Last updated: March 2026
Welcome to Debugging Fairfax.
Debugging Fairfax is an open-source civic transparency project designed to help residents better understand how local government budgets and spending work.
By using this website, you agree to the following terms.
1. Purpose of the Project
Debugging Fairfax provides tools and explanations to help residents explore publicly available government data.
The goal of the project is to improve civic understanding by presenting budget and spending information in a clearer and more accessible format.
Debugging Fairfax is not affiliated with Fairfax County government.
The project is operated by Civic Debug, LLC.
2. Sources of Information
The data and figures presented on this site are derived from publicly available sources such as:
- County budgets
- financial reports (ACFR/CAFR)
- publicly released datasets
- official government documents
Where possible, Debugging Fairfax links directly to the original source documents.
Because government data may change over time, figures shown on this site may not always reflect the most recent updates.
If better or more detailed sources become available, the project may revise its analysis.
3. Automated Calculations and Estimates
Some values displayed on this site are generated using automated calculations based on publicly available data.
These calculations are intended to help illustrate relationships between budget allocations and potential tax impacts, but they may rely on assumptions, estimates, or simplified models.
They should not be interpreted as exact tax calculations or financial forecasts.
Users are encouraged to consult original government documents when evaluating the data.
4. No Legal, Financial, or Tax Advice
Information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be interpreted as:
- legal advice
- tax advice
- financial advice
- policy advocacy
Users should consult appropriate professionals for advice specific to their situation.
5. Accuracy and Limitations
Debugging Fairfax strives to present information accurately and transparently.
However:
- government data may contain inconsistencies
- some categories may be aggregated or incomplete
- calculations may involve assumptions or estimates
For these reasons, the project cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information presented.
Users are encouraged to review the underlying sources when evaluating the data.
6. Interpretation of Public Records
Debugging Fairfax presents interpretations of publicly available financial and budget documents in order to improve public understanding.
The project does not make allegations regarding misconduct, wrongdoing, or intent by any government agency, department, official, or employee.
Any conclusions drawn from the data represent analytical interpretations of public records, and reasonable readers may interpret the same information differently.
If a government document has been misunderstood or more precise data exists, the project welcomes corrections and will revise the analysis when appropriate.
7. Open Data and Reuse
Debugging Fairfax publishes its datasets and calculations openly.
Unless otherwise noted, the following may be reused:
- data
- calculations
- visualizations
- methodology
The project encourages responsible reuse with attribution.
The source repository is available here:
https://github.com/Debugging-Fairfax/debugging-fairfax-data
8. External Links
This website may link to third-party websites or documents.
Debugging Fairfax does not control those sites and is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
9. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Civic Debug, LLC and the Debugging Fairfax project shall not be liable for any damages arising out of or related to the use of this website or reliance on any information provided.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- direct damages
- indirect damages
- incidental damages
- consequential damages
- financial losses
- decisions made based on information provided on this site
Use of this website and its information is entirely at the user's own risk.
10. Indemnification
By using this website, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Civic Debug, LLC and the Debugging Fairfax project from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:
- your use of the website
- your reliance on the information presented
- any misuse of the site's data or tools
This includes reasonable legal fees and costs.
11. No Reliance
Users acknowledge that the information presented on this website is a simplified interpretation of public financial documents.
Government budgets and financial reports are complex and subject to change.
Users agree that they will not rely solely on this website when making legal, financial, or tax decisions.
Original government documents should always be consulted.
12. Prohibited Use
Users agree not to:
- attempt to disrupt or interfere with the operation of the website
- use automated tools to excessively scrape or overload the site
- misrepresent Debugging Fairfax as an official government source
- use the site's content in a way that intentionally misleads others
Civic Debug, LLC reserves the right to restrict or block access to the site if necessary to protect its operation.
13. No Warranty
This site and its information are provided "as is" and "as available."
Debugging Fairfax makes no warranties regarding:
- accuracy
- completeness
- reliability
- availability of the site
- suitability for any particular purpose
14. Jurisdiction
These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.
15. Changes to the Site
The project may update or modify:
- data
- calculations
- methodology
- features of the site
at any time without notice.
16. Changes to These Terms
These Terms of Service may be updated periodically.
The most current version will always appear on this page.
17. Contact
Questions, corrections, or suggestions are welcome.
Please contact: