At Tuesday's meeting, the County Executive presented the FY 2025 advertised budget plan. This was the first time the Board had seen the presentation. I am looking forward to diving deeper into this proposal and discussing it with the community. A few items to highlight include:
- Real Estate Tax rate of $1.135 per $100 of assessed value
- Funding for a 2% market rate adjustment and performance, merit, and longevity increases for general county employees
- A $165 million increase for Fairfax County Public Schools
- Full funding for the first year of the Public Safety collective bargaining agreements
Your input on this 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 Matters:
| |
Sonya Breehey
Tysons Advisory Commission
Sonya Breehey is the Advocacy Manager for the Coalition for Smarter Growth in Northern Virginia. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work. With a focus on sustainable transportation and community development, she advocates for safer streets and inclusive neighborhoods. Some of the campaigns she has worked on include leading the Safe Streets for Bailey’s initiative and championing a safer Richmond Highway. Sonya fosters collaboration by engaging with communities and decision-makers to promote safer street designs. She serves on the Board of Fairfax Families for Safe Streets and is a former President of the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling.
Moreover, Sonya has recently been appointed as the Providence District representative on the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC), which further solidifies her commitment to making meaningful changes in transportation policies and infrastructure. Sonya holds a master's degree in public policy from the University of Albany and resides in Falls Church. Sonya enjoys practicing yoga, gardening, and exploring area trails by bike and foot. Thank you, Sonya, for your commitment to volunteering and working to enhance the livability of our community by making it safer and more fun to walk and bike!
| |
|
To celebrate Women's History Month, I have partnered with my colleagues on the Board to host a menstrual supplies drive. In addition, drop-off boxes will also be available at all Fairfax Public Library branches. Donations of unopened packages of tampons, pads, liners, and menstrual cups will be collected around the County. These items will support local shelters and nonprofit organizations.
The collected items in Providence will benefit BRAWS.
-
Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive
- March 4 - 29, Mon. - Sat., 9am - 10pm
-
The PARC at Tysons, 8508 Leesburg Pike
- Tue., March 5, 6am - 7pm
| | | |
Upcoming Presidential Primary Election | |
Early voting for the March 5 presidential primary election is underway at the Fairfax County, North County, and Mt. Vernon Government Centers.
Additional 13 early voting locations, including the Jim Scott Community Center, will open on Saturday, February 24th. Hours of operation vary by location.
| |
|
Fairfax County is hosting a variety of events this month in honor of Black History Month. Join your neighbors for an evening of celebration at the Government Center on Friday, February 23rd! Festivities include local performances, interactive activities, enlightening discussions, and light refreshments.
A variety of engaging events will help you learn about Black history at parks, libraries, and community centers. In addition, the Fairfax County History Commission created a Black History Month calendar with events from around the region.
| |
Northern Virginia is home to several Black-owned restaurants. Luckily, Visit Fairfax compiled a list and made it easier for us to support these businesses while indulging in some of the best food in the region.
| |
Virginia Business honored 17 distinguished Black business leaders across the Commonwealth, including four from Fairfax County. | |
|
Health and Human Services & Housing Updates | |
Free or Low-Cost Medical Care for Children
The Medical Care for Children (MCCP) is a collaborative effort among the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, the MCCP Foundation, and the medical and business communities. MCCP currently serves over 3,100 children in low-income families, providing reduced-cost healthcare for children under the age of 18 who are ineligible for Medicaid or private health insurance. Through MCCP, children are enrolled in a “medical home,” ensuring access to regular check-ups, physicals, sick child visits, pharmacy services, x-rays, and lab work. Additionally, they receive limited services for specialty and dental care, and transportation to and from appointments, if needed.
| |
FCRHA Academic Scholarships
People who live in affordable housing supported by the Fairfax County Redevelopment Housing Authority (FCRHA) will have the opportunity to apply for academic scholarships beginning March 1st. Up to ten applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship each for post-secondary education including technical training.
| |
PetHaven Program
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s PetHaven Program offers caregivers and their loved ones an option for short-term temporary care for pets. No questions, no advance notice, and full discretion. They offer a safe place so that Fairfax County residents have the peace of mind of knowing their pets are safe while owners are away from home.
| |
Land Use and Transportation Updates | |
Code Compliance Corner
Wondering about a home listed as an AirBNB, VRBO, or other short-term lodgings (STL)? Do you need a nearby rental for family or friends and want to know the rules first? The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) can help with questions or concerns about STLs.
| | | |
|
Board of Zoning Appeals Seeking Members
The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals has upcoming openings for two members. One seat will become available on February 21st and the other on June 14th. 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.
| | | |
|
Metro's FY 2025 Budget
As Metro plans its FY25 budget, they are hosting opportunities for the community to provide feedback. The public is encouraged to submit feedback through an online survey tool, in-person public hearings, or virtual public hearings.
| | | | | | |
