Fairfax City Council To Vote On Sending 1% Sales Tax Question To Voters

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax City residents could decide this fall whether to give City Council the authority to levy a new local sales tax dedicated to school construction and transportation projects.

The proposal is expected to be the centerpiece of the Fairfax City Council's regular meeting on Tuesday, July 14. Council members are scheduled to vote on a resolution asking the Fairfax Circuit Court to order a Nov. 3, 2026, special election on a referendum authorizing the city to impose a general retail sales tax of up to 1 percent.

Unlike several other items on the agenda, the sales tax resolution does not require a public hearing before the council votes.

If approved Tuesday, the resolution would not enact the tax. Instead, it would place the question before Fairfax City voters, who would decide in November whether to authorize the City Council to levy the tax in the future. Under state law, any revenue generated could be used only for capital projects involving the construction or renovation of schools serving Fairfax City and for public transportation purposes.

State Law Opened Door To Referendum

The proposal follows action by the 2026 Virginia General Assembly, which amended state law effective July 1 to allow localities in Planning District 8, including Fairfax City, to seek voter approval for a local sales tax of up to 1 percent for those limited purposes.

According to the city staff report, adopting Tuesday's resolution would have no immediate fiscal impact because it only begins the referendum process. However, if voters approve the measure in November and City Council later implements the tax, city officials estimate the additional 1 percent sales tax would generate approximately $13.5 million annually for eligible capital projects.

The proposed ballot question would ask voters whether the city should be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax of up to 1 percent, with proceeds dedicated solely to school capital projects, public transportation projects, or both.

If City Council adopts the resolution, city officials would be directed to work with the Fairfax Circuit Court and election officials to place the referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Public Can Attend Meeting

The Fairfax City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday, July 14, at Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St. Residents may attend the meeting in person, watch it live on the city's Channel 12 government access channel, or view the livestream on the city's website. Members of the public also may provide comments during agenda items and public hearings in accordance with the city's participation procedures.

In addition to the sales tax resolution, the council agenda includes public hearings and action on several other legislative and administrative matters.

Also See ...

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