$4.3B Capital Improvement Plan Through 2036 Proposed By Arlington County Manager

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz has proposed a $4.3 billion Capital Improvement Plan that outlines infrastructure and facilities spending over the next 10 years.

The proposed fiscal years 2027-2036 plan includes investments in transportation, water and sewer systems, stormwater management, parks, recreation and technology infrastructure, according to Arlington County officials.

Schwartz presented the proposal to the Arlington County Board on May 19.

“With the realities of our current fiscal environment, this CIP proposal focuses on maintaining the County’s current assets and facilities so we can continue to provide the core services and quality of life that our community deserves,” Schwartz said in a statement. He added that the proposal prioritizes environmental and community resiliency and financial sustainability while addressing future capital needs.

View: Proposed FY 2027 - FY 2036 Capital Improvement Plan

County officials said the proposal was developed during a period of slow revenue growth, increased expenses, high office vacancy rates and rising demand for social safety net programs and services. Officials also cited construction inflation and potentially higher interest rates on bonds as factors affecting the plan.

According to the county, more than 1,800 people participated in community engagement efforts related to infrastructure priorities. Officials said residents expressed support for maintaining existing facilities and infrastructure rather than building new projects.

The proposal prioritizes meeting regulatory obligations, maintaining county assets, strengthening financial sustainability, supporting environmental resiliency and responding to emerging service demands.

County officials said the plan defers investments in new facilities where possible and dedicates more than $1.5 billion, or 49 percent of the General Fund-supported portion of the proposal, to maintaining existing infrastructure and assets. That includes bridges, streets, sidewalks, technology, equipment and parks improvements.

The proposal also accelerates several facilities projects, including work at the Arlington County Detention Facility, the Courts-Police Building and the Ballston Public Parking Garage, according to the county.

Other proposed investments include affordable housing, behavioral health facilities, expansion of the Homeless Services Center, tree planting and workspace consolidation for county staff.

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The plan also includes funding for projects such as Rosslyn Gateway Park, Vision Zero street safety improvements, additional Metro entrances at Ballston-MU and Crystal City, stormwater improvements and a situational awareness center for public safety and emergency preparedness.

As part of the proposal, the county manager is seeking $182.3 million in new bonds that would go before voters in November, pending County Board approval.

The proposed referendum would include:

• $56.8 million for community infrastructure projects
• $69.7 million for Metro and transportation projects
• $34.9 million for parks and recreation projects
• $20.7 million for utilities projects

Arlington Public Schools is also proposing $60 million in bonds for renovations at Jamestown and Oakridge elementary schools.

The County Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed CIP on July 7.
Arlington County Manager Proposes $4.3 Billion Capital Improvement Plan Through 2036