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Fairfax County leaders are growing anxious and frustrated as Virginia lawmakers remain deadlocked over a two-year state budget, leaving local governments uncertain about funding for transportation, education and human services.
“This is not a trivial issue — it’s not the way a state like Virginia should be acting,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said Tuesday during a review of the 2026 legislative session.
Democratic leaders in Richmond have negotiated and occasionally clashed since the regular session ended in March. One major dispute is whether to extend a tax break for data center developers.
Virginia’s current budget year ends June 30. Legislators are scheduled to return June 22 in hopes of resolving the impasse and approving a spending plan.
Jennifer Van Ee, Fairfax County’s legislative director, said she believes a budget will be adopted by July 1. Failure to meet that deadline could trigger the first partial state government shutdown in Virginia history.
McKay said Fairfax faces consequences from the delay, but smaller jurisdictions that depend more heavily on state funding are at greater risk.
“This is a really desperate moment for them,” he said.
County sees wins despite zoning concerns
Supervisors otherwise described the 2026 legislative session as generally favorable for Fairfax County. The county secured several legislative victories and “improved some bills that needed some improvements,” Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik said.
County officials are still reviewing measures that weaken local authority over housing development. Preserving control over local zoning decisions was among Fairfax’s chief legislative priorities.
Supervisors praised Gov. Abigail Spanberger for vetoing legislation that would have permitted a casino in Tysons. They also welcomed legislation sponsored by Del. Rip Sullivan that allows localities such as Fairfax to establish pilot programs targeting vehicle-exhaust noise.
The exhaust-monitoring measure initially failed in the Virginia Senate before passing 21-19.
“I can’t go anywhere without people saying, ‘When are you going to implement the muffler bill?’ People are really excited,” Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman said.
Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, who is leading the board’s Legislative Committee in 2026, credited cooperation with downstate lawmakers and other partners for some of the county’s success.
“We strive to be a county of ‘yes,’ grounded in collaboration,” Jimenez said. He assumed the committee leadership role after former chair James Walkinshaw was elected to Congress.
Fairfax plans an earlier start for 2027
Supervisors intend to begin developing their 2027 legislative priorities earlier than usual. Van Ee said staff hopes to get the process underway before summer is in full swing, with Legislative Committee meetings set to resume in early September.
McKay supported the accelerated schedule but voiced frustration that some General Assembly members representing Fairfax County do not communicate consistently with supervisors.
“Awareness is a two-way street,” McKay said, adding that a county work session held before the 2026 legislative session drew limited attendance from lawmakers.
Van Ee said Fairfax plans to hold its preparatory work session in October as part of a broader effort to strengthen relationships.
The General Assembly is scheduled to convene Jan. 13 for its 2027 session. Because it is not a budget year, the session is expected to last 30 days.