FY 2027 Budget Information

People walking and sitting along a tree‑lined riverside path with pink blossoms and city buildings in the background

Arlington County faces a difficult decision-making process as it looks to balance spending with revenue for the 2027 fiscal year (FY), which starts July 1, 2026.

This next fiscal year brings many uncertainties, including impacts of the federal budget, ongoing pressures from high office vacancy rates, the increased need for the County’s social safety net programs and services, and the changing economic environment.

March-April 2026 | County Board Work Sessions (including calendar, agenda, follow up responses)

The County Board hosts a series of work sessions with County agencies to learn more about the specifics of their budget proposals. All sessions are held in the County Board Room and/or virtually. All work sessions are open to the public to view and are broadcast live on Arlington TV (Comcast Xfinity 1073 (HD), Comcast Xfinity 25 (SD), and Verizon FiOS 39 & 40 (SD)) and on Arlington County's YouTube.

The Board also holds two public hearings and gathers feedback online as it considers the Manager’s budget proposal. Sign-Up for County Board Budget and Tax Rate Hearings is available at 8 a.m. five business days in advance of each hearing.

Public Budget Hearing, Tuesday, March 24
Tax Rate(s) Public Hearing, Thursday, March 26

February 21, 2026 | Proposed Budget Materials

News Release: Proposed FY27 Budget Invests in Core Services Amidst Slow Growth (en español)
Presentation: County Manager's Proposed FY 2027 Budget - Overview(PDF, 1MB)
Infographic: FY 2027 Proposed Budget Overview(PDF, 344KB)(PDF, 18MB)
FY 2027 Proposed Budget Document

February 2026 | Budget Engagement Analysis

FY 2027 Budget Engagement Analysis(PDF, 2MB)
- 2,455 Total responses, including 164 in-person responses, collected via pop-ups and ballot boxes at libraries and community centers.
- More than 100 participants completed the form in Spanish.
- Outreach conducted through online and in-person communications, canvassing, poster distributions, and community pop-ups.
FY 2027 Budget Engagement Comments(XLSX, 199KB)

January 2025 | Balancing the Budget Infographic

Balancing the Budget: Challenges and Options for the FY 2027 Operating Budget

Equilibrando el Presupuesto(PDF, 17MB)

December 2025 | County Board Guidance on the FY 2027 Budget Proposal

At the December Recessed Board meeting, the County Board directed the County Manager to prepare a proposed FY 2027 budget that ensures efficiency and quality in mission-critical functions of local government, reflects community values, is responsive to the needs of our most vulnerable residents, and values our public employees.

Read the Direction to the County Manager for Preparation of the Proposed FY 2027 Budget.

November 2025 | County Manager's Presentation of the FY 2027 Outlook

VIDEO: County Manager's Presentation of the FY 2027 Economic Outlook with members of the Department of Management & Finance
PRESENTATION: FY 2027 Budget Planning Projections(PDF, 1MB) (Beginning on Slide 14)