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.
Current Engagement Opportunities
Park on South Eads Street & Army Navy Drive
Through Friday, January 15: Share your thoughts on three possible plans for the new pocket park on South Eads Street and Army Navy Drive. Read through presentation materials then share your thoughts on the meander, the canal walk, and central hub concepts for the park through January 15.
MLK Day of Service Overview
Monday, January 18: This year, MLK Day of Service is going virtual! Volunteers will meet together on Zoom for a special message, then be split into breakout rooms to complete their projects together from home, or to learn how they can volunteer for the long term. (Some projects will be in-person with COVID precautions; see descriptions.) Learn about the available volunteer opportunities and register by January 14.
Draft Policy for Renaming County Parks, Facilities, Streets
Through Saturday, January 23: Arlington County wants your feedback on a draft policy for renaming parks, facilities, and streets, which the County Board will consider during its January Board meeting, which will also includes a Public Hearing. The objective is to create ONE policy and associated criteria used for naming and renaming County parks, facilities, and streets. Provide your feedback on the draft policy.
NEW! Affordable Housing Master Plan Review Event Series
January 21 – January 29: The County is conducting a five-year review of the Affordable Housing Master Plan (AHMP), which is a policy framework and vision to meet affordable housing needs through 2040. Over the course of several planned online events, people will be given the opportunity to review the Master Plan and provide feedback. See details for all the events on the project page.
NEW! Housing Arlington Listening Tour
January 27 – February 4: Neighbors will join neighbors at the upcoming Housing Arlington Listening Tour, which will focus specifically on the Missing Middle Housing Study. Residents and businesses are encouraged to attend one of four regionally-based virtual meetings where participants will share thoughts on priorities and considerations for enabling missing middle housing types in Arlington. See what zip codes will be featured on what dates on the project page.
Community Energy Plan
Through Monday, February 1: County staff seek your input on the draft Community Energy Plan Implementation Framework. Visit the project page to provide your thoughts.
I-495/American Legion Bridge Transit and TDM Study
Through Monday, February 1: The purpose of the I-495/American Legion Bridge Transit/TDM Study is to identify a range of current and future multimodal solutions that can be implemented to reduce congestion, improve trip reliability and regional connections, and enhance existing and planned multimodal mobility and connectivity. The public is invited to provide feedback on the current draft plan. Learn how to participate on the project website.
Sparrow Pond Project Community Meeting
Thursday, February 4: Come learn about the restoration plans for Sparrow Pond Project, which aims to restore the pond to the original depth by removing sediment, add a sediment collection forebay to allow easier maintenance and sediment removal, maximize water quality benefits, and restore habitat. Information for this online event as well as other background material is available on the project page.
NEW! Missing Middle Online Feedback
Monday, February 8: We’ve extended the deadline to participate in this online feedback opportunity to allow participants of the Listening Tour adequate time to review and respond. If you have not provided your feedback yet, please do so by February 8.
Highlights from Previous Opportunities
Gateway Park Interim Dog Park Approved: Based on the site location, sponsor group funding and community input, Gateway Park Interim Dog Park project is a go! Arlington looks at the criteria for proposing an interim park amenity to determine if one can be built. The Gateway Park Interim Dog Park passed these markers. Learn more on the project page.
Police Practices Group (PPG): Members of the community had an opportunity to provide insights and comments to inform the PPG work plan. Additional comments can be submitted to policepracticesgroup@arlingtonva.us. Stay tuned for a summary of the community feedback coming soon!
Police Chief Recruitment: Arlington County is in the process of hiring a new Police Chief. We have recently collected public feedback to help us understand the background, experience, capabilities, and character of the kind of law enforcement professional that would be best suited for this role in Arlington. Stay tuned for a summary of the community feedback coming soon!
Join us for Open Door Mondays where a board member will be available to discuss the topics on your mind.
Connect With Constituent Services!
The Constituent Services Team helps ensure Arlington’s government works for all those living, working, conducting business or visiting the County. The team provides a link between residents, businesses, visitors and employees who have problems or are seeking information and solutions.
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.