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.
Latest News & Information
- Provide Feedback on the FY 2022 Budget (through Jan. 10, 2021)
- Infographic: FY 2022 Budget by the Numbers
- WATCH: A Message from the County Manager on the FY 2022 Budget
- WATCH: Community Forum on FY 2022 Budget
- Board Presentation: County Manager’s FY 2022 Budget Outlook
- News Release: County Board Focuses on COVID-19 in FY 2022 Budget Guidance (11/18/20)
- FY 2022 County Board Budget Guidance
Budget Timeline & Additional Resources
Step 1: County Manager Gathers Input
When: Fall/Winter 2020-21
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: Feb. 2021
The County Manager will present his Proposed FY 2022 Budget to the County Board at a Board work session and at the monthly Board meeting in February.
Step 3: County Board Gathers Feedback
When: March–April 2021
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. All sessions are held in the County Board Room. They are also cablecast and live-streamed on Arlington TV.
Step 4: Final Adoption by County Board
When: April 2021
Following extensive review and consideration, the County Board adopts the final FY 2022 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.