Arlington, Alexandria Define Legislative Priorities

Ferguson said that the county would like to get the state to help provide more affordable housing but that officials are "not expecting much in that area."

He said the County Board also hopes the state will "continue to meet its obligations with law-enforcement funding."

"The state gives a certain amount of aid to localities for public safety in a deal worked out years ago," Ferguson said. "Over the years, the state hasn't had enough to fund it, and there is talk this year there will be a shortfall. If the state can't meet its obligations, localities will have to pick up the slack."

Ferguson noted that Alexandria, as a city, has more taxing options available to it than do counties, and officials would like that to change.

"We hope that one day counties can have the equal taxing authority cities have," Ferguson said, adding that cities can raise cigarette taxes and levy entertainment and other taxes that counties cannot.

Ferguson said that Arlington supports Alexandria's desire for a statewide smoking ban, but that the County Board would be happy if the state allowed localities to limit smoking in their jurisdictions as "an interim step."

City Council member Krupicka said he thinks the General Assembly will focus on preschool initiatives, transportation -- including controversial abusive-driver fees -- immigration and budget shortfalls.