Civic engagement is at the heart of Arlington. Find a way to make a difference in your community — share feedback today, or find ways to get more deeply involved.
Arlington County Government has provided guidance for holding public meetings and gatherings to mitigate and contain the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The County strongly encourages all community groups to use this guidance for events they are hosting as well. Moving forward, some or all of the following engagements may change. Keep up to date on meeting and event cancellations , please refer to our COVID-19 Related Status Page for services and programs.
UPDATE: AFAC has already seen a sharp decrease in food donations from our local grocery stores. AFAC is in most need of canned items (vegetables, tomato products, tuna, soups, beans, etc), pasta, rice, and oatmeal. There are AFAC food collection boxes at Arlington Central Library and the Columbia Pike Library Branch. Food can also be dropped off at our warehouse at 2708 S. Nelson St. Food drop off hours are between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and 8:30 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday. Neighborhoods can also hold community food drives for AFAC. Go to https://afac.org/food-drive/food-drive-participant-registration/ to register a food drive. AFAC has food drive boxes and food drive flyer templates on this page.
Highlighted Engagement Opportunities
IN-PERSON FORUM CANCELED Early Input on Capital Budget
Through April 30: As part of this year’s budget season, you’re invited to share your input on capital priorities for Arlington County Government. Your input will help guide development of the County Manager’s Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Fiscal Years 2021 – 2030, which will be presented to the Arlington County Board in May. There are three different ways to take part, so choose the method that works best for you!
- Share your feedback online through April 30. Spanish online version is also available.
- Submit feedback on paper forms at stations across the County (through April 30).
- UPDATE: This forum has been CANCELED. Participate in a March 19 in-person community forum for a deeper dive into the CIP and trade-off conversations.
POSTPONED – Upper Bluemont Park Conceptual Design Meeting
Thursday, Mar. 19 : Stop by the Conceptual Design Meeting and see two design concepts for the Upper Bluemont maintenance project! Updates include the tennis courts, lighting, restroom/storage, tennis pavilion, parking lot, site circulation, site furnishing, drainage, limited ADA accessibility and landscaping. Share your thoughts on the conceptual layouts and design. Can’t make it? Sign up for updates on the project page and we’ll be sure to send you the online form when it launches!
POSTPONED – Lacey Woods Park Renovation Community Meeting
Thursday, Mar. 26: Come to a community meeting at Swanson Middle School on March 26 to share your thoughts on Lacey Woods Park! Your comments will help inform the conceptual design. Approved by the County Board in the FY 2019-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, the goal of this park capital maintenance project is to renovate the restroom/picnic pavilion, basketball court, court lighting, athletic field, site furnishings, site circulation, ADA requirements, limited fencing, stormwater management and landscaping.
MOVING TO VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE – Flood Resilient Open House
Postponed to April: Learn about ongoing stormwater resiliency efforts and provide feedback to the County on potential stormwater management policy changes and Capital Improvement Plan budget priorities. Learn more about the County’s CIP process and provide your input. View the recent update on Flood Resilient Arlington at the Feb. 25, 2020 Recessed Board Meeting.
POSTPONED – Housing Matters Forum
Thursday, Mar. 26 : It’s that time again! The DHS Housing Assistance Bureau and Community Planning, Housing and Development staff are hosting another quarterly, community Housing Matters Forum on Thursday, March 26, at Arlington Mill from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The March Housing Matters Forum will focus on housing programs that lower rental costs for eligible residents. Event flyer can be found here.
Apply to be a Member of the 2020 Neighborhood College Cohort
Through Sunday, Mar. 29: Calling all emerging leaders! Apply for the 2020 Neighborhood College. This free civic leadership program runs 8 weeks, beginning April 23. The application, available in English and Spanish, closes March 29. Learn more about Neighborhood College here.
Shirlington Vision and Guiding Principles Feedback
Through Wednesday, Apr.8: We’re seeking community input on the updated Vision and Guiding Principles for the Shirlington Special General Land Use Plan (GLUP) Study Plus.
Digital Inclusion Initiative
Get involved with efforts to ensure that all Arlingtonians are able to share in access to digital resources by learning about digital equity here. More ways to get involved and public meeting details coming soon!
Become an Arlington Census 2020 Partner
Data collected from the 2020 Census is used to plan and provide services and support for the Arlington Community. Learn more about how to help make sure every person in Arlington is counted in 2020.
Join us for Open Door Mondays where a board member will be available to discuss the topics on your mind.
Visit the Arlington Public Schools engage page to learn about current news and initiatives.
Get More Involved
Join Your Civic Association
The core of neighborhood activity, events & issues – there’s one in every corner of Arlington.
Serve on an Advisory Group
Take stewardship to the next level. 50+ boards & commissions advise the County Board on policy matters. Submit an Application
Attend Neighborhood College
It’s back-to-school time for those interested in getting involved with neighborhood issues.
Volunteer Locally
Online Volunteer Connection can help find the right fit for you — with a search tool, volunteer calendar, and notification feature.
Get Involved with a Community Organization
Serve your community through the interests that you are most passionate about.
Serve During Emergencies
Join a dedicated group of volunteers who help with the County’s emergency preparedness — and who assist should a disaster strike.
Watch County Board Meetings
One of the easiest ways to learn more about how your community and government works. Or sign up to speak at a County Board Meeting.
Help on Election Days
600+ Arlington citizens serve as election officers at polls. And register to vote!
Other Resources
- Service Request / Report a Problem
- Food, Financial and Medical Assistance
- My Arlington Projects Map
- My Arlington Apartments & Condos Map
- A-Z Directory of Services
- Resident & Business Ombudsmen
- Projects & Planning Site – details on projects around Arlington, by neighborhood and topic
- Open Data Portal – view County data; share input on info you’d like to see
Looking for a quick guide to ways you can connect with Arlington County online?
Download our Engage Arlington flyer.
Background
The PLACE initiative — Participation, Leadership, and Civic Engagement — launched in 2012 and was focused on updating the “Arlington Way” by expanding the ways in which our residents engage with each other and our government to enrich Arlington.