Transportation
- Montgomery County Finalizes Acquisition Deal for White’s Ferry Maryland Operations
Montgomery County officials announced they have reached a deal with the owners of the Maryland side of White’s Ferry. The agreement involves the purchase of ferry operations and associated dock facilities. This development follows years of closure that began in December 2020 after a legal dispute over the Virginia landing. The ferry previously connected Montgomery […]
- Loudoun County Funds 188 New Positions to Support Expanding Infrastructure and Services
Loudoun County is set to expand its local government workforce by adding one hundred eighty-eight newly funded staff positions across eighteen different departments. This significant personnel increase is a central component of the newly outlined five billion four hundred million dollar total budget for the upcoming fiscal year. County documents indicate that the majority of […]
- Prince William County Proposes $29.9 Million to Fully Fund OmniRide and Advance Transportation Improvements
Prince William County officials have unveiled a proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget that includes a significant investment in local transportation infrastructure and public transit services. The comprehensive financial plan allocates $29.9 million to fully fund the local subsidy request for OmniRide, the primary transit provider for the region. This funding initiative is carefully designed to […]
- Loudoun County Advances $5.4 Billion Budget Fueled by Unprecedented Data Center Revenue
Loudoun County has officially moved forward with a massive $5.4 billion budget that relies heavily on the rapidly expanding data center industry to fund public services. This unique fiscal dynamic allows local government officials to support extensive infrastructure and workforce investments while simultaneously lowering the tax burden on individual residents. The data center sector currently […]
- Virginia Budget Shifts Rural EV Charging Costs Away from State Taxpayers
The Virginia state budget for the upcoming fiscal year introduces a fiscally responsible shift regarding the funding of electric vehicle infrastructure in rural communities. Under budget amendment Item 420, lawmakers have replaced direct state spending with a language-only directive that protects state taxpayer dollars from being drained by expensive green energy initiatives. This conservative mov
- Prince William County Shifts Tax Burden to Data Centers to Fully Fund OmniRide Subsidy
In a strategic move to fund regional mobility while altering the local tax landscape, Prince William County officials have approved a budget that fully funds the local subsidy request for OmniRide at $29.9 million. This robust investment in public transportation is supported by a targeted increase in the Computer and Peripherals tax rate, which now […]
- Loudoun County Board Allocates $34 Million to Avoid New Debt and Tax Increases
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors convened on January 6, 2026, to finalize significant financial allocations utilizing the county’s unassigned general fund balance. Officials directed a substantial portion of these funds toward one-time needs, aiming to bolster essential infrastructure and school reserves without burdening taxpayers. The primary justification for this financial strategy is t
- Prince William County Allocates $25 Million for Affordable Housing and Parks Infrastructure
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors recently advanced significant community investments aimed at improving local infrastructure and residential support systems. The latest fiscal directives include a combined $25 million allocation specifically targeting affordable housing and public recreational facilities. This funding breaks down into a $5 million contribution to the Affordabl
- Prince William County Fully Funds $29.9 Million OmniRide Transit Subsidy to Enhance Regional Mobility
Commitment to Regional Mobility Prince William County has prioritized regional mobility in its upcoming fiscal plan by fully funding the local transit subsidy request for OmniRide at $29.9 million. The precise allocation of $29,865,600 is designed to improve local connectivity while simultaneously reducing traffic congestion across the growing jurisdiction. This significant financial commitment re
- New Requirements for Handgun Storage in Unattended Vehicles, Virginia Legislature Approves Bill
Virginia Legislature Approves Bill Establishing Requirements for Handgun Storage in Unattended Vehicles The 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly concluded with the enactment of House Bill 110, which introduces new rules governing the storage of handguns in unattended motor vehicles. Sponsored by Amy Laufer, the bill was signed by the governor on April […]
- Prince William County Approves $21 Million Affordable Housing Investment in FY2027 Budget
Budget Approval and Housing Focus The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors recently approved a comprehensive municipal budget that includes a significant $5 million contribution to the local affordable housing reserve fund. This latest financial commitment brings the total county investment in affordable housing initiatives to $21 million spanning from fiscal year 2024 through […]
- Manassas Park Finalizes FY2027 Budget with Tax Rate Reduction and Maintained Cash Reserves
Local officials in Manassas Park have officially structured the municipal budget for fiscal year 2027, focusing on strategic financial reserves and targeted tax relief. The newly outlined financial plan features an overall budget total of $163,940,326, which represents a notable reduction from the previous fiscal year. Central to this new budget is a strategy that […]
- Virginia House Passes Bill Establishing Honor Guard Grant Program for Veterans
Virginia lawmakers in the House of Delegates have passed a bill that creates state support for honor guard services at the funerals of veterans. House Bill 108, introduced by Delegate Jason Ballard, requires the Department of Veterans Services to establish the Honor Guard Grant Program. The program will offer grants to veteran service organizations to […]
- Virginia House Bill 86 Proposes Mattress Stewardship Program with New Recycling Fee
Richmond, Virginia — During the 2026 regular session of the Virginia General Assembly, attention turned to House Bill 86, which proposed the establishment of a Mattress Stewardship Program aimed at improving the management of discarded mattresses in the Commonwealth. Sponsored by Delegate Amy Laufer, the bill sought to amend the Code of Virginia by adding […]
- Loudoun County Substitute Bus Drivers Address Expanded Roles at School Board Session
Substitute bus drivers in Loudoun County addressed the Loudoun County Public Schools board during a public comment period about changes in their work responsibilities. They reported that their roles have expanded significantly compared to the terms of their original contracts. This includes handling additional routes and varying schedules that were not initially specified. The drivers […]
- Virginia Governor Signs Bill Expanding Disabled Veterans Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption
Virginia has taken a significant step in supporting its disabled veterans by enacting legislation that expands access to vehicle registration fee exemptions. House Bill 94, part of the 2026 Regular Session, amends section 46.2-739 of the Code of Virginia to include vehicles with standard passenger license plates in the exemption previously reserved for special disabled […]
- Virginia Governor Signs Bill Requiring Invasive Species Management on Highways
In a significant development for Virginia’s transportation and environmental management, Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed House Bill 88 into law. This legislation updates the state’s approach to managing plants along highway rights-of-way by prohibiting the planting of invasive species and requiring their removal. The bill amends section 33.2-217 of the Code of Virginia. It directs […]
- Virginia Implements Landmark Energy Consumption Tax on Data Centers to Protect Taxpayers and the Grid
Virginia lawmakers have finalized a groundbreaking state budget that introduces a first-in-the-nation electricity consumption tax targeting the rapidly expanding data center industry. This new fiscal policy levies a tax of $0.011 per kilowatt-hour on all electricity consumed by these massive technology hubs operating within the Commonwealth. The measure is projected to generate a substantial $600
- Virginia General Assembly Passes Bill to Ban Bribes for Voter Registration
The Virginia General Assembly has recently approved and enacted a new law designed to protect the voter registration process from corruption. House Bill 113, which has been signed into law, amends the Code of Virginia to prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of any money or thing of value to influence a person’s decision to register […]
- Loudoun County Terminates Commuter Bus Pilot Program After Low Ridership
Loudoun County has discontinued its commuter bus program after an investment of nearly $1 million yielded average ridership of less than one passenger per route. The Board of Supervisors reviewed the performance data and opted to conclude the pilot. This decision follows an assessment of the service’s operational results. Program Background and Expenditures The commuter […]
- Feds launch groundbreaking electric plane pilot program in Virginia
A view of BETA Technologies’ Alia A250 Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft in Charlottesville. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Virginia hosted the first flight of the federal government’s advanced air mobility pilot program in Charlottesville on Friday, an electric aviation initiative that sets the stage for the nation to improve air transportation while boosting health […]
- Virginia nonprofit launches mobile tech education bus for underserved students
Two retired military cybersecurity experts in Virginia recently launched a bus service in Hampton Roads to raise awareness and educate students about technology, after receiving an unexpected state budget appropriation of $200,000. The cyber education bus is the latest way the nonprofit organization RFK Outreach will fulfill its goal to help children and teens learn […]
- Prince William County School Board Hears Concerns from Mother Regarding Alleged Bus Incident
A mother spoke at a meeting of the Prince William County School Board to discuss an alleged interaction between her daughter and a bus driver. She requested information and follow up on the matter from district representatives. The presentation occurred in a public setting where community members could observe the exchange. The mother outlined the […]
- Lawmakers weigh merging Northern Virginia transit agencies to cut costs
Virginia lawmakers want to examine consolidating Northern Virginia’s transit agencies to assess potential cost savings and service improvements. The proposal, which is included in the two-year budget lawmakers passed Monday, directs the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to include in its report not only the cost savings and long-term financial impacts of merging multiple […]
- Prince William County Mother Raises Concerns at School Board Meeting Over Alleged Bus Incident
A mother in Prince William County addressed the school board during a recent meeting regarding an alleged incident involving her nine-year-old daughter. She stated that the child was grabbed and manhandled by a bus driver. The mother indicated that she had submitted video evidence and reports to transportation officials prior to the meeting. The presentation […]
- Abigail Spanberger Discusses Cannabis Regulation Needs
Abigail Spanberger has addressed the current status of cannabis laws in Virginia. Adults may legally use cannabis under existing statutes. A lack of retail regulation has led to what she describes as a gray area in enforcement and commerce. Discussions have included potential legislation to create structured oversight. Such measures could involve forming a dedicated […]
- Virginia Senate Considers Photo Speed Cameras for George Washington Parkway Under SB81
Virginia State Senator Scott Surovell has introduced elements of Senate Bill 81 that would permit photo speed cameras on the George Washington Parkway. The discussion centers on a portion of the parkway located about 10 miles from Fairfax. During Senate proceedings, the measure encountered significant opposition from other members who characterized it as an attack […]
- Prince William County’s Transit Funding Model: No General Fund Reliance Amid Regional Comparisons
The system includes the region’s largest park and ride network, with approximately 7,000 spaces, facilitating commuter services across multiple districts. Officials describe this as an outstanding arrangement that serves Prince William County effectively without local general fund contributions, contrasting with Fairfax County’s approach of allocating $250 million yearly from its general fund to t
- Motion Introduced at Fairfax County School Board Meeting on Superintendent Compliance
During a meeting of the Fairfax County School Board Dr. Sandy Anderson introduced a motion to find the superintendent noncompliant on item number eleven. This item covered facilities and transportation operations. The motion was stated clearly as Dr. Anderson requested a second from fellow board members. The presentation referenced limitations in facilities and aspects of […]
- Here are 10 notable new Virginia laws that will take effect July 1
Hundreds of new Virginia laws will begin taking effect Wednesday, after Gov. Abigail Spanberger acted on more than 1,100 bills approved by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly earlier this year. Not every measure passed this year will be triggered into action all at once. Some policies will phase in over the coming months or years, while […]
- Virginia lawmakers return Monday to weigh Spanberger budget amendments before fiscal deadline
Less than 48 hours before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly will meet in Richmond Monday to consider Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s proposed amendments to the state’s two-year spending plan lawmakers passed one week ago. The House of Delegates will reconvene at noon to take up the governor’s amendments first, followed later […]
- Virginia General Assembly approves Spanberger’s budget amendments, ending monthslong impasse
With less than 48 hours remaining before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly on Monday approved a package of amendments proposed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to the state’s two-year budget, formally ending a budget fight among the Democratic majority that had dragged on for months. The House of Delegates and state […]
- Virginia faces mental health provider shortages as Hampton Roads residents struggle to navigate care
By Yiqing Wang/WHRO A new national report found Virginia is facing “catastrophic” shortages in community mental health. Providers in Norfolk say many patients still struggle to know where to turn during a mental health crisis. The report from mental health policy group Inseparable found Virginians go out of network for mental health care six and a half […]
- Virginia legislators advance $205 billion budget including new tax on data centers
On Monday, Virginia legislators approved a two-year, $205 billion budget proposal to fund healthcare and public education, provide 4% teacher raises and a 3.5% pay bump to state employees, establish a retail weed marketplace and hedge against decreased federal dollars. The spending plan also includes a provision to tax data centers for their energy consumption, […]
- Virginia eyes toll revenue for transit as express lane debate grows
Virginia is pushing to reinvest express lane and toll revenue into public transit instead of road projects, even as public concerns persist about using priced roadways. The focus on reinvesting express lane revenue is reflected in the estimated $46.5 million the commonwealth expects to generate from its express lanes, which are designed to mitigate congestion […]
- Virginia revenue forecast jumps by $1.5 billion as budget talks continue
Virginia’s revenue outlook has improved by $1.5 billion over the next three fiscal years, giving lawmakers more breathing room as negotiations over a stalled state budget are set to continue in Richmond later this month. Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Monday afternoon released the updated revenue forecast she ordered last month, telling top legislative budget writers […]
- Fairfax County Reports 58,000 School Bus Camera Findings on Stop Violations
Fairfax County has deployed cameras on school buses to document cases where drivers do not stop for the extended stop arm. The system activates when the bus displays its stop signal and records passing vehicles. This approach allows authorities to identify and address specific traffic infractions. Data from the cameras shows more than 58,000 incidents […]
- Virginia Senator Richard Stuart Discusses Urban-Rural Policy Challenges
Senator Richard Stuart spoke before the Virginia legislature about distinctions between rural and urban areas in the state. He described how certain daily practices common in rural settings differ from those in cities, leading to potential misunderstandings in lawmaking. These observations focused on practical elements of life outside urban centers. The presentation highlighted examples such […]
- Fairfax County Schools Install Stop-Arm Cameras for Bus Safety
Fairfax County Schools have placed fifty stop-arm cameras into active use on school buses. Fifty additional cameras are set to come online by the fall. The effort targets illegal passing of buses stopped for student loading and unloading. This development aims to enhance overall traffic safety around schools. The safety of students receives focused attention […]
- Virginia House Advances Bill Expanding Uses of Passenger Vehicle Fees for Local Emergency Medical Services
Virginia lawmakers have moved forward with a proposal to update how local communities can spend money collected from fees on certain types of vehicles. The legislation, known as House Bill 57, was introduced by Delegate Michael Feggans during the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly. This bill aims to amend section 46.2-694 of […]
- Prince William County Lowers Real Estate Tax Rate, But Average Homeowner Bill Still Rises
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors approved its Fiscal Year 2026 budget on April 22, 2025, including a reduction in the real estate tax rate designed to partially offset rising property assessments. Despite the rate cut, most homeowners will pay more in property taxes this year due to strong growth in home values […]
- Justice High School Rowing Team Addresses Cost Barriers and Equity Issues in Fairfax County
Rowing functions as a club sport adhering to Virginia High School League standards within Fairfax County Public Schools, relying on participant fees, boosters, and fundraising rather than school budgets. Team representatives highlighted seasonal expenses approaching $28,000 for basic operations, including daily booster payments of $690. High dues were described as prohibitive, limiting participati
- Virginia revenues surge despite job losses amid budget standoff
Virginia’s economy is showing increasing signs of strain from slower job growth, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence, even as state revenues continue exceeding expectations and giving lawmakers more room to negotiate a stalled state budget, Virginia Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles said Tuesday. Presenting the administration’s latest economic and revenue update to the Senate […]
- Loudoun County Examines Pay for Substitute School Bus Drivers
Substitute bus drivers serving Loudoun County Public Schools perform duties that include extra safety procedures and routine pre-trip inspections, setting their work apart from standard route assignments. These added elements require substitute drivers to follow detailed protocols on a consistent basis, increasing the overall demands of each assignment. The position carries the same title and […]
- Abigail Spanberger signs rideshare safety bills tightening driver-checks, in-app protections
(Photo courtesy of Uber) Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation aimed at tightening safety standards for rideshare services in Virginia, accelerating new requirements for driver vetting, identity verification and in-ride protections. The two measures — House Bills 1273, sponsored by Del. Jackie Glass, D-Norfolk, and HB 1469 by Del. Lily Franklin, D-Montgomery — target companies […]
- $193M shortfall with construction funds Virginia transportation board
The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to transfer funds from construction projects and other areas to address a $193 million budget shortfall caused by increased spending on storm response and employee bonuses on during Wednesday’s business meeting. The Virginia Department of Transportation reported that emergency responses — including snowstorms, hurricanes, and flooding — cost the agency [
- Here’s what House lawmakers want to require of data centers to keep their sales tax break
Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, walks the House floor towards the dais after being re-elected Virginia House Speaker in January 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) As lawmakers work behind closed doors to finalize the state’s $212 billion budget before the next fiscal year begins in July, negotiations hinge on whether the data center […]
- House and Senate Budget Proposals Differ by Over $1 Billion on Fairfax County Allocations for 2026-2028 Biennium
Fairfax County, Virginia’s most populous locality with more than 1.1 million residents, faces significant budgetary implications from these discrepancies. The House proposal, which has been formally adopted, incorporates funding for K-12 education among its provisions. In contrast, the Senate version introduces notable changes to education allocations, alongside differences in human services and t
- Prince William County’s Transit Operations: Funding Without General Fund Reliance and Comparison to Fairfax County
The system’s annual revenue totals about $30 million, sourced from mechanisms including local contributions and fares, with $20 million allocated from state grants and $10 million from other local streams. This covers the entirety of operations for services like OmniRide buses managed by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), which connects Prince William County […]
- State bus line debuts new east-west route that connects 10 cities across Virginia
The state’s bus line The Virginia Breeze launchd a new east-west route, The Tidewater Current, on April 20, 2026. Passengers may travel from Virginia Beach to Harrisonburg, with multiple stops along the way. (Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation) Travelers looking to traverse the commonwealth from east to west and vice versa […]