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Falls Church to clarify hotel‑tax language and adopt FHWA Title VI policy ahead of VDOT deadline
Summary
On Oct. 21 the Falls Church City Council reviewed a technical correction to city code clarifying the 6% local transient‑occupancy tax and adopted a Federal‑Highway‑Administration‑specific Title VI policy to meet VDOT/FHWA requirements; staff said a comprehensive Title VI implementation plan will follow in about a year.
City staff presented two consent‑agenda items Oct. 21: a technical ordinance amendment clarifying the local transient‑occupancy (hotel) tax and a Title VI policy update to satisfy Federal Highway Administration requirements.
Hotel tax technical correction
Staff explained the change is technical: it clarifies that the city’s local portion of the transient‑occupancy tax is 6% and that the city will collect and remit the state portion as directed under Virginia Code §58.1‑1743 (the state portion is currently 3%). Staff said the change is not a rate increase and has no fiscal impact on hotels or visitors; the revision updates language so the ordinance remains accurate if the Commonwealth’s portion changes.
Title VI policy adoption and follow‑up work
The council also reviewed a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Title VI policy that VDOT/FHWA required for recipients of FHWA funds. Staff told the council the policy meets an imminent deadline and that a broader, consolidated Title VI implementation plan covering all federal programs will follow. Staff said the long‑range objective is to return with a single comprehensive Title VI policy and implementation appendix for other federal agencies after a year‑long deep dive.
Quote
• On timing and further work: "We'd like to come back to the council in about a year with a comprehensive Title 6 policy for the city for all federal agencies." (City staff)
Next steps
Staff will file the technical ordinance correction and the FHWA Title VI policy as requested and will begin a year‑long implementation review to produce a consolidated Title VI policy and implementation plan for council consideration.
