Casino Update: There have been multiple media reports today (below) regarding the anticipated casino bill sponsored by State Senator Dave Marsden. At publication, the bill has not been made public beyond what was given to NBC4. However, indications so far are that the casino is not planned for Reston. The parameters reported by media indicate that the desired location will be in Tysons, but we don't know yet if that location is in or outside of Hunter Mill District. My office will continue to monitor and will let you know any updates as they are available. You can also check bill language here when it is posted. I want to reiterate that I am against a casino in Hunter Mill District and will continue to work to defeat any legislation that could lead to what I consider a bad outcome for our community.

Media Reports: NBC4, FFXNow, Reston Patch

State of the Town's Economy, Tomorrow Thursday, Jan. 18 at 9 a.m.

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. Dr. Keith Waters with the Stephen S. Fuller Institute will present the regional issues and trends that will impact the Vienna area in 2024 and beyond. Members of the Town of Vienna's Department of Planning and Zoning will explain how the Town's newly adopted Zoning Code impacts the commercial areas of Vienna. Please RSVP and learn more here.

Reston District Police Station CAC Meeting, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.

Residents are invited to attend the Reston District Station's monthly Community Advisory Committee meeting next Wednesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency "Living Room," 1800 Presidents St., Reston. Reston Town Center garage parking is free (after 5 p.m.). Please note that you will be charged if parking at hotel. Reston District commanders and staff will provide public safety updates and answer questions.

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. The committee will discuss the application RZPA-2023-HM-00058 / PRC-80-C-111-02 submitted by Fairfax County Public Schools concerning renovation and building additions for Armstrong Elementary School. Use this link to view information about this application in PLUS.

Artificial Intelligence: Taking the Grandparent Scam to the Next Level

Sophisticated scammers can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to clone the voice of a loved one to scam the elderly (or others). They use the cloned voice to emotionally manipulate for money. There are several steps you can take to protect against this use of AI – learn more. (Photo credit - Golden Gazette)

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill

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

Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate Featured in Connection

The Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate is a beloved community center that has a long history of providing vital services to the surrounding neighborhoods. Run by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the center was recently highlighted in the Connection newspaper (page 12, PDF). I hope you take a few minutes to learn more about this community gem!

Mark Your Calendar for Housing Symposium on March 6

Housing professionals, developers, advocates and residents interested in Fairfax County’s affordable housing industry are invited to join the Fairfax County Housing Symposium, Wednesday, March 6 at George Mason University in Fairfax. The day-long event will feature elected leaders, industry professionals, policy experts and affordable housing users who are working toward a common goal of a Fairfax County everyone can afford to call home. Learn more.

Upcoming HOA/Civic/Cluster Meeting?

Many neighborhoods are beginning to plan for their annual homeowners, civic or cluster association meetings. I welcome the opportunity to attend and provide an update on important county issues, hear any concerns your community might have, and answer your questions. Please contact my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov if you would like me or one of my staff to attend an upcoming meeting of your association.