Let’s talk budgets. While they can be confusing and intricate, we’re here to make them easier to understand. Here’s the latest on the proposed budgets for 2027 in Arlington, Fairfax City, and Alexandria.

Note: These budgets have not yet been finalized. Keep reading to see how you can give feedback for your city.

Arlington

Let’s start by looking at Arlington’s potential plan. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Arlington 2027 city budget proposal was released. Take a peek at the full presentation.

The total budget for 2027 is $1.69 billion — a 0.1% decrease from last year.

Some proposals on the docket:

A 1.5-cent increase in the real estate tax rate
$10.6 million in reductions, impacting 56 full-time positions
A transfer of $650.3 million to Arlington Public Schools

Attend and closely monitor all budget work sessions scheduled for March and April. In these sessions, officials work through the details of the proposed budget, refine specific funding amounts, evaluate trade-offs, and shape the final financial plan before adoption.

Arlington residents will have the opportunity to participate in a public budget hearing on Tuesday, March 24 to share their feedback. The final budget is scheduled to be adopted on Tuesday, April 21. That budget officially kicks off Wednesday, July 1 — that's the first day of fiscal year 2027.

If you can't attend the meeting, but still want to share your feedback, send an email to countyBoard@arlingtonva.us.

Fairfax City

Let’s dive into Fairfax City’s budget. The Fairfax City 2027 budget proposal was presented on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Check out the full presentation here.

Some proposals on the docket:

A 2.5-cent increase in the real estate tax rate
An increase in meals tax from 4.0% to 4.5% — this is a tax imposed on prepared food
$3.3 million in debt financing to support capital improvements for school renovations and the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center

The final budget will be adopted on Tuesday, May 5 — you can give feedback through that date.

Alexandria

The city's proposed 2027 budget is 2.2% higher than last year's, at $977.3 million. Here's a breakdown of what is being discussed.

Some proposals on the docket:

Real estate taxes are expected to stay the same
About $337 million of the budget will go to Alexandria's public schools
About $22.3 million is expected to go to stormwater management projects in 2027

If you'd like to make comments or attend future work sessions for the budget, visit this webpage for more information.

The last day to amend the budget will be Monday, April 27, and the final budget will be adopted on Wednesday, April 29.

Is there a specific city budget you’d like us to break down in more detail? Let us know.