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Fairfax adopts 2026 legislative program, urges new dedicated funding for WMATA and compensation for federal emergency‑management cuts
Summary
The City Council adopted its 2026 legislative program, adding support for state compensation of federal cuts to emergency‑management funding and for long‑term dedicated funding for WMATA (as framed by DMV Moves). Council removed a proposed right‑to‑work affirmation after debate and adopted the program unanimously.
The City of Fairfax City Council on Dec. 9 adopted its 2026 legislative program after staff presented a one‑pager that incorporated council requests and four late submissions.
Staff recommended incorporating language that asks the General Assembly to compensate for federal cuts to regional emergency‑management funding (for programs such as the Urban Area Security Initiative and Northern Virginia regional response systems) and to study state‑level options for permanent funding. The council also agreed to support the DMV Moves framework'style language calling for "long‑term sustainable dedicated funding" and expanded revenue options for regional transit, including funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Council members stressed the need for new dedicated funding rather than reallocating existing regional funds.
A request to add affirming language about the right‑to‑work law prompted debate; staff and several councilmembers noted the governor had indicated the issue was not on the near legislative agenda and several members recommended removing that language to avoid diluting the package. After canvassing council sentiment the majority chose to remove the right‑to‑work language. The final motion adopting the program, as amended at the meeting, passed unanimously.
Staff said they will forward the adopted legislative program to the city's state legislators.
