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Fairfax County is moving closer to launching an action plan aimed at preparing the local economy and workforce for the sweeping effects of artificial intelligence.

Dozens of firms responded to a request for proposals to develop the county’s “AI Economy Action Plan,” Department of Economic Initiatives Director Rebecca Moudry told local elected officials and business leaders on March 10.

County leaders directed staff in June 2025 to begin planning for AI’s local impact. Moudry said a firm is expected to be selected in the coming weeks.

The chosen firm will synthesize regional AI research, organize a summit of key stakeholders and help put the resulting framework into action. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission is overseeing the selection process.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, who chairs the county’s Council for Economic Opportunity, said Fairfax fully supports the initiative.

“We’re here to support that innovation,” Storck said.

Leaders weigh productivity against displacement

AI also shaped a broader discussion about Virginia’s economic development strategy during the council meeting.

“We are beginning to see the impacts,” said Jason El Koubi, president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

While AI could increase productivity, El Koubi warned that it also carries the “possibility of mass layoffs, mass displacement.”

“The environment we’re navigating now is as complex as anything I’ve seen,” he said.

Ashwan Bharath, executive chair of technology firm Revature and a council member, said Virginia must ensure its workers have the skills demanded by a rapidly changing economy.

“Talent pipeline is quite critical,” Bharath said. “New jobs are created on a new paradigm — really high-paying jobs.”

El Koubi said Virginia will need to respond more intelligently and promote its strengths more forcefully as it competes with neighboring states that also have strong economic development programs.

Moudry, who has led the Department of Economic Initiatives since 2019, said regional officials are working to support state efforts while determining how Northern Virginia should position itself strategically.

The ultimate goal, she said, is to establish Fairfax County and the surrounding region as a global AI leader.

“This is a deep and evolving topic,” Moudry said.

Council members are scheduled to receive another update at their June 16 meeting.