Arlington’s annual operating budget outlines spending on County programs, services and administration for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. The County Manager and County Board are committed to engaging the Arlington community in setting budget priorities.
A Guide to the Adopted FY 2023 Budget
An Infographic Guide by Topic
Read the FY 2023 Adopted All-in-One Budget
Step 1: County Manager Gathers Input
When: Fall/Winter 2021-22
The County Manager gathers input from his leadership team, County employees, the County Board and the Arlington community. This input helps frame and develop the Manager’s Proposed Budget.
Step 2: Proposed Budget Released
When: February 2022
The County Manager presented his Proposed FY 2023 Budget to the County Board at the monthly Board meeting in February.
Step 3: County Board Gathers Feedback
When: March–April 2022
The County Board hosts a series of work sessions with County agencies to learn more about the specifics of their budget proposals. The Board also holds two public hearings and gathers feedback online as it considers the Manager’s budget proposal. Sessions are held in the County Board Room and/or virtually. All sessions are cablecast and live-streamed on Arlington TV.
Step 4: Final Adoption by County Board
When: April 26, 2022
Following extensive review and consideration, the County Board adopts the final FY 2023 operating budget.
Arlington County’s budget follows an annual cycle, with the fiscal year starting July 1 and ending June 30. The fiscal year budget serves as the annual operating plan and is one of the three major strategic documents in the County regarding planning, in conjunction with the County Comprehensive Plan.
During the fiscal year, the Department of Management and Finance reviews the current budget at midyear and for the closeout of the fiscal year. As part of developing an annual budget, the Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee (FAAC) provides further review of the County Manager’s proposed budget. The County’s budget process is consistent each year, though specific dates may change.