Northern Virginia Transportation Authority
Summary
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is a regional body that funds and coordinates transportation projects across Northern Virginia, including the City of Fairfax. NVTA has invested $5 billion regionally to date, with $125 million directed to the City of Fairfax from its 70% authority funding and $33 million distributed to the city from its 30% local share. The City has engaged with NVTA on multiple fronts: it approved a $1,000,000 submission for FY 25-30 Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funding (December 2024, 6-0) and a subsequent $1,000,000 submission for FY 27-32 RSTP funding (November 2025, unanimously). NVTA also plays a central role in the George Snyder Trail project, having recommended approval of a $4.6 million Transform 66 Outside the Beltway concession funding supplemental appropriation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) on November 13, 2025; the CTB approved it January 6, 2026, but the City Council's corresponding supplemental appropriation resolution failed 3-3 on January 13, 2026. Separately, NVTA developed a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Action Plan identifying 28 corridors in Northern Virginia, which was a subject of council briefings and regional advocacy; two proof-of-concept corridors have been selected, though it is unclear whether either runs through the City of Fairfax.
Open questions & options on the table
- Whether and how the City Council will revisit or resolve the failed 3-3 vote on the $4.6 million George Snyder Trail supplemental appropriation, given that NVTA and CTB have already approved the funding.
- Whether any of the NVTA BRT Action Plan corridors — including the two initially selected proof-of-concept corridors — will be confirmed to run through or serve the City of Fairfax.
- How the City's legislative program language regarding NVTA and regional transportation funding (including the DMV MOVES/SJ28 framework and the $102 million diversion restoration call) will be finalized.
What members have said
On June 24, 2025, Councilmember Peterson briefed the Council on NVTA's BRT Action Plan, noting the Planning Coordination Advisory Committee would vote on endorsement the following day and that the proposed plan includes the City of Fairfax. At the February 10, 2026 meeting, Peterson was referenced by a colleague as likely knowing more about which BRT corridors might run through the city. Peterson voted 'no' on the January 13, 2026 George Snyder Trail supplemental appropriation, contributing to the 3-3 failure.
Voted 'yes' on the January 13, 2026 motion to approve the $4.6 million George Snyder Trail supplemental appropriation from Transform 66 Outside the Beltway concession funding.
Voted 'yes' on the January 13, 2026 motion to approve the $4.6 million George Snyder Trail supplemental appropriation.
Voted 'no' on the January 13, 2026 motion to approve the $4.6 million George Snyder Trail supplemental appropriation.
Voted 'yes' on the January 13, 2026 motion to approve the $4.6 million George Snyder Trail supplemental appropriation.
Voted 'no' on the January 13, 2026 motion to approve the $4.6 million George Snyder Trail supplemental appropriation.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Discussion time
Minutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting.
Full history
[7c] The City's submission to NVTA for $1,000,000 in FY 25-30 Regional Surface Transportation Program funding was approved.
[5a] NVTA's Planning Coordination Advisory Committee meeting on June 25, 2025 at 2600 Park Tower Drive, Suite 601, Vienna, VA was noted as the venue for the BRT Action Plan endorsement vote.
[6f] The City approved its submission to NVTA for $1,000,000 in FY 27-32 Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funding.
[7e] Staff noted that NVTA recommended approval of the $4.6 million funding request to the Commonwealth Transportation Board on November 13, and the CTB approved it on January 6, 2026, prior to the failed City Council vote.
failedApprove the supplemental appropriation resolution in the amount of $4,600,000 from Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concession Funding for the George Snyder Trail✓ Amos✓ Bates✕ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✕ McQuillen✕ Peterson