Leer en Español / 한국어로 읽기

Fairfax County is seeking community feedback on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget Plan. You are encouraged to participate through various channels to help shape the county’s financial priorities and decisions.

Online Survey

An online survey is now available for residents to share their perspectives on budget priorities. 

The survey is available in Spanish (Español) and Korean (한국어). 

Public Hearings

The Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings on the FY 2026 Budget Tuesday through Thursday, April 22 – 24. These hearings are open to all residents to provide testimony or express their views on the proposal. To testify in person, by video or by phone, sign up at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form. Call the Clerk to the Board’s Office at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) or email clerktothebos@fairfaxcounty.gov for more info.

Town Hall Meetings

Through March, the Board of Supervisors will host town hall meetings across various districts. These sessions provide an opportunity for in-person discussions about the budget with county officials. A complete schedule is available online: FY 2026 Budget Town Hall Meetings.

Email and Phone Feedback

Residents can also share feedback about the FY 2026 budget proposal:

• By email: FY26Budget@publicinput.com
• By phone: 703-890-5898, code#: 7574

About the FY 2026 Advertised Budget

The FY 2026 Advertised Budget includes a 1.5-cent increase in the real estate tax rate, $60 million in spending reductions, and funding increases for employee compensation, schools and county services. Consideration of a Food and Beverage Tax has also been recommended to help diversify revenue sources. 

Budget Adoption Timeline

Following public input, the Board of Supervisors will adopt the final FY 2026 budget on May 13, with the budget taking effect on July 1. Key dates are listed on the Budget Timeline page.

Visit the Department of Management and Budget online for the full FY 2026 Advertised Budget Plan.

Balancing revenue growth, economic uncertainty and county service investments is at the core of the FY 2026 Advertised Budget Plan, presented to the Board of Supervisors by County Executive Bryan Hill on Tuesday. The proposal includes a 1.5-cent increase in the Real Estate Tax rate, targeted expenditure reductions and funding for employee compensation and benefits.

“Even when revenue growth is sluggish, we cannot ignore our community’s desire for high-quality services or our employees’ expectations for fair pay increases,” Hill said. “Responsible budgeting is about balance, and this proposal seeks to strike the right balance in funding necessary expenditure increases, finding sensible reduction opportunities and managing the impact on our residents.”

Economic Challenges and Federal Uncertainty

Hill told the board that regional economic uncertainty, including potential shifts in the federal workforce, could impact Fairfax County. With more than 50,000 federal employees and numerous contractors in the county, changes at the federal level may have significant economic effects. While broader impacts on employment, inflation and consumer confidence remain uncertain, the budget assumes no immediate disruptions but notes the need for continued monitoring.

Revenue Adjustments, Budget Reductions, Tax Increases

Fairfax County must adopt a balanced budget, meaning expenditures cannot exceed available revenue. Rising costs for employee compensation, school funding and inflation-driven expenses necessitate both strategic reductions and additional revenue sources.

The nearly $60 million in reductions proposed this year represents the most significant cost-cutting effort since FY 2010, when over $90 million was cut following the Great Recession. In total, since FY 2024, the county has reduced spending by over $100 million to maintain a balanced budget while addressing growing cost pressures.

The 1.5-cent real estate tax increase, which would bring the rate to $1.14, is projected to generate $50.93 million for essential services. Additionally, a 2 percent increase in the transient occupancy tax is expected to raise $13 million, with half allocated to tourism promotion.

Revenue Diversification

As part of the FY 2026 Advertised Budget Plan, Hill recommended the board consider implementing a Food and Beverage Tax in the county. Should the board proceed with a Food and Beverage Tax, at a 4 percent rate, effective January 2026, the tax would generate $65.1 million. It could be utilized to reduce the Real Estate Tax rate to $1.12 per $100 of assessed value—a 0.5 cent decrease from the FY 2025 rate. Alternatively, a portion of the revenue could be invested in county priorities.

The county executive recommends that the board advertise a public hearing on the Food and Beverage Tax to coincide with the April budget public hearings.

Fairfax County Public Schools Funding

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has requested a $268.26 million transfer increase for FY 2026 , largely for employee compensation, special education and contract rate adjustments. The Advertised Budget proposes a $125.34 million increase in total Schools funding. Fully funding the FCPS request would require 4.5 additional cents on the Real Estate Tax rate.

The impact on taxpayers, the need for balance with other priorities and the potential for additional state funding were all factors in the proposed transfer amount. Currently, Virginia contributes significantly less funding per student than the national average, according to a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission report, which estimates FCPS is underfunded by approximately $3,100 per student, creating a $568 million gap.

Employee Compensation

The budget prioritizes employee compensation, including fully funding collective bargaining agreements, a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment, and performance-based pay increases.

The budget allocates $123.6 million for employee pay and benefits, including collective bargaining agreements, non-represented pay adjustments and market-driven salary changes to maintain competitiveness. It also funds longevity increases and employer contribution rate increases for pensions, retiree health and other benefits.

Affordable Housing and Capital Projects

The county is investing an additional $8.5 million in affordable housing, representing a quarter-penny on the real estate tax and bringing the total amount dedicated to affordable housing to 1.25 pennies on the Real Estate Tax rate. The Advertised Capital Improvement Plan also included some proposed adjustments to upcoming Bond Referendum. A new renovation project for the Joanne Jorgenson Public Health Laboratory is now recommended for the 2026 Human Services Referendum. A planned $50 million referendum for early childhood is proposed to be split into two tranches, and a project to renovate the Centreville Regional Library is proposed to be deferred.

Public Input and Next Steps

Public participation is essential in shaping the final budget. Residents are encouraged to provide input through public hearings and community discussions before the final budget adoption in May 2025. Budget public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, April 22 to 24, with FY 2026 Budget adoption on Tuesday, May 13.

• View Board District Town Hall Meeting Schedule

For more information, visit the Department of Management and Budget online.