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December 3, 2025

Neighbors,

Yesterday was Giving Tuesday, a day to give back to those in need whether through donations, acts of kindness or volunteering.

Following the spirit of this annual day of giving, Fairfax County is collecting gifts and donations for children and families in need to make their holidays brighter. Here are a few opportunities to give back:

Stuff the Cruiser (Dec. 7): Give unwrapped toys for children ages 5–12. Place your gift in a Fairfax County Police cruiser at the fountain at Reston Town Center on Sunday, Dec. 7 between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Elf Store (Dec. 8): Donate gently used sports apparel, watches, jewelry, makeup kits, mini-speakers, gift cards and more to help stock the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ Elf Store. Teens will be able to select a special gift from the store for their parent or guardian. Drop off donations at the Reston Teen Center (12196 Sunset Hills Road) by Monday, Dec. 8.

Santa’s Ride (Dec. 8): County, city and town law enforcement agencies are collecting new, unwrapped toys, games, books and gifts for children at Fairfax Inova Hospital and Inova Life with Cancer, as well as others. Donate online. Or drop off gifts at the Reston District Police Station (1801 Cameron Glen Drive) or many other locations across the county by Monday, Dec. 8.

Toys for Tots (Dec. 12): Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Reston Fire Station 25 (1820 Wiehle Avenue), Fox Mill Station 31 (2610 Reston Parkway), Vienna Station #2 (400 Center Street S.W.) or any Fairfax County Fire station. Donations accepted through Friday, Dec. 12.

If you’re shopping at Tysons Corner Center, visit the Giving Machine outside the AMC Theaters.

It’s a unique “vending machine for good” that lets you support our local nonprofits— including FACETS, Homestretch and Capital Area Food Bank — with 100% of every gift going directly to them. (I recently attended the unwrapping ceremony. Watch this video.)

And, of course, I hope you’ll donate to my winter coat drive for kids. We’re partnering with Heritage Fellowship Church to collect and donate warm coats and jackets to children in the Hunter Mill District.

Regards,

Walter

• In the Community
• Legislative Program: No Casinos
• County and Schools Fiscal Forecast
• Mulch Volcanos: Just Say No
• Offer Input on Strategic Plan to End Homelessness
• Fairfax Water Rate Increase Public Hearing
• Reston Parkway Toll Road Ramp Closed
• What's News in Vienna
• Events and Activities

Holiday Open House

Thank you to everyone who attended my holiday open house on Monday. And a special thanks to the Reston Chorale’s “Ambassadors” ensemble for leading us in a festive sing-along.

Reston Holiday Parade

Voted as one of the best holiday parades in the nation, I was honored to participate in this fun and festive tradition once again last week. The crowd’s enthusiasm warmed me on a very cold and windy day.

Vienna Optimist Club’s New Christmas Tree Trailer

I joined the Vienna Optimist Club for the unveiling of their newly refurbished trailer for their annual Christmas Tree Sale.🎄The beautiful new design proudly showcases the club’s slogan: “Optimists bringing out the best in kids.” Tree sales go directly to youth programs and scholarships, and you can purchase your tree on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

At yesterday’s Legislative Committee meeting, I announced my intent to add a provision to our state legislative program opposing a casino in Fairfax County unless the Board of Supervisors requests it. Here’s the language I will introduce:

“Oppose legislation in the General Assembly that authorizes a casino in Fairfax County without any request for such legislation from the Board of Supervisors, without implementation of a statewide Gaming Commission, and without a tax revenue split that substantially benefits Fairfax County as opposed to the Commonwealth. The designation and location of a casino is inherently a major land use decision and General Assembly intervention in Fairfax County’s land use processes would undermine decades of community consensus and economic success.”

We will vote on our legislative program on Tuesday, Dec. 9, so stayed tuned to see if the Board ultimately adopts my proposal.

What’s happening: In preparation for developing their respective budgets for this coming fiscal year, the Board of Supervisors and School Board met yesterday to discuss their joint budget forecast.

While the preliminary numbers presented are predicated on early revenue and spending estimates, the forecast shows a net budgetary shortfall of $131.5 million. This shortfall is based on the combined projected budget needs for both the county and schools.

(Of course, by law, local governments in Virginia must adopt a balanced budget, so there will be no shortfall when we pass our FY 27 budget.)

Tell me more: The county’s baseline budget needs are an estimated $163.8 million while the school’s baseline budget totals $193.2 million — or $357 million combined.

However, the county only projects a 3% increase in its general fund revenues compared to last fiscal year — or $225.5 million. This leaves a $131 million projected shortfall that will have to be closed.

For both systems, their baseline budget requirements are focused on employee pay and benefits like health insurance and paying down debt for new facilities. (Employee pay made up 89% of the schools’ budget last year for example.)

The forecast’s revenue projections are based on existing tax rates, as well as projected state and federal aid for education.

Given the forecast shortfall, the county executive has directed agencies to identify 5% budget cuts, and the forecast assumes an estimated 1.8% cut —or $30 million. (If ultimately taken, it will be the fourth year in a row that the county has cut its budget with more than $51 million cut last year.)

Revenues: Real estate taxes generate about two-thirds of the county’s general fund revenue, and market-driven increases in residential real estate values are only predicted to grow by 3.2% compared to over 6% last year.

The number of homes for sale is up by 40%, and they’re staying on the market for longer too: 26 days on average in October compared to 14 days during the same month last year.

Car taxes — which account for about one-sixth of the county’s general fund revenues — are expected to rise due to increased car values. Business Personal Property taxes will get a boost from new data centers.

However, economic uncertainty clouds the overall budget forecast as a result of federal policy changes. They may impact our housing market, cause unemployment to climb even higher and result in less federal aid.

State funding challenges: Against the backdrop of our budget forecast, we inherit a long legacy in Virginia of relatively low state funding for public education, according to the state’s own independent study. On this measure, Virginia falls below the national average, trailing West Virginia, Kentucky and Maryland.

Despite being 14% of statewide enrollment, Fairfax County only receives 10% of the state’s direct K-12 education funding while smaller jurisdictions get more. For example, Chesterfield County got about 5.16% of state aid — more than half of Fairfax’s dollar amount despite having one-third of our enrollment.

The disproportionate reliance on local taxes to fund critical services is not just limited to schools. We generate about one-fifth of the Commonwealth’s general fund revenues — but we only get back about 50 cents back for every dollar we contribute to the state. This independent finding comes from a recent analysis produced by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Read the full report.

Next steps: The Board of Supervisors and School Board will continue to meet as both bodies work on their budgets. In the meantime, the superintendent will release her budget on Jan. 22, and the county executive will release his budget on Feb. 17. The Board of Supervisors will hold our budget public hearings in April before we ultimately adopt a budget in early May.

(Personal note: Confronting systemic challenges in our public education system is something my late father experienced as superintendent during the desegregation of Chesterfield County and Roanoke City schools. Today is his 100th birthday.)

What’s happening: It’s common to spot “mulch volcanoes” surrounding the base of trees — but this typical landscaping practice harms their health.

To prevent these mounds of mulch on county properties, the Fairfax County Tree Commission is recommending changes to county contracts and increased education. The advisory group submitted a memo to the Board of Supervisors last week with two key suggested actions:



• Ensure that future county landscaping contracts stipulate the best practices for tree mulching
• Educate landscapers and property owners on basic information related to planting and maintenance of trees in multiple languages, including updating the Tree Basics Booklet.

Because trees planted at county facilities through the Tree Preservation and Planting Fund cost several hundred dollars on average, it's important to protect and presvere this valuable investment and environmental resource.

Mulch problems: While they may seem innocuous, mulch volcanoes are harmful, and excessive mulch can:

• Soften a tree’s tissues, making them more susceptible to the development of insects and diseases
• Cause root girdling which are roots that grow in a circular or spiral pattern around the trunk at or below the soil line, gradually strangling the trunk
• Reduce water and air from penetrating the ground
• Prevent the soil from drying, causing excess moisture in a tree’s root zone

See the photo below for an example of root girdling around a tree trunk at the North County Governmental Center.

Background: The commission arrived at these recommendations after examining how trees were mulched at the North County Governmental Center and Fairfax County Government Center. With my staff’s assistance, the commission engaged with county facilities staff and landscape contractors at the North County Government Center. Through this outreach, the commission learned that landscapers are not provided guidance on how to apply mulch.

What’s happening: Offer your ideas and input to help the county shape its fresh vision for its next strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. Attend an in-person community input session on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library.

The Office to Prevent and End Homelessness is gathering feedback as it assesses its current programs, initiatives and partnerships. This includes seeking input from people experiencing homelessness, homeless service providers and the Continuum of Care board.

Next Steps: As part of its engagement efforts, the office will also be holding more community meetings, offering an online survey and conducting other outreach. Following these activities, they will present a final report to the Board of Supervisors for our consideration in 2026.

Background: The county first put forth its 10-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in 2007, and this was followed by a retrospective report in 2018, examining the plan’s first 10 years in action.

What’s happening: The Fairfax Water Board will hold a public hearing to review proposed rate adjustments and the 2026 budget on Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m.

The proposed increase will mean about $1.93 more each month for most customers. If approved, the new rates will be effective April 1, 2026.

As a not-for-profit utility, Fairfax Water only charges what it costs to serve its customers and receives no funding from local governments. The proposed adjustment reflects rising costs for electricity, treatment supplies, infrastructure and materials.

Learn more about Fairfax Water’s rates which remain the lowest in the region.

Submit comments: If you can’t testify at the public hearing submit comments until midnight on Dec. 10. For questions about the proposed rate increase, submit them by email.

What’s happening: The southbound Reston Parkway ramp to the eastbound Dulles Toll Road will be closed at night through Monday, Dec. 8. The ramp will be closed as follows: 

• 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, to 5 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4
• 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, to 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5
• 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, to 5 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
• 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
• 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, to 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8
• 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9

VDOT is closing the ramp as part of its ongoing repair project for the Reston Parkway bridge over the Toll Road.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Performance Dec. 6

For one show only, Vienna Theatre Company is getting into the spirit of the season with a special holiday production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets are available at the door only.

Quarterly Recycling Day Dec. 6

Clear the clutter and tidy up by disposing of hard-to-recycle items during the Quarterly Recycling Day on Saturday Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northside Property Yard (600 Mill Street, NE). Drop off auto waste, electronics (no TVs, computers, or monitors please), scrap metal, and rechargeable batteries.

New Glyndon Park Pickleball Court Hours

Attention pickleball players. New hours for the Glyndon Park pickleball courts took effect on Monday:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Note that no restrooms or lights will be available through Feb. 28.

To play, make reservations online and call 703-255-6360 for the pickleball net combination or for more information.

Mayor and Town Council’s Holiday Reception Dec. 12

Come one, come all to the Mayor and Town Council’s Holiday Reception on Friday, Dec. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Chambers at Town Hall. Chat with elected leaders, friends, and neighbors, enjoy refreshments, and listen to the James Madison High School Madrigals and the Vienna Community Band perform holiday classics.

📖 Join Wine Wednesday tonight at 6 p.m. at Scrawl Books for their no-book book club.

❄️Attend Reston Association’s Winterfest on Dec. 4-6 at Brown’s Chapel Park.

🩸Donate blood on Dec. 5 at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

🎶Join Herndon Regional Wind Ensemble’s holiday concert and sing-along on Dec. 6 at Herndon High School.

🎅🏽 Shop at the Jingle on the Lake & Christmas Market on Dec. 6 at Lake Anne Plaza.

🚜Gather with your family for Holiday on the Farm on Dec. 5-6 at Frying Pan Farm Park.

🎀 Make your own holiday wreath at a Dec. 6 workshop at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

🎞️ Enjoy a showing of the animated winter classic “The Snowman” with live music on Dec. 6 at James Madison High School.

🎼Reston Chorale sings holiday favorites at their “The Wonder of the Season Concert” on Dec. 6 at Reston Community Center.

🎄Stroll through the Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens through Jan. 4.

🏮Enjoy the Winter Lantern Festival through Jan. 20 in Tysons.

🎶The Encore Chorales of Reston, Ashburn, Fairfax, and the Sentimental Journey Singers perform their winter concert on Dec. 7 at Heritage Fellowship Church.

🎺 Take a trip to hear The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own,” play holiday favorites on Dec. 7 at Constitution Hall. 

☕Enjoy the Shepherd’s Center’s Holiday Tea and Sweets on Dec. 9 at St. Marks Catholic Church in Vienna.

🎄Visit the Herndon WinterMarkt on Dec. 13 for traditional German food, music, dance, vendors and more.

🚒🎅The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s Santa Runs begin Dec. 13 at locations around town weather permitting.

🎺The Beltway Brass play holiday favorites on Dec. 13 at Reston Town Square Park.

🎼Listen to the Glorious Sounds of Christmas Concert on Dec. 14 at the Vienna Presbyterian Church.

🎼Join the Reston Chorale’s “Messiah” sing-along on Dec. 16 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

💃Watch the magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in “Singin’ in the Rain” on Dec. 17 for Senior Movie Day at the LOOK Dine-in Cinema.

👠Enjoy Spanish holiday music and flamenco dance during “Navidad Flamenca” on Dec. 20 at Reston Community Center.

Find all events for these local organizations: Reston Community Center, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Programs, Tephra ICA and Arts Fairfax. Find other community events in the Reston Letter.