 Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Proposed FY27 Budget Invests in Core Services Amidst Slow GrowthArlington County Manager Mark Schwartz proposed the FY 2027 budget on Sat., Feb. 21, 2026, incorporating guidance from the County Board while accounting for many uncertainties continuing in the year ahead. The principles guiding this budget include supporting those most in need in our community and maintaining core services, fiscal sustainability, and workforce stability, while putting forward tough decisions about reductions to programs and services. The past three years have largely been characterized by slow revenue growth and increased expenses. That reality has influenced the FY 2027 proposal, along with impacts of the federal budget, ongoing pressures from high office vacancy rates, the increased need for the County’s social safety net programs and services, and the changing economic environment. The $1.69 billion proposed budget is a 0.1% decrease compared to the adopted FY 2026 budget and recommends $10.6 million in funding cuts and a 1.5-cent increase to the real estate tax rate, raising it to $1.048 per $100 of assessed value. The budget is based on 1.1% growth in real estate assessments (compared to 2% growth in 2025). Commercial property assessments decreased by 1.5% compared to the previous year, impacted by the continued weakness in the commercial office sector. Existing office property values, which have been impacted by high vacancy rates and changing demand for office space, decreased by 19% overall. “The proposed FY 2027 budget works to balance the many competing priorities and economic realities facing our community” said County Manager Mark Schwartz. “Arlington continues to feel the economic impacts of the uncertainty in our region and federal government actions – particularly in drops in hotel stays and consumer spending – while expenses continue to increase. As a result, the proposed budget puts forth tough decisions about the services we provide, while still supporting those most in need.” To balance the budget, the County Manager is proposing $10.6 million in service reductions and efficiencies, which results in the possible elimination of 56 staff positions, 24 of which are filled. Proposed reductions include the elimination of competitive and recreation gymnastics at Barcroft Community Center and the closure of Cherrydale Library. The budget also includes staffing adjustments in the Fire department and Arlington Economic Development. The proposed budget recommends a 1.5-cent tax rate increase to fund:
INFOGRAPHIC: COUNTY MANAGER'S FY 2027 PROPOSED BUDGET Investing in the Community and Meeting the Needs of the County’s Most Vulnerable ResidentsThe proposed FY 2027 budget seeks to address many challenges while supporting those most in need in our community, and maintaining core services, fiscal sustainability, and workforce stability.
Budget Engagement ProcessThe County Manager collected feedback from the community on approaches to balancing the budget, including which services and programs should be kept as top priorities through an online form and in-person pop-up engagement opportunities. The feedback helped the County Manager determine where to apply resources in his proposal. View the Engagement Overview. Tax Rate & Next StepsDuring the Tuesday recessed meeting on Feb. 24, 2026, the County Board will hold a public hearing and consider authorizing advertisements for the proposed real estate, personal property, and Business Improvement District Calendar Year 2026 tax rates, as well as proposed fee changes for FY 2027. The advertised rates set the maximum rates that could be adopted by the County Board but do not mean those rates will be adopted. Please visit the County website for information on speaking at a County Board Meeting. Additionally, the Board will review the budget proposal and conduct a series of work sessions starting in early March. The County Board will then hold a public hearing for the budget on Tuesday, March 24, and a public hearing for the tax rate on Thursday, March 26. Members of the community can sign up to speak at the public hearings in-person or virtually; registration to sign up opens five business days prior to the hearing dates. Visit the County Board Webpage to sign up as a speaker. The final vote on the FY 2027 operating budget is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21. The fiscal year begins on July 1, 2026. Media ContactRyan Hudson Image
|
||||
