Arlington’s annual operating budget outlines spending on County 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.
Latest News & Information
- County Board Advertises 2019 Tax Rate (2/23/19)
- County Manager Presents Proposed FY 2020 Budget (2/21/19)
- Work Session Schedule and Presentations Posted (2/21/19)
How You Can Get Involved
Email Comments to the County Board
Comments about the Proposed FY 2020 Budget? Submit your feedback to the County Board.
Attend a Public Hearing
Give your feedback in person to the County Board. Hearings are scheduled for Apr. 2 & 4. Learn more.
Stop by Open Door Monday
Speak directly with a Board member at this weekly event. See the schedule.
Watch a County Board Work Session
Get budget details department by department. We’ll broadcast the work sessions live. Get the schedule.
Get Updates via “Inside Arlington”
Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get the latest about the FY 2020 budget development and how you can get involved.
Budget Timeline & Additional Resources
Step 1: County Manager Gathers Input
When: Fall/Winter 2018-19
The County Manager will gather input from his leadership team, County employees, the County Board and the Arlington community. This input will help frame and develop the Manager’s Proposed Budget, which he will present to the Board in February.
- Arlington Property Values Rise in 2019, But Budget Choices Remain (1/25/19)
- County Board Budget Guidance for FY 2020 (11/28/18)
- FY 2018 Close-out and Implications for FY 2020 Budget (10/20/18)
- News Release | Video (coming soon) | Presentation Slides
- WATCH: FY 2020 Budget Virtual Town Hall (10/17/18)
- Early Budget Outlook for FY 2020 (9/25/18)
Step 2: Proposed Budget Released
When: Feb. 21 & 23, 2019
The County Manager will present his Proposed FY 2020 Budget to the County Board at a Board work session and again at the monthly Board meeting in February.
- County Manager’s Proposed FY 2020 Budget – Full Document (2/23/19)
- County Manager’s Proposed FY 2020 Budget – Overview (2/21/19)
Step 3: County Board Gathers Feedback
When: Feb.–Apr. 2019
The County Board will host a series of work sessions with County agencies and hold two public hearings — on Apr. 2 & 4 — as it considers the Manager’s budget proposal. Comments about the Proposed Budget? Submit your feedback to the County Board here.
Step 4: Final Adoption by County Board
When: Apr. 2019
Following extensive review and consideration, the County Board will adopt the final FY 2020 operating budget.
More About the 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.