Natural stormwater filter on the corner of 22nd and N. Kentucky Street in the Leeway Overlee neighborhood (via Arlington County)
A proposed tweak to Arlington’s two-year-old stormwater-fee program could help members of homeowners’ associations save a little money.
County Board members are considering a possible change to the county’s stormwater-credit fee in areas where homeowners’ groups have made specific stormwater improvements. The change, which Board members voted to advertise for an October public hearing, would allow for financial rebates of up to 35%.
Falls Church Registrar David Bjerke feeds provisional ballots into a scanner (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Falls Church election officials are getting ready for the start of early voting on Friday and the general election in November.
At a meeting last week, leaders provided updates on plans to send mail-in ballots, select election officers and ensure that voting equipment is good to go.
While summer is often a slower season for many businesses, BizLaunch has been hard at work supporting Arlington entrepreneurs and preparing an exciting lineup of fall programs. From business growth strategies to inspiring founder stories, there are plenty of opportunities ahead for small business owners looking to learn, connect and grow.
Arlington Growth Accelerator
Ready to take your business to the next level?
The Arlington Growth Accelerator is a selective, cohort-based leadership program designed for established businesses poised for growth. Offered in partnership with SCORE, the program features six hybrid half-day sessions that guide participants through the development of a practical four-year growth strategy focused on operations, financing and long-term success.
Participants will leave with:
A customized four-year growth plan
A detailed Year One execution roadmap
Access to experienced mentors
An opportunity to participate in a capital matching day
Whether you’re planning your next phase of expansion or looking to strengthen your business foundation, this program provides the tools and support to help you grow with confidence. Join us for an info session about the program on Aug. 5 at 12:00 p.m. Program kicks off Sept. 25.
Chefpreneur Chat: Unidos Somos Más (Together We Are More)
Join us Oct. 13 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for a special Chefpreneur Chat celebrating this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, Unidos Somos Más (Together We Are More).
Hosted by BizLaunch in partnership with Arlington Public Libraries, this interactive event will spotlight the entrepreneur behind Panamericana Bakery. Attendees will enjoy a live fish preparation demonstration while hearing firsthand how the business was built and grown in Arlington.
The conversation, moderated by Dov & Company, will explore entrepreneurship, culture, community and resilience. Guests will gain practical insights from a successful business owner while celebrating the contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs who help shape Arlington’s vibrant business community.
To continue the celebration, BizLaunch will also launch a social media campaign highlighting stories of collaboration, partnership and the collective impact of Hispanic-owned businesses across Arlington. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when registration for this event opens.
Stay Connected
Fall is just getting started.
In addition to a full lineup of educational programs and networking opportunities, BizLaunch will soon open registration for its annual, 2027 BizLaunch Transformational and PitchFest program, a five-week cohort experience where participants compete for cash prizes while strengthening their businesses.
Christmas items now on sale at Costco in Pentagon City (courtesy John Antonelli)
New Pop-up Park in Rosslyn — “There will come a time when Monday Properties’ vacant twin offices at 1401 Wilson Blvd. and 1400 Key Blvd. in Rosslyn are finally redeveloped, as has been planned for over a decade. Until then, the large site… will serve the larger neighborhood as an ambitious pop-up park featuring event spaces, a “pet relief area” and urban gardens.” [WBJ]
Senators: Release N. Va. School Funds — “U.S. Senators Tim Kaine… and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon demanding the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s decision to withhold millions of dollars in federal funding from Alexandria City Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools,” and other N. Va. school systems. [Press Release]
Gun, Drugs Found During Stop — “2400 block of S. Lowell Street. At approximately 7:06 p.m. on September 11, an officer observed an improperly registered vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and determined the driver had a suspended license. During a search of the vehicle prior to towing, a concealed firearm was recovered and, during a search of the driver, suspected narcotics were recovered.” [ACPD, ACPD/X]
ACSO Participates in Plane Pull — “Thousands gathered at Dulles International Airport over the weekend for the annual Plane Pull, where teams tested their strength to raise money for Special Olympics Virginia… Even the Virginia State Police and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office teamed up during the event.” [WJLA]
Paper Pillories Football Fans — “How many mammoth stadiums, sole lasting monuments to our current culture, are filled to the brim with fanatics (“fans” for short) every Saturday for college games and Sundays for pro games, screaming and chanting for their favorites as players on the field, now at record levels of weight and speed, plow into each other down after down… Millions are spending their entire weekends engaged in these rituals.” [FCNP]
F.C. HS Notches Big Win — “The Meridian High School football team had three different players eclipse 100 rushing yards, and quarterback Cruz Ruoff intercepted two passes (yes, on defense) as the Mustangs beat Annandale 52-20.” [FCNP]
More on APS Reading Pilot — “The group Arlington Parents for Education, which has been advocating for a volunteer reading program, said the pilot “is a huge step forward for student literacy and a win for everyone who spoke up for more investment in reading support.” The application to volunteer is scheduled to close Sept. 26. Mann said 48 people signed up on the first day it was open.” [WTOP]
Colada Shop Landing at DCA — The local Cuban restaurant is placing roots at Reagan National Airport, with a new location expected in Terminal 2 by the end of the year. It will replace the restaurant’s Potomac location, which is closing Sunday, Sept. 28. –Katie Taranto
Fall Fest at West Falls — The new residential and retail development in Falls Church is hosting a grand opening celebration and Fall Fest on Sunday, Sept. 28, with live music, seasonal treats, family-friendly activities and giveaways from local businesses. –Katie Taranto
It’s Tuesday — Expect showers, thunderstorms and cloudy skies, with a high of 72°F, and a northeast wind of 14-17 mph, gusting up to 29 mph. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Tonight, anticipate a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially after 8pm. The night will be cloudy with a low of 61°F, and a northeast wind around 15 mph, gusting to 23 mph. [NWS]
Expect showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4pm, followed by likely showers and possible thunderstorms after 5pm. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high of 72°F, and a northeast wind of 14-17 mph, gusting up to 29 mph. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Tonight, anticipate a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially after 8pm. The night will be cloudy with a low of 61°F, and a northeast wind around 15 mph, gusting to 23 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch can be expected, with higher amounts in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
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.
Janet Garber was torch-carrier for the 2026 Senior Olympics (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
More than 200 of Arlington’s “seasoned citizens” are among a record 1,200 across the region participating in the 2025 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
That county’s total of 209 competitors is up 17% from 2024, making Arlington the jurisdiction with the second most participants this year — behind Fairfax County.
Arlington Independent Media staff at work in earlier times (via Arlington County)
Arlington’s top elected official says there’s nothing the county government can do to prevent the demise of Arlington Independent Media (AIM).
“The law is what the law is. We cannot do too much about that,” County Board Chair Takis Karantonis said at the Sept. 13 Board meeting, responding to concerns raised during the public-comment period about the state of local media in Arlington.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy delivers remarks and answers questions from members of the press in 2021 (photo courtesy Biden White House/Flickr)
One of the nation’s leading voices in public health will speak about issues related to loneliness at an Arlington event later this week.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, who served as surgeon general under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, will address the “epidemic of loneliness” on Thursday at VHC Health (1701 N. George Mason Drive).
Crime is declining on the Metro system, but riders’ perceptions of safety depend on which mode of transportation they use.
Riders on Metrobus reported more safety concerns than those on Metrorail. Overall, however, rider satisfaction rates are either flat or improving, according to data reported at the Sept. 11 meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Area Transit Authority’s safety and operations committee.