Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, schools local politics, business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa.

Events

Arlington County Fair adds free activities and plans to donate surplus profits

By James Jarvis
Scenes from the Arlington County Fair (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

When the Arlington County Fair kicks off next week, attendees can expect to see more free activities.

After receiving financial support from Arlington County and several businesses, including a $15,000 donation from Amazon, the Arlington County Fair Board decided to increase the number of free indoor and outdoor activities, Matt Richard, the chair of the fair board, told ARLnow.

Go to Arlington County Fair adds free activities and plans to donate surplus profits Read more
News

Arlington GOP sees record fundraising amid pivot to local election strategy

By James Jarvis
Republican candidate for County Board Juan Carlos Fierro (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 5 p.m. on 8/10/23) The Arlington County GOP says it’s pivoting away from national politics and working to assemble a broad coalition galvanized by hyper-local issues.

The first test of this new strategy will be the November County Board election when residents will have the opportunity to vote for the Republican nominee, Juan Carlos Fierro.

Go to Arlington GOP sees record fundraising amid pivot to local election strategy Read more
News

Arlington jury duty questionnaires to hit resident mailboxes soon

By James Jarvis
The Arlington County Courthouse and Detention Center facilities are pictured in 2019 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Residents should be on the lookout for a postcard from the Arlington County Circuit Court about jury duty.

This month, the court will be mailing questionnaires to about 35,000 residents randomly selected from registered voter rolls as part of its annual jury selection process. The questionnaires will be used to determine who is eligible for jury duty next year.

Go to Arlington jury duty questionnaires to hit resident mailboxes soon Read more
News

A home run or strike out? Arlington seeks public input on athletic field use proposal

By James Jarvis
Soccer practice at field in Quincy Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington County is looking to tweak how its athletic fields are used and reserved.

Through Sept. 8, residents will have the chance to participate in a survey which county staff plan to use to develop policy that will “ensure more equitable access for recreation.”

Go to A home run or strike out? Arlington seeks public input on athletic field use proposal Read more
News

Arlington County unveils new marketing campaign in attempt to boost tourism

By James Jarvis
County Manager Mark Schwartz and County Board Chair Christian Dorsey smile while watching the county's new "All in Arlington" marketing video (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Arlington County’s tourism arm has a new look and a new slogan.

On Thursday, the county unveiled a new marketing campaign, which officials hope will boost tourism. While Arlington remains a top destination in Virginia, it has seen a significant drop in visitors due to the pandemic.

Go to Arlington County unveils new marketing campaign in attempt to boost tourism Read more
News

VDOT seeks public feedback on possible Route 50 and Washington Blvd improvements

By James Jarvis
Route 50 and Route 27 study area (via VDOT)

(Updated at 8:30 p.m.) The Virginia Dept. of Transportation is exploring potential upgrades for sections of Route 50 and Washington Blvd in Arlington in response to concerns about safety and congestion.

The department is urging residents and road users to share their feedback – via an online survey through Aug. 15. Possible improvements identified by VDOT include better bike and pedestrian access, improved safety at intersections, and traffic congestion management.

Go to VDOT seeks public feedback on possible Route 50 and Washington Blvd improvements Read more
News

Arlington County auditor plans to investigate waived ambulance fees for potential savings

By James Jarvis
A man runs past an ambulance on scene at 1100 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington County’s auditor plans to take a closer look at when ambulance fees are waived to see if he can save taxpayer dollars.

The plans are part of his office’s proposed audit plan for the 2024 fiscal year, which also includes scrutinizing how the county pays for gas in government cars and medical bills for Dept. of Health and Human Services clients. The Arlington County Board unanimously approved this plan on Tuesday.

Go to Arlington County auditor plans to investigate waived ambulance fees for potential savings Read more