New report finds up to 1.5 million Virginia jobs could be impacted by AI; identifies major opportunities for competitiveness, workforce readiness, and business growth 

Richmond, VA – January 6, 2026 – The Virginia Chamber Foundation today released its landmark Virginia AI Landscape Assessment, the most comprehensive study to date examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the Commonwealth’s workforce, business, and economic future.

Prepared by Economic Leadership LLC and supported by a grant from GO Virginia Regions 2 and 3, the study draws on statewide employer surveys, regional focus groups, national research, and data forecasting to assess how AI will transform Virginia’s economy over the next five years.

“Virginia is uniquely positioned at the forefront of AI-driven economic transformation,” said Keith Martin, Interim President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “The findings in this report reinforce the priorities already outlined in Blueprint Virginia 2035, which calls for strengthening our workforce, expanding innovation capacity, and ensuring that every region of the Commonwealth is ready to compete in an AI-enabled economy.”

“Artificial intelligence presents a defining opportunity for Virginia’s economy,” said Linda Stanley, Chair of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “This study offers a data-driven roadmap for how the Commonwealth can harness AI to strengthen competitiveness, grow businesses, and prepare Virginians with the skills needed to succeed in an evolving economy.”

“This assessment makes clear that artificial intelligence will change how work gets done across Virginia,” said Lauren T.A. Willis, Chair of the GO Virginia Region 3 Council, and William Amos, Chair of the GO Virginia Region 2 Council. “With up to 1.5 million jobs where AI could augment or automate a majority of regular tasks, the opportunity now is to help businesses adopt these tools strategically while ensuring workers have access to the training and resources they need to adapt, upskill, and succeed.”

Key Findings Include:

• AI exposure will be significant: Nearly one-third of all U.S. occupations could be affected by AI within five years; Virginia’s mix of tech, finance, professional services, and government contracting makes its workforce especially exposed.
• Virginia businesses are early adopters: 83.7% of Blueprint Tour participants reported their organizations are using or considering AI—far above national averages.
• Training gaps are substantial: Only 27% of business leaders feel AI training resources are readily available in their region.
• AI demand continues rising: Virginia posted nearly 9,000 AI-related job openings in July 2025—the highest on record.
• Northern Virginia leads AI hiring, but demand exists across all nine GO Virginia regions.
• Young workers will be most affected, with nearly 500,000 Virginians under age 35 in roles exposed to AI.
• Virginia’s tech infrastructure gives the state a competitive advantage, but rapid growth in data center energy needs and workforce demand could limit future opportunities without strategic investment.

The report outlines 34 recommendations organized into five statewide priorities:

• Pursue universal AI literacy for students and working-age adults.
• Expand training and policy clarity for incumbent workers as job tasks evolve.
• Provide reskilling pathways for workers displaced or impacted by AI.
• Support Virginia businesses—especially small and mid-sized firms—in deploying AI strategically.
• Ensure infrastructure capacity needed to attract and grow AI-driven industries.

To download the full report, click here.

About the Virginia Chamber Foundation:
The Virginia Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Virginia Chamber, which tracks economic competitiveness and advances long-term policy solutions. Through in-depth research and analysis, strategic initiatives, and sector-specific Industry Councils, the Foundation develops, advances, and tracks the proposed priorities within Blueprint Virginia - a comprehensive plan to position the Commonwealth as the best state for business. These Councils convene leaders from across key industries to provide expert insight on public policy issues shaping Virginia’s future. Learn more at https://vachamber.com/foundation/about-the-foundation/.

About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce:
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 30,000 members. The Virginia Chamber is a non-partisan organization that champions the interests of the business community in the legislative, regulatory, and political arenas to serve as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. Learn more at www.vachamber.com.

About Blueprint Virginia 2035:
Blueprint Virginia 2035 is the Commonwealth’s long-term business-led strategic plan for economic development. Developed with input from more than 10,000 Virginians through a statewide regional tour, 20 Industry Council meetings, 11 signature events, and year-long surveys, this roadmap represents a unified statewide vision for the economic future of all Virginians. This fourth iteration identifies priorities in workforce development, infrastructure, healthcare, innovation, and other focus areas essential to Virginia’s economic future. Learn more at https://vachamber.com/advocacy/blueprint-virginia/.

About GO Virginia:
GO Virginia is the Commonwealth’s business-led economic development initiative designed to foster regional collaboration, strengthen workforce pipelines, and support high-growth industry sectors. Through competitive grants, GO Virginia invests in projects that drive sustainable job creation, expand talent capacity, and enhance Virginia’s long-term economic competitiveness across all regions of the state.

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