County Board | ARLnow.com

Arlington budget proposes tax increase, closure of gymnastics program and library

Published February 23, 2026 at 10:00AM

County Manager Mark Schwartz (screenshot via Arlington County)

A tax rate increase, the closure of the Cherrydale Library and the elimination of a popular youth gymnastics program are key components of the new budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year.

The $1.69 billion spending plan, released at a County Board meeting on Saturday, is down a fraction of a percent from the adopted fiscal year 2026 plan. The almost unprecedented year-over-year decrease reflects ongoing concerns about declining revenue from commercial office buildings, hotel stays and the federal government.

News

Affordable housing proposal off of Langston Blvd heads to County Board

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 18, 2026 at 2:45PM

Plans for the Leckey Gardens site at 2031 N. Woodrow Street (via Arlington County)

Plans for a 249-unit affordable housing building off of Langston Blvd are up for County Board consideration this weekend.

Planning Commission members voted 9-2 on Feb. 9 to support True Ground Housing Partners’ proposal to replace 40 garden-style apartments at the Leckey Gardens complex (2031-37 N. Woodrow Street) with a 10-story affordable apartment building.

News

Next year’s budget, future parking rates to highlight County Board meeting

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 18, 2026 at 10:00AM

County Manager Mark Schwartz (Arlington County screenshot)

This weekend’s County Board meeting is expected to include a presentation on the county manager’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and several other notable items.

Additional slated topics include a vote on the future of Arlington’s parking rates, an upgrade to the elevators at the Arlington County Justice Center and more vendors at the Lubber Run Farmers Market. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.

News

Snow left on ramps at government building angers Arlington disability advocates

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 17, 2026 at 9:15AM

Arlington County government headquarters in Courthouse (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Members of the county’s Disability Advisory Commission are deeply unhappy with recent local efforts to remove snow and ice from pedestrian pathways.

A recent meeting zeroed in on a lack of attention given to a key entrance to the Bozman Government Center, as well as lingering snow on many curb cuts and sidewalks.

Obituary

JUST IN: Judge William Newman, Arlington’s first Black County Board member, has died

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 11, 2026 at 1:45PM

Then-Circuit Court Chief Judge William Newman Jr. in his office (2023 photo by Deb Kolt/GazetteLeader)

William Newman Jr., who served as Arlington’s first Black County Board member and as chief judge of the county’s circuit court, has died.

Newman died at his home yesterday (Tuesday), leaving an enduring legacy that some consider one of the most consequential in Arlington’s recent history. As word has spread, tributes have poured in.

News

County Board member joins push to help churches redevelop with affordable housing

By Emily Leayman

Published February 4, 2026 at 9:30AM

Arlington County Board member Julius "JD" Spain, Sr. (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Arlington County Board member JD Spain Sr. is throwing his support behind a state bill to accelerate affordable housing development on church properties.

Spain joined the Rev. Alice Tewell of Clarendon Presbyterian Church — which put its affordable housing proposal in Lyon Village on pause last year amid rising costs coupled with a lengthy approval process — in testifying on behalf of State Sen. Jeremy McPike’s (D-29) Faith in Housing Act.

News

County Board to decide whether to make increased parking prices permanent

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 3, 2026 at 2:45PM

Parking meter in a performance parking zone in Ballston (staff photo)

The future of increased parking rates along Arlington’s commercial corridors is expected to go before the County Board later this month.

The Board is on track to decide whether to eliminate the “performance parking” pilot project or make the rate changes for about 4,500 parking spaces permanent.

News

Scapegoat Beer Garden granted more time to plan opening in Crystal City

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 29, 2026 at 1:45PM

Outdoor patios at 556 22nd Street S. in January 2025 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A planned beer garden and Korean street food restaurant in Crystal City has received more time to address code and permitting issues as it continues working toward opening.

County Board members have extended the existing use permit for Scapegoat Beer Garden for six months before it returns to staff for further review.

News

Arlington’s measles vaccination rate is above average, but health director urges vigilance

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 29, 2026 at 8:30AM

A vaccine shot (via Arlington County/YouTube)

Arlington is well-positioned to withstand any national upticks in measles cases, but it can’t become complacent, the county’s public health director says.

Arlington students have a 97.5% vaccination rate against the highly contagious disease, compared to 93.9% statewide and 92.5% nationally, according to data presented to County Board members on Tuesday.

News

Plans for 296-unit residential building on Langston Blvd advance toward Planning Commission

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 28, 2026 at 10:00AM

Development proposal for 3130 Langston Blvd (via Arlington County)

A proposal to redevelop a Walgreens on Langston Blvd as a 12-story residential building is moving toward consideration by the Planning Commission and County Board.

County Board members authorized the advertisement of future public hearings on plans for 3130 Langston Blvd at a meeting last night (Tuesday).

News

Arlington officials say dialogue with Palestine activists is improving

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 27, 2026 at 9:15AM

A pro-Palestinian protest targeted a North Arlington home in August 2025 (courtesy of Palestine Youth Movement DMV)

Arlington leaders say they are trying to lower the temperature in their sometimes-heated relationship with pro-Palestinian activists who appear at monthly County Board meetings.

In recent months, activists have held private meetings with individual Board members, which Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and County Board member Julius “J.D.” Spain, Sr. said have been constructive.

News

County Board members advise calling 911 if residents see ICE in Arlington

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 26, 2026 at 10:00AM

ICE agents on N. Piedmont Street in Ashton Heights (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

If Arlington residents see immigration enforcement operating in the county, some local elected officials are advising them to call 911.

County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and Board member Takis Karantonis encouraged calling the emergency number. De Ferranti noted at a meeting on Saturday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “have no legal requirement to tell us when they come into our community.”