Even though the current Arlington County budget draft doesn’t include additional costs from this year’s change-ups at the ballot box, the county government is still planning to cover them.
Elections Director Gretchen Reinemeyer laid out budget pressures during an April 7 work session with Board members, voicing concern that her office’s proposed $2.18 million budget likely would not be robust enough to handle additional requirements this year.
Beyer Blasts GOP on War Powers — Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said he and other House Democrats went to the floor to defend Congress’s constitutional war powers but Republicans refused to recognize their resolution. “They’re choosing this war, and Trump’s violence and chaos,” Beyer said, separately criticizing the president for boasting about the military’s “next conquest.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X, X]
Underground Pipe Flash Fire — “Engine 109, Rescue 109, and BC101 responded to an underground pipe flash fire at the intersection of S Glebe Road and Walter Reed Drive. The situation has been brought under control, and crews have secured the scene while checking for any remaining hazards.” [ACFD/X]
Route 1 Theft Arrest — Arlington police arrested a man on Route 1 at S. 23rd Street yesterday afternoon who was suspected of stealing from a nearby 7-Eleven. [Dave Statter/X]
Arlington Home Prices Dip — Arlington saw the D.C. region’s steepest drop in median home sale price, declining 7.9% to $692,500, according to Bright MLS data. The broader market continues to feel the effects of January’s “snowcrete” storm and uncertainty from the Iran conflict. [Washington Post]
Local Clubs Among Region’s Largest — Two Arlington country clubs rank among the D.C. area’s largest nonprofits by revenue. Army Navy Country Club (1700 Army Navy Drive) placed second with $50.75 million in revenue, while Washington Golf and Country Club (3017 N. Glebe Road) ranked sixth at $23.98 million. [WBJ]
Peace Officers Memorial Day — ACPD and the Sheriff’s Office will hold a ceremony on Friday, May 8 at 8 a.m. at the Justice Center Plaza (1425 N. Courthouse Road) to honor the seven Arlington law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. N. Courthouse Road will be closed between 14th and 15th streets N. from approximately 7–9 a.m. [Arlington County]
Va. Minimum Wage Rising to $15 — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed legislation raising Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028. The wage will rise from the current $12.77 to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2027, and then to $15 on Jan. 1, 2028, with annual adjustments tied to the consumer price index beginning in 2029. [Virginia Mercury]
Contraception Bill Signed — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed the Right to Contraception Act, barring state and local governments from restricting access to contraceptives including emergency contraceptives and IUDs. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin had vetoed similar legislation. [WJLA]
Fairfax Casino Vetoed — “Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has rejected legislation that would’ve opened the door for a casino in Fairfax County… In her explanation, Spanberger argued that the bill would’ve set a new precedent reducing local authority over gambling after many residents and Fairfax County leaders expressed opposition to the possibility of a casino.” [FFXnow, Scott Surovell/X]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 75 degrees and south winds at 2–10 mph. Overnight lows will drop to around 56 under partly cloudy skies. [NWS]
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.
Many of you have asked about best practices when it comes to buying a new condominium. Some of us only want new and are willing to pay a premium for the best in current design. There are several recommendations and insights here that will help you get what you want.
First decide what type of condominium you need… size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking needs, or separate office, followed by a list of wants such as level of building service, amenities on-site, space for dining for six, balcony, open floor plan, and natural light. (Here she goes again.) Not to be sexist about it, but females generally are better shoppers and come with a preconceived set of non-negotiables.
Identify the areas you would consider living, such as Arlington or Old Town… but not wanting to go as far as Tysons, Reston, or DC. People don’t buy condominiums in places they aren’t familiar with or already spend time in, unless relocating entirely. Many upcoming communities put up signage and a website first which makes early interest hyperlocal. Register as a VIP on the website early and you will get regular communication, time to consider the offering, and learn when pre-sale will begin.
Once open, come early in pre-sale. You’ll get the pick of the litter. This is particularly important if you want something larger and are interested in the best views. Prospects are smart and pick the best floorplans first. If you have some idea of your ideal size and price point it makes good use of everyone’s time. Once you make a selection, expect to leave a 10% deposit as this is pretty standard in the industry. The developer generally has their own contract and it’s written much in their favor but not unreasonably so. Pricing this early is usually not negotiable… the price is the price. But you can purchase with some confidence since all buyers are getting the same terms and the developer has a shared interest in protecting values through delivery while sales are ongoing.
You do not need to be fully qualified for financing to come out and look but it’s wise to have some idea of what you can afford. Most builders give incentives for paying cash or using their title company and lenders. Often your contract might even offer a short financing contingency in exchange for considering them.
Once firmly under contract, a buyer might have 12- 18 months to prepare for the move. How blissful. This is one of the best parts of buying early in pre-sale. Moving is daunting, especially if you have been in your current homes for 30 years and the thought of moving seems excruciating. Decide what to take, sell/donate, and hire a proper interior designer to space plan and create a unique home that reflects your tastes. All with the time to do it properly.
Something to note. Finishes have gotten more high end, brands carry weight, and there is less customization offered these days. Gone are the days of going to a design center. If you know you are getting a Sub Zero refrigerator included you probably won’t ask if there are other options available. (more…)
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 — Apr 9, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect patchy fog between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., then partly sunny skies turning fully sunny, with temperatures reaching a high near 75°F. A light south wind will pick up to 5 to 9 mph by morning. Friday night will see increasing clouds and a low around 56°F, with a south wind shifting to the west after midnight at 6 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”
– Albert Einstein
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.
Four more contenders in a potentially redrawn 7th Congressional District made their pitches to Arlington Democrats on April 8.
J.P. Cooney, Dave Kennedy, Del. Adele McClure and State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim join a field of Democrats for the 7th District that includes State Sen. Dan Helmer, who spoke to county Democrats in March, and former Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, who has yet to make an appearance. Another contender, Joe Schiarizzi, announced his candidacy today (Thursday).
Join the Pentagon MMA Kick-a-thon Fundraiser and Fight for a Cause! 🥊
Get ready to kick with purpose! Pentagon MMA is proud to once again host our Kick-a-thon Fundraiser in support of the incredible work of the Arlington Free Clinic.
Arlington’s commonwealth attorney seeking higher pay for prosecutors this budget season, pointing to increased salaries for police officers and potentially better compensation in surrounding localities.
The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget calls for increasing funding for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office by roughly 3%: from about $7.7 million to $7.9 million. But Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti told the Arlington County Board on Tuesday that prosecutors’ starting salary of $82,000 should be higher.
A digital scavenger hunt inspired by cherry blossom season has gotten underway in Ballston.
Floral sidewalk decals for Bloom Hunt, coordinated by the Ballston BID and the immersive art gallery Artechouse DC, appeared in the neighborhood earlier this week. Participants have until Sunday to scan the decals with Artechouse’s app, unlocking digital, blossom-inspired artwork for a chance to win prizes.
It’s Local News Day. Here’s what that looks like in Arlington.
Yesterday, Dan Egitto reported on the Virginia Supreme Court hearing arguments over Arlington’s Missing Middle housing policy. Katie Taranto found out which local restaurants are RAMMY Award finalists and profiled the new owner giving a Falls Church pottery studio a fresh start. Dave Facinoli caught up with Yorktown’s undefeated girls soccer team.
A new limited-time happy hour in Pentagon City is offering specials on Peruvian cuisine — and the opportunity to meet a wooly friend or two.
Guests at Peruvian Brothers can sip pisco sour slushies while enjoying the company of alpacas on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. through the end of May. “Alpaca Happy Hour” will take place in a small outdoor enclosure at 1450 S. Eads Street, restaurant co-founder Giuseppe Lanzone told ARLnow.
The Arlington Planning Commission has given its nod to a 47-unit townhouse development, despite staff concerns that the proposal doesn’t match the Langston Boulevard Area Plan.
Commissioners supported developer BCN Homes’ plan for 2134 N. Taylor Street in a split 5-2 vote, with Commissioner Peter Robertson and Chair Denyse “Nia” Bagley voting against. The vote follows support from the Transportation Commission, the Waverly Hills and Cherrydale civic associations, the Langston Boulevard Alliance and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, although county staff recommended against the project.
