Economic Development 2023: BUDDY RIZER

Head of Loudoun’s economic development since 2007, Rizer is best-known for helping build the county’s Ashburn area into the data center capital of the world. More than 70% of the world’s internet traffic comes through Data Center Alley in Ashburn, with data centers projected to pay $570 million in county taxes just in 2024.

But data centers aren’t Rizer’s only focus: In May, the county approved the $3 billion Rivana at Innovation Station project, a
6.4 million-square-foot mixed-use development in planning since 2008. Rizer’s department pushed for the site, which would offer about 2.4 million square feet of office space, 2,700 multifamily units and 347,000 square feet of commercial space in addition to a hotel and performing arts center.

A graduate of Towson University and a former radio disc jockey, Rizer recently went back to school to earn a master’s degree with a concentration in economics from Longwood University. He serves on the board of Northern Virginia Community College, is chair of the college’s foundation and is secretary for the GO Virginia Region 7 board.

SOMEWHERE I’D LIKE TO VISIT: Rome

STREAMING SHOW I’VE ENJOYED: “The Diplomat,” on Netflix