Arlington County Board has voted to adopt a $1.7 billion balanced budget for fiscal year 2027, a 0.7 percent increase over FY 2026, with a 2-cent real estate tax rate increase. The tax rate hike will raise the average home tax payment by $466 for homeowners and $317 for apartment renters. The budget includes investments in county employee compensation, public safety, housing, and Arlington Public Schools. The transfer to Public Schools will increase by 1.2 percent to $655.4 million under county revenue sharing principles, including $654.3 million ongoing and $1.,8 million in ongoing funding from the additional 0.5 cent tax rate increases. The county also approved additional funding for the Sheriff's Office, housing assistance, parks and recreation programs, the Commonwealth's Attorney Office, and the Office of the Independent Policing Auditor.