Williamsburg leads local governments in spending growth
It's May 4. A look at how government spending has outpaced inflation and population growth in Williamsburg, James City and York County. Also, the Arc of Williamsburg moves into modern new space.
Williamsburg leads the Historic Triangle governments in spending growth over the past decade, up 83% after inflation despite modest population growth.
James City and York County’s overall budget growth also outpaced inflation due to capital spending.
Population growth has moderated and is not a major driver of costs, our analysis showed.
Williamsburg Watch used Chat GPT to help us analyze changes in all three government’s adopted budgets between 2016 and the proposed FY 2027 budgets that will be voted on this month.
The counties’ average operating budgets have actually not kept pace with the 37% cumulative inflation projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s consumer price index between July of 2016 and March of 2026, the latest available. Williamsburg’s operating budget has grown by 30% in that time.
Capital spending was the primary driver of cost in all three localities, as they ramped up spending to pay for a variety of buildings and projects. Capital spending can fluctuate sharply from year to year based on projects that are in construction, as opposed to operating budgets, which reflect normal operating costs.
If the proposed 2027 budgets are approved as currently drafted, Williamsburg’s spending will have gone up 83% in the past 11 years after inflation, while its population has increased 4%. The city’s costs are primarily driven by a building binge – firehouse, police headquarters, and proposed new library -- as well as higher personnel costs.
The counties tend to spend a larger share of their budgets on schools, as well as personnel.
James City County’s spending over the same time frame is a more modest 31% after inflation, while population has increased 12%, based on projections by the U.S. Census and the Weldon Cooper Center. Its operating expenses have remained flat after accounting for inflation.
York County’s growth was 38% after inflation, but that figure is solely driven by a doubling of capital expenses. The county’s operating expenses have not kept pace with inflation and are down double digits after inflation is factored in.
Schools are a major driver of costs at both James City and York counties and are the largest share of their operating budgets. Williamsburg spends considerably less of its budget on education due to a smaller population.
York is planning to spend millions this year to bring employee compensation closer to what other governments in the area are spending, and that is another major driver of costs.
“We continuously assess when and how to improve services, update our infrastructure, and provide amenities that result in a healthier community,” City spokesperson Nicole Trifone told us. “Budget decisions, therefore, are driven by the evolving needs of our community, rather than by the simple measure of population growth.”
Arc of Williamsburg’s new home
After 50 years of helping individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Arc of Williamsburg will formally inaugurate its new permanent home this month.
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