In this week’s update:

✈ HII Lands $182 Million Contract for F-16 Pilot Training: Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Mission Technologies division secured a five-year, $182 million contract to provide logistics support for U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot training devices. The work, primarily based in Mesa, Arizona, involves maintaining and enhancing simulator systems used by multiple military branches. HII continues to expand its role in aviation training as it strengthens its presence in U.S. defense programs.

🏙️ Tesla Expands D.C. Footprint With New Government Affairs Office: Tesla has signed a five-year lease for an 11,000-square-foot office at 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, significantly expanding its presence in Washington, D.C. The space was previously shared with X, Elon Musk’s social media company before X relocated its public policy operations to Texas.

📲 Loudoun County Imposes New Restrictions on Data Centers: The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to remove data centers as a by-right use, requiring new projects to go through a stricter approval process. While 24 applications were grandfathered in, future developments must meet additional conditions and obtain board approval.

Driving the news: Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Mission Technologies division has secured a five-year, $182 million contract to provide logistics support for U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot training devices. While the work will be primarily based in Mesa, Arizona, the contract reinforces Northern Virginia’s status as a critical hub for defense and government contracting.

Details:

• HII and subcontractor Trident Military Systems will maintain and enhance training simulators used by the U.S. Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, and the U.S. Navy.

• The contract supports the Mission Tactics Trainer Training System Support Center, a key component in pilot training.

• Though the maintenance work is centered in Arizona, HII’s headquarters in Northern Virginia remains heavily involved in the management and execution of the contract.

Why it matters: Northern Virginia is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of defense contractors, with HII playing a major role in military training and technology development. Contracts like this sustain thousands of local jobs and reinforce the region’s economic reliance on federal defense spending.

The big picture: HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. and Virginia’s biggest industrial employer, continues to expand beyond shipbuilding into aviation training and simulation technology. With more than 7,000 employees in its Mission Technologies division and operations in over 100 locations, the company is a key driver of Virginia’s defense economy.

What’s next: As demand for advanced military training increases, Northern Virginia’s role in shaping defense policy and technology development will only grow. HII’s latest contract strengthens its position in the evolving defense landscape while securing more investment in the region’s workforce and expertise.

The bottom line: This contract highlights how Northern Virginia remains at the center of the U.S. defense industry, benefiting from military contracts that fuel job growth, technological innovation, and long-term economic stability.

Driving the news: Tesla has signed a five-year lease for an 11,000-square-foot office at 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, more than tripling its previous D.C. footprint. The space was formerly occupied by X, Elon Musk’s social media company before it relocated its public policy operations to Texas.

Details:

• Tesla’s new lease began on January 6, replacing its former 3,000-square-foot office at 1333 H St. NW.

• The office is primarily focused on government affairs, but Tesla’s managing counsel for IP litigation also operates out of the space.

• Lobbying records show Tesla had already been working from 800 Connecticut Ave. alongside X before finalizing the lease in late December.

• The company spent $750,000 on lobbying in 2024, focusing on agencies like the EPA, the Department of Transportation, and the White House.

Why it matters: Tesla's presence in Washington, D.C. reflects its ongoing push to influence policy amid increasing global competition in the EV market. With shifting federal priorities and regulations impacting the industry, maintaining a strong government affairs office remains a strategic necessity.

The big picture: Tesla’s expansion comes at a time when Musk is reshaping the federal government as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock has dropped 45% since Trump took office, despite White House efforts to boost EV sales.

What’s next: Beyond policy efforts, Tesla continues growing its retail footprint, relocating its D.C. showroom from CityCenterDC to Georgetown and planning its first Prince William County location.

The bottom line: As Tesla navigates a challenging EV market, its expanded presence in Washington signals a commitment to shaping policies that could impact its future.

In this video, I'll take you inside Northern Virginia's most exclusive suburb! Welcome to Brambleton!

Driving the news: The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to overhaul how data centers are approved, removing them as a by-right use. The new rules require all future data centers to go through a stricter approval process, marking a major shift in the county’s approach to one of its most lucrative industries.

Details:

• The board voted 7-2 to make data centers a conditional use in areas where they were previously a core or complementary use.

• A zoning amendment now requires new data center projects to go through a public hearing process and receive board approval.

• In a separate 5-4 vote, the board approved a grandfather provision for applications submitted before February 12, provided they are at least 500 feet from residential units.

• As of February 12, Loudoun County had 46 million square feet of completed or permitted data centers, with another 61.5 million square feet of potential development.

Why it matters: Loudoun County has been a global leader in data center development, generating 38% of the county’s general fund revenue. While the industry has been an economic powerhouse, concerns over noise, energy consumption, and proximity to residential areas have fueled opposition from residents.

The big picture: The changes reflect a growing tension between economic development and community impact. Supporters of the new rules say they give the county more control over where data centers are built, while opponents warn they could drive businesses away and create uncertainty for investors.

What’s next: With 24 applications grandfathered in, new projects will face increased scrutiny. The debate over balancing business interests with community concerns is likely to continue as the county determines how to regulate future developments.

The bottom line: Loudoun County’s booming data center industry is entering a new era, where growth will be more carefully weighed against resident concerns and infrastructure limitations.

🎤 D.C. Sketchfest

Laugh it up at D.C. Sketchfest, the District’s sketch comedy festival. Running from March 26 to 29, over 35 comedy troupes from the U.S. and Canada are set to take the stage at The D.C. Arts Center.
📍Location: The D.C. Arts Center
🗓️ Date & Time: March 26 to 29, from 5 pm to 10 pm
🎟️ Tickets: Prices may vary
🔗 More Info

💁🏻‍♀️ The Women’s Storytelling Festival

The 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival will take place March 20 – 23, 2025, starting with a virtual-only showcase on the 20th and continuing in-person at the Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA, March 21 – 23. This annual event celebrates women and gender-nonconforming spoken-word performing artists. Both live and virtual events are available.
📍Location: Sherwood Community Center, Fairfax
🗓️ Date & Time: March 20 to 23
🎟️ Tickets: $35 to $70
🔗 More Info

🖌️ Capital Arts and Crafts Festival

With more than 300 juried artists, the Capital Art and Craft Festival is back at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The event runs from March 21 to 23 with tickets that cost $11 for general admission.
📍Location: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
🗓️ Date & Time: March 21-23, 2025
🎟️ Tickets: $11
🔗 More Info

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.

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