All three Democratic candidates for County Board say they support at least some district-based representation on the governing body.
While the five seats on the Board are all currently at-large, some advocates have called for creating voting districts as part of potential future governance changes. Current County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and challengers James DeVita and Julie Farnam endorse the concept, at least to some extent.
Significant divisions appear to remain among School Board members on the scope of a planned renovation and addition to Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
Three design concepts — with costs of $130 million, $140 million and $168 million — are still on the table, while at least one School Board member has not given up on the possibility of a complete replacement.
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
To understand where the market is today, let’s look at how the condo market has changed. What began as an affordable housing alternative for first-time homebuyers has become the pinnacle of true luxury urban living typical of a world-class city. Let’s explore the 20-year evolution of new condos in Arlington.
Early 2000s: Affordability Focused. Condominiums in the early 2000s were aimed primarily at first-time homebuyers. Affordability was key and this type of housing in Arlington wasn’t glamorous quite yet. The market was steady and interest rates, at just under 7% in 2001, were deemed attractive. Most buildings had 100- 200 units and the average size for a new condominium in Arlington was 950 sq ft.
Mid-2000s: Market Heats Up. In 2003 the market began to pick up speed, fueled by the abundance of financing and essentially loans that required no documentation or proof of affordability. During this time Ballston saw several apartment to condo conversions. Condo units were generally designed as apartments so unit sizes were smaller among all unit types. Finishes were acceptable but not great. This is when granite countertops became the epitome of quality.
New builds like Liberty Center in Ballston shifted the average size down while finish quality and livability of design improved. It was probably the best building of that generation. Like many others at that time there was a rush to buy and buildings were very successful in pre-sale. (more…)
Americana Sign Seeks New Home — The National Landing Business Improvement District is working with Arlington County to relocate the neon sign that marked the Americana Hotel, the mid-century Crystal City motel demolished in 2023. “We’re avid fans of the Americana sign,” said BID president Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, who hopes to find it a spot near Long Bridge Park. [WBJ]
Bond Sale Generates Savings — Arlington County issued $169.3 million in general obligation bonds on June 3, with Bank of America winning the competitive sale at a 3.61% average interest rate. Refunding $8.4 million of higher-rate bonds generated $374,000 in debt service savings for the county and schools. [Arlington County]
Acquisition for Local Company — Arlington-based Bloomberg Industry Group has acquired Palo Alto-based Regology, an AI-powered platform that monitors federal, state and international regulations. CEO Josh Eastright said the deal expands how the company supports customers “managing increased regulatory complexity.” [Potomac Tech Wire]
National Night Out Returns — The Arlington County Police Department is inviting neighborhoods, businesses and organizations to host National Night Out events on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5-8 p.m. The annual event pairs residents with public safety personnel at cookouts and block parties. Registration is free and due by July 24. [ACPD]
Celebrating Pride Month — There are a number of Pride Month events around the area, including a Pride celebration at the Mosaic District on June 6, a Pride Senior Prom at Central Library on June 12 and the Penrose Pride Parade on June 28. [Arlington Magazine]
A Swimmer’s Comeback — Marymount University senior Miah Lopez, a psychology major, returned to competitive swimming after a nontraditional path that included time away following her brother’s death. She won Rookie Athlete of the Year for the Atlantic East Conference. “It’s never too late to pursue something important to you,” she said. [Marymount]
Gun Purchases Surge in Virginia — Virginia recorded 72,956 firearm background checks in May — more than double the 35,571 from a year earlier — as a state ban on “assault firearms” takes effect July 1, according to Virginia State Police. The new law makes it a misdemeanor to buy, sell or manufacture such weapons. [WJLA]
Optimism for Housing Bill — A bipartisan housing bill backed by Virginia’s congressional delegation is nearing passage, with provisions to convert vacant commercial sites to housing and curb large investors from buying single-family homes. “Never underestimate the ability of Congress to screw up a sure thing,” Sen. Mark Warner (D) said, though he is cautiously optimistic the Senate can finish the deal. [Virginia Mercury]
RGGI Return Draws Warning — Virginia is set to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in July, but the American Action Forum, a center-right policy institute, argues in a new paper that layering carbon pricing on the state’s net-zero mandate is “a recipe for high utility bills.” The group’s energy policy director urged policymakers to delay Virginia’s compliance until at least 2027. [Shuting Pomerleau/X]
It’s Friday — Expect a mix of sun and some clouds today, with a high near 93 and west winds of 2–6 mph. Skies turn partly cloudy overnight with a low around 69. [NWS]
The National Capital Planning Commission has kept alive the triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants built between the Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery.
However, the body is requesting more information on how it could potentially impact air travel navigation in the area, as well as other specifics on construction and traffic in the area.
Join us for the Little Lambs Academy Open House!
Families with children ages 3 months through 12 years old are invited to tour our facility, meet our staff, and learn more about the programs we offer. This is a great opportunity to explore our classrooms, ask questions about enrollment, and see firsthand what makes Little Lambs Academy a nurturing and engaging environment for children.
Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Jun 4, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect a sunny day with a high of 93°F and calm winds shifting to the west at about 6 mph in the afternoon. Friday night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 69°F and a gentle south wind blowing at 3 to 5 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
– Abraham Lincoln
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum.
An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Arlington on Friday.
More from the National Weather Service:
A 37-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly knifing a woman who was walking her dog in Ballston.
The incident happened just after 5 a.m. Wednesday on the 4000 block of Fairfax Drive, about a block from Arlington Central Library.
Police and firefighters from the county’s bomb squad are on scene at Wakefield High School after a reported threat.
First responders — including bomb-sniffing dogs — were dispatched to the school around 3:45 p.m., after school dismissal, for an unspecified threat that prompted school officials to initiate security procedures.
Ceremonies honoring two local pioneering Black physicians took place on Saturday afternoon with both descendants and civic leaders in attendance.
A commemorative plaque honoring Dr. Harold Johnson and Dr. Edward Morton was unveiled at a new pocket park located on the grounds of VHC Health at 19th Street N. and N. Edison Street.
