Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Business Meeting - February 3, 2026

During the February 3, 2026 Business Meeting, the Board of Supervisors adopted the consent agenda, received updates on legislation, public safety, and property assessments, approved two legislative resolutions, recognized Black History Month, and conducted nominations and a closed session for property acquisition. The meeting lasted from approximately 9:00 a.m. to after 6:00 p.m., with a break for ceremonial resolutions and public input.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0-3, with three supervisors absent) the consent agenda including:
  • R1: Proclamation to recognize Black History Month in Loudoun County.
  • 1A: Invasive Plant Species Management Program Guidelines for County-Managed Lands.
  • 2A: Appointments and confirmations.
  • 3: Administrative Items Report of February 3, 2026.

Discussion Items

• Legislative Update (Jonathan Freeman): Freeman reported on the 2026 General Assembly session, including progress on the home ownership grant program (passed committee 10-4, already passed the House), the Oak Hill acquisition bill (re-referred to appropriations), and local anti-rent gouging bills (sent to housing commission for study). He noted that several data center bills (noise, water, air pollution, energy) were defeated, and the Faith in Housing Act (HB 1279 and SB 388) is moving, with concerns that it strips local land use control for religious organizations.
• Motions on Legislation:
  • HB 395 (Small Portable Solar Devices): Supervisor Brixman moved to support the bill, which would allow balcony solar (up to 1200 watts) without utility interconnection. After discussion about safety and weight concerns, the motion passed 6-1-1, with Supervisor Umstad opposing and Chair Randall abstaining.
  • HB 1021 (Affordable Rental Units in Assisted Living Facilities): Chair Randall moved to support the bill, which gives localities the option to require affordable rental units in assisted living facilities via special use permits. Debate centered on whether it creates a requirement or option. The motion passed 6-1-1, with Supervisor Laterno opposing and Supervisor Kirchner abstaining.
• Significant Incident Report (Chief Travis Pro): The Combined Fire and Rescue System responded to 10,358 incidents in Q2 FY2026, including 7,500 EMS calls and 2,800 fire-related calls. Notable incidents include a $1.25 million lithium-ion battery fire, a $2.7 million electrical panel failure, and a fatal arson in Sterling. Community initiatives included a toy drive (4,000 toys) and coat drive (1,361 coats). The Emergency Communications Center earned triple ACE accreditation.
• Real Property Assessment Update (Commissioner Wertz): Total real property value reached $185.7 billion, up 12.4% year-over-year. Residential appreciation averaged 1.2% across districts, while data centers now represent 26% of total assessed value (up 3%). Commercial new construction totaled $2.2 billion, with data center land averaging $3.76 million per acre. The average single-family home assessed value increased 1.9% to approximately $1.27 million. Inventory remains low at 1.9 months supply.

Ceremonial Resolutions

• Black History Month Proclamation: Chair Randall read the proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. Speakers included Donna Bohannon (Black History Committee), Dr. Wendy Manuel Scott and students Annabelle Spencer and Shamika Kirby (George Mason University) discussing the "Spatializing Black Stories" digital archive of the Willard community, Dr. Dietrich Wallace (Sigma Gamma Rho), Charles Avery (Loudoun Douglas Alumni Association), and Michelle Thomas (NAACP). Supervisor Sainz emphasized the fight to preserve African American history. The proclamation was unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A brief remark from Supervisor Griffin, who spoke to the audience about prior restraint and constitutional issues, was ruled out of order by the Chair for violating board rules of order that require comments be directed to the board and not to the audience.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda adopted unanimously.
• HB 395 supported by vote of 6-1-1 (Supervisor Umstad opposed, Chair Randall abstained).
• HB 1021 supported by vote of 6-1-1 (Supervisor Laterno opposed, Supervisor Kirchner abstained).
• Nominations confirmed: Several board and commission appointments, including Emily Johnson (Heritage Commission), Susan Betts (Parks, Recreation, Open Space), Eric Woodall (NOVA Parks), Steve Schulte (ADU Board), Charles Clear (ADU Board), and Reed Clark (Heritage Commission).
• Closed session held to discuss acquisition of a parcel in the Dulles Election District; no formal action taken.