The Arlington County Board voted on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to adopt a $4.9 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 through 2036. This comprehensive 10-year plan focuses on building, maintaining, upgrading, and replacing the County’s essential facilities and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on current maintenance needs.
Chair Matt de Ferranti emphasized the plan's focus, saying, "This CIP focuses on investing in maintenance and good repair of critical public infrastructure that we already have, both because doing so is sound policy and because the uncertainty of this moment compels us to do so." The plan was shaped by input from over 1,800 community members who shared their top priorities.
Major investments outlined in the adopted CIP include more than $1.5 billion for transportation, $971.7 million for water and sewer infrastructure, and $449.4 million for public and government facilities. Additionally, $442.6 million is allocated for Metro funding, $286.1 million for local parks and recreation, and $264.7 million for information technology and public safety. Stormwater management will receive $265.1 million, while Arlington Neighborhoods and Economic Development will see $80.1 million in investments. The Arlington Public Schools' adopted CIP totals $604.77 million.
The Board also provided guidance to the County Manager, instructing accelerated environmental investments in public facilities, advancing objectives related to libraries and parks, and including $2 million for the ArNAC program in the upcoming Community Infrastructure bond referendum. Furthermore, the Manager was directed to develop a proposal for the FY2029-FY2038 CIP regarding capital investments in housing, exploring funding partnerships and various sources.
In conjunction with the CIP adoption, the Board approved over $184 million in new bond referenda. These include $163.5 million for County projects and $20.7 million for Utilities fund projects, alongside $80 million for Arlington Public Schools. These referenda will be presented to Arlington voters on the November 2026 ballot, enabling the County to issue general obligation bonds for planned improvements if approved.