Fairfax City Council Addresses Rising Costs of Key Projects

City prioritizes Property Yard, Fire Station 3, and Willard Sherwood Community Center projects amid budget changes

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Fairfax City Council discussed the FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program, focusing on cost changes to three priority projects: the Property Yard feasibility study, the Fire Station 3 replacement, and the Willard Sherwood Community Center. The Property Yard project saw a significant cost increase from $60 million to $155 million, while the Willard Sherwood project's total cost rose from $123 million to $120.9 million, with the city's share increasing from $50.7 million to $54 million. The council also debated the cost recovery model for the Willard Sherwood project to balance community use and financial sustainability.

Why it matters

These capital improvement projects are crucial for Fairfax City's infrastructure and community services. The rising costs highlight the challenges cities face in managing large-scale projects and the need to carefully balance budgets, community needs, and financial sustainability.

The details

The Property Yard project's cost escalated due to environmental remediation requirements and expansion needs. The Willard Sherwood Community Center project, a joint venture with Fairfax County, also saw its total cost increase, with the city's share rising from $50.7 million to $54 million. The project aims to achieve LEED Gold Plus certification and net-zero energy usage, and will also house a health department facility providing services such as tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infection care.

  • The Fairfax City Council discussed the FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program during a Tuesday night work session.
  • The total cost of the Willard Sherwood Community Center project increased from $123 million to $120.9 million by September 2024.
  • The city's share of the Willard Sherwood project increased from $50.7 million to $54 million.

The players

Fairfax City Council

The governing body of Fairfax City, Virginia, responsible for discussing and approving the city's capital improvement projects.

Fairfax County

A county in Virginia that is partnering with Fairfax City on the Willard Sherwood Community Center project.

Fairfax City Planning Commission

A commission that recommended prioritizing the Property Yard, Fire Station 3, and Willard Sherwood Community Center projects for the city.

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What’s next

The Fairfax City Council will continue to monitor the progress and costs of the Property Yard, Fire Station 3, and Willard Sherwood Community Center projects as they move forward with the FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program.

The takeaway

Fairfax City is facing the challenge of rising costs for key infrastructure and community projects, highlighting the need for careful planning, budgeting, and collaboration to ensure these important initiatives are delivered effectively and sustainably.