Chesapeake Announces New Businesses, Hundreds of Jobs Coming to the City

Mayor Rick West highlights economic growth and future development plans in annual State of the City address.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a polished metal model of a modern office building, a sleek laptop computer, and a stack of architectural blueprints, conceptually representing Chesapeake's economic growth and urban development.Chesapeake's thriving business landscape is reflected in the city's strategic investments in modern infrastructure and new corporate headquarters.Chesapeake Today

Chesapeake, Virginia saw significant economic growth in 2025, with 565 new businesses opening and $988 million in capital investment. Mayor Rick West announced that the city added 3,284 jobs last year, and more growth is expected with new manufacturing companies set to move in, bringing over 750 additional jobs. Key developments include cable manufacturer LS Greenlink building a facility along the Elizabeth River and USAA expanding its Chesapeake headquarters, which is expected to bring more than 500 jobs.

Why it matters

Chesapeake's economic expansion and job growth are important indicators of the city's overall prosperity and its ability to attract new businesses and industries. This diversification of the local economy and creation of well-paying jobs can have a positive ripple effect on the community, improving residents' quality of life and the city's long-term sustainability.

The details

According to Mayor West, Chesapeake added 565 new businesses in 2025, contributing to nearly $988 million in capital investment. The city also saw the addition of 3,284 jobs last year, with more growth expected. New manufacturing companies, including cable maker LS Greenlink, are set to move into the area, bringing over 750 additional jobs. Additionally, USAA announced plans to expand its Chesapeake headquarters, a project expected to bring more than 500 jobs to the region.

  • In 2025, Chesapeake added 565 new businesses and $988 million in capital investment.
  • In 2025, Chesapeake added 3,284 new jobs.
  • LS Greenlink, a cable manufacturing company, will build a new facility along the Elizabeth River.
  • Two other new companies are expected to locate in the Greenbrier area.
  • USAA announced plans to expand its Chesapeake headquarters, a project expected to bring more than 500 jobs.

The players

Rick West

The mayor of Chesapeake, Virginia, who delivered the annual State of the City address highlighting the city's economic growth and development plans.

LS Greenlink

A cable manufacturing company that will build a new facility along the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, bringing over 750 additional jobs to the area.

USAA

A financial services company that announced plans to expand its Chesapeake headquarters, a project expected to bring more than 500 jobs to the region.

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What they’re saying

“One of the things that our region has been missing is attracting enough industry to bring well-paying jobs. I'm very excited about what's happening in Chesapeake.”

— Rick West, Mayor of Chesapeake

What’s next

The city of Chesapeake will continue to focus on expanding industries such as clean energy, defense and aerospace, while also working with neighboring communities to improve regional infrastructure, including expanding fiber internet access and supporting the completion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion.

The takeaway

Chesapeake's strong economic growth, with hundreds of new businesses and thousands of new jobs, demonstrates the city's ability to attract a diverse range of industries and investments. This expansion is expected to have a positive impact on the local community, providing more well-paying employment opportunities and contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.