March 5th Board Meeting Highlights | |
At Tuesday's meeting, the Board awarded Fairfax County Department of Transportation's Active Transportation Project Prioritization Team and Burke VRE Connector Trail Phase IV Project Team with the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) 2022-23 Transportation Achievement Awards.
The Board also advertised a real estate tax rate of $1.135 per $100 of assessed value as per the County Executive's proposed budget. The Board can adopt a lower tax rate than what was advertised but cannot adopt a higher rate. A public hearing on the effective real estate tax rate will be on Tuesday, April 16th.
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Your input on the budget proposal is crucial. I highly encourage your participation in this process. Below are ways you can share your input:
Lastly, I presented the following Board Matter:
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Health and Human Services & Housing Updates | |
Celebrating Women's History Month
Women's History Month is a time to celebrate women's contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed every March since 1987. This year's theme "Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" recognizes women's advocacy as the source of societal changes that have expanded possibilities and moved history forward.
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I hope you will join us on Friday, March 22nd for Gains, Gaps & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, a presentation by the University of Virginia, followed by a panel discussion, audience Q&A, networking, and light refreshments.
Lastly, the Menstrual Supplies Drive is ongoing, and my office is collecting unopened packages of tampons, pads, liners, and menstrual cups to benefit BRAWS. Donations are also being accepted at several locations around the County including ALL Fairfax library branches.
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Advisory Social Services Board's Annual Report
The Advisory Social Services Board (ASSB) has released its 2023 Annual Report on the services provided and outcomes achieved by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Over the past year, the ASSB focused on the intersection of DFS services with other human services agencies, especially concerning the needs of children and youth.
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Providence Earth Day Celebration
I am thrilled to invite you to the Providence Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 13th at Kingsley Commons! The morning will be filled with family-friendly activities, educational opportunities, a sheep visit, and so much more. We will be joined by County agencies and community nonprofits. Use the Facebook event page to RSVP and get future updates.
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Equity Survey for Park Access
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is committed to enhancing equity in all aspects of our park system - including equity access to park programs, services, and amenities. FCPA has launched an equity survey to know more about residents' experience with parks and the potential barriers which may be preventing them from taking full advantage of recreational opportunities we provide.
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2nd Annual Conference for Landscape Professionals
Spanish-speaking landscape professionals are invited to the second annual conference on Friday, March 8th at the Fairfax County Government Center to learn about native plants, invasive plant control, tree care, and safety. As a special treat, noted Capital Naturalist Alonso Abugattas will talk about wildlife you may encounter in the garden. While the conference is free and open to any Spanish-speakers in the landscape profession: lawn and landscape workers, owners, landscape designers, employees of garden centers, registration is required.
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John Hudson Internship Program
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board established an internship program for college students and recent graduates with disabilities. The internship program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities. Applications are being accepted through Friday, April 12th.
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College Scholarships for Conservation and the Environment
The Educational Foundation of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annually offers four scholarships to graduating high school seniors or college freshmen for college study. In 2024, four $2000 scholarships are available. The scholarships support studies related to natural resource conservation. Applications must arrive at the NVSWCD office by Monday, April 1st. Applications for students who reside in Fairfax County must be submitted to the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, which will select one student for consideration by the state committee.
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Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority Scholarship Program
The Fairfax County Redevelopment Housing Authority (FCRHA) scholarships are designed to promote postsecondary education and technical training for Fairfax residents who live in affordable housing supported by the FCRHA. Applications are being accepted for the 2024-25 academic year through Tuesday, April 30th.
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Animal Services Consolidation Proposal | |
The Department of Animal Sheltering (DAS) and the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) are hosting two town halls to discuss uniting animal care and control services under one department. Under this consolidation model, animal protection laws will be enforced by Animal Control Officers (ACOs) who report to a chief ACO under the director of DAS.
Town Hall One
- Monday, March 11th
- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Michael R. Frey Campus, 4500 West Ox Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030
Town Hall Two
- Wednesday, March 13
- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Lorton Campus, 8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
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Deck Safety
Collapses and failures of decks, porches and balconies accounted for about 2,900 injuries between 2016 and 2019, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You should be evaluating your deck on an annual basis and maintaining it as recommended by your builder. However, we recommend that you have it inspected by a licensed contractor on a regular basis. The older your deck, the more often you should have it inspected.
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Board of Zoning Appeals Seeking Members
The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals has upcoming openings for two members. Interested candidates must apply by March 15th to the Fairfax Circuit Court, which appoints the board’s seven members.
Applicants should send their resume to Chief Judge Penney S. Azcarate, Fairfax Circuit Court, by email entitled “Board of Zoning Appeals Application” to kim.callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov OR by first-class U.S. mail to Chief Judge Penney Azcarate, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
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Tax Relief Workshops
I am hosting tax relief workshops at my office on March 15th and 29th from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Staff from the Department of Tax Administration will be available to assist with completing residents' 2024 tax relief application forms and answer any questions.
To request an appointment, please call (703) 324-3747 or email TaxRelief@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Community Tax Aid
Community Tax Aid (CTA) provides free online tax preparation services to individuals and families whose income is less than $64,000. This free service is provided by trained and certified volunteers. CTA provides online services through GetYourRefund, a national organization that partners with the IRS to create a secure environment for uploading sensitive documents and preparing and filing tax returns. The technical support is provided by Code for America.
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