Abigail Spanberger is set to be sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor next week at an inauguration bookended by other events and festivities in Richmond.
The Democrat is scheduled to take the oath of office at noon on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Virginia State Capitol Building, in the centerpiece of an inauguration weekend with the theme “United for Virginia’s Future.”
Arlington Public Schools aims to build on the success of a coding competition for students that launched last year.
The second annual High School Programming Competition — which is open to both middle and high schoolers — will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Arlington Career Center.
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…)
The Arlington County Civic Federation opens the new year with a renewed emphasis on recruiting new organizations and better serving all member groups.
“In the new year, I’m planning to work with members to expand the recruitment strategy and to renew and update the strategy and actions for member support that were developed a few years ago,” the chair of the reconstituted membership committee, Jacqueline Snelling, said in the January edition of The Civic Voice, the organization’s monthly newsletter.
Quite a few Arlington establishments are serving mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks this January — and year-round — for those looking for a sober start to 2026.
For customers looking to try out the “Dry January” trend — which some see as a way to improve health and wellbeing, especially after an indulgent holiday season — zero-proof menus in Arlington and Falls Church offer a way to enjoy drinks without getting drunk.
The watch party scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 has been adjusted to 8 p.m. entry for the 9 p.m. Czechia (Czech Republic) vs. Mexico match!
The world’s biggest matches deserve a bigger crowd, so join us this summer on Wednesdays for all the FIFA World Cup 26™ action at Arlington Mill Community Center. Experience the passion, drama, and nonstop excitement of international soccer on the big screen, surrounded by fellow fans, music, games, and high-energy vibes.
If your New Year’s resolution was to get more fit, Arlington has plenty of personal trainers to help.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve your endurance or finally nail that perfect form, Arlington has no shortage of skilled trainers ready to push you to meet your goals.
A 12-3 overall record against difficult competition has led to a national ranking for the Bishop O’Connell Knights boys basketball team.
The private-school team was ranked 15th in the most recent national poll by MaxPreps, and second in Virginia. Some of O’Connell’s opponents are or have been ranked nationally, as well.
Plans for a $35 million visitor education center near the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial are expected to take a major step forward later this year.
“We are committed to a Sept. 10 groundbreaking, with overall construction moving forward shortly thereafter,” said Joseph Kornhoff, executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, which is spearheading the initiative.
County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti formally announced his reelection campaign this week, and he has already picked up a challenger in the June primary.
Both de Ferranti and returning candidate James DeVita announced their bids for County Board at a Wednesday meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.
Bennett-Parker Gets Key Endorsements — Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-5) on Thursday picked up endorsements from Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-39) and Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) in her quest for the seat being vacated by Ebbin in February. “Our commonwealth will be stronger with Elizabeth Bennett-Parker in the Virginia Senate,” said Ebbin, who is resigning to take a position in the incoming Spanberger Administration. Spanberger called Bennett-Parker “a dedicated and effective leader who listens and delivers.” [Bennett-Parker for Senate]
Wreaths Out This Weekend — “Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (SAHNC) in Washington, D.C. will hold their annual removal of wreaths, known as Wreaths Out, on Saturday, Jan. 10, beginning at 8 a.m. Thousands of visitors are expected to help remove approximately 265,000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery… The high volume of visitors at ANC may create traffic congestion and delays on nearby streets and at the cemetery’s entrances.” [ANC]
Suspect Arrested After Foot Chase — “S. Frederick Street at Columbia Pike. At approximately 7:44 p.m. on December 30, officers observed a wanted suspect (associated with case number 2025-12190211) traveling in a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at Columbia Pike and S. Frederick Street. The suspect ran from the vehicle and, following a foot pursuit, he was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, a firearm was recovered.” [ACPD]
ACPD on Capitol Plaque — “Senate… approves resolution to (finally) hang Jan 6th plaque honoring police,” including the Arlington County Police Department. “It’ll hang in US Senate (w/ approval of GOP Leader John Thune) until Architect of Capitol finds permanent location.” [Scott MacFarlane/X]
Childhood Vax Rates — “D.C.’s child vaccination rate doesn’t meet the herd immunity threshold, per new data analyzed by the Washington Post… D.C.’s vaccination rate for kindergarteners sits at 92.7%. The only other DMV jurisdiction to fall below the 95% herd immunity threshold is Alexandria City (88.3%).” [Axios, Washington Post]
Ruthie’s Second Location Opening Soon — “It doesn’t appear to be long before a local favorite will begin serving diners in Fairfax Corner. Ruthie’s All-Day, a restaurant brand offering Southern comfort food, is targeting March to open its newest location — its first in Fairfax County.” [FFXnow]
D.C. Traffic Camera Changes? — “The Transportation Department is seeking to scrap the use of automated traffic enforcement cameras in Washington, a move that would cost the city millions in lost revenue but would likely be cheered by many drivers in the nation’s capital. The proposal, authored by DOT and sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget… seeks to outlaw speed, red light and stop sign cameras throughout the city as part of the upcoming surface transportation bill.” [Politico, Washington Post]
Credit for Compass — “An affiliate of Robert Haft, the longtime D.C. businessman and father of Compass Coffee CEO Michael Haft, has agreed to loan his son’s company up to $450,000 to ensure it has enough cash to follow through with its restructuring.” [WBJ]
More on Golf Course Takeover — “The National Links Trust retained Williams & Connolly to help fend off a Trump takeover of Washington’s historic public golf courses, sources familiar with the matter (who were not authorized to speak on the record) tell Axios… the president wants golf course architect Tom Fazio to redesign East Potomac, with a potential new name: ‘Washington National Golf Course.'” [Axios]
It’s Friday — Rain is possible after 4pm with clouds increasing and a high near 56. South winds between 6-10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. On Friday night, rain is more likely after 1am, with temperatures dropping to around 49. Southwest winds of 5-8 mph will shift northwest after midnight, and there’s a 70% chance of precipitation. New precipitation amounts could range between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. [NWS]
