City Council Adopts FY 2027 Budget
On Tuesday, May 5, the Fairfax City Council approved the FY 2027 Budget and FY 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), continuing the city’s focus on maintaining strong public services, investing in community infrastructure, supporting employees, and preserving long-term financial stability.
The total approved FY 2027 budget for all city funds — including General, Capital Projects, Transportation, Stormwater, Wastewater, Transit, and Debt Service Funds — is $299.6 million, representing a 3.2% increase over FY 2026.
The adopted FY 2027 General Fund budget totals $207.9 million, a 4.6% increase from the previous fiscal year. The budget maintains core city services while continuing significant investments in transportation infrastructure, school support, parks and recreation, public safety, community facilities, and long-term capital improvements.
Read the full news story.
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See the Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra, May 8
The Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra will perform Eastern European music from 8-9:30 p.m. May 8 at the Sherwood Center.
The largest orchestra of its kind in America features voices, balalaikas and domras, as well as bayans and accordions, a traditional wind section of flutes, clarinet, oboes and percussion.
This concert is part of the Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series and sponsored by the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts.
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Last Chance to Take the Main Street Intersection Survey
The City of Fairfax is evaluating safety concerns and alternatives for improvement at the intersection of Main Street, Lyndhurst Drive, and Trapp Road, and we want your input.
Complete a short survey on Engage Fairfax by May 10 to share your experiences and safety concerns about walking, driving, or biking through this intersection. Your feedback will help inform the development and evaluation of alternative safety improvements.
If you already completed the survey at the April 22 open house, you do not need to complete it again online. However, we encourage you to share the link with your community.
Learn more.
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Free Event! Learn to Recognize Online Scams, May 15
Council Reporter for the May 5 Special Meeting
 Pictured from left to right: Mayor Catherine Read and City Councilmembers Anthony Amos, Billy Bates, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, and Thomas Peterson.
The city council met on May 5 to adopt the FY 2027 budget. View the full Council Reporter with linked videos of the discussions. A summary is provided below.
- Set the real estate tax rate effective as of Jan. 1, 2026, at $1.0725 per $100 of assessed value.
- Set the personal property and machinery and tools tax rate effective as of Jan. 1, 2026, at $4.13 per $100 assessed valuation.
- Set the personal property tax rate effective as of Jan. 1, 2026, at $.01 per $100 of assessed valuation for those members of volunteer fire departments or volunteered rescue squads qualifying under the city code.
- Set commercial and industrial tax rate for calendar year 2026 of $0.125 per $100 of assessed value, revenues from which to be used exclusively for transportation purposes that benefit the City of Fairfax.
- Increased the rate for wastewater services by 6%.
- Set the stormwater utility fee at $36.02 per billing unit, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
- Set the meals tax rate for at 4.5%, effective July 1, 2026. (Councilmembers Hall and McQuillen opposed.)
- Set the transient occupancy tax rate at 10.5%.
- Adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 14 (Businesses), Article II (Licenses), Division 2 (Classification of Certain Businesses), of the Code of the City of Fairfax, Virginia, pertaining to a proposed increase in the levy and amount of annual license taxes on certain business classifications. See staff report.
- Adopted the General Fund, Capital Fund, Wastewater Fund, Stormwater Utility Fund, Cable Grant Fund, Old Town Service District Fund, Transit Fund, Transportation Tax Fund, and Debt Service Fund FY 2027 Budgets, as presented by the City Manager, together with the proposed FY 2027 Schedule of Rates and Levies, the FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program, the FY 2027 health benefit contribution rates, a 2.0% market rate adjustment to general pay scales effective July 1, 2026, a 1.0% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for general employees effective July 1, 2026, a 2.0% COLA for public safety employees effective July 1, 2026, a 3.0% salary adjustment increase effective Jan. 1, 2027, for eligible general scale employees, and the programmed annual step increase for public safety employees.
- Approved the appropriation resolutions for all funds listed above for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, reflecting all changes approved as part of the FY 2027 budget adoption.
A city council meeting is scheduled for May 12 . View the agenda (subject to change). Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in City Hall. Watch meetings live on Channel 12 (COX/Verizon) and online, or catch a replay at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit the city meetings website.
Tap for Highlights from the Northern Virginia Innovation Forum
 The Northern Virginia Innovation Forum on April 29 convened leaders from technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, universities, and the arts community to explore how innovation and creativity are shaping the region's future economy.
The region's creative and cultural communities play a vital role in attracting talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and building vibrant places where innovation thrives. The Innovation Forum was a Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts signature event.
Check out other recent videos
Register for Bike to Work Day, May 15 (tap image)
 Volunteer at Our Bike to Work Day Pit Stop
Need volunteer hours? We need volunteers! If you love biking, sustainability, and getting involved in community events, sign up to help encourage safe and fun bicycling in the City of Fairfax!
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Friday, May 15, 5-10 a.m. – Bike to Work Day Pit Stop at Old Town Square. Staff our ‘pit stop party’ to give away t-shirts, snacks, and other goodies, and to raffle off prizes. Volunteers will help city staff set up tables, sign people in, give away treats, and break down the tables at the end of the event.
Sign up HERE or visit the city’s Bike to Work Day page for more information. Questions? Email chloe.ritter@fairfaxva.gov.
Attend the OLLI Ideas Festival for Older Adults, May 8-9
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University will host its inaugural Ideas Festival May 8–9. Adults ages 50+ are invited to explore opportunities for lifelong learning, connection, and enrichment.
Held on the Fairfax campus, the free, two-day event will feature more than 20 classes, demonstrations, and activities spanning art, music, history, health, and more.
Highlights include hands-on sessions such as watercolor painting, tai chi, and chair yoga, as well as a panel discussion, “Global Perspectives on Longevity,” on Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m., featuring George Mason faculty and experts.
Attendees may participate in individual sessions and attend one or both days. For more information and to RSVP, visit olli.gmu.edu
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Expect Graduation Traffic May 14 through June 17
Graduation season is upon us. Heavy traffic is expected on George Mason University's Fairfax campus May 14 through June 17. Multiple ceremonies will occur each day. Expect heavy traffic on and around campus. View the schedule of graduations at EagleBank Arena.
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