The term “Arlington Way” is not a formal historical term but is commonly used to describe the county’s non-partisan, cooperative political culture. Its history is rooted in the 1930s and 1940s, when Arlington’s local politics shifted from partisan battles to a nonpartisan system, fostering a collaborative, consensus-driven approach to governance that continues today. The term refers to Arlington County’s unique, collaborative, and non-partisan approach to local governance and community engagement, rooted in its shift from rural to suburban in the 20th century, spurred by federal growth and the implementation of the County Manager system in 1932. Later, it was defined by its “smart growth” focus on transit-oriented development (like Metro Rail) and inclusive public dialogue to manage rapid growth and preserve quality of life.
The term “Arlington Way” also describes the process of community involvement, emphasizing inclusive, respectful, and persistent dialogue between residents and government. This engagement model helped shape development, transit, and preservation efforts, with initiatives like PLACE (“Arlington Way 2.0”) updating it for modern challenges. It’s a mix of forward-looking urban planning (transit, density) and preservation of neighborhood character, reflected in its unique urban-county government structure.
