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Good afternoon!
I hope you’re having a great week! It’s been a busy and productive time here in Mason District, and I’m excited to share several important updates and opportunities to stay engaged.
In this edition of Mason Matters, you’ll find:
- A community update on ambulance billing and data protections, as Fairfax County strengthens systems to safeguard your personal information.
- Highlights from the Greener Mason Advisory Committee’s final report and how we’re advancing local environmental priorities.
- A behind-the-scenes look at the Real Time Crime Center, where innovation and public safety meet.
- Takeaways from this week’s TMCA Workforce Development meeting, focused on building a future-ready local workforce.
- A quick note that I’ve joined BlueSky! Follow along for real-time updates and community highlights.
- You'll also find ways to engage in upcoming community meetings, public comment opportunities, and local events like Scam Jam 2025, which helps protect residents from scams and fraud.
As always, if my office can support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 703-256-7717 or Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Thanks for being a vital part of Mason District, I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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👟 On the Move with Supervisor Jimenez: Recent Visits & What’s Ahead | | 🚑 Community Update: Protecting Your Data and Improving Ambulance Billing Transparency | | |
Fairfax County is taking steps to strengthen ambulance fee collections and enhance protections for your personal health data following a recent contractor data breach.
As your Supervisor, I remain committed to transparency, oversight, and accountability in how our government manages sensitive information and public service billing. This is about trust, and we are taking action to ensure our systems are more secure, responsive, and clearly communicated to the community.
🔍 Read the full story via FFXnow: FFXnow Ambulance Billing Update
We will continue working to keep you informed and protected as these improvements move forward.
| | 🌿 Greener Mason: Community-Driven Environmental Action | | |
Last year, I brought together the Greener Mason Advisory Committee (GMAC), a group of dedicated Mason District residents, to help shape environmental priorities that will benefit both our community and Fairfax County as a whole. I’m proud to share that the committee delivered a thoughtful and comprehensive report, outlining 16 community-focused recommendations across areas like clean energy, biodiversity, and public engagement.
📄 Read the full GMAC report:
GMAC Final Report – February 2025 (PDF)
We’re already taking action. With support from GMAC members, my team, and County partners, we’re working to move forward on several priorities, including:
- Supporting the Annandale Greenway and expanding community access to nature
- Increasing tree cover in underserved areas
- Promoting solar panel programs for local homeowners
- Encouraging sustainable practices in local restaurants
- Integrating sustainability into development plans
- Advancing clean energy job training and workforce development
This is just the beginning. If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more, reach out to my office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov. Let’s build a greener, healthier Mason District together.
| | 🚓 This Week: Behind the Scenes at Fairfax County’s Real Time Crime Center | | |
Earlier this week, we had the incredible opportunity to tour Fairfax County’s Real Time Crime Center, a cutting-edge facility where technology, data, and teamwork intersect to keep our communities safe. This centralized hub allows law enforcement to respond to incidents in real time, using the latest tools to enhance public safety across the county.
We also met Delaware, a specially trained K9 capable of detecting hidden electronics like cell phones and computers, an impressive and vital asset in modern investigations.
Following the tour, we visited the Fairfax County Police and Fire Museum, which honors the brave service of our first responders and highlights the evolution of public safety in our community.
Thank you to the dedicated professionals who welcomed us and continue to protect and serve Mason District every day.
| | 👥 Building a Future-Ready Workforce at the TMCA Meeting | | |
I was honored to speak at this week’s TMCA meeting, themed “Community Unification: Connecting NOVA During Unprecedented Workforce Times!” With over 45,000 open jobs across Northern Virginia, now is the time to bring together employers, educators, and job seekers to build a resilient and inclusive workforce.
During the discussion, I highlighted Fairfax County’s ongoing efforts to:
- Expand upskilling and retraining opportunities
- Support veterans, military families, and those impacted by federal downsizing
- Help small businesses connect with the talent they need to thrive
Thank you to TMCA for fostering a space where regional collaboration and innovation can thrive. Together, we’re working to transform today’s workforce challenges into tomorrow’s economic success.
| | 📣 I’m Now on BlueSky – Let’s Stay Connected! | | |
I’m excited to share that I’ve officially joined BlueSky!
This new platform is another way for me to keep you updated on everything happening in Mason District and across Fairfax County, from important updates and community highlights to behind-the-scenes moments.
🔗 Follow me on BlueSky
I look forward to connecting with you there and continuing the conversation!
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📍 Last Chance to Participate in Mason District’s SSPA Virtual Community Meetings!
Your input is vital in shaping the future of our community. As part of the 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process, Fairfax County is holding one final virtual community meeting to discuss proposed land use changes in Mason District.
These meetings allow you to:
- Hear directly from county staff and nominators about each proposal
- Ask questions and share your thoughts on development, traffic, housing, and public space
- Help guide decisions that affect the future of Mason District
📅 Final SSPA Meeting – Mason 3
Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Nominations to be discussed:
- CPN-2025-I-MA-010 – 7616 Little River Tpke
- CPN-2025-I-MA-022 – 6675 Little River Tpke
- CPN-2025-I-MA-024 – Strawbridge Square
- CPN-2025-I-MA-050 – Lincolnia CBC - B1
Don’t miss this last opportunity to ask questions, offer feedback, and help shape the development of our district. Let your voice be heard! For the full schedule of SSPA community meetings countywide, and meeting login information please visit:
🔗 Fairfax County SSPA Community Meetings
For more details on the SSPA process, visit:
🔗 2025 Countywide SSPA Process | Planning Development
| | 📢 Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub | | |
Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and over 3,800 federal contractors, making our region deeply connected to federal operations. To support those impacted by changes or disruptions in federal services or employment, the Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub provides essential resources for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits, and businesses. Whether you need job search assistance, financial support, or guidance on available county services, this hub is designed to help you navigate current and future challenges.
🔗 Explore resources and support: Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub
Fairfax County is committed to ensuring our workforce and community remain strong, stay informed, and connected!
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🚦 Transportation Public Feedback Opportunities – Have Your Say!
Fairfax County residents have multiple opportunities this spring to weigh in on important transportation projects and initiatives that impact our region. Your voice helps shape priorities on roads, transit, safety, and more. Here’s how you can get involved:
🚗 Share Your Feedback on I-495 Southside Express Lanes – Comments Open Through April 21
The in-person public meetings for the proposed I-495 Southside Express Lanes have concluded, but there’s still time to share your input! The project would extend express lanes from Springfield to MD-210 in Prince George’s County, and your feedback is essential to shaping the future of this corridor.
📝 Public comment is open through Monday, April 21, 2025.
💻 Explore the Virtual Information Room:
www.vdot.virginia.gov/495southside
📬 Submit your comments:
Your input will help guide decisions on traffic relief, travel reliability, safety, and environmental impacts in our region. Let your voice be heard!
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Community Drives and Programs | | |
🐾 Help Bring More Animal Services to Mason District!
We’re excited to announce the formation of the Mason District Animal Welfare Alliance, a new monthly working group dedicated to improving services and support for animals in our community, including pets, wildlife, and companion animals.
This collaborative group will work closely with my office, local agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations to advance county resources, policies, and programs that strengthen animal welfare and promote coexistence in both residential and natural spaces.
Whether you're passionate about expanding access to veterinary care, improving shelter resources, or protecting our wildlife neighbors, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.
📩 Interested in joining?
Contact Hannah Frank at hannah.frank@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information and to get involved.
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🛡️ Scam Jam 2025: Prevention, Protection & Prosecution
Join AARP Virginia and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign for Scam Jam 2025, a free, in-person event focused on empowering older adults and their caregivers to recognize, avoid, and respond to fraud, scams, abuse, and exploitation.
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Northern Virginia Community College
Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center
8430 Center Drive, Annandale, VA 22003
Scam Jam will feature expert-led discussions, prevention strategies, and resources from local and state partners to help you and your loved ones stay safe.
🔗 Learn more and register: events.aarp.org/event/FFXScamJam25/summary
Help spread the word! Knowledge is our best defense against scams and exploitation!
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📚 George Mason Friends Semi-Annual Book Sale (April 23–27)
George Mason Friends will host their highly anticipated, semi-annual book sale from Wednesday, April 23 through Sunday, April 27 at the George Mason Regional Library (7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale).
A special preview sale will take place on Wednesday evening (5–8 PM) with a $20 entry fee per adult.
The general sale runs from Thursday through Sunday (10 AM–5:30 PM daily) with free entry.
The sale features high-quality used books, CDs, and DVDs in various categories. Proceeds support Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, Library Foundation scholarships, Fall for the Book Festival, and programs/equipment at George Mason Regional Library. Come early for the best selection and return on Sunday for half-price bargains! More details at georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com or contact georgemasonfriends@gmail.com / 703-813-6616.
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🎨 You're Invited: Mason District Arts Happy Hour!
Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and community at the Mason District Arts Happy Hour! Whether you’re a local artist or simply passionate about supporting the arts, this is a great chance to meet others, explore local initiatives, and get involved in strengthening Mason’s creative community.
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: O’My ChiQ, 7023 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA
🎭 Hosted by the Mason District Arts Advisory Committee
📧 RSVP or questions? Contact Lisa at lowry@writerspassage.com
📧 Want to learn more about the committee? Reach out to James Albright at james.albright.63@gmail.com
Come celebrate the arts and connect with the people who make Mason District a vibrant cultural hub!
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🌟 Find Your Next Star Employee at the 2025 Just In Time Job Fair
Are you hiring for internships, part-time, or full-time positions? Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with talented candidates at George Mason University’s Just In Time Job Fair on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Hosted by GMU Career Services, this fair gives employers access to a pool of well-qualified students and alumni who bring in-demand technical, professional, and transferable skills to the table.
📅 Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
🎯 Who Should Attend: Employers hiring for internships, part-time, or full-time roles
📌 Registration Required
🔗 Learn more and register here.
Take advantage of this chance to recruit the next generation of professionals, ready to make an impact!
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Urgent Need for Type O Blood Donors
Inova is facing a critical shortage of Type O blood due to multiple traumatic incidents and medical emergencies. While all blood types are needed, Type O is especially urgent to help patients in critical need.
Make a life-saving difference today by scheduling an appointment. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit inovablood.org.
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🦷 Calling All Local Dentists: Help Expand Access to Dental Care in Mason District
As part of our continued efforts to support the health and well-being of residents in the Culmore and Fairmont communities, we are working closely with our Health and Human Services (HHS) partners to identify local dentists who may be willing to volunteer their time or provide reduced-cost dental services to neighbors in need.
Access to dental care is a critical component of overall health, and many residents in these areas face significant barriers to receiving regular care. By stepping up to support this effort, dental professionals can make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families right here in Mason District.
If you are a dental provider or know someone who may be interested in partnering with us, please reach out to our office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-256-7717 to learn more and get involved.
Together, we can help close the gap in dental care and build a healthier community.
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Volunteer appointment drivers needed for Annandale/Springfield
The joint Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) and Shepherd's Center of Annandale Springfield transportation program is in desperate need of drivers to assist residents who cannot drive themselves to medical appointments, the grocery store, or to food banks. Learn more by calling the Shepherd's Center office at 703-941-1419 or emailing shepherdscas@vacosmail.com.
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Storage space needed for furniture program
The ACCA Furniture Program needs storage space for the gently used donated furniture that is picked up and then delivered to our neighbors. If you have storage space available, please email furniture@accacares.org.
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