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Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter recently unveiled a $2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, sparking a heated debate among supervisors and residents over the county’s consistent budget surpluses, rising tax rates, and spending priorities.

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This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today! Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

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Prince William County’s Executive, Christopher Shorter, unveiled his $2 billion budget to the Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday night. He hopes to continue funding public schools, add staff positions, invest in technology, and provide salary increases.

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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.

On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.

The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include:  Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.

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The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors will address the county’s meals tax during the upcoming budget deliberations, according to Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson. The meals tax, enacted in 2022, has been a concern for local restaurant owners, some of whom are advocating for its repeal.

The proposed meal tax (also called the food and beverage tax) for Prince William County in FY2025 is projected to generate $42 million in revenue. This represents a $10 million increase from the previous year, reflecting a significant rise of 31.25%.

The tax has drawn strong reactions from the restaurant industry, where owners have repeatedly called for its abolition, arguing that it places additional strain on their already tight margins. Restaurant owners have pointed to the increased costs they’ve faced over the past few years, compounded by inflation and staffing shortages, making the meals tax particularly burdensome.

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Originals

A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.

While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.


Business

A new Home Depot is set to open in Gordon Plaza, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the rezoning and special use permit for the 16-acre site at 13271 Gordon Boulevard, allowing for a home improvement store exceeding 80,000 square feet. The project will also feature a garden center, seasonal sales area, motor vehicle rental (limited), curbside pickup, and expanded parking facilities during its February 4, 2025 meeting.

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Originals

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Originals

Prince William County’s plans for an indoor sports complex in Woodbridge face a significant shift following this week’s decision by the Board of County Supervisors to allocate $250,000 for a consultant to determine the best use for the site. The 21.85-acre property near I-95 and the state’s most enormous commuter lot, the Horner Road lot, had been the centerpiece of a proposal to build a large indoor recreation facility to attract travel teams and host major events like graduations.

The property, once proposed as the location for a large indoor sports and recreation facility, is now part of a broader development plan. County officials aim to aggregate the land with four adjacent parcels, totaling nearly 50 acres of county- and state-owned land, including existing commuter parking lots. The mission is to transform the area into a community hub that harmonizes living, working, and leisure spaces while generating jobs and tax revenue.

Known colloquially as Prince William Landing, the area was previously considered as a potential site for a new Washington Commanders football stadium alongside another location near Potomac Mills mall. Both sites were discussed as part of efforts to keep the team in Northern Virginia after its lease on FedEx Field expires in 2027. However, those plans did not materialize.

According to county documents, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, along with the Finance Department and Office of Procurement Services, is leading the effort to attract a strategic real estate partner. The process will follow the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA) to identify a development partner capable of delivering a project that strengthens the county’s sense of place and meets diverse community needs.

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News

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes major decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.

Woodbridge Land Development

Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding, drawn from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund, will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.

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