May 7 Board Meeting Highlights | |
At Tuesday's meeting, the Board recognized four Fairfax County Public School teams and 36 individuals who won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 championship in their respective sports, as well as five teams and 36 individuals state runners-up. You can read about our 2024 winter state champions and runners-up here.
The Board also voted to approve the FY 2025 Budget Plan and I have shared some budget highlights below.
- The Real Estate Tax Rate is $1.125 per $100 assessed value.
- The Personal Property Tax Rate remains at $4.57 per $100 of assessed value for most classes of personal property.
- Total funding for Fairfax County Public Schools support is $2.81 billion.
- Employee compensation increase ranging from 3.25% to 6%, including performance and longevity increase and a 2% market rate adjustment.
- Fully funds the contracts negotiated with the county's two public safety unions as part of the collective bargaining process.
I presented the following Board Matters:
The Board also took the following actions:
Providence District
- Approved the installation of "Watch for Children" signs along Elmendorf Drive as part of the Residential Traffic Administration Program (RTAP).
- Approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a project administration agreement with the City of Falls Church to implement the Shreve Road Shared-Use Path Project.
- Approved PCA/CDPA 2011-PR-011, a proposal to change the zoning on the eastern half of the block from office to residential to construct a 205-foot high, 263-room dual hotel located at the corner of Chain Bridge Rd. and Anderson Rd.
Countywide
- Authorized to advertise a public hearing on May 21st to consider proposed amendments to the Police Officers and Uniformed Retirement Systems Ordinances.
- Authorized the Fairfax Dept. of Transportation to apply for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation's FY 2024 Low or No Emission Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
- Authorized to advertise a public hearing on May 21st on the preservation and reinvestment initiative for the Community Enhancement Competition Grant Application.
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Health and Human Services and Housing Updates | |
Early Childhood Education Roundtable
I am excited to invite you to an Early Childhood Education Roundtable on Thursday, May 30th at 7:00 pm. This discussion will focus on early childhood education opportunities for birth to 5-year-olds while spotlighting access to programs, resources, and opportunities in Fairfax County. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the program. The roundtable will be live-streamed on Channel 16 and Facebook Live.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed annually during May, is an opportune time to fight stigma, provide support, increase awareness, and remind individuals of the services and resources that exist to support the millions of people impacted by mental health issues.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly one in five people experience a mental health concern each year. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, you are not alone and resources are available.
The Pathways to Wellness Conference is coming to the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center on Friday, May 17th which will offer a day filled with hope, learning, and connection with adults with behavioral challenges in the community.
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Free Speech Screenings
To raise awareness about disorders related to hearing, voice, speech, or language, the Fairfax County Health Department joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other organizations in observing National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May. Throughout the month, the Health Department's Speech and Hearing program will offer free speech screenings (testing) for children ages 3 – 7 years at several county libraries. No appointments are necessary, screening is first-come, first-served at the following locations and times.
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Virginia Housing Homeless Assistance Grant
Homeless Services Providers have the opportunity to apply for a $20,000 grant through the Virginia Housing Homeless Assistance Grant. The purpose of the grant is to fund organizations that primarily serve families and individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals fleeing domestic violence, and provide emergency shelter and/or permanent supporting housing services. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 24th.
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The People of Affordable Housing: Meet La Quita
La Quita lives at Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences in Alexandria, an affordable housing community for adults ages 62 and older. Thanks to affordable housing, people like La Quita are able to age in place in the communities they helped to create.
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Shop Smart, Shop Green at Farmers Markets
It's farmers market season! Below are a few ways to make your farmers market trips more sustainable:
- Remember your reusable bag or tote! If you forget it in your car, go back for it before entering the market. It will only take a few minutes and will save you from having to purchase or use a new bag.
- Try reusable produce bags to hold your tomatoes, apples, greens, and more! You can make them out of scrap fabric, buy them, or repurpose another bag that serves the same function.
- Bringing compost for collection? You can compost all of your food scraps - fruits, vegetables, leftovers, prepared foods, and even meat and dairy products. If you use a bin liner, try a folded newspaper or a paper grocery bag. Unlike many of the “bioplastics” we see on the market, paper is 100% compostable! This site gives step-by-step instructions with photos on how to fold your own newspaper liner.
- If the market is close enough, consider walking or bicycling to get there. Exercise for you; less CO2 released into the atmosphere - it’s a win-win!
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Wonder Wagon
Wonder Wagon, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s mobile nature center is designed to promote environmental and nature-based educational programs to underserved areas of Fairfax County. The Park Authority is committed to raising the profile of nature exploration as an activity with all residents to create more resilient communities and landscapes.
Join the Wonder Wagon in a free exploration of nature at a park near you! To see where the Wonder Wagon is rolling next, check out the calendar of events. For additional information, please contact the team at FCPAWonderWagon@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Zero Waste Program
You may have heard the phrase "zero waste," but what does it mean for Fairfax County? In 2018, the Board of Supervisors asked staff to identify ways to collaborate with Fairfax County Public Schools to improve our collective environment. From this, the Joint Environmental Task Force (JET), comprised of county/school staff and community partners, was formed to proactively and equitably address climate change and environmental sustainability.
A year later, the JET’s Waste Management and Recycling team set a bold goal for government and schools: Zero Waste by 2030.
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Spring into Savings Webinar
The Spring into Savings webinar on Tuesday, May 21st will explore funding resources and local programs designed to assist your company in moving forward with energy-efficient facility improvements. TRC will present Dominion Energy’s newest commercial incentive programs for the Healthcare, Hotel & Lodging, and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) markets. In addition, Fairfax County’s Office of Environment & Energy Coordination will share information about its Green Business Partners Program and Dominion Energy on additional commercial utility incentives.
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Where We Belong Art Contest
I am excited to invite you to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month by participating in the Library's art contest! Fairfax County youth are encouraged to draw inspiration from their families or communities to portray the colorful, diverse county we share.
Artwork can be in any format but will need to be scanned or photographed and submitted via the online form. Three winners will be selected per category: kindergarten - 2nd grade, 3rd - 6th grade, and 7th - 12th grade. Winners will receive a Barnes & Noble gift card and will have their art displayed in a traveling exhibit.
You must be 5-18 years old and live or study in Fairfax County to participate. All art should be submitted via the Library's online form, which will be open from May 15th through June 15th.
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Broadway in Tysons
Capital One Hall announced the fourth season of Broadway in Tysons presented by The Watermark Hotel, with the 2024-2025 season featuring acclaimed and award-winning Broadway shows - Shrek the Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away, and Chicago.
Season ticket subscriptions to the much-anticipated series are on sale now.
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Poetry in the Parks
In partnership with Fairfax County, ArtsFairfax raises the visibility of poetry through the designation of a Fairfax County Poet Laureate. Through this designation, ArtsFairfax seeks to celebrate and support a poet who can engage new audiences, create new opportunities for poetry to be shared, and encourage the creation of poetry and other literary works.
Featuring some of the region’s most prominent LGBTQ+ poets, the reading on June 1st at Green Spring Gardens from 1:00 - 2:30 pm lifts a variety of voices and experiences to honor the rich legacy and contributions of poets and poetry in the queer community. Poets include Danielle Badra, Gowri Koneswaran, and Brian Teare.
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Road Shark Wave Two
Wave two of FCPD’s “Road Shark” campaign yielded great results. This coordinated traffic campaign aims to deter aggressive driving, reduce crashes, and change driving behavior.
Between April 22nd and 28th, the FCPD worked in conjunction with the Virginia State Police (VSP) and raised the bar by issuing over 6,500 citations and warnings, with over 200 citations for reckless driving on our roadways.
Wave three of Road Shark will commence on Monday, June 17th.
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Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel
My staff and I welcomed the new Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Liaison, Craig Miles, to the Providence District office earlier this week. Miles, who was appointed by the Board of Supervisors on March 7, 2024, started his new position on March 11, 2024. Miles retired from federal law enforcement in January 2024 after over 20 years of service. Prior to his federal service, Miles was a police officer and police sergeant with the Henrico County Division of Police in Virginia. We discussed the work of the Police Civilian Review Panel and ways the Panel could engage with the residents of the Providence District.
One area of emphasis was making residents aware of the Panel and its work. The Panel reviews completed Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) investigations into complaints containing allegations of abuse of authority or serious misconduct to ensure accuracy, completeness, thoroughness, objectivity, and impartiality. The nine-member volunteer Panel is composed of residents of Fairfax County and is independent of the FCPD. Its members are appointed by and report to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are currently two openings on the Panel.
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Land Use and Transportation Updates | |
Upcoming Public Meetings Set for Fairfax Connector's Dec. 2024 Service Changes and Jul. 1 Fare Adjustments
Fairfax County Dept. of Transportation (FCDOT) will hold two virtual community meetings on May 14th and 16th to share the proposed preferred changes to the Fairfax Connector bus service to take effect in December 2024. These modifications, including the addition of two new routes, are part of Phase II of the Centreville, Chantilly, Vienna, and Tysons (CCVT), and Franconia-Springfield service adjustments.
Additionally, the FCDOT team will discuss the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority's (WMATA) regional bus fare increase, which includes Fairfax Connector. Metro’s Board of Directors approved a 12.5% fare increase in April. Currently, it is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2024. Fairfax Connector’s base fare would increase from $2.00 to $2.25, while Express fares would rise from $4.25 to $4.80. Implementation of this change is subject to Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approval.
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Plan Forward
The county has launched a new, multi-year project to update the policies that impact future land use decisions and potential development called Plan Forward. The project focuses specifically on the policies included in the Policy Plan, which is a component of the Comprehensive Plan.
Covering a wide range of topics, the Policy Plan has not been updated holistically since it was adopted in 1990. Plan elements, like expanding economic opportunities, providing access to public facilities and convenient modes of transportation, and creating a pleasing and sustainable environment to live and work in are all addressed within the Policy Plan.
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Skye
Are you looking for a dog to take you on a walk? You're in luck! I am an energetic dog who is enthusiastic about exercise and play. I am 60lbs full of love with a sleek gray coat. I'm not fond of my other dog friends at the shelter and would do best in a home as an only pet. If you're looking for your one and only gorgeous gal, please come and meet me!
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Adoption Audition
Are you thinking about adopting a pet and want to see whether it feels like a good fit before committing? Do you want to help an animal in need? The Adoption Audition program offers a trial period for select shelter pets, allowing you to see if it’s a good match - no strings attached! You’ll bring a pet home with you and, after five days, our team will reach out to see if you would like to adopt them, or return the pet to our shelter.
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