An existing recovery residence in Arlington (via Google Maps)
A proposal to let up to eight people live in Arlington recovery residences has received the Arlington Planning Commission’s support, despite some pushback.
Prior to a unanimous vote on Monday, commissioners acknowledged some residents’ concerns about how existing recovery houses affect surrounding Arlington neighborhoods.
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.
Isa Seyran chats with a regular and friends at Ballstonian: Urban Oasis (staff photo)
Ballston’s outdoor “Urban Oasis” cafe has dried up — but its signature red coffee cart hasn’t gone far.
Like flowers after a desert rain, the short-lived Turkish coffee experience by Ballstonian founder Isa Seyran sprang up this summer in a courtyard at 4075 Wilson Blvd.
Goodwill Donation Express at 5210 Langston Blvd (courtesy of Goodwill)
Arlington’s third Goodwill location opened yesterday (Wednesday) on Langston Blvd after some delays during interior construction.
The new center at 5210 Langston Blvd mainly serves as a donation drop-off spot for apparel and household goods. The site is also expected to sell a limited selection of merchandise.
Join the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts at the 34th Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2026 featuring live jazz, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Rosslyn! This year’s lineup is bringing a diverse mix of performers and bands redefining the jazz music genre including Plena Libre, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Parlor Greens, and Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band.
Renderings of the proposed expansion to Jennie Dean Park (via Arlington County/YouTube)
A second tennis court, a new lawn and additional greenery are all included in Arlington’s latest plans for improvements to Jennie Dean Park.
Respondents have until Thursday, Oct. 31 to submit feedback on the expansion proposal, which follows a $15.5 million renovation of the 80-year-old Green Valley park in 2022.
Bagged brush and organics in the green bin, ahead of collection day (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Falls Church City Council members and staff on Oct. 7 mulled a number of possibilities that could change the way city residents pay for trash collection and recycling.
But with the exception of solid support for expanding the composting part of the program, there seemed enough disagreement on bigger issues for City Council members to push consideration to a later date.
Fall display at the Crossing in Clarendon (Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar)
‘Love Is Blind’ Filmed in Arlington — “In a move that’s sure to get some fiery comments on an eventual Washingtonian Problems meme, the show’s chyron lists the apartment building’s location as ‘Washington, D.C.’ But in reality, it’s in … Arlington.
It seems the group lives and loves in a building called The Rixey in Ballston, based on exterior shots from the show.” [Axios]
Dump Truck Takes Out Traffic Lights — From Dave Statter: “Another dump truck bed up took traffic signals down in Pentagon City. Just after 1 pm a driver had the bed raised as he went through Army Navy & S. Fern. The driver stopped for about 90 seconds and then left. But the truck did return about ten minutes later. Crews are still working to restore the signals.” [Twitter]
Boeing Strike Continues — “Boeing has withdrawn a contract offer that would have given striking workers 30% raises over four years after talks broke down. The manufacturer said that it had boosted its offer for union workers for take-home pay and retirement benefits during two days of negotiations.” [Associated Press]
Free Bus Pros and Cons — “Alexandria’s experience shows both the benefits and drawbacks. Two-and-a-half years after making local buses free, the city reported that ridership has gone up dramatically… But there has been a cost for both bus riders and drivers. ‘Incidents involving unruly, intoxicated, or disruptive passengers’ went up, and bus operators report feeling less safe.” [Washington Post]
Recognition for Local Startup — “Congrats to @LivingMaka of Arlington Virginia, named a winner of the @Pepperdine @GraziadioSchool 2024 Most Fundable Companies competition! Living MaKa makes MAKA, an award-winning ready-to-drink (RTD) energized wheatgrass beverage in many flavors.” [Twitter]
New County Committee — “Equality Arlington, an LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit, applauds Arlington County Manager, Mark Schwartz, for forming an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee to provide information and guidance to county leadership on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.” [Press Release]
Aachen Singers Coming to Arlington — “The Aachen Cathedral Choir, Germany’s oldest boys’ choir founded in 781, will perform at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA) on Oct. 15, 2024, at 7 p.m. This special event celebrates over 30 years of the Sister City partnership between Arlington and Aachen, and is free and open to the public.” [Arlington County]
Va. Election Results Expectations — “There are no strict rules dictating how counties should release results. But in past elections, early returns favored Republicans until the big cities and large northern Virginia suburbs reported their results, which took hours.” [Associated Press]
F.C. Paper Asks for Help — “Today we are asking members of the community to commit to a small monthly contribution, long-term. Our hope is that community support will not only provide the shot in the arm the News-Press requires to survive the year, but provide the ongoing support needed to insure our operation into the future.” [Falls Church News-Press]
It’s Thursday — Expect sunny conditions and a high temperature near 63 degrees, accompanied by a north wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. The evening will remain clear with temperatures dropping to around 42 degrees. [NWS]
Expect sunny conditions and a high temperature near 63 degrees, accompanied by a north wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. The evening will remain clear with temperatures dropping to around 42 degrees, and the north wind will decrease to 3 to 5 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius