FY 2025 Budget: A Bigger Government For A Growing City
Budget negotiations continue with department heads justifying their requests for 15 more staff. Focus on the three biggest departments – City manager’s office, public safety and public works.
Budget negotiations continue with department heads justifying their requests for 15 more staff. Focus on the three biggest departments – City manager’s office, public safety and public works.
The $138.3 million FY 2025 budget is a 16% increase that includes $11.8 million of capital spending. City staff will receive a 6% pay raise while real estate taxes average increase is 2.4%.
The capital plan (CIP) projects for 2025 total $18.3m. Over the next 6 years, the CIty plan has $191m of projects that will require about $60m of debt to be issued.
OakPark Townhomes is the first to take advantage of the new T-Zone proposal, with the maximum density and size allowed. Expected price is around $1m.
Demographics data from 2021Census shows the impacts of growth. Housing affordability is not only affecting renters but also homeowners without mortgages.
Senate bill SB 304 proposes to mandate that accessory dwelling units be allowed throughout Virginia, specifying zoning requirements for all to follow.
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.
Proposed addition of Tinner Hill as a cultural and historic district in the City’s Comprehensive Plans. No zoning or tax changes expected.
For 2024, the EDA re-elects Bob Young chair, no newcomers appointed. Updates on Virginia Village property acquisitions, new businesses, a new 7-story mixed-use development.