February was a busy month: we advertised the tax rate for the budget, chose to proceed with rank choice voting for the general election, secured a significant economic development win with Costar coming to Rosslyn, and approved a Goodwill request to build affordable housing on top of its Glebe Road donation site. I also continued working on criminal justice issues.
On February 5th, all five Arlington County Board Members attended a community meeting on Arlington in 2050. The event involved three panelists and break-out sessions, discussing what Arlington wants to be like in the year 2050. The meeting was the start of a conversation and is meant to be resident driven. To watch it, go here: Arlington 2050 | Envisioning Tomorrow Together Kick-off Event (youtube.com)
Chair Garvey identified the need to update a 1986 report envisioning Arlington in 2000. It is an important conversation for us to start, but it will not be an easy one and will take well into next year to complete. It will not be the cure for all of our debates: a clear vision will take significant community engagement and this year is only meant to set the stage for a full discussion. Nonetheless, I think it is important to think long-term and work on a shared sense of vision. To see an overview of the plan for this conversation this year, go here:
5 minute video describing the start of the 2050 visioning process
Economic development and inclusive economic growth are critical reasons I ran for the Board--our 2050 future depends on Arlington remaining an economically vibrant place to live. As a result, I am very pleased that Costar will be coming to Arlington and bringing 650 jobs to Rosslyn. There has been much discussion of our office vacancy rate. This is our biggest headquarters relocation of the last 3 years and is a critical step toward helping address it.
I am particularly pleased that Costar will be paying $14 million to help us redo Gateway Park in Rosslyn. To those worried about our office vacancy rate, this is not a full response, but it is sound evidence that Arlington remains well-positioned economically. To learn more, go here: Real Estate Giant CoStar Group Chooses Arlington for its Headquarters (govdelivery.com)
The Building Costar will occupy in Rosslyn
The remainder of February focused quite a bit on this coming year's budget. The County Manager presented a budget, consistent with last year's County Board guidance, with $10.1 million in cuts and additional funding for investments, recommending a 1.5 cent tax increase to meet critical needs: schools, housing support, teen mental health, our environment, and our workforce.
I voted in favor of advertising an additional one cent, for a total of 2.5 cents above the current tax rate. My reasons for doing so are focused primarily on our schools, but also on mental health, teen wellness, affordable housing, and a more rehabilitative criminal justice system, particularly with respect to our detention facility. I am mindful that the additional tax rate would mean a greater burden for many of us. We must invest to keep Arlington a great place to live and live up to our ideals. To see a summary of the budget advertisement, go here: County Board Advertises 2024 Tax Rate Increase to Address Challenges (govdelivery.com)
This is the start of a process that will culminate on April 20th after an extensive set of work sessions and public hearings. To view the dates and topics of those hearings, go here: PUBLIC NOTICE: FY2025 Budget Work Session Schedule (govdelivery.com)You can also send me your thoughts by replying to this email.
A rendering of the Goodwill site plan at 10 S. Glebe Road.
Affordable housing continues to be one of my highest priorities, so I was happy to vote for the redevelopment of the existing Goodwill retail and donation center located at 10 S. Glebe Road. This project will bring 128 committed affordable housing units to the site and advance several other County priority goals, including childcare, sustainable design, trail enhancements, and streetscape improvements.
Brooke and I brought Evelyn to the County Board Office for the Tuesday afternoon meeting.
Last, but not least, four quick updates on rank choice voting, Tuesday's Presidential Primary, the ongoing work I am engaging in on criminal justice issues, and our sewer system.
On Rank Choice voting, the Board voted to use rank choice in this fall's election. I am happy to support it and fully intend to support using rank choice in the coming years.
Tuesday is the Presidential Primary in Virginia. Please be sure to vote and vote for President Biden. We cannot leave anything to chance this year as we work to save our democracy. If you have any questions, go here: What to Know for the Upcoming Election (govdelivery.com)
I was named Chair of the Community Criminal Justice Board on February 27th. I will have more to report on this as we consider this year's budget.
