Council Advocates Return of Site Plan Authority to Planning Commission
Update: City Council makes return of site plan approval authority to the Planning Commission part of its 2026 legislative program.
Posts
-
-
FY2027 Guidance: Budget Increase to be Financed by Higher Taxes from Single-Family Homeowners
In the City’s FY2027 guidance, the budget increase relies on a 6% projected increase in single-family home assessments and higher car taxes, while other properties and revenues remain flat. FCCPS staff are to receive a 5% salary hike.
-
Council Mulls Proposed Process to Redevelop Virginia Village
The Council discussed a staff proposal to redevelop the nine quadplexes it owns in Virginia Village with the expressed goal of creating more affordable housing.
-
Housing Commission, Staff Stress Preservation of Expiring ADUs
While the City added 99 affordable dwelling units (ADU) in 2025, 111 ADUs at Pearson Square and The Fields are set to expire between 2027 and 2029.
-
Single-Family Homeowners Bear the Cost of the City’s Growth
Accommodating the City’s growth has required investments in upgrading the infrastructure for a higher population density. Our data analysis shows that these costs, paid with taxes, have fallen heaviest on single-family homeowners, while developers’ taxes have barely changed in 6 years.
-
Big Changes Coming to the West Falls Church Metro Station
Construction has begun at the West Falls Church Metro Station site, affecting parking, bus bays and pedestrian access, in particular, the closure of the shortcut footpath to Meridian High School.
-
Managing a Successful Farmers Market: Harder Than It Looks!
Falls Church Farmers Market Manager Jennifer Brady lets us in on what it takes to maintain the market’s award-winning reputation and be the City’s biggest attraction.
-
Growth in the Little City and a Tax Base Still Dependent on Single-Family Homes
From 2013 to 2025, the City added 1,987 housing units in mixed-use developments. City leaders wanted to expand the tax base that was heavily reliant on single-family homes. Our analysis shows that strategy had limited success.
-
Increasing the City’s Tree Canopy
City Council endorsed a proposal to require a minimum of 10% tree canopy onsite for new developments in business zones. If approved, it will be the first time that developments will not be able to take credit for the canopy of street trees.
