ARL NOW: Meals tax up, property tax left unchanged as County Board approves $1.7B budget

By Scott McCaffrey

Published April 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM | Arl Now

Arlington County’s meals tax is increasing but property taxes are staying the same following a unanimous County Board vote last night (Wednesday).

Starting July 1, the county’s meals tax is increasing from 4% to 5% — the first time the rate has gone up since its inception in 1991. The increase, expected to bring in about $13.3 million in the coming fiscal year, comes despite the protests of some local restaurant owners and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Board members had also given themselves the option to increase real estate taxes from $1.033 per $100 assessed valuation to $1.043. However, they steered away from that option during budget discussions, arguing that expected economic challenges this year call for a “more conservative” approach.

Holding real estate taxes steady aligns with County Manager Mark Schwartz’s recommendation in February.

“We continue to invest in what is most important to the most vulnerable Arlingtonians. We are here to deliver the social safety net,” Board Chair Takis Karantonis said during discussion prior to the vote.

Board member JD Spain, Sr., said the decision not to add a higher real estate tax rate atop higher assessments represented the acknowledgment that some in the community are facing perilous economic times.

“We heard you,” said Spain, who had been the only Board member to vote against advertising a higher tax rate to allow for its consideration.

With the $1.033-per-$100 rate now confirmed, the county treasurer’s office will prepare and mail real-estate tax bills to property owners. Payment for half the total will be due in June, with the remainder in the fall.

Board members also raised a host of developer fees. Aimed at recouping the cost of providing services, those increases drew concerns from some in the development community.

Additionally, many parks and recreation fees will rise in an effort to address rising costs.

Fiscal Year 2026 budget timeline (via Arlington County)

The $1.69 billion budget includes elimination of 44 staff positions. More than half are unfilled, and “many” of those in the remaining 21 have been offered new positions, Schwartz said.

Numerous county initiatives will also receive cuts under the new budget.

The budget includes a substantial increase in county reserve funds, meant to act as a buffer in case economic challenges get more severe. It also increases spending on the Department of Human Services, which manages an array of programs that support many of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Arlington County provided the following breakdown of the budget in a press release today.

• Housing: $102M for housing programs to provide direct assistance to stabilize households and improve housing conditions, including $29.3M for Housing Choice Vouchers; $17.7M for Housing Grants; $7M for Permanent Supportive Housing; $7.8M for Shelters for Homeless, Transitional Housing, and Domestic Violence Survivors.

• Human Services: $280K for Arlington Food Assistance Center and $105K for Meals on Wheels; $358K for a child care license system; $243K for implementation of the Virginia Quality Birth to Five program; and $350K in one-time funding for the Culpepper Garden Assisted living Facility Subsidy.

• Environmental Sustainability: One-time funding in the following efforts: $500K for Climate Action Planning; $240K for additional tree planting; $223K for tree watering and invasive plant management; and $124K for the expansion of the EV fleet.

• Public Safety: $2.2M in one-time funding for the second recruit class for Fire; $394K for body worn cameras for Police and Sheriff; $266K for medication assisted treatment and medication for Opioid Use Disorder for inmates; and $232K for contracted security.

• Arlington Public Schools: $647.4M, an increase of 3.6% or $22.6M over FY 2025 in ongoing funding, was transferred to Arlington’s school system.

County Board members made the following changes to the budget that County Manager Mark Schwartz proposed.

• $1M increase in one-time funding for homeless services contracts that are currently in the Request for Proposal negotiations process. This additional funding, beyond the $2.5M in the proposed budget, will help to close on these contracts.

• $308K in ongoing funding to restore two positions proposed for elimination, ISD Construction Plan Review ($170K) and Code Enforcement ($138K).

• $227K in one-time funding to the Sheriff’s Office to be used for bonuses to 83 employees who are in roles that are inmate-facing.

• $184K to the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office to provide a temporary communication staff ($100K one-time funding) and to convert a conversation of the Commonwealth Attorney III position into a Commonwealth Attorney Deputy ($84K ongoing funding).

• $192K to the Public Defender’s Office to support a Re-Entry Coordinator Fellowship ($107K one-time funding) and to increase its non-attorney salary supplement ($85K ongoing funding).

• $150K in one-time funding for Food Security Mini Grants, allowing for a third round of grant funding available to local nonprofits to implement select aspects of the County’s Food Security Strategic Plan.

• $109K in funding to defer by one year the proposed Developmental Services fee increases for childcare facilities ($6K ongoing funding), live entertainment & food delivery services ($14K ongoing funding), and Adaptive Reuse ($88K one-time funding).

• $100K in one-time funding to Arlington Libraries for digital collections.

• $87K to restore one-time funding for the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.

• $60K in one-time funding to the County Board Office to support Ranked-Choice Voting Education efforts.

• $300K for local childcare subsidies, for a pilot-type program to bridge wait times for families who are eligible for state subsidies but are on the waitlist, especially Arlington’s low-income families who are awaiting support.

“This budget protects core government functions while it prioritizes stable and reliable social safety net services and programs during these uncertain economic times,” Karantonis said in the release. “We are thankful not only to our staff, but to the public for engaging with us on how to create a budget that deeply reflects our community values.”

Adoption of the county government’s budget and establishment of tax rate turns the focus to the School Board, which will continue its budget deliberations until the May 1 scheduled adoption of its Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan. The draft plan anticipates $845 million in spending, a slight increase from the current year.

Because school boards in Virginia do not have independent taxing authority, they rely on local governments for most of their funding. In Arlington’s case, that totals about 80% of total school revenue, determined through a revenue-sharing agreement.

ARL NOW: County Board approves funds for Crystal City Metro entrance, $9.6M bridge replacement

By Scott McCaffrey

Published April 8, 2025 at 8:15 AM | Arl Now

The Arlington County Board approved funding for a pair of big-ticket infrastructure projects on Saturday.

Officials accepted a $20.7 million grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, advancing plans for a second entrance to the Crystal City Metro station. They also awarded a contract of $9.6 million to rebuild the Arlington Ridge Road bridge over Four Mile Run.

Other key developments at the meeting included eliminating an early voting site and another clash between County Board members and immigration activists.

Crystal City Metro entrance

The $20.7 million DRPT grant for a second Crystal City Metro entrance represents the local match to an earlier grant of the same amount from the Federal Transit Administration.

Board members accepted the funding as part of their consent agenda. It will provide relief at “one of the busiest stations in Arlington,” Board Chair Takis Karantonis said.

The new entrance, at Crystal Drive and 18th Street S. will be located two blocks east of the existing entrance at 18th Street S. and S. Bell Street.

“The existing station entrance on S. Bell Street is reaching capacity during peak service hours and has limited emergency exits,” Karantonis said.

The project is expected to be completed in 2027. It will include a ground-level lobby with faregates as well as elevator upgrades.

Once the entrance is built, Arlington will transfer ownership of the project to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Contract for bridge refurbishment

Board members voted to award Fort Myer Construction Corp. a $9.6 contract million to rebuild the Arlington Ridge Road bridge over Four Mile Run at the Arlington-Alexandria border.

The contract includes a $1.9 million contingency allocation, for a total of up to $11.5 million.

The bridge was constructed in 1976 and an upgrade is “urgently needed,” Karantonis said. In 2018, a bridge-safety inspection determined that the span was structurally deficient, leading to closure of the southbound sidewalk.

The project will include:

• Removal of the existing prestressed concrete superstructure

• Construction of a new superstructure with steel girders and a concrete deck

• Repairs to the existing substructures

• Installation of wider sidewalks, bike lanes, architectural enhancements and improved lighting both on and below the bridge

The overall project cost is pegged at just over $16 million, with funding coming from a variety of local, state and federal sources.

Voting site nixed for 2025

Board members agreed to eliminate, at least for this year, use of the Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center as an early-voting site in advance of the June 17 primary and Nov. 4 general election.

The action came at the recommendation of the Electoral Board, which does not see a fourth site as necessary in non-presidential-election years.

“Typically, a gubernatorial election year has 40% lower turnout” than the presidential year, Karantonis said.

Voters will still have access to three early-voting sites for the primary and general elections: Madison Community Center, Walter Reed Community Center and the government headquarters in Courthouse.

Support for those seeking citizenship

Board members opened the meeting by detailing resources available to immigrants in the community, including support for those who wish to become U.S. citizens.

“A lot of our residents, especially those with green cards, will have to prepare [for future actions by the Trump administration], and we really encourage them to do that,” Karantonis said.

He noted the the Arlington Community Outreach Program offers free citizenship classes and in some cases can provide financial support to cover costs of $725 imposed by the federal government for naturalization services.

ARL NOW: New Board chair Karantonis: County’s values must survive the challenges of 2025

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 7, 2025 at 4:30PM | Arl Now

Arlington residents and its county government need to face an uncertain future by remaining committed to community values, Arlington’s new County Board chair says.

Takis Karantonis, who has sat on the Board since 2020, on Tuesday (Jan. 7) was elected unanimously to serve as chair for the coming year. After the vote, he laid out his priorities for 2025 and expressed his emotions about elevation to the top position in county leadership.

“It feels unreal. It is a very humbling moment for me, especially for someone who is an immigrant,” Karantonis said after his unanimous selection. “I hope to live up to the expectations of my colleagues.”

As is customary, Karantonis and other board members used the annual organizational meeting to lay out priorities for the coming year.

Karantonis’s remarks touched on topics ranging from housing and climate to economic-development and youth mental health. He zeroed in on the potential impacts of the incoming Trump administration at the local level.

“While we have little choice other than having to adjust to a changing [political] environment, our values cannot and will not change,” Karantonis said.

“We will continue to be there for all and each one of our residents, in all neighborhoods and all circumstances,” he said. “We will always do our best to muster the necessary resources to respond to their needs and support them and their families.”

The organizational meeting had been slated to take place Monday evening (Jan. 6), but due to Monday’s snowstorm was pushed back to Tuesday afternoon.

In addition to Karantonis, 2025 Board members include Matt de Ferranti, Maureen Coffey, Susan Cunningham and new arrival JD Spain, Sr.

De Ferranti was selected vice chair, a position that sets him up for the chairmanship in 2026.

De Ferranti said Karantonis was a wise choice to lead the body in 2025, as he combines the traits of being relentless and pragmatic while also being compassionate and idealistic.

“He’s everywhere, all the time,” de Ferranti said of the community engagement of Karantonis, a native of Greece and a 21-year resident of Arlington.

In his remarks, Karantonis again acknowledged the county government faces hard fiscal choices, owing largely to the ongoing decline in the assessed valuation of commercial property.

That decline threatens to swamp homeowners with ever-increasing tax bills unless the county government can find ways to hit the brakes on continued budget growth.

“There is no way to sugarcoat the fact — the economic model that sustained Arlington over more than half a century, this 50-50 [commercial-residential] split of our tax base, has reached its historic limit,” he said.

Karantonis said the county government needs to look hard at its priorities and be willing to trim where needed.

“Let me be clear: We cannot compensate for declining commercial revenue with an equal increase in the individual tax burden,” Karantonis said. “This is difficult, but is feasible without sacrificing our values. We will need to be frugal, strategic and courageous.”

On the issue of proposed changes to Arlington’s 90-year-old governance structure, the new Board chair promised “constructive dialogue” with advocates, but went no further. To address concerns by some that the county government often ignores the will of the public, he said efforts will be made to improve communication with the community.

“More often than not, what is perceived as lack of constituent responsiveness, it is actually a lack of capacity,” Karantonis said, calling for two new positions in the Board office — one to augment communications efforts, the other to focus on policy.

An economist, Karantonis was elected to the Board in a July 2020 special election necessitated by the death of Erik Gutshall.

He was elected to a full term in 2021, and on Wednesday (Jan. 8) is expected to launch his re-election bid at the monthly meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.

Before winning elected office, Karantonis headed the Columbia Pike Partnership, then known as the Columbia Pike Redevelopment Organization, or CPRO.

That position has now supplied Arlington with two elected officials in recent years — Karantonis’s successor as head of the partnership, Kim Klingler, in 2023 was elected Commissioner of Revenue.

Tuesday’s Board meeting was the first for Spain, who was elected in November to succeed Libby Garvey. Garvey retired after 12 years on the dais, preceded by 15 years of service on the School Board.

All five Board members are Democrats. With the exception of the 2015-18 tenure of Republican-leaning independent John Vihstadt, Democrats have held every seat on the body for just over a quarter century, and have been dominant on it for 40 years.

The first working meeting of 2025 for Board members is slated for Saturday, Jan. 25. In a change from past practice, Saturday morning meetings will now begin at 9:30 a.m., an hour later than has been customary.

“We can be more cogent,” de Ferranti said of the later start time, predicting it would make for better meetings.

One tradition that has not changed: Board members opted against designating a member of the public to serve as a tie-breaker in case members split 2-2 on a vote, with one member abstaining or absent.

State law gives local governments the power to designate a tie-breaker from among the public, but Arlington appears to never have used it. Board members must make a formal declaration of their intent at each year’s organizational meeting.

Board members also designated a host of 2025 chairs of advisory boards and commissions.

“We really, really appreciate the service” of those who volunteer their time on advisory panels, Karantonis said.

REMARKS: Takis Karantonis Full Remarks at January 7 Arlington County Board Reorganization Meeting

Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis made the following remarks at the Board’s Reorganization Meeting on January 7, 2025:

“We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.”

—Jimmy Carter

2025! It is hard to believe that we have already reached the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. 

It is a milestone to reflect on what we have taken on as a community, what we have accomplished together, and the challenges that lie ahead. 

Customarily, in this meeting, we often focus on the challenges, but I want to briefly enumerate at least some of our accomplishments, because, they inform how we are going to successfully blaze our path forward:

• We became a national reference for managing growth, by connecting housing, transportation and economic development and improving quality of life, 

• We built an economy that attracts the most educated and talented.

• We are proud of having one of the best Public School Systems in the Nation.

• We balanced urban development with great public spaces and parks.

• We reacted early to the biggest challenge humanity ever faced, the climate crisis.

• We welcome diversity and immigrants, like myself, because they strengthen our community. 

• We committed to a social safety net that outperforms any of our peers.

• We invested in affordable housing and actively fought displacement

• We prioritized a safe and healthy community 

• We did not shy away from acknowledging our past, including systemic racism and inequality

• And we have a form of governance (which is more than a form of government) that is based on participation, respect and civility.

You may have noticed that the list of accomplishments also contains the challenges we are facing today. And this brings me to my priorities for this coming year:

1. Economic and Fiscal Resilience

   The persistent and record-high office vacancy is now a structural crisis. We need to re-think how we attract, incentivize and retain businesses, especially small businesses. At the same time we need to recognize that the economic model that sustained Arlington over more than half a century has reached its historic limit.

   The Commercial Market Resilience Initiative is among my highest priorities. Removing barriers to repositioning vacant buildings, finding ways to convert and reuse them is foundational for our prosperity.

   Our Budget will have to be respond to the new realities of a significantly less generous commercial taxbase. Projected deficits in either the County or School Budgets are now far less sustainable.

   Let me be clear: We cannot substitute declining commercial revenue with an equal increase of the individual tax-burden. Thus, we will need to be frugal, strategic and courageous as we will have to reduce expenditures and prioritize fiscal sustainability, which is difficult but feasible without sacrificing our values.

2. Responding to the Climate Emergency

   Following a year of significant investments in green policies and actions and making the most out of our Office Climate Policy Coordination, I look forward to adopting, early this year, a Climate Resiliency Resolution, on which I have been working with my colleague Ms. Cunningham and Ms. Fioretti, our Climate Policy Coordinator. 

   I then, look forward in proceeding with formulating a Climate Action Plan that will will elevate Climate Resiliency to a true All of Society issue. Climate Equity will need to be at the very center, as it is not only the right thing to do, but also critical to success.

   I continue to consider the low-residential lot coverage study as offering an opportunity to curb imperviousness, preserve and enhance tree-canopy and reduce the urban-heat-island effect. 

3. Housing Crisis

   Chronic lack of Housing supply is the cause of our Housing crisis. Which manifests itself not only in form of astronomical property prices but also in form of the most unaffordable rental market in more than a decade. 

   While we continue to have a vigorous debate about how to solve the underlying systemic problems, we should proceed with practical steps that serve the goal of offering realistic, attainable housing options to more people. Beyond staying the course on our affordable housing support (AHIF, Housing Grants and Eviction prevention and homelessness prevention), I look forward to re-setting our Condo initiative as I see there a medium-term path to attainable homeownership. I really appreciate Ms. Coffey’s leadership and focus on the issue and look forward working with her. 

   Runaway housing costs force families to have to choose between paying for rent or for food, or for childcare – housing costs are a serious burden for the majority of Arlingtonians; they represent a drag for our economy and a liability for our collective future.

4. Safe Streets and Transit

   2025 will see the bulk of the work on updating our Master Transportation Plan. Arlington should be a champion of efficient and safe urban mobility. We have a real chance to further reduce car-dependance and prioritize safety, walkability, bike-ability and transit. However, working on a good plan should not delay action where it is urgently needed, like making South Carlyn Springs Rd. safer now.

   I also look forward to the completion this year of the Columbia Pike Multimodal Improvements Project that, while complex and necessary has impacted significantly the neighborhoods and the businesses along the Pike.

5. Youth and Mental Health

   Overdose numbers are down and so are fatalities because we invested in mental health, especially for our younger population. My commitment to quality after-school programs remains a top priority for me, as I am sure, for all my colleagues, our colleagues on the School Board and our community of parents and students who have been urging us to stand up these programs.

6. Strengthening Governance and Transparency

   During my tenure as Chair, I intent to focus on four areas:

   1. Adding critical professional capacity to the Office of the County Board. More often than not, what is perceived as lack of constituent responsiveness, is in reality due to lack of capacity. I look forward in adding to the County Board Office Team two new positions (in communications/public engagement and policy).  

   2. Adding new opportunities for person-to-person engagement with the Chair and the Members of the County Board and meeting residents where they are. We already announced in person Open Door Mondays at different locations across Arlington.

   3. Continuing the Arlington Vision-2050 initiative by inviting to a dialog on the past, present and future of the Arlington Way – which seems to be appropriate in the year we celebrate the 100th Birthday of Ellen Bozman.

   4. Engaging in constructive dialog with Colleagues and the parts of our Community who have expressed an interest in longer term governance reforms.

7. Community Cohesion and Resilience

   Finally, but most importantly:

   We have to recognize that the change in the federal administration creates unbearable uncertainty for many, and a very diverse set of, Arlingtonians. While we have little choice other than having to adjust to a changing environment, our values can not and will not change. We will continue to be there for all and each one of our residents. We will always do our best to muster the necessary resources to attend to their needs and support them and their families. We will stand by them because this is who we are:

A caring, learning, participating, sustainable community in which each person is important. 

And with this, I wish you a happy, healthy, forward-striving and productive New Year!

ARL NOW: County Board chair to focus on economic development, office vacancies in 2025

By Scott McCaffrey

Published December 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Arl Now

Arlington’s likely 2025 County Board chairman has economic-development and property-repurposing initiatives atop his to-do list for the coming year.

“One out of four square feet [of office space in the county] is unoccupied,” Takis Karantonis on Dec. 10 told members of Arlington Senior Democrats. “It’s the highest for us ever, and one of the highest in the nation. What is worse, it’s not looking like the business is coming back.”

The challenges of ongoing commercial vacancies in a post-Covid world has led county leaders to adopt new strategies, including streamlining processes for developers wanting to convert existing office properties to homes.

But the office-vacancy-rate problem, which pre-dates the pandemic, has put at risk Arlington’s 60-year strategy that relies on the commercial sector bringing in the tax revenue to support a county budget fast approaching $1.7 billion a year.

The office-vacancy rate has pushed more of the county’s tax burden only the shoulders of homeowners. Where once the residential tax base represented less than 50% of total real-estate taxes paid, it is now 57%, Karantonis said.

As commercial assessments declined, property owners last spring were hit with an increased tax rate ladled atop higher home assessments. It was a double-whammy that hadn’t occurred in five years.

“It makes people grumpy,” came a voice from the luncheon audience at Busboys & Poets. To which Karantonis responded he hoped the county government could “avoid making them more grumpy” moving forward.

Chairmanship of the County Board rotates among members on a calendar-year basis. Karantonis, who has served as vice chair under Libby Garvey in 2024, is all but guaranteed to be selected for the top post when Board members hold their annual organizational meeting at the start of the year.

Serving as Board chair provides few additional powers beyond that of the other four members, but it does give the occupant a bully pulpit. Karantonis and other Board members will lay out their priorities at the Jan. 6 organization meeting.

Governance Changes on the Agenda?

As chair, Karantonis may have to decide how to address proposals by some civic activists seeking changes to Arlington’s governance structure, which has been in place for more than 90 years.

Those activists want the Board expanded from five to at least seven seats and to end the current election cycle that sees at least one Board member on the ballot each year.

Over the past quarter-century, Democrats have held near complete dominance of the local political system in Arlington. Whether the five Board members, all Democrats, will be willing to allow tinkering remains an open question, although any or all of the Board members could reference the matter at the upcoming organizational meeting.

That gathering also will mark the arrival of the newest Board member. JD Spain, Sr., in November was elected to succeed Libby Garvey, who is departing after 12 years.

With Spain’s arrival and Garvey’s departure, the average length of tenure of the five incumbents at the start of 2025 will be only 2.5 years in office. Garvey’s service of just over 12.5 years on the Board equals the combined tenures of all four of her current colleagues.

Trump Victory Causing Local Democrats Heartburn

The Board’s Jan. 6 organizational will come two weeks prior to the return of Donald Trump, which elected leaders in the inner D.C. suburbs — nearly all Democrats — fear could be problematic for the region. In addition, there are concerns that the region’s economic health is beginning to sag.

“There is a lot of disruption potential — it can be political choppy waters, it can be economic choppy waters,” Karantonis said of the coming year.

The likely Board chair acknowledged that the Arlington electorate, which has been reliably Democratic since the mid-1980s and became more so starting in 2016, moved back a little to Republicans in the 2024 election.

And that, he said, could help the statewide GOP in Virginia’s 2025 statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

“They think they are on a roll right now,” Karantonis said of Virginia Republicans. “They are not so off.”

Next year could prove “a tough election” for Democrats in the Commonwealth, he predicted.

Derick Malis, who attended the Senior Democrats’ luncheon, said Virginia Democrats in 2025 and beyond could have an unlikely benefactor living just across the Potomac.

“One of the biggest [Democratic] allies for the four years is going to be Trump,” Malis said if the incoming president and his agenda. “A lot of people are going to see through it.”

Karantonis was first elected to the Board in a 2020 special election necessitated by the death of Erik Gutshall. He won a full four-year term in 2021 and has told ARLnow he plans to seek re-election in 2025.

A native of Greece, Karantonis served as director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization — now known as the Columbia Pike Partnership — before he was elected to office.

PRESS RELEASE: Arlington County Board Member Takis Karantonis Wins Nomination For First Full Term

With a decisive 2-to-1 victory, Takis wins a clear mandate from Arlington Democrats

ARLINGTON, Va. – County Board Member Takis Karantonis has clearly and decisively won renomination for his first full term on the Board. Takis will be the Democratic nominee on the ballot in November.

“I am honored to have the strong support of Democrats all over Arlington heading into the November general election,” said Karantonis. I am so grateful for the support of our staff, volunteers and voters across the County who made this victory possible. I would also like to thank Chanda for running a positive, issues-based campaign, and for strengthening public debate in Arlington with his candidacy. Last night, our team of dedicated supporters proved that with Arlingtonians across the county chipping in their time, their resources, and their votes, we can bring our effective, progressive, and experienced campaign back to the Democratic ticket this November. Now, the work begins again.”

“As we head into the general election, I want to renew my pledge to keep working to make Arlington better and building on the progress I’ve made over the past year. I will fight to protect Arlington against the Climate Emergency, to ensure a safe reopening for our County, to preserve and support our small business community, and most importantly, to keep listening to and engaging the people of Arlington in the democratic process and the process of local government. I am always here for you as your Board Member.”

“I’m also grateful for the support of publications and groups like NoVA Labor, Carpenters, IBEW, Pipe Trades, the Arlington Education Association, Sierra Club, Blue Virginia, and the Sun Gazette, and for the endorsements of all my colleagues on the County Board, the entire Arlington School Board, State Senators Ebbin and Favola, and Delegates Lopez, Sullivan, and Hope, Sheriff Beth Arthur, Clerk of the Court Paul Ferguson, and Treasurer Carla De La Pava, along with countless community leaders and former elected officials.”

Takis Karantonis is a sitting County Board member and the Democratic Party’s nominee for County Board this November. An immigrant who speaks and listens in eight languages, he has been an activist and community leader since he first came to Arlington in 2007. In his time in office, Takis has been working tirelessly to bring his expertise as a trained economist and urban planner, his dedication, and his passion for our community to the County Board. His next election will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd.

Happy Mother’s Day!

For many immigrants like myself, today will be another Mother’s day that we have to celebrate thousands of miles away from our mothers. More often than not, there is no broadband connection on the other end, sometimes, not even a working phone line. Yet, messages of love and deep gratitude will be crossing continents and oceans.

My mother is one of these amazing, strong women who fought and worked very hard to raise her children no matter how adverse and dispiriting life’s circumstances were for her. 

I meet mothers who remind me of my mother every day. Being elected during a pandemic opens a unique window of appreciation for the full width and depth of their daily struggles. Not a single day passes that I don’t think about ways our local government can provide better, more responsive, and more effective support, help and relief. 

Care-giving is an essential infrastructure that it needs to be recognized as such. I believe that the best way to celebrate this day is to reassure every mother that our local government sees her and has her back.

I voted to fund food and rent-assistance and eviction prevention; to provide the funding to meet the School Board’s needs, to safely reopen public facilities, like libraries; to find ways to provide additional services, from free broadband to childcare to additional mental health response capacity; I strongly supported increasing the minimum wage, providing paid sick leave and giving our public employees the right to collectively bargain for better jobs and working conditions.

I did all the above with the additional sense of urgency and purpose that derives from having listened to these mothers. I owe them gratitude and the commitment to do more and better to support them and their families in these difficult times. 

Here’s to the amazing, strong women who hold us, inspire us, and keep us from falling throughout every step of our lives.

Whether you are close by or far away - we love you, every day a bit more!

Happy Mother’s Day!

My mother helping me with my first steps.

Democratically Yours,

Takis Karantonis

Statement on the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial

No verdict can ever make what happened right, nor is there any jury that can undo the trauma felt by George Floyd’s family or by the millions of Black Americans who watched those horrific 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

Today’s conviction is a small measure of accountability against hatred and systemic racism, but we must see this movement through. Our deepest condolences continue to go out to George Floyd’s family and the members of the Black community who continue to endure racism and racist violence.

Today, the Arlington County Board has received the Manager’s report on the recommendations of the Police Practices Group and the ongoing search for a new Police Chief in Arlington, and I remain committed to fighting for justice for all. There is still more work to be done.

Re-Election Campaign

I am officially running in this year’s County Board election because I’m wholeheartedly committed to continue building upon the work we started together. 

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since we launched our campaign in last year’s special election for County Board. I will never forget the energy, the resources, and the work you all invested in that special election to complete our friend Erik Gutshall’s term after his premature and gut-wrenching passing. 

While COVID-19 continues to lay bare the social, cultural, racial, and economic inequalities in our community – helping all Arlingtonians through this crisis remains my top priority for as long as it takes to arrive at our new “normal.”

I am running for re-election to the Arlington County Board because I believe that Arlington is resilient, and it has the capacity to adapt to challenges in ways that will provide a great quality of life for all of its residents. My experiences as an immigrant, planner, economist, environmentalist and affordable housing activist have proved critical in my work to build an Arlington that works for all Arlingtonians. 

Through the COVID-19 shock, and beyond, it is my mission to continue:

• Supporting the School Board as they work to safely reopen schools;

• Enhancing economic development with a focus on supporting and advancing our small business economy;

• Confronting the climate crisis through courageous choices that will make Arlington a leader in environmental resilience and sustainability; 

• Tackling our housing affordability crisis to ensure that Arlingtonians have a stable and good quality home in a caring and supportive community;

• Advancing equity and racial justice through a whole government and whole community approach by truly engaging a broader and more diverse spectrum of residents in civic processes. 

I look forward to connecting with you and our neighbors in an in-depth conversation on how we will continue to lead Arlington forward, together!

Statement from Takis Karantonis Regarding Parking Needs for a New High School at the Career Center

Having seen a few comments on the list serve recently, I would like to take the opportunity to clarify my views on the parking needs of the Career Center site.

As a member of the Career Center BLPC and a long time Columbia Heights resident, I have been excited to participate in planning for what I hope will be a public facility jewel for our community. However, unless we get the parking right, we co uld easily end up with an unattractive nuisance whose operations will plague our nearby neighborhoods for decades.

Let me be clear: I do not support spill over neighborhood street parking as a solution for public facilities. Not in Arlington Heights not anywhere.

The smart solution to achieve the required parking both environmentally and fiscally responsible would be for the County to purchase the building and its existing parking garage owned by the Ethiopian Community Development Council, located at the corner of Columbia Pike and S. Highland Street. This option should be more seriously considered and pursued by both Boards and the County Manager.

The existing garage has 325 of the approximately 450 spaces the high school will need when it reaches full buildout. Analysis has shown that the cost of buying the building and garage is less expensive than all the estimates for building parking on the site. Preserving and using what we already have to its greatest extent is a long accepted sustainabilit y principle that applies here.

If our community buys this property:

• We can protect and expand open space (vs a new above ground garage);

• We can avoid significant complications and costs of underground parking of which the estimated cost is at least $3 5 40 million).

• We would have to spend some amount of money to shore up the parking structure. We could look at creative opportunities to find the additional 100 or so spaces by building an additional level on the existing structure, or surface parking arou nd the existing buildings. Any of these solutions would cost less than either of the onsite parking solution being proposed;

• Parking availability will not delay opening of the new school; AND

• The County will bring a new asset into its inventory that has frontage on the Pike, ultimately creating opportunities for more programs and services to come to our Main Street.

As a planning principle, I believe the solution is in finding the right balance of onsite parking to minimize the impact on nearby neighbors, look for solutions that take advantage of existing nearby infrastructure, aggressively manage demand, and utilize the rich transit already available to this site. We need to continue working together to find the best long-term solution that serves all the students and staff on the site, protects our neighborhood, and is fiscally and environmentally sound.

It is difficult to fully predict the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on school operations, budgets and CIPs for the next couple of years, and on this particular project. I believe we may be hearing more about this tonight at the Career Center public meeting being held by APS, and I encourage everyone to attend to hear an update on this important project and provide feedback.

Regardless of the outcome or impacts to this project, I believe in good, long-range planning and the delivery of thoughtful, accessible and well-designed civic structures as a key economic driver for the Pike. I remain steadfast in this, as I am in my optimism for the future of the Columbia Pike community. I appreciate the opportunity to clear up any misconceptions about my positions and invite you to reach out to me if you want to have further discussion.

Statement on Improving Police Practices and Enhancing Public Safety

Over the past weeks, we have seen the nation come together in the fight for equity and racial justice. To establish community trust and address centuries of structural racial inequities, we must work diligently to ensure that law enforcement is accountable and that our legal system works for everyone - no matter their race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic or immigration status.

I pledge to advocate for data-based reform policies that strengthen our community and public safety for ALL Arlingtonians. Our collective goal must be public safety that enables our community to thrive and have opportunity.

To that end, I support:

Police Department Leadership Search

• Conducting a nationwide search for the next Chief of Police ahead of Police Chief Farr’s upcoming retirement.

• Establish a robust series of listening sessions throughout the community prior to the initiation of the search, to allow Arlingtonians the opportunity to provide input on the qualities and characteristics they desire in our new Police Chief.

Oversight and Accountability

• Establishing a Civilian Police Review Board that creates a structural level of accountability and trust between the community and the Arlington County Police Department.

• Prioritizing the funding and use of body-worn cameras as well as the management system and personnel needed to collect, store, process and make the data available.

• Conducting a review of policies to ensure that disciplinary and training practices support the desired policing practices.

• Calling for mandatory intervention of other officers when they see excessive use of force.

• Ensuring whistleblower protection for officers who report other officers for inappropriate use of force.

Funding and Training

• Reexamining our budget priorities in order to ensure that the Arlington County Police Department’s budget reflects our progressive values and commitment to inclusive public safety with a focus on community policing. Specifically, prioritizing training against racial and cultural biases and methodically collecting data that allows us to identify and address disparities.

• Deprioritizing funding for, or the acceptance of, military equipment.

• Conducting an in-depth review of how the department responds to mental healthrelated emergency calls. We must prioritize sending properly trained responders, preferably in plain clothes, who would be accompanied by mental-health specialists (psychologists or psychiatrists). All police officers must have Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and receive refresher training on a regular basis.

• Ensuring that law enforcement training and internal policies, particularly concerning the use of force, are consistent with Arlington values.

Arlington County Police Department and Arlington Public Schools

• Ensuring that the Arlington County Police Department and the Arlington Public Schools adhere to the joint Memorandum of Understanding.

• Reviewing and monitoring the Memorandum of Understanding annually by Police, Arlington Public Schools, and community stakeholders to ensure compliance and recommend improvements.

• Collecting data regarding police involvement and discipline in schools to ensure we are striving to eliminate disproportionality, reducing both the direct and indirect school-to0prison pipeline.

• Utilizing restorative justice practices in the schools, in police interactions, and in the judicial system for our children and young citizens.

Statement on the Murder of George Floyd

ARLINGTON –The taking of George Floyd’s life exposes an ugly truth in our country, that the lives of Black Americans are not valued or protected in the same way as those of White Americans. Floyd’s recent murder at the hands of a Minneapolis Police Officer has brought the sad reality of systemic racism in law enforcement to national attention once again.

The roots of this racism are historical, systemic, and cultural, and they exist in every town, city, and zip code across America, including Arlington. And while Arlington has so far been spared the severity of the nationalized egregious incidents, it is not immune to the systemic racism and injustice that have plagued Black Americans for generations.

Equity demands that we look these terrible incidents squarely in the face and change the broken system that is causing them. For us to make Arlington a just and equitable place for all of its residents, we must all pledge action together to tackle inequities in housing, education, health, and life outcomes in our county. Our work is ongoing, and it will not stop after the July 7th election. May this moment be a call to action for us and our fellow citizens in Arlington.

Moving forward, I commit to:

1. Working with community groups to actively, persistently tell the full story of Arlington — the story that includes small valiant Black communities that were excluded by legal segregation from prosperity and had to fight for equal treatment once integration became the law of the land.

2. Bringing an equity lens to County Board work - identifying metrics that will help us chart progress; examining every decision to uncover who is helped, who is hurt, who benefits and who is left behind.

3. Holding regular neighborhood town halls in multiple languages so that more Arlingtonians can tell their stories directly to -at least one- of their elected leaders.

4. Actively advocating for a strong local safety net that helps our less prosperous neighbors and all locally-owned businesses

5. Ensuring that law enforcement always adheres to our values of equality and equity, accountability and justice.

Arlington’s General Assembly Members Endorse Takis Karantonis In July 7 County Board Special Election

ARLINGTON—State Senators Janet Howell (32), Adam Ebbin (30) and Barbara Favola (31) were joined by Delegates Patrick Hope (47), Alfonso Lopez (49), Rip Sullivan (48) and Mark Levine (45) in a resounding endorsement of Democrat Takis Karantonis in the July 7 County Board Special Election.

Senator Adam Ebbin said “I have worked with Takis for many years; most closely when he was Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization. We share a passion for improving this key corridor in Arlington and I believe his planning knowledge and skills will enhance community planning conversations throughout Arlington.”

“Takis was a trusted voice on housing policy when I was on the County Board,” said State Senator Barbara Favola. “He understands that, for Arlington to continue to thrive, we need housing affordable at a variety of price points that relate to the jobs we have in the county. I look forward to working with him on these issues in Arlington and in the Commonwealth.”

Senator Janet Howell, long-time participant in the General Assembly’s budgeting process, noted “Takis’s experience with small businesses, economic development, and micro-lending are aligned with what will be our greatest needs as the Commonwealth and Arlington move from crisis to resiliency”.

Patrick Hope, the dean of Arlington’s Delegates, said “Takis Karantonis has often been a voice for voiceless Arlingtonians who need access to health care and a strong safety net in Arlington. The fact that he speaks 8 languages means he can talk directly to people to understand their needs and concerns. That skill will enhance the work the we all do on behalf of those who have less.”

“Takis and I share a passion for environmental policy.” said Delegate Alfonso Lopez.“ I’m excited about the prospect of having a new County Board partner who has worked at the grassroots level with Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (now EcoArlington) and who also knows his way around the key, forward-looking policy areas of energy efficiency, conservation, clean water, and renewable energy.”

Delegate Rip Sullivan stated that “Ensuring that Arlington is prepared for the 'new normal' will be a massive undertaking over the next 18 months. Takis’s relationships in the labor community and his understanding of the needs of businesses of all sizes will prove invaluable to the County. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the County Board as we evaluate new ways to support workers and businesses alike.”

“Takis and I share a passion for ensuring broad participation in civic processes” said Delegate Mark Levine. “He has a reputation for working to ensure that all voices are heard. That skill will be very important as we come out of the pandemic and have to adapt our practices and policies.”

More information about Takis can be found at www.TakisforArlington.com. Arlington voters can request an absentee ballot for the July 7 election before June 30 or vote in person at their regular polling place on July 7 from 6 am-7pm.

For more information contact: Izzie Taveras, Campaign Manager, izzie@takisforarlington.com.

Arlington’s Constitutional Officers Endorse Takis Karantonis for the July 7 County Board Special Election

ARLINGTON—Clerk of the Court Paul Ferguson, Sheriff Beth Arthur, Commissioner of the Revenue Ingrid Morroy, Treasurer Carla de la Pava, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti announced their support for Takis Karantonis in the Special Election on July 7. These Constitutional Officers have key windows into the work of the County Board and collaborate with the Board on many issues that contribute to Arlington’s safety and vibrancy.

“Takis has shown an interest in Arlington's Court system and is committed to supporting technology initiatives providing more online services to the public." said Clerk of the Court Paul Ferguson. “I really look forward to collaborating with him on a number of issues.”

“Takis has been a bridge over the years to communities who often are overlooked in our civic life” said Sheriff Beth Arthur. “That skill will be very helpful as we continue to provide the most progressive jail environment possible in these challenging times.”

“Serving Arlington residents—our customers—in a fair and even-handed manner requires clear communication and active listening. Takis’s skills will be a welcome addition in this work” said Commissioner of the Revenue Ingrid Morroy.

“In these trying times, fiscal management is critically important for local governments,” noted Treasurer Carla de la Pava. “I know that Takis, as a former non-profit manager and advisor to entrepreneurs, understands the County's need for fiscal prudence and careful planning.”

Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti noted “For our community to continue to thrive we will need the calmest voice and coolest head in the room, the person who, no matter the circumstance, knows how to look for solutions, find common ground, and make peace. That person is Takis Karantonis."

More information about Takis can be found at www.TakisforArlington.com. Arlington voters can request an absentee ballot for the July 7 election before June 30 or vote in person at their regular polling place on July 7 from 6 am-7pm.

For more information contact: Izzie Taveras, Campaign Manager, izzie@takisforarlington.com.