by Danielle Finley, Associate Director of Political Engagement
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines. In this Issue: 1. With federal cuts looming, Northern Virginia localities face budget crunch 2. Fairfax City proposes real estate and meals tax increases to balance budget 3. Fairfax County legislator wants to redirect solar projects from farmland to parking lots. But there’s a catch 4. Loudoun to eliminate by-right data center development, with some exceptions 5. DC 2050: Shaping the Future of Washington, D.C.'s Growth.
By TEO ARMUS, The Washington Post
As the Trump administration continues slashing the federal bureaucracy, local governments in Northern Virginia are already starting to feel the pain — wallet first. In a region where about 1 in 8 workers are employed in federal civilian positions, likely cuts to agencies and federal assistance programs in Washington are compounding across the Potomac River to create some difficult choices for the region’s local governments as they consider spending plans for the next fiscal year.
By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, FFXnow
Homeowners in Fairfax City could face an average 16.9% increase in real estate taxes under the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget released Feb. 25 by City Manager Bryan Foster. In order to meet increasing costs — especially for schools — Foster proposes increasing the city’s real-estate tax rate from $1.03 per $100 of assessed value to $1.125.
By DWAYNE YANCEY, Cardinal News
Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax County, was in Las Vegas for a funeral last summer when he noticed the parking lot he was in suddenly got cooler. The state legislator from Fairfax County looked up, and that’s when he got the glimmer of an idea that led to a bill that now sits on the governor’s desk, at least metaphorically, waiting for action.
By DAN BRENDEL, Washington Business Journal
Loudoun County Supervisors are set to eliminate all by-right data center development countywide later this month, though they'll grandfather several existing applications before that stricter regime takes effect.
By BRANDICE N. Elliot, Holland & Knight
The DC 2050 initiative has officially launched, marking the beginning of the District of Columbia's first full rewrite of the Comprehensive Plan since 2006. At a recent event, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Office of Planning Director Anita Cozart introduced their vision for the plan, emphasizing the need for strategic growth that supports housing, jobs and amenities to attract and retain residents.