Featured in the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer
Loudoun County's FY 2024 Budget
Transit & Country Facilities Update
Loudoun County News
Upcoming Events
Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District
(Scroll down for more information)
-
Belmont Innovation Campus | ZMAP-2022-0021
-
Northstar Square | ZMAP-2021-0017 (Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
-
Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning | ZMAP-2021-0024 (Also known as "Elm Street Development")
-
Broadlands Section 104 | ZCPA-2021-0011
-
Belmont Chase II Commercial | SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013 (Located in the Broad Run District)
-
Goose Creek Village West | ZMAP-2022-0013
Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District
(Scroll down for more information)
-
Cyrus One | No Application Submitted Yet
-
Vantage VA 3 | STMP-2022-0016
|
|
Greetings Ashburn/Lansdowne!
On Tuesday, April 4th, the Board of Supervisors passed the FY24 budget, approving a real property tax rate of $0.875 per $100 of property value, down 1.5 cents from the current rate. This marks the fourth budget in a row this Board has lowered the tax rate. However, property values were assessed five to seven percent higher than last year resulting in a $339 average increase to real property tax bills.
The Board lowered the personal property tax rate from $4.20 per $100 to $4.15 per $100. It also assessed vehicles at 95% of their value and approved an increase of 5% to 33% of Personal Property Tax Relief. These actions should reduce and/or stabilize personal property tax bills.
This was a very challenging budget year as data center revenue was down while real property values increased seven percent. Data center Business Personal Property Tax (BPPT) has enabled Loudoun County to keep its real property tax rate significantly lower than surrounding counties. For example, the Fairfax County real property tax rate is $1.11 per $100 of property value, 27% higher than Loudoun’s rate.
To compound the problem this year, the Virginia Department of Education made a significant accounting error reducing education funding for all Virginia localities in FY23 and FY24. This error resulted in a $201 million shortfall for those two years. In December, the Governor was unaware of the $201 million error forcing the legislature to provide funding that corrected the mistake for FY23. In announcing his proposed budget amendments, the Governor estimated the Commonwealth’s end-of-the-year budget surplus at $3.6 billion, yet the shortfall for FY24 remains unresolved.
Rising real property values, fluctuating data center business personal property taxes, and an education funding shortfall are competing budgetary and fiscal pressures. All things considered, the budget was approved unanimously and with full bipartisan support by the eight Supervisors present for the final vote.
Cheers!
Mike Turner
Ashburn District Supervisor
|
|
Loudoun County's FY 2024 Budget |
|
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has approved a budget totaling approximately $4.2 billion in total appropriations for the general county government and school system for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The adopted budget includes a real property tax rate of $0.875 cents per $100 in assessed value for tax year 2023, which is one-and-a-half cents lower than the current tax rate. The adopted budget also includes a five-cent reduction of the personal property tax rate to $4.15 per $100 in assessed value for tax year 2023.
While the Board lowered tax rates, the average tax bill in Loudoun is likely to increase due to a number of factors, such as increased property assessments, ranging from 5.8% to 7.4%, depending on the type of home. Based on the adopted budget, homeowners would, on average countywide, have a real property tax bill increase of approximately $339 in tax year 2023.
The FY 2024 adopted budget includes:
- An increase over FY 2023 of approximately $72.1 million in local tax funding to Loudoun County Public Schools.
- $14.3 million in base budget adjustments to continue providing current services, including increases in contracts and ongoing maintenance agreements, lease and utility increases and inflationary impacts.
- An increase of $27 million for employee compensation, which includes a 6% merit increase for the general workforce and a step increase for public safety employees, funding for salary scale adjustments and a hiring and retention incentive program.
- The addition of 127 positions in 16 different county departments to open new facilities, maintain or enhance current service levels, support the county’s Capital Improvement Program and position the organization to pursue the Board’s strategic initiatives.
- Funding in an amount equivalent to one-half cent of the real property tax rate dedicated to affordable housing programs, which amounts to approximately $6.5 million in FY 2024.
Capital Improvement Program
The Board also amended the FY 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that totals approximately $3.5 billion for the six-year planning period and includes county and school projects. The category with the largest expenditure percentage is general government projects at 36% followed by transportation projects at 34% and school projects at 30%.
New county projects include a Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center, which addresses a critical need for behavioral health intervention services in the community. The CIP also reflects the county’s ability to leverage state and federal funding for transportation projects such as the Sycolin Road-Loudoun Center Place to Crosstrail Boulevard project. Additionally, the amended CIP reflects the deferral of construction for the Prentice Drive – Loudoun County Parkway to Lockridge Road project, and acceleration of the Shellhorn Road – MWAA Property to Moran Road and Route 7 Widening – Loudoun County Parkway to Route 28 projects, as well as acceleration of land acquisition for the Route 50/Loudoun County Parkway Interchange project. It also includes funding for the design and construction of bus shelters along the local, fixed-route bus stops.
School projects include the full replacement of Park View High School rather than a renovation as well as renovations and additions to Banneker and Waterford Elementary Schools and increased funding for school security improvements.
Fiscal Year 2024
The FY 2024 budget will go into effect July 1, 2023. The real property tax rate of $0.875 per $100 assessed value and the personal property tax rate of $4.15 per $100 of assessed value are effective as of January 1, 2023, and will be used for the spring tax collection.
The complete adopted budget document will be posted on the county’s website in the coming weeks. More information about the budget process is online at loudoun.gov/budget.
|
|
Transit & County Facilities Update |
|
Loudoun County invites members of the public to attend a topping out ceremony for the Ashburn Recreation and Community Center, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. The ceremony—a tradition in construction—symbolizes the completion of structural steel installation, which is marked by invited guests signing the final steel beam that is then placed into the structure. The event will take place at the end of Van Metre Drive near the Ashburn Recreation Center construction site in Ashburn.
Members of the Board of Supervisors and representatives of the Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure, which is building the facility, and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS), which will manage the facility when construction is completed, will be on hand for the celebration and to sign the steel beam.
The project will construct a 117,000-square-foot recreation and community center on Broadlands Boulevard, west of the intersection with Claiborne Parkway. The two-story facility will feature a 50-meter competition pool with spectator seating, leisure pool, spa, full-size gymnasium, large fitness area, running track, soft sensory playroom, multipurpose room with a catering and teaching kitchen, classrooms, offices and meeting spaces.
The gymnasium will be the largest in the county’s PRCS system and will include game line markings for basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts. Outside, the center will include a multi-use trail around the property, a large courtyard with seating, a splash play area and playground equipment. Construction is currently estimated for completion in summer 2025.
More information, including a link to sign up for updates on the project, can be found on the project page on the Loudoun County website.
|
|
Loudoun County is hosting an online public comment period to gain input from the public on the Belmont Ridge Road Corridor Safety and Operational Study. This is the second phase of a multimodal operational and safety study of approximately 2.6 miles of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) from Northstar Boulevard to Evergreen Mills Road. The comment period begins Friday, April 7, 2023, and will be open through Friday, April 21, 2023, to allow members of the public to watch a recorded presentation and submit a comment about the study at loudoun.gov/belmontridgeroadstudy.
This corridor study is being conducted in two phases. In fall 2022, the Phase 1 portion of the study completed an operational and safety analysis to review existing traffic conditions along Belmont Ridge Road. The study also examined pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. Phase 1 identified short-and mid-term improvements on the corridor.
Phase 2 analyzes future traffic conditions and identifies long-term improvements. The purpose of the April 2023 public comment period is to present the findings from Phase 2 of the study and to receive input from the public on the long-term recommendations.
The public comments and recommendations for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 are scheduled to be presented to the Board of Supervisors in the summer of 2023.
For more information about the Belmont Ridge Road Corridor Safety and Operational Study, including a link to sign up for updates about the study, visit loudoun.gov/belmontridgeroadstudy.
|
|
Loudoun County is hosting an online public meeting on the Croson Lane widening project Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Members of the public are invited to join the virtual meeting to learn, ask questions and provide input about the project.
Login information and meeting materials are available for review at loudoun.gov/crosonlanewidening. Members of the public must sign up in advance to ask questions during the meeting no later than 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Online participants may also send questions to the project team as Q&A messages, which will be answered during the meeting as time allows.
This project provides for the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction to widen Croson Lane (Route 645) to four lanes between Claiborne Parkway (Route 901) and Mooreview Parkway (Route 2298) and transitioning from four lanes to two lanes from Mooreview Parkway to Old Ryan Road (Route 772). The project also includes the construction of a sidewalk on one side of the road and a shared-use path on the other side.
Comments will be accepted through May 5, 2023, through the online comment form at loudoun.gov/crosonlanewidening; by mail to Mark McIntosh, Loudoun County Department of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure, 101 Blue Seal Drive, Leesburg, VA, 20177; or by email. Please reference “Croson Lane Widening” in the subject line.
Funding for this project includes local tax funding, cash proffers and revenue sharing administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
For more information about the Croson Lane widening project, including a link to sign up for updates about the project and information about the upcoming public meeting, visit loudoun.gov/crosonlanewidening.
|
|
Loudoun County vehicle owners will soon receive their personal property tax bills and many are observing that their used vehicles have increased in value and their car tax bills may be higher than they expected.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the values of used vehicles remain above pre-pandemic levels. According to the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue, the values of many of the used vehicles in the county went up over the last year.
Loudoun County has taken several steps to help reduce personal property tax bills. Here are three noteworthy things to know about this year’s personal property taxes in Loudoun County:
-
Lower Vehicle Assessments: Virginia law allows jurisdictions the option to uniformly apply what is called an “assessment ratio” when determining vehicle assessments. Due to the increase in vehicle values, the Commissioner of the Revenue recommended and the Board of Supervisors approved using an “assessment ratio” of 95% to offset the continued rise in vehicle values.
- Personal property tax bills for tax year 2023 are based on a “95% assessment ratio,” which means the county reduced vehicle value assessments by 5% from their actual values to help to keep tax bills as low as possible.
- For example, the 2023 tax for a 2019 Ford F150 pickup truck is currently about $547, which is approximately $89 less than what the tax would be without applying the assessment ratio, about $636.
- Note: Depending on the value of any particular vehicle, the tax bill may be higher than the previous bill even with the reduced assessment because vehicle values have increased significantly.
-
Personal Property Tax Relief: In addition to the 95% assessment ratio, the Board of Supervisors approved a Personal Property Tax Relief percentage of 33% for 2023, which is applied to the first $20,000 of value of qualifying personal vehicles. This is up from 27% percent last year.
-
Lower Personal Property Tax Rate in 2023: To further mitigate the impact of rising values of vehicles, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Fiscal Year 2024 budget that includes a five-cent reduction of the personal property tax rate to $4.15 per $100 in assessed value for tax year 2023. This is the first reduction in this rate since the late 1980s.
For property located in Loudoun County as of January 1, 2023, the first-half personal property tax bills are due May 5 and second-half personal property tax bills are due October 5. These bills will reflect the 95% assessment ratio and increased personal property tax relief on qualified personal use vehicles of 33%.
Anyone with questions about the assessed values of their vehicles may contact the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue by email or by calling 703-777-0260.
|
|
During its April 4, 2023, meeting, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopted a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOAM) that will regulate short-term residential rental (STRR) uses in the county. STRR properties are those that are typically listed on websites, such as Airbnb and VRBO. Under the county’s adopted ZOAM, STRR properties are defined as those available to rent for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
Existing STRR businesses will have until September 30, 2023, to comply with the ZOAM’s new regulations or submit the application needed to come into compliance. In addition, on February 7, 2023, the Board amended Chapter 878 Transient Occupancy Tax of the Loudoun County Codified Ordinances to expand the types of STRR businesses that must collect and remit Loudoun’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to the county, effective July 1, 2023.
New Uses and Regulations for Short-Term Residential Rentals
The adopted ZOAM establishes two new categories of STRR uses:
- Short-Term Rental-Residential Accessory (STR-RA), which is an accessory use to a principal or accessory dwelling unit.
- Short-Term Rental-Commercial Whole House (STR-CWH), which is a principal use located in a single-family detached or accessory dwelling unit that is solely used as a STRR use.
In addition, new regulations were established to mitigate and/or address the impacts of these new STRR uses. The new regulations include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Rental Period for the STR-RA Use: The STR-RA use can be rented for a maximum of 180 calendar days per year.
- Parking Requirements: Both STR-RA and STR-CWH uses will require one parking space in addition to the number that would be needed for the residential use on the property; however, the Zoning Administrator has been delegated authority to administratively modify the required number of parking spaces in certain situations.
- Zoning Enforcement: The county will focus on requirements for the STRR use during inspections of properties for compliance; however, if inspectors observe anything that might affect public safety, health or welfare, or could potentially violate state or federal law, such issues will be subject to enforcement. The county also will respond to complaints of zoning violations.
- STR-CWH in Different Zoning Districts: The zoning district of the subject property will determine the permissions required to establish STR-CWH, i.e., whether the STR-CWH is a permitted by-right use or requires Special Exception or Minor Special Exception approval.
In addition, the Board did not include a grandfathering clause for existing voluntarily registered STRR properties because the ZOAM does not impose minimum lot-size or setback requirements for the use and a grace period through September is provided. All STRR properties must comply with the ZOAM’s new regulations. Also, applicants will be informed that county approval does not supersede Homeowners Association or other private covenants and restrictions.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
The Board of Supervisors amended Chapter 878 – Transient Occupancy Tax of the county’s ordinance on February 7, 2023. Beginning July 1, 2023, the levy and collection of the TOT on overnight stays in Loudoun County will be applied to lodging facilities that offer lodging or accommodations for compensation to one or more people. The TOT currently applies only to facilities that can accommodate four or more people at one time. The amendment to Chapter 878 also provides that STRR accommodation intermediaries, such as Airbnb and VRBO, will collect and remit the TOT on behalf of lodging operators.
Virginia’s tax law authorizes counties, cities and towns to adopt an ordinance to levy TOT on facilities offering paid lodging to a transient customer for a period of less than 30 consecutive days.
The TOT is paid by transients and collected by the lodging business or any person receiving the total room charge, including STRR accommodation intermediaries, and remitted to the county. Guests are also subject to the 6% Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax, 1% of which is returned to localities.
In Loudoun, the TOT is levied at 8% of the total price charged to the customer for their stay. The tax collected is used to promote tourism and fund transportation. Of the eight cents per dollar collected:
- Two cents are unrestricted and allocated to the county’s General Fund.
- Three cents are allocated to promoting tourism, travel or business that generates tourism or travel.
- Three cents are remitted to the state’s Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.
Loudoun County estimates that, as of 2018, about 70 percent of STRR uses in the county fell below the four-person threshold. The Commissioner of the Revenue has contacted STRR accommodations intermediaries to provide information about TOT reporting requirements and provides information quarterly to all entities engaged in the business of offering STRR for compensation.
More Information
View additional details in the recent staff reports:
|
|
Loudoun County is expanding its news subscription channels to include news relevant to nonprofit organizations that provide various services to county residents.
Loudoun County coordinates and collaborates with nonprofit partners that deliver a wide variety of services to Loudoun County residents, including health and human services and related infrastructure of care services, particularly for underserved residents. The county also has nonprofit partners that focus on community services, economic development activities and other programs and services that support the county’s viability and overall quality of life.
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to subscribe to the new “Nonprofit Updates” category that is listed under the News Flash section of the Loudoun County website’s “Notify Me” function. The Notify Me function allows users to enter an email or phone number and select the categories of information they would like to receive from Loudoun County.
The Loudoun County website offers many convenient ways for the public to stay informed on a variety of subjects and projects through a variety of platforms, including emails and text updates through the county website and Alert Loudoun as well as the county’s social media accounts. Subscribe and follow the county’s information channels by, visiting loudoun.gov/stayinformed.
|
|
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Loudoun (VCE Loudoun), in partnership with the Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information, announces the release of its Crops Suitability Tool. This interactive map assists people in identifying optimal sites for different crops in Loudoun County. Farmers, prospective farmers and real estate agents are encouraged to use the mapping tool to make guided decisions before starting a crop for the first time or buying land for agricultural purposes.
The Crops Suitability Tool identifies the best and least suitable sites in which to grow crops in Loudoun County by combining and visualizing data about soil types, aspect (slope orientation) and percentage of slope. It includes information about different types of agricultural soils and provides a grade of suitability for crops, including grapes, tree fruits, hops, vegetables, flowers, herbs, small fruits, field crops, pasture and hay.
Anyone who has questions about the tool is encouraged to email Commercial Horticulturalist Beth Sastre.
|
|
Loudoun County tops the list of counties in Virginia in the 2023 County Health Rankings, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The County Health Rankings rank the overall health of nearly every city and county in all 50 states and provide county-to-county comparisons within a state.
The rankings allow cities and counties to see how well they are doing on more than 90 factors that influence health, including housing, education, jobs, transportation, access to mental health providers and more. They also look at a variety of measures that provide opportunities to affect the future health of communities, such as high school completion and child poverty rates, access to healthy foods, teen births and more.
More information about the services and programs of the Loudoun County Health Department may be found online at loudoun.gov/health.
|
|
Inova is now accepting Inova Health Equity Opportunities applications from community partners, agencies and organizations for funding related to behavioral health, health access and/or economic stability.
Funds ranging between $25,000 and $50,000 will be awarded by Inova to applicants meeting all of the following criteria:
- Tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
-
Headquartered/operating in one of the areas evaluated by the Community Health Needs Assessments. (Note the specific community zip code eligibility.)
- Having focus areas that include behavioral health, health access and/or economic stability.
To promote the work of the awardee and further enhance the regional referral network and community partnerships, awardees will be required to participate with the Unite Us/Unite Virginia platform.
Applications must be submitted by noon, Saturday, April 15, 2023.
|
|
The last of six awareness forums on fentanyl and other opioids, and what the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), and others are doing about it, was held at Broad Run High School on March 23.
“Fentanyl is a particular danger due to its extreme toxicity, low cost of production, and availability in many easily disguised forms,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “Here in Loudoun County, we are committed to keeping it out of our communities and schools, and to working with our partners to ensure greater awareness and treatment options,” he added.
There have been four fatalities out of nine opioid-related overdoses in Loudoun County so far this year. Four of those overdoses were juveniles.
In 2022, there were 14 fatalities out of 66 opioid-related overdoses. Seventeen of those overdoses were juveniles, including two fatalities.
The LCPS-sponsored forums for parents, teachers, and community members began at Park View High School on February 11. Additional forums were held at Loudoun County High School on February 21; Independence High School on February 28; Woodgrove High School on March 7; and John Champe High School on March 8.
The sessions included presentations by Sheriff Chapman, 2nd Lieutenant Tom Mengel, and Sergeant Kevin O’Brien of the LCSO’s Tactical Enforcement Unit, the Leesburg Police Department (LPD), as well as representatives of LCPS’ Student Assistance Services, The Williams Center for Wellness & Recovery, and their health care collaborators.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, fentanyl is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin, and about 100 times more potent than morphine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 107,375 Americans died of a drug overdose in the 12 months ending January 2022, with two-thirds of those from synthetic opioids like fentanyl – or a combination of fentanyl mixed with another drug and unknown to the user.
Fentanyl is driving the rise in drug overdoses throughout the nation, especially among youth. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that fentanyl contributes to the death of more Americans under 50 than any other cause – including heart disease, cancer, homicide, and suicide.
LCSO and LPD School Resource Officers (SROs) are equipped with Naloxone (NARCAN) and trained to administer this medication to quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Additionally, LCPS is maintaining NARCAN in every middle and high school, and training staff in each school to administer treatment as may be needed.
Last May, in support of the first-ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Sheriff Chapman hosted a community forum on Fighting Fentanyl Together, with local and federal participants. DEA has announced a second national awareness day on May 9, 2023, and LCSO is planning another forum this spring.
More information on the dangers of fentanyl, and resources for students and parents, is available on the LCPS website.
|
|
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged a Leesburg man involved in a shooting at the Dulles Town Center Mall Food Court this morning.
Alan W. Colie, 31, was arrested and charged with aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm within a building. The shooting resulted from an interaction between the victim and Colie in the food court.
LCSO received the first call reporting that a shooting had occurred at the Dulles Town Center mall at approximately 11:57 AM, and deputies quickly responded, arriving on the scene within three minutes of the call. Deputies immediately entered the mall and took the suspect in custody at approximately 12:02 PM. One adult male victim was found outside the mall with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The victim was treated for injuries by deputies and members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) and transported to a local hospital for treatment. At this time, it does not appear that the suspect and the victim were known to each other.
LCSO deputies also checked the entire mall to ensure no other suspects or victims were present. Dulles Town Center management closed the mall for the remainder of the day.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective K. Mitchell at 703-777-1021.
|
|
The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System’s (LC-CFRS) annual smoke alarm program kicks off this Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in neighborhoods across Loudoun County.
“During a house fire, you have an average of THREE minutes to escape your home,” said Fire Chief Keith Johnson. “Smoke Alarms provide you precious time to escape and reduce the risk of dying in a fire by half!”
As part of our annual smoke alarm program, firefighters from stations across Loudoun County are taking a hands-on approach to fire safety by canvasing neighborhoods one weekend a month from April to October. Our first responders will go door to door between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. offering free smoke alarm assessments and valuable information about fire safety and home escape planning. During the assessment, firefighters will test existing smoke alarms, assist with battery replacement, and replace the smoke alarms at no cost if they are not working properly or exceed the ten-year recommended lifespan.
In addition to the scheduled smoke alarm canvasses through October, Loudoun residents can request a free smoke alarm assessment at any time by completing the online form at loudoun.gov/smokealarms or by calling the smoke alarm program hotline at 703-737-8093.
|
|
Interested in improving your skills in the kitchen? Want to get more creative with your meals? Learn tips and tricks to help you plan, cook, and prepare nutritious meals with VCE Loudoun's Master Food Volunteers and Loudoun Hunger Relief.
This four-part cooking series will have everyone whipping up quick, delicious, nutritious family meals on a budget. VCE Loudoun Master Food Volunteers will teach the basics of knife skills, menu planning, make-ahead strategies, and cooking techniques. Best of all, you will get to taste everything you make in the class.
To register, contact Loudoun Hunger Relief at 703-777-5911 or by email.
Cooking on a Budget
with Loudoun Hunger Relief
Thursdays, April 6 – April 27 at 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Sterling Community Center – 120 Enterprise St.
Ages 18 & up
Thanks to our friends at Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services and 100WomenStrong of Loudoun County, Virginia for helping to make this series possible.
|
|
The Prevention Alliance of Loudoun (PAL) will host two free educational webinars in April on parenting strategies to support teens. Visit loudoun.gov/mhsadsprevention for detailed information about each event and to register. The scheduled webinars are:
- Thursday, April 13, 2023, 6:30-8:00 p.m., How to Talk About the Portrayal of Drug Use in Popular Media: Learn how parents and caregivers can help teenagers navigate the social and cultural impacts of drug use as portrayed in popular media.
- Thursday, April 20, 2023, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Supporting Adolescent Mental Health: Learn how parents and caregivers can support teens’ mental health and well-being.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Anyone who requires an accommodation for any disability in order to participate, including language assistance, should contact the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services at 703-771-5155. Three days' notice is requested.
PAL is a coalition of youth, parents, Loudoun County agencies, nonprofit organizations and other community stakeholders dedicated to behavioral health awareness and substance use prevention efforts. PAL is coordinated by the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services.
|
|
Free Military Family Shopping Day |
|
Women Giving Back celebrates the loved ones of our country’s men and women in uniform and recognize the sacrifices they have made in support of
our Nation’s heroes.
During the Month of the Military Child (April) and Military Family
Appreciation Month (November) we open our boutique doors to military
families to come shop for women and children's clothing, at no cost.
Shopping Days:
Saturday, April 15th
10am - 12pm
Friday, November 10th
10am - 12pm
No referral needed, must bring military ID to shop.
Address:
20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA
Questions?
info@womengivingback.org
|
|
‘Fair Housing for People with Disabilities’ Training Offered April 11 |
|
In recognition of April as Fair Housing Month, the Loudoun County Disability Services Board will sponsor a virtual training, “Fair Housing for People with Disabilities,” Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The training may be of particular interest to developers, builders, real estate agents, leasing agents, landlords, mortgage companies, homeowners’ associations, housing providers, nonprofit organizations and government employees.
The training will be conducted by a Fair Housing training specialist from the Virginia Fair Housing Office. The session meets the requirements for real estate continuing education and fair housing certification.
Topics to be covered include:
- Accessibility in Construction.
- Exemptions in the Virginia Fair Housing Law.
- Group Homes.
- History of the Virginia Fair Housing Law.
- Protected Classes.
- Restrictive Covenants and Retaliation.
- Unlawful Discriminatory Housing Practices.
- Updates on Fair Housing.
Virginia's Fair Housing law makes it illegal to discriminate in residential housing on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status or disability.
|
|
Inova Health Equity Opportunities Accepting 2023 Applications |
|
Dedicated to supporting programs and opportunities that make a difference in the quality of life, health, and welfare of the communities it serves, Inova is now accepting Inova Health Equity Opportunities applications from community partners, agencies and organizations for funding related to behavioral health, health access, and/or economic stability.
Funds ranging between $25,000 and $50,000 will be awarded by Inova to applicants meeting all of the following criteria:
- Tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code
-
Headquartered/operating in one of the areas evaluated by the Community Health Needs Assessments (note specific community zip code eligibility)
- Focus areas include: behavioral health, health access and/or economic stability
- To promote the work of the awardee and further enhance the regional referral network and community partnerships, awardees will be required to participate with the Unite Us/Unite Virginia platform.
Applications will be accepted up to and including April 15, 2023 at noon.
About Inova
Inova is Northern Virginia’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Our mission is to provide world-class healthcare – every time, every touch – to each person in every community we have the privilege to serve. Inova’s 20,000 team members care for patients through more than 2 million visits annually across an integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.
Inova’s five hospitals are consistently recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades for excellence in healthcare. Inova is home to Northern Virginia’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Its hospitals have a total of 1,936 licensed beds. More information and statistics about Inova can be found at www.inova.org.
|
|
Next Session of Online Initiative to Develop Fatherhood Skills Begins April 11 |
|
The next session of the program sponsored by Loudoun County to help fathers build skills to become even stronger dads begins Tuesday, April 11, 2023. All fathers are welcome to attend the free, 12-week, virtual program.
Area fathers are encouraged to register for the National Fatherhood Initiative’s 24/7 Dad® program to strengthen their relationships with their children. The virtual workshops will take place weekly on Tuesdays, beginning April 11, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Developed by parenting experts, the 24/7 Dad program teaches fathering techniques and strategies, provides fathers with peer support and guidance and allows fathers the opportunity to discover their own parenting strengths.
Anyone who requires an accommodation to participate in the program may contact the Department of Family Services at 703-737-8237. Three days’ notice is requested.
|
|
Small Business Week Summit |
|
Small Business Week: April 30 – May 6, 2023
As always, Small Business Week is an opportunity for us to highlight, celebrate and support our small businesses. We will be doing this with dedicated marketing campaigns, a signature event, and our annual small business visits with your offices. More details about the signature event are below, but for the small business visits, Chris Hunter in my office will be reaching out to your staff to coordinate visits to small businesses in each district and to find opportunities that fit your schedules.
Small Business Week Summit: Tuesday, May 2nd 8am-3pm, Claude Moore Recreation Center
In honor of Small Business Week, the Department of Economic Development is hosting an educational summit on Tuesday, May 2nd from 8am-3pm at the Claude Moore Recreation Center in Sterling. The goal of the summit is to connect to and provide resources for small business from all industries who are looking to start or scale their concept or current plan. The day will include a keynote speaker (stay tuned for an exciting announcement on this soon!) and two facilitated workshops: one on finance and one on sales & marketing.
Registrations for the event are open at https://biz.loudoun.gov/smallbusinesssummit/ and you will see enhanced marketing and outreach in the coming weeks. The preliminary schedule for the day, including topics for the workshops is as follows:
8:00am-8:30am Registration
8:30am-9:00am Welcome Remarks
9:00am-10:00am Keynote Presentation
10:00am-10:30am Break
10:30am-12:00pm Finance Workshop (Participants will choose two topics in each workshop. The first topic will be pre-selected in their registration and then they will switch to a new topic after 30-40 minutes. All workshop materials will be made available online after the event as well)
- Table Topic 1A: Business Plans 101
- Table Topic 1B: Financial Documents 101
- Table Topic 2A: Sources of Funding – Preparing to ask for Money
- Table Topic 2B: Business Finance Support Services – Hiring service providers
12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch, Vendors, Networking
1:30pm-3:00pm Sales & Marketing Workshop
- Table Topic 1A: Sales & Marketing Plans 101
- Table Topic 1B: Online Marketing 101
- Table Topic 2A: Using Technology to Stay on Track
- Table Topic 2B: Marketing Support Services – Hiring Service Providers
3:00pm Closing Remarks
We are incredibly excited for this year’s programming and hope to see you there!
|
|
VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Present: The ‘Awesome’ Health Benefits of Gardening |
|
The physical health benefits of gardening are well known: exercise, strength building, and fresh air. What about the impact of nature and gardening on our emotional and mental health? How can plant care be ‘self-care’? How does the experience of ‘awe’ help us re-energize and counter the negative effects of screen time and social media? Join us and learn how gardening can help us cultivate and reap a multitude of health benefits. We’ll explore evidence-based strategies to incorporate ‘awe’ into our time in the garden.
The ‘Awesome’ Health Benefits of Gardening
Part of VCE Loudoun Master Gardener's Free Virtual Lecture Series
Event Details:
Speaker Bio:
A lifelong gardener, Jan Lane became a registered horticultural therapist in 2016. She works with patients recovering from spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes during inpatient rehabilitation. She serves on the board of the MidAtlantic Horticultural Therapy Network and is a member of the Loudoun County Master Gardeners.
|
|
Enter the 2023 Loudoun Arbor Day Photo Contest |
|
The annual Loudoun County Arbor Day tree photo contest is underway. This year's theme is “Trees of Character.” Photos will be accepted through Wednesday, April 12, in advance of the virtual Loudoun County Arbor Day Celebration. Winning photos and honorable mentions are scheduled to be posted on the county’s website at loudoun.gov/trees on April 28.
Entries must be:
- A photo of a single tree or group of trees located in Loudoun County.
- Original photos taken by the entrant.
-
Digital and submitted through this online form. High resolution photos are encouraged. Only two entries allowed per person or group.
Entrants are asked to provide a brief explanation of why they think the tree they photographed has a unique character. For example, does the tree (or trees) have a unique size, prominence, age, shape, trunk, cavity or other feature that makes it a great “tree of character?”
Awards will be distributed to the top three photos. Only the winning and honorable mention entrants will be notified. Photos will not be returned and will become the property of the Loudoun County Arbor Day committee.
For more information about the photo contest, including a link to the online entry form, visit loudoun.gov/trees.
|
|
Applications are open now through April 30th for Loudoun Youth’s 2023-2024 Claude Moore Community Builders program (CMCB). Forty high school students will be accepted into this 10-month program which connects teens with meaningful volunteer opportunities at local non-profit organizations.
Since 2007, with the help of a generous grant from the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, CMCB has enabled youth to develop important leadership skills while serving their communities. Last year’s participants represented 17 Loudoun high schools, supported 40 local non-profit organizations, and volunteered more than 3,000 hours.
CMCB participants have described the program as “life altering” because it gave them the ability and confidence to help individuals in their community in ways they didn’t know were possible. Others appreciated the connections they built through the program with one recent participant stating “CMCB…enabled me to make incredible relationships with the other builders and coordinators…find many new opportunities and organizations…and brought me happiness without knowing it.”
The CMCB program, which runs from June-March each year, is open to rising 10th-12th grade Loudoun residents. Volunteer opportunities and professional development trainings take place throughout the county. Students can learn more and apply now through April 30, 2023 at www.loudounyouth.org.
|
|
Loudoun County will host a hazardous waste collection event for businesses and other non-residential generators on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Pre-registration is required to participate, and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 28. The program consists of two collection events per year where eligible hazardous waste generators may deliver toxic, reactive, ignitable and corrosive materials for proper disposal.
The Loudoun County Business Hazardous Waste Program is offered for businesses and organizations located in Loudoun County that are considered “Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs)” or that do not exceed the following thresholds:
- Less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste is generated per calendar month.
- Less than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste is generated per calendar month.
- Not more than 2,220 pounds (roughly five 55-gallon drums) of hazardous wastes are accumulated on-site at any time.
Hazardous waste disposal through this program typically results in reduced costs for participants as compared to establishing collection service directly with a hazardous waste management company. The business or organization pays for disposal of the material but does not pay for the waste collection or mobilization.
Visit loudoun.gov/bhwp for registration and event information or call 571-233-1937.
|
|
Loudoun County will host two pit stops in Leesburg and Sterling for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19, 2023. This free annual event celebrates a healthy and fun way to get to work with over 100 different pit stops throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Participants may bike to a pit stop, pick-up a free T-shirt and giveaways and enjoy refreshments before beginning their workday.
New and experienced bicycle commuters planning to participate in the event are encouraged to register online before the event to pick up a T-shirt at one of Loudoun County’s pit stops. Both pit stop locations are adjacent to the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail:
- Leesburg at Raflo Park, 345 Harrison St. SE, 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
- Sterling, just east of Route 28, at 183 Ruritan Road behind Northrop Grumman, 6:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Bike to Work Day is coordinated regionally by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections and is held rain or shine. The annual event attracts thousands of cyclists throughout the region. The local festivities are planned by Loudoun County Commuter Services.
|
|
Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District |
|
Belmont Innovation Campus
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0021
|
|
Description: “Belmont Innovation Campus” is an application to rezone 84.52 acres to allow for the construction of a data center.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0021” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Northstar Square
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0017
(Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
|
|
Description: "Northstar Square” is a proposed application to rezone 110.86 acres to allow the construction of one-thousand two-hundred forty-five dwelling units. These include two-hundred ninety-seven single-family attached units, three-hundred fifty-six multi-family stacked units, and five-hundred ninety-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Newton-Lee Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: At the February 9th, 2023, Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to future work session on April 13th.
-
Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the February 9th, 2023 Planning Commission Work Session.
-
Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0017” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0024
(Also known as "Elm Street Development")
|
|
Description: “Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning” is a proposed application to rezone 9.22 acres to allow the construction of an additional one-hundred thirty dwelling units. These include seventy-two single-family attached units and fifty-eight multi-family stacked units. The residents are currently zoned to Steuart W. Weller Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: This application is scheduled to come to the May 23rd, Planning Commission Public Hearing.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0024” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Broadlands Section 104
Application Number: ZCPA-2021-0011
|
|
Description: “Broadlands Section 104” is a proposed application to rezone 10.19 acres to allow the construction of one-hundred sixty-three dwelling units. These include forty-five single-family attached units, thirty multi-family stacked units, and thirty-one multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Cedar Lane Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stonebridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZCPA-2021-0011” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Belmont Chase II Commercial
(Located in the Broad Run District)
Application Numbers:
SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013
|
|
Description: “Belmont Chase II Commercial” are two proposed Special Exceptions applications to allow the construction of an automobile service station (SPEX-2022-0012) and a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through (SPEX-2022-0013) in the Broad Run District.
Update: At the March 28th, Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send application for the Automobile Service Station (SPEX-2022-0012) to a future Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. County Staff is working with the applicant to determine when this application will appear before the Board of Supervisors.
-
Previous Update: The application for the Automobile Service Station (SPEX-2022-0012) is scheduled to come to the March 28th, Planning Commission Public Hearing. No Planning Commission Public Hearing has been scheduled for the application for the fast-food restaurant with a drive-through (SPEX-2022-0013).
-
Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
All materials related to both applications can be found under “SPEX-2022-0012”. To access this information and/or to leave a comment on these applications, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “SPEX-2022-0012” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review these application documents.
|
|
Goose Creek West
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0013
|
|
Description: “Goose Creek Village West” is a proposed application to rezone 20 acres (revised from 25 acres) to allow the construction of an additional two-hundred twenty-two residential units. These include one-hundred and four single-family attached units, and forty-six multi-family stacked units, and seventy-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Belmont Station Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stone Bridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0013” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District |
|
By-right: A "by-right" development is an application that does not require approval from the Board of Supervisors. The approval/denial of applications for by-right developments are managed administratively by county staff and must conform to the current zoning ordinance.
|
|
Cyrus One
Application Number: No Application Submitted Yet
|
|
Description: A data center, CyrusOne, purchased the site of the withdrawn “Hyde Park” application and intends to construct a data center. The developer has not yet submitted an application however, our office will continue to provide updates on this potential development as we receive them.
|
|
Vantage VA 3
Application Number: STMP-2022-0016
|
|
Description: “Vantage VA 3” is a by-right application which plans to build four data center buildings on 89 acres. The underlying zoning is Planned-Development Office Park (PDOP) and Planned-Development Industrial Park (PD-IP). PD-OP and PD-IP allows for data centers to be constructed without approval from the Board of Supervisors.
For more information click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “STMP-2022-0016” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to review the application documents.
|
|
VDOT 511
511 provides users with real-time, accurate traffic information from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) about road conditions, traffic congestion, and highway construction anywhere you are, anytime you need it.
More information on VDOT 511 can be found here.
|
|
Online Process for Building Permits, Land Development Applications
Homeowners and residential contractors can submit their completed application form and supporting documentation, including drawings and plats, in PDF format for most residential construction projects to the Department of Building and Development online. More information about the online submission process and requirements is available here.
|
|
Residential Traffic Calming Guide
Loudoun County’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) manages an eight-phase process to address traffic calming, which considers residents’ concerns regarding speeding, safety and overall quality of life on publicly-maintained residential streets.
|
|
Who Maintains my Street?
To identify which entity responsible for maintaining your road/street, Loudoun County made an online color coded mapping system which helps residents determine who to contact when work needs to be done.
|
|
Report a road problem
VDOT created an easy to use online form to report unsafe and hazardous road conditions. Similarly, work requests for state-maintained roads can also be made here.
|
|
Paving Schedule
VDOT reports what roads will be paved during the fiscal year and updates their website with progress updates.
Find VDOT's Paving Schedule here.
|
|
Because your voice plays such a vital role in the decision-making process, a critical responsibility for me as your county representative is to provide you with the necessary facts to keep you informed about any and all issues affecting you or your family’s quality of life. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or my staff or click the "Take My Survey" button to leave a comment. |
|
Mike Turner
-
Supervisor
703-777-0205
|
|
Rachael Mai
-
Chief of Staff
703-737-8180
|
|
Joel Gicker
-
Legislative Aide
571-440-1947
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
