Costs for the Arlington 55+ Travel program aren’t going up as much as first proposed, but they’re still rising and future increases are likely.
As part of the fiscal 2027 budget process, County Board members approved a 25% increase in fees charged by the 55+ Travel program, operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Arlington County has retained the highest possible credit rating for the 26th year in a row.
All three major bond-rating agencies — Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch Ratings — reaffirmed the county’s Aaa/AAA/AAA debt ratings this week, the county announced this morning. Arlington is one of just 54 counties nationwide, and one of 13 in Virginia, to hold the top mark from all three.
Arlington’s level of homelessness was largely stable from 2025 to 2026, but the number of those considered chronically homeless showed a year-over-year increase.
A total of 29 single adults in Arlington were counted as chronically homeless in this year’s Point-in-Time Survey, a one-night regional tally of those experiencing homelessness across the region. That’s up from 23 a year before.
A local environmental advocacy organization hopes to breathe new life into its efforts.
Supporters of the Arlington Tree Action Group (ATAG) met online May 14 to consider specific initiatives and, potentially, a broader mission. The goal, leader Mary Glass said, was to take a fresh look at the local civic landscape and ATAG’s place within it.
Later this year, Arlington will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and salute the efforts of public-safety personnel who saved innumerable lives at the Pentagon that day.
No police officers, sheriff’s deputies or fire department personnel lost their lives at the Pentagon that day. But last Friday’s Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony was a reminder that many would carry physical and emotional scars of 9/11 with them for years to come.
Arlington’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee is in full organizing mode for a June block party in Crystal City honoring Pride Month.
Organizers are hoping for upwards of 500 attendees at next month’s first Arlington Pride 23rd Street Block Party. Sponsored by Equality Arlington in collaboration with several other community organizations, the event is slated for Saturday, June 6 from 3-7 p.m. in the Restaurant Row area of 23rd Street S.
County leaders are marking the 20th anniversary of an initiative they believe has made a significant difference in addressing intimate-partner and sexual violence.
Looking ahead, those behind Project PEACE say it is being updated to align with best national practices, with a focus on listening more intently to survivors of violence. A new blueprint provides “a refreshed, community-driven vision for the future,” said LaToya Young, coordinator of Project PEACE.
With the county government’s fiscal year 2027 budget season now over, eyes are beginning to turn to fiscal year 2028 — which may or may not be any easier to balance.
“Very uncertain” is how County Board member Julius “JD” Spain, Sr., describes the future of the local economy and its impact on the county’s budget process that will play out over the next 12 months.
Arlington’s signature project honoring the nation’s 250th birthday is expected to attract a crowd of thousands in just a couple weeks.
The Arlington History Fest is slated for Saturday, May 9 at Kenmore Middle School — a date scheduled to avoid other events taking place in D.C. on the actual anniversary. It will feature more than 40 exhibitors, representation from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), food trucks and dozens of historical reenactors.
Members of Arlington’s Disability Advisory Commission argue that they could do more good by being an integral part of creating properties, not just reviewing them.
“We feel a frustration dealing with the county’s current planning process,” said Commissioner Bryant Atkins.
County leaders appear optimistic that plans for an Arlington boathouse on the Potomac River will stay on track to open by the end of the decade.
“I think we’re through the hardest parts,” County Board member Susan Cunningham said at the April 14 meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission, where the topic was discussed.
While County Board members have agreed to save gymnastics programming, advocates now fear that a proposed hike in participation fees may still make the programs inaccessible for many families.
At last week’s budget-markup session, Board members settled on a proposal that would increase participation fees for the Arlington Aerials and Arlington Tigers gymnastics programs 44% in the coming year.
