On November 6, 2018 Arlington residents approved four local bond referenda totaling $244 million. The projects included in these bond questions are components of the County’s FY 2019 – FY 2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Arlington Public Schools’ FY 2019 – FY 2028 CIP, both adopted in July 2018. Proceeds from the bonds will be used to pay for several projects. Detailed project descriptions can be found in the County’s FY 2019 – FY 2028 CIP.
Arlington currently holds AAA ratings from the three major rating agencies. These strong bond ratings allow the County to borrow at very low interest rates, resulting in lower costs to Arlington taxpayers.
The four referendum questions and explanations for 2018 are below.
| Category | Amount | Question | Explanation |
| 1. Metro & Transportation
For: 83,995 Against: 19,754 Approval Rate: 81% |
$74,570,000 | Shall Arlington County contract a debt and issue its general obligation bonds in the maximum principal amount of $74,570,000 to finance, together with other available funds, the cost of various capital projects for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and other transit, pedestrian, road or transportation projects? | This proposal will fund a variety of transportation, road, pedestrian enhancement and transit projects across the County. The largest components of this proposal are expected to be $44 million for Arlington County’s share of WMATA / Metro’s capital improvement program, and $21 million to fund a portion of the costs for paving local streets and roadways. Proceeds of this proposal are expected to fund the Boundary Channel Drive Interchange, bridge maintenance and renovation, street lights, East Falls Church Streets, Neighborhood Complete Streets, parking meters, transportation asset management, transportation systems & traffic signals, traffic calming device replacement, WALKArlington, BikeArlington, intelligent transportation system device replacement, Curb & Gutter Missing Links, and other similar projects. The County Board may reallocate bond funds among other transportation projects within the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, as amended from time to time, to the extent necessary or desirable |
| 2. Local Parks & Recreation
For: 80,175 Against: 24,221 Approval Rate: 77% |
$29,330,000 | Shall Arlington County contract a debt and issue its general obligation bonds in the maximum principal amount of $29,330,000 to finance, together with other available funds, the cost of various capital projects for local parks & recreation? | This proposal will fund a variety of parks and recreation projects, the largest expected to be $16 million for Jennie Dean Park. Proceeds of this proposal are also expected to fund the Trail Modernization program, Rosslyn Highlands Park, and playgrounds, fields, courts, and other parks infrastructure improvements. The County Board may reallocate bond funds among other parks and recreation projects within the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, as amended from time to time, to the extent necessary or desirable. |
| 3. Community Infrastructure
For: 76,772 Against: 27,089 Approval Rate: 74% |
$37,015,000 | Shall Arlington County contract a debt and issue its general obligation bonds in the maximum principal amount of $37,015,000 to finance, together with other available funds, the cost of various capital projects for County facilities, and other County infrastructure? | This proposal will fund a variety of County infrastructure projects. The largest components of this proposal are expected to be $14 million for the construction of Fire Station 8, and $8 million for facilities maintenance capital improvement, including design and construction of projects including but not limited to roofs, electrical and heating/cooling systems and other facilities infrastructure in County libraries, community and recreation centers, and in other County buildings. Proceeds of this proposal are also expected to fund Nauck Town Square, assessments, renovations & improvements to government facilities, Neighborhood Conservation projects, and other County infrastructure projects. The Neighborhood Conservation Program provides funding for a variety of neighborhood-identified capital improvement projects including street improvements (sidewalk, curb and gutter, drainage, paving), traffic management and pedestrian enhancements, park improvements, street lighting, recreational facilities, landscaping, and beautification. The County Board may reallocate bond funds among other County and community infrastructure projects within the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, as amended from time to time, to the extent necessary or desirable. |
| 4. Arlington Public Schools
For: 85,576 Against: 18,912 Approval Rate: 82% |
$103,000,000 | Shall Arlington County contract a debt and issue its general obligation bonds in the maximum principal amount of $103,000,000 to finance, together with other available funds, the costs of various capital projects for Arlington Public Schools? | This proposal will make funds available for the Arlington Public Schools’ capital improvement program. The proposed bonds will fund the following projects: • The new elementary school at the Reed Site ($44,250,000) • Renovation at the Career Center for Arlington Tech ($6,000,000) • Planning and Design of the Career Center project; project elements to be planned include the field and parking garage ($5,900,000) with planning and design of the 800-seat addition and performing arts facility coming in later years. • Renovation at the Education Center to add 600 new high school seats ($32,250,000), and • Other infrastructure capital projects such as HVAC, roofing, etc. ($14,600,000) The School Board may reallocate bond funds among the various projects to the extent necessary or desirable. |
Referenda Frequently Asked Questions
Prior Bond Referenda Information 1951-2016
Office of Voter Registration where more information on General and Special Elections can be found.