Fairfax has Two bond questions on the ballot with $16 Billion Dollars in Debt: What they would fund

Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 general election , and Fairfax County voters are deciding two bond questions. One would authorize up to $180 million for parks and park facilities ; the other would authorize up to $75 million for community health and human services facilities . Voters can vote yes or no on each question separately.

Parks and park facilities — $180 million. The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to use bond funding to improve existing parks and recreation centers, build new parks and amenities, and preserve natural and historic resources. Its current plan includes $51 million to repair, replace and upgrade existing park facilities , such as playgrounds, trails, athletic facilities, lighting and shelters. Another $89 million is planned for recreation centers , including work at Audrey Moore Rec Center. The Park Authority’s 2026 bond page explains the full funding breakdown and gives examples of planned improvements.

Community health and human services facilities — $75 million. Current plans include $35 million to renovate or replace the Joanne Jorgenson Public Health Laboratory , expanding its testing capacity, and $40 million to renovate or replace facilities at the Tim Harmon Campus that support substance use and mental health treatment programs. Read more in the county’s plain-language explanation of the bond question .

The county has a nearly $16 billion capital improvement program for FY 2027–2031, with $2.26 billion in new debt projected in the coming years. These projects are funded primarily through voter‑approved bonds, with EDA bonds used as a backup option. Officials note that as debt service costs approach 10% of the budget, market concerns could arise, but they currently have “wiggle room”

Virginia law requires voter approval before Fairfax County can issue general obligation bonds. Bonds let the county borrow money for long-term facilities and improvements, then repay that borrowing over time. If a majority of voters approves a question, the county may sell bonds for the purposes stated in that question, up to the amount listed. Bonds are sold as funding is needed for projects.

Fairfax County holds AAA ratings from all three major bond rating agencies . Those ratings allow the county to borrow at relatively low interest rates, reducing the cost of financing projects over time.

The bond program is designed so these bonds will not contribute to an increase in the property tax rate. The county plans when to sell bonds and how to repay them within financial policies that limit borrowing and annual debt payments. Those policies also help protect the county’s AAA bond ratings, which keep borrowing costs relatively low.

The descriptions above reflect the county’s current plans . Specific plans may change, but state law limits bond proceeds to the purposes stated in the corresponding ballot question. For example, money from the parks bond could not be used for an unrelated transportation project.

Read the full ballot questions and plain-language explanations in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. Our bond FAQs provide more detail about how bonds are issued and repaid.

Fairfax County is a county in Northern Virginia. Its county seat is Fairfax, an independent city.