Casino Update: Today is the first day of the 2024 General Assembly legislative session. My office is monitoring the Legislative Information System regarding any casino-related bills that could affect the Hunter Mill District and discussions are ongoing with our delegates and senators. I will send you an update when it is available.

State of the Town's Economy Jan. 18

Residents are invited to the "State of the Economy" event hosted by the Town's Economic Development Department. It will be held at the Vienna Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 9 a.m. Please RSVP and learn more here.

From Fairfax County Police Department: Safety Tips for Small Business Owners

• Invest in surveillance systems: Install high-quality surveillance cameras inside and outside your shop. Visible cameras act as a deterrent and provide crucial evidence in case of an incident.
• Enhance lighting: Ensure that the area around your shop is well lit, especially during non-business hours. Adequate lighting can discourage criminal activity.
• Implement alarm systems: Install a reliable alarm system that triggers law enforcement response in case of a break-in. Display signs indicating the presence of an alarm system.
• Secure entry points: Assess the security of doors and windows. Reinforce entry points with strong locks and consider shatter-resistant glass to deter forced entry.
• Community collaboration: Establish a network with neighboring businesses. Share information about suspicious activities and work collectively to enhance overall security. If you see anything that is suspicious, please call 911.

Learn more.

Improved Access to Policy Plan is Now Available

The Policy Plan element of the Comprehensive Plan is now live on a new and improved platform. The county moved the Policy Plan to a more user-friendly, web-based interface, called Encode, to give visitors an improved user experience. It is the same platform the county uses for the Zoning Ordinance. You can access the Policy Plan here.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, Jan. 22 7:30 p.m.

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference ID: 234 684 366# For more information email mark.goldberg-foss@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-5123.

What is Affordable Housing?

There are a lot of misperceptions regarding affordable housing and who lives in affordable housing. As we are all aware, it can be very expensive to live in our area, which makes it difficult for teachers, police officers, trades professionals, administrative staff, retail workers and many others to live close to where they work. When you have a couple minutes, take a look at this video to get a better understanding of affordable housing and why it is so important to get more of this housing in our community. Learn more. 

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill

A summary of local nonprofits in Hunter Mill District with links to needs, events and resources.

Be a Hero: Donate Blood

Donated blood is essential for treating victims of accidents and violence, cancer patients, those undergoing surgeries, and more. Blood shortages are very common; only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Consider becoming a blood donor, learn more.

Volunteers Needed for Hunter Mill District Representation

Be a part of your county government and apply for a position as a Hunter Mill District representative on a Fairfax County Board, Authority or Commission (BAC). If you are interested in one of these open positions, send your resume and letter of interest to Gwendolyn.minton@fairfaxcounty.gov

• Alcohol Safety Action Program Local Policy Board: Sets program policy and give direction to program activities.
• Civil Service Commission: Represents public interest in improvement of personnel administration; advises the Board of Supervisors, County Executive and Personnel Director in formulation of Policies.
• Transportation Advisory Commission: Advises and provides information and comments on major transportation issues faced by the county.

Starting a Women-Owned Business with Help of the Small Business Administration

Get valuable information and insight into starting a woman-owned business at a program co-hosted by Patrick Henry Library and the American Association of University Women. The program is Saturday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave East, Vienna. The speaker is Cindy Butler, Director, Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia. For more information email.