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
South Eads Complete Streets
Through Friday, April 23: We want to hear from you about your experiences on South Eads Street between 12th Street South and 15th Street South as it exists today, so we can incorporate your feedback into a concept design for the future of this segment to be safe for all users. Learn about the project and provide your feedback online on the project page through April 23.
South Walter Reed Drive Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, April 27: You’re invited to join project staff for a virtual community meeting on the concept design for Phase 2 of the S Walter Reed Drive Complete Street Project on April 27 at 7:00 pm. Visit the event page to learn how to join the meeting.
South Walter Reed Drive
Through Wednesday, April 28: Arlington County is working to improve S Walter Reed Drive between 5th Road S and Columbia Pike through the S Walter Reed Drive Complete Streets project. Visit the Virtual Open House on the project page to learn more about the project background and goals, see how past feedback informed the concept design and to share your thoughts or questions! The Virtual Open House is also available in Spanish.
New! Crystal City Bike Network Community Meeting
Wednesday, April 28: The second community meeting for the Crystal City Bike Network will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 28 at 7 pm. This will be an opportunity to see the revised recommended bike network and provide input, review a summary of feedback from the first round of engagement, and ask the project staff questions. Visit the event page for details to join the meeting.
Public Art Master Plan
Through Friday, April 30: You’re invited to review the Public Art Master Plan (PAMP) Update presentation and draft plan document and provide comments. Your participation and feedback will help inform the final draft of the plan presented to the Planning Commission and County Board. Participate online now through April 30.
Give Us Five: Historic Preservation Master Plan Feedback
Through end of April: Got five minutes? Then share your thoughts on the update of the Historic Preservation Master Plan! Participants are invited to watch a series of one- to two-minute videos about the HPMP and respond to a few questions for feedback. These videos will be released throughout the months of March and April.
VDOT Virginia Commuter Survey Part 3
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how many Virginians commute. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released the third survey in a series that aims to understand how commutes are changing and identify opportunities to improve commuting during and after this pandemic. Learn more about VDOT’s survey series and complete the questionnaire online.
GMU COVIDSmart Study
COVIDSmart, an initiative co-sponsored by George Mason University, is inviting residents of Virginia over the age of 18 to participate in a study about the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their lives. One does not need to have had COVID to participate. Learn more at the COVIDSmart study page.
Ground Story Uses Study Feedback
Through Tuesday, June 15:The County would like your feedback on the Ground Story Uses Study, which will inform recommendations for permitting more use types for ground floor commercial spaces in different parts of Columbia Pike. Find background information and provide your feedback online through June 15.
Highlights from Previous Opportunities
County Board Approves Courthouse Landmark Block Redevelopment: The Arlington County Board today approved Greystar Real Estate Partners’ plan to redevelop seven parcels that make up the Courthouse Landmark Block with a 423-unit apartment building. The developer has committed to providing extensive community benefits.
Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Study Project Update: A summary report and comments from our most recent online Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Study questionnaire have been posted on the rate study project page.
Summary Presentation on Dialogues on Race and Equity: On January 26, 2021, Arlington County’s Chief Race and Equity Officer, Samia Byrd, and Director of Challenging Racism, Alicia Jones McLeod, presented the findings/summary of the Dialogues on Race and Equity efforts at the County Board Recessed Meeting. Visit the DRE page to watch the presentation and view the PowerPoint slide.
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!
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.