Arlington Advocacy on Economic Development 

Examples of the Chamber’s advocacy in Arlington on issues related to economic development include:

• Chamber Supports the Expansion of the Crystal City Business Improvement District September 20, 2019

The Chamber sent a letter to the County Board supporting the expansion of the boundaries of the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) to include areas of Pentagon City and the Arlington portion of Potomac Yard.

• Chamber Expresses Support for Amazon Performance Agreement March 8, 2019

The Chamber sent a letter to the County Board encouraging their approval of the proposed performance agreement for the Amazon headquarters. Approving the performance agreement is a powerful statement that Arlington is open for business. Welcoming Amazon to Arlington will create opportunities for residents and businesses. The community as a whole will benefit from the jobs, economic activity, and innovation that Amazon will bring to Arlington. The performance incentives are reasonable and well-designed. Overall, the proposed performance agreement is a good deal for Arlington, and we look forward to working together as a community to seize the opportunities that welcoming Amazon affords to all of Arlington.

• Chamber prepares letters supporting Amazon performance agreement March 4, 2019

In the lead up to the County Board’s vote on approving the Amazon headquarters performance agreement on Saturday, March 16, the Chamber prepared sample messages for Arlington residents and businesses to use to express their support for welcoming Amazon to Arlington. There are templates for businesses and residents. For those who live or work near where Amazon’s headquarters will be located – in Crystal City, Pentagon City, Potomac Yard, or nearby neighborhoods – there are templates that contain information neighborhood-specific benefits for businesses and residents. Letter writers are encouraged to customize their messages, as personal notes go a long way.

• Chamber Backs County Efforts to Recruit Amazon HQ2 to Arlington June 8, 2018​

The Chamber sent a letter to County Board Chair Katie Cristol, expressing its support of the County's efforts to bring Amazon HQ2 to Arlington. In the letter, the Chamber explains that adding a global brand like Amazon to Arlington's corporate roster would be a monumental win for the area, helping to continue to diversify the economy and maintain the significant commercial sector in the local tax base.