Event Calendar

2.20.25

Dear Neighbor,

Budget season is underway in Fairfax County. At Tuesday's Board Meeting, the County Executive presented his proposed FY 2026 budget. This was the first opportunity for both the Board and the general public to view the proposal and the first step in a months-long process which culminates in adoption of a final budget on May 13. You can watch the presentation or view the FY 2026 budget documents..

This year's budget process takes place against the backdrop of severe state underfunding of schools, the continued weakness of the commercial office market, and tremendous economic uncertainty created by the reckless actions of the current Administration in Washington. Those challenges combined present a sobering reality and the need to acknowledge that we are, for the foreseeable future, in an era where we have to find ways to do more with less.

The proposed budget includes a 1.5 cent increase in the real estate tax rate, $60 million in cuts to County programs, and the elimination of 208 County positions. While the budget envisions a reduction in force — meaning that some County employees would lose their current positions — the County Executive expressed that his goal would be to identify other opportunities within the County workforce for those individuals. The budget also does not fully fund the Fairfax County Public Schools' request for a 10.4% increase in County funding, but does provide a $119 million increase.

While not included in his proposed budget, the County Executive did note that the implementation of a tax on prepared food & beverage would provide enough revenue to eliminate the proposed increase in the real estate tax, with much of that revenue coming from those not living in Fairfax County. 

Budget Town Hall

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns about the County budget before it is adopted in May. To that end, I'll be hosting a virtual Braddock District Budget Town Hall on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. with County Executive Bryan Hill.

You can watch the town hall three different ways:

• Facebook Live
• Stream on the County website
• Tune to Channel 16 (Channel 16 on Verizon/Comcast or Cox Channel 1016)

Do you have a question to submit for the town hall? 

• Email braddocktownhall@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Call (703) 324-1114 during the program
• Use the Facebook Live chat

The Board will also be hosting a series of Budget Public Hearings from April 22-24 at the Government Center. We want to hear from residents and encourage you to sign up to speak in person, by video, or by phone at one of the three meetings.

?The County has expanded the methods for residents to offer feedback on the Budget. The online and text option for leaving comments will go live on Monday, February 24. We will share those links in next week's Advisory once they are active. In the meantime, you can share your comments using these methods:

• Leave a voicemail at (703) 890-5898, project code 7574
• Email FY26Budget@publicinput.com