Business Climate

The Town of Vienna has a proud tradition of independence and civic engagement. While the Town is part of the Hunter Mill District of Fairfax County — and the county provides some services to our residents — Vienna also has its own government, led by a mayor and six council members.

Vienna's government understands that running a business is a big undertaking — and a big benefit to our Town. Our Economic Development Division works to attract, welcome, and strengthen Vienna's business community through a variety of services, programs, and community development initiatives.

To renew their business licenses each year, businesses in the Town of Vienna must pay a tax or fee based on their classification and gross receipts. Businesses also must collect taxes from customers for food service or lodging, then submit these collected taxes to the Town each month. In addition, Fairfax County levies a tax each year on all tangible movable property used in a business, profession, trade, or occupation.

Vienna is home to more than 1,800 businesses and services. We take pride in our business diversity: Four out of five businesses are independently or locally owned, and we have national chains that people love. We also offer affordable spaces for light industry.

The Town contains a wide range of business enterprises. There are upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and fast-food services; bakeries, chocolatiers, coffee houses, wine shops, and supermarkets; small specialty retail shops; home remodeling, design, supply, and construction businesses; banks and other financial services firms; legal and real estate offices; personal care services; health care and wellness providers; arts and entertainment schools and venues; and much more.

The Town of Vienna supplies water and sewer service to nearly 5,600 residential and commercial customers, providing safe drinking water in compliance with all government regulations. Most residents and businesses receive electric service from Dominion Energy and natural gas service from Washington Gas. Numerous high-speed internet options are available, with types and providers dependent on location.

The Town of Vienna strives to attain a sustainable way of living that preserves the natural environment, conserves finite resources, and supports a resilient community for future generations. It also recognizes its role in mitigating greenhouse gas pollution and promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices.

Through regulation, incentives, and education, we work with businesses to support environmentally sound practices and improvements. For example, our Solarize Vienna program has provided a bulk purchase discount to commercial building owners who want to install solar photovoltaic systems on their buildings. Also, the Town’s annual Sustainability Challenge recognizes businesses and organizations that reach the certification goal for sustainable strategies and practices.