The Arlington County Board concluded its July 2026 meetings by approving several significant initiatives, including major mixed-use developments, a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, and the adoption of a $4.9 billion Capital Improvement Plan. These decisions aim to reshape the county's urban landscape, enhance sustainability, and fund critical infrastructure projects.
Among the key approvals were site plan amendments for a mixed-use development at 1401 Wilson Boulevard and 1400 Key Boulevard, facilitating two residential towers with 831 new units and retail space. This project will replace obsolete office buildings, contribute $6 million to the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, and achieve LEED Gold certification. Additionally, the Board approved the adaptive reuse of two 12-story office buildings at 601 and 701 12th Street South into up to 607 residential units, alongside new retail and public plazas, significantly reducing office vacancy in Pentagon City.
In a move towards environmental sustainability and noise reduction, the Board approved an amendment to the noise ordinance prohibiting the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums. This ban will take effect on January 1, 2029, following a nearly 30-month phase-out period to allow residents and businesses to transition to electric alternatives. The decision was informed by extensive public engagement and aligns with the county's goals to reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Board also adopted the FY2027-FY2036 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a $4.9 billion, 10-year blueprint for building, maintaining, and upgrading county facilities and infrastructure. Key investments include $1.5 billion for Transportation projects, $971.7 million for the Utilities Fund, $449.4 million for Government and Public Facilities, and $442.6 million for Metro obligations.
Furthermore, the Board approved over $184 million in new bond referenda for the November 2026 ballot. These referenda, if approved by voters, will fund various capital projects, including $69.7 million for Metro and Transportation, $34.9 million for Parks & Recreation, $58.8 million for Community Infrastructure, $20.7 million for Utilities, and $80 million for Arlington Public Schools. Other actions included advancing a General Land Use Plan amendment for 1501 Langston Boulevard to facilitate an 8-story residential building with a museum, and renewing a use permit for Tyndale Christian School to increase its student capacity to 80.