Arlington County Board closes FY2027 public hearing, will act in April

After several hours of public testimony on programs and proposed cuts, Arlington County Board Chair Matt DiFrante moved to close the public hearing on the FY2027 proposed budget and carry action to the April County Board meeting.

"We will act on the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget, calendar year 2026, tax rate and associated fees, and code amendments at the April County board meeting," DiFrante told the room at the hearing's close. A second was recorded and the motion passed on a 5-to-0 voice vote.

The hearing compiled wide-ranging public comment on the budget, including pleas to preserve Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center and programming at the TJ Community Center, arguments for restoring housing and climate funding, and labor concerns. The board did not make final budget decisions Thursday; it will consider the manager's proposed budget and the testimony received at its April meeting.