportation Project

The County is aware of the hardship posed by our transportation project on the west end of Columbia Pike for businesses along the Pike. We regret that the new traffic patterns along Columbia Pike between South Jefferson Street and the Four Mile Run bridge, which will be in place for most of 2020, have made it harder for customers to get to these businesses.

County Board members and senior County staff have visited business owners impacted by this project and heard their concerns. Staff are exploring all options for easing construction impacts on these businesses, and significant steps have already been taken. Transportation staff are actively monitoring the roadway and making adjustments to improve safety and access. They have been reviewing feedback from the community to see what opportunities exist for adjustments of traffic patterns and other modifications as the work moves forward.

BizLaunch and BizLaunch en Español programs, in collaboration with County transportation staff, along with the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO), are leading efforts to assist businesses located in the Pike Plaza.

BizLaunch is coordinating efforts in the upcoming weeks to bring together impacted businesses with experts who specialize in strategic planning and change management on the Pike. The program will be hosted by ECDC Enterprise Development Group along with the Latino Economic Development Center and SCORE.

Past Events:

• Pike Plaza Walk
  BizLaunch and CPRO representatives walked the Pike to personally invite Pike Plaza businesses to Columbia Pike business activities. Representatives from CPRO have made visits on talking to business owners at the Columbia Pike Plaza on January 13, January 23 and January 30.
• Launch & Learn | Almorzando y Aprendiendo en Columbia Pike
  Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, Cinema & Drafthouse, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  BizLaunch, BizLaunch en Español and CPRO hosted a networking brunch as well as an information session for Pike businesses. At the brunch, staff spoke with businesses along Columbia Pike to learn more about what resources are needed to support them and discuss the recent Columbia Pike Commercial Market Study.
• Small Business Tune Up | Día de Afinación para Pequeños Negocios
  Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  ECDC EDG, 901 S. Highland Street, Conference Room
  Pike Plaza businesses will be personally invited for a business tune-up. BizLaunch partners will be on-hand to help businesses work through change management, strategy, business planning and more. Confirmed providers: ECDC EDG, LEDC, SCORE, BizLaunch, CPRO and SCORE. (more to come)

Additional Resources

• Columbia Pike Commercial Market Study — Third-party consultant HR&A Advisors recently produced a technical, data-driven study designed to identify opportunities for revitalizing the Pike. Find out more about the study and read the full report.
• BizLaunch Consultation Request Form — Meet one-on-one with one of Arlington's small business representatives for help navigating available resources, business advice and support.
• BizLaunch in Spanish — BizLaunch support for Spanish-speaking businesses.
• SCORE Counseling Request Form — Access to meet with Score councilors dedicated to assisting new businesses.
• Business Planning & Financial Statement Template Gallery — Download easy-to-use business planning, finance, sales, marketing and management templates from Score to help grow your existing business, or plan for changes to your marketing strategy.

The transportation construction project on the west end of Columbia Pike is project is part of a massive effort by the County to transform the Pike and make it work better for all who use it. We know that those who live, work or own businesses along the Pike have waited a long time for the transformation to be completed, and we are grateful for their patience and support.