The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved its Fiscal Year 2027 budget markup on Apr. 28, reducing the Real Estate Tax rate while maintaining core services and making targeted investments in affordable housing, economic competitiveness, and key programs. The board is scheduled to formally adopt the FY 2027 budget on Tuesday, May 5.
The decision comes as the county faces ongoing economic and policy uncertainty. The approved changes aim to balance affordability for residents with continued investment in important priorities.
The board lowered the Real Estate Tax rate by one-quarter cent, from $1.1225 to $1.12 per $100 of assessed value. For the average homeowner, this change reduces the projected increase in annual tax bills from $357 to $337. Chairman Jeff McKay said, “This budget reflects the careful balance we must strike in a time of continued uncertainty—maintaining core services, investing in our workforce and community priorities, and taking measured steps to ease the burden on taxpayers.” He added: “Lowering the real estate tax rate, while continuing to invest in housing, economic competitiveness and essential programs, positions Fairfax County for long-term stability while also allowing us to respond to current needs.”
Key adjustments include an additional $8.8 million dedicated to affordable housing initiatives—raising baseline investment for this purpose to about $52.7 million annually—and partial funding restored for several community programs such as low- and moderate-income home repair ($250,000), part-time preschool ($200,000), home-delivered meals ($130,588), and BeWell behavioral health support ($310,000). New positions will be added for economic competitiveness and housing support with costs largely offset through existing resources.
In response to fiscal pressures that have resulted in nearly $124 million in agency reductions over four years—including this year—the board set aside an additional $4.7 million reserve for potential revenue or cost challenges ahead. It also deferred by one year a planned realignment of transition services for high school students with individualized education plans exiting Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) so more time can be spent coordinating these efforts.
More than half of Fairfax County’s total budget—over $3 billion—continues supporting FCPS operations while employee compensation remains a priority through full funding of collective bargaining agreements as well as pay adjustments for non-represented employees.
