We curate public records and meetings about current Falls Church City development projects, finances, proposals and more. We also conduct independent research for added context.
-
City Wrestles With New Site Plan Approval Process
Application of the new site plan review and approval process that relies on a designated agent but still seeks Planning Commission input is a work in progress.
More Posts …
-
Thinking of Filing an Appeal of Your 2026 Assessment? Here Are Some Tips.
Assessment appeals to the City Assessor must be filed by April 15, and to the Board of Equalization by June 5. We describe two property data documents that should be obtained by anyone considering an appeal.
-
FY2027 Proposed Budget Expenditures Maintain Operations at Current Levels
FY2027 expenditures increases the operating budgets of the City Schools and General Government to cover staff salary increases and removes vacant positions. Cuts to street maintenance and affordable housing fund.
-
The 2026 Falls Church Women’s History Walk Adds Four Honorees to the List of Leaders and Activists
The Women’s History Walk will be held in Cherry Hill Park on May 9, 10am-3pm. The 2026 honorees joining this distinguished list are Sharon Schoeller, Marty Behr, Melissa Teates and Sandy Tarpinian.
-
Green Infrastructure Can Prevent Flooding by Soaking Up Rain Where It Falls
The City of Falls Church has a flooding problem. In addition to upgrading storm sewers, green infrastructure can reduce flood risks by soaking up rain water into the ground where it falls.
-
Shields Reflects on Accomplishments, Issues Facing Falls Church
Wyatt Shields plans to retire from his role as City Manager on September 4, 2026, concluding 23 years of service to the community.
-
Revenues From a 6.9% Assessment Increase Fund the FY2027 Budget
The $134 million FY2027 budget is 0.8% less than last year’s but it contains a 3.4% increase for the City and 4.1% for the School operating budgets that require a 6.6% increase in tax revenues to fund it.
-
The Fiscal Impacts of the City’s Mixed-Use Development Projects Have Yet to Meet Expectations
Twenty-five years after Falls Church City moved to permit residential over commercial development projects, a review of the fiscal impacts from the first 10 projects have now been released.
-
City Plans to Select Virginia Village Developer by August
The City seeks public feedback on small area plans affecting Virginia Village but not on the request for proposals it plans to issue.
-
Exploring How Townhome Land is Valued in Real Estate Assessments
Townhome land assessments seem to disregard the actual sizes of the deeded lots, unlike detached single-family homes. This is the second post in a series on the City’s real estate assessments.
-
Council Adopts Facilities/Utilities Comp Plan Update
The demands of a growing population, shifts in service needs, and aging infrastructure are reflected in the final update to the City’s facilities/utilities plan.
-
$162M FY2027-2032 CIP Invests in Sewer and Stormwater Capacity Expansion, Delays Property Yard Replacement
3 large transportation projects and expanding sewer capacity are the main reasons for the massive FY2027-2032 CIP. The City is also laying the groundwork for upgrades to the storm water system.
-
Exploring How the Land of Detached Single-Family Homes is Valued in Real Estate Assessments
In this first of a series of posts on real estate assessments, we analyze City data to understand how the City derives the land values for single-family homes. These land values have increased 46% from 2019 to 2025.
More ….
Black History Month
-
Establishing the Tinner Hill Historic and Cultural District in the Falls Church Comprehensive Plan
On June 24th, City Council approved the addition of the Tinner Hill Historic and Cultural District to in the City’s Comprehensive Plans. No zoning or tax changes expected. This area is tied to the history of the African Americans who once made up 42% of Falls Church.
-
New Public Artwork – Just Completed and Coming to the City
See the murals, sculpture, and utility box art, all public artwork planned for the City. Choosing options provided by developers can be difficult. What would you have chosen?
-
Falls Church’s Black History: A Welcoming Community That Has Not Always Been So Welcoming
Falls Church was once 42% black. Local historian Ed Henderson writes about their struggle for equity and how zoning, taxes and budgets can displace a community, intentionally or not.
More ….
Get the FCP Newsletter
We will send you a list of the new posts each month. It’s an easy way to stay up-to-date. It’s FREE!