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Loudoun County Faces Financial Challenges

Philip M. Dearborn
PMD
Philip M. Dearborn

August 1, 1999

Loudoun County is now the third fastest growing county in the country with population and school
enrollments increasing 10 percent annually. Can the county government finance quality services needed
to keep up with this explosive growth while maintaining competitive tax rates? This is a recurring
question that faces not only Loudoun County, but other fast growing outer suburbs in the Washington
area, such as: Stafford, Prince William, Calvert, Frederick, and Charles Counties. While each county
has its own unique features, a closer look at Loudoun County may help understand the challenges
these counties face, the measures they are using to cope with their problems, and their future outlook.