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March 13, 2024
Neighbors,
Take a walk along Church Street in Vienna, around Lake Anne Plaza or in an office park in Tysons and you'll see many successful small businesses that contribute to our community. According to the Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI), 93% of employer businesses in Fairfax County are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Our local small businesses span retail, hospitality, professional services, health care and the list goes on, especially with emerging economic sectors and technology advances in fields such as artificial intelligence.
Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors was briefed by DEI on the launch of Fairfax CORE, (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs), a new web-based platform designed to connect business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to establish and expand their businesses in Fairfax County, including the towns of Vienna and Clifton and cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
Fairfax CORE features an online navigator providing access to more than 115 entrepreneur support organizations in and around Fairfax County. This tool offers entrepreneurs quick and easy access to a searchable resource database that connects them to the right experts at the right time.
You've heard many times that Fairfax County is the economic engine for Virginia and our region. The strength of our economy depends greatly on the strength of our small businesses. If you or someone you know has a small business or is interested in becoming a small business entrepreneur, I encourage you to learn more about Fairfax Core.
Additional Resources:
Regards,
Walter
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Board of Supervisors Update | |
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The Board of Supervisors held several committee meetings yesterday. You can watch the meetings here and review the agenda and presentations with the links below:
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is Tuesday, March 19. Learn more.
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What to Know:
Proposed FY 2025 Budget and Tax Rate
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While the Board of Supervisors has no role in determining the value of your home, we do set the Real Estate Tax Rate each year as part of the budget process. The Board of Supervisors recently authorized formal consideration of up to a 4-cent increase. This is not the actual tax rate but the highest rate that the Board can now consider when approving the FY 2025 budget and approved tax rates in May. If you have questions or comments regarding the Real Estate Tax Rate, or what your taxes fund or are not funding, I encourage you to participate in one of my town halls or other options listed below.
The county executive presented his proposed budget for FY 2025 to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 20. The county budget affects everyone in the county, including most of the operational and capital expenses of FCPS. I encourage you to take a look at the links below and provide your input.
What to Know:
Ways to Provide Your Input on the Proposed Budget and Tax Rate:
Email me at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov
Hunter Mill District Town Hall Meetings:
- March 20, 7 p.m. in-person at Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave. East, Vienna.
- March 25, 7 p.m. virtual, use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 952 967 568# For more information email paul.davisjr@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-0283.
In addition, you now have the option to text input and provide feedback in multiple languages. More information:
- Online at FY25 Advertised Budget - PublicInput (fairfaxcounty.gov)
- Text FY25Budget to 73224
- Call 703-890-5898
- Testify at budget public hearings held April 16-18 either in person, by video or phone. Sign up or call the Clerk to the Board's Office at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) or email for more information.
Real Estate Assessment Questions
If you believe that your real estate is incorrectly assessed, or have questions, you are encouraged to contact the county's Department of Tax Administration:
Tax Relief Workshops
Staff from the Department of Tax Administration will be at the North County Governmental Center and several other locations countywide to assist residents with filling out the 2024 tax relief application form, as well as answering questions. Learn more.
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It's Women's History Month and there are several related events and programs countywide. Learn more.
An Upcoming Highlight:
Gains, Gaps & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Friday, March 22, 2 to 5 p.m.
The county's Department of Family Services is hosting a presentation from the University of Virginia on the status of women and girls in Fairfax County. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and networking with light refreshments after the event. Learn more.
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Health and Human Services Update | |
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COVID-19 Updates from Fairfax County Health Department:
- On March 1, the CDC issued new COVID-19 and respiratory virus recommendations for the general population. Learn More.
- CDC now recommends adults ages 65 years and older receive an additional dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more.
Volunteers and Donations Needed: How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District
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Last week my office polled residents via Facebook and NextDoor to weigh in on an important decision – should the 2024 Tour de Hunter Mill socks be green or orange?
We heard from more than 70 people and luckily there won't be a recount. Green was the pick by a substantial margin. However, the orange sock advocates were heard so orange will definitely be a strong contender next year!
Mark your calendar for Tour de Hunter Mill on Sunday, May 5. Information, including routes and registration, will be available soon here.
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Land Use and Transportation Updates | |
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UPDATE: both of these meetings have been cancelled since there are no pending applications.
Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
For more information email Mark Goldberg-Foss or call 703-478-5123.
Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.
For more information email Mark Goldberg-Foss or call 703-478-5123.
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Annual Photo Show
Entries for Vienna's annual Photo Show will be accepted March 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. and March 15 from noon to 3:45 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE. The photo show and contest will be held on March 16 and 17. Applications are available online or at the Vienna Community Center’s front desk. The entry fee is $10 per person and all Vienna Photo Show guidelines must be followed. Learn more.
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Fairfax County's 2023 Crime Report Available
The Fairfax County Police Department recently issued its Year End 2023 Crime Report, which they presented to a Board of Supervisors committee yesterday. The report focuses on the crime offense categories of most concern to many in our communities, (e.g., homicide, burglary, sex offenses, theft, robbery, and auto theft), along with additional data on accidents such as crashes, vehicle fatalities and pedestrian fatalities. Learn more.
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How to Report Potholes
Rain and the fluctuation of temperatures means that it is pothole season in Fairfax County. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains most primary and secondary roads in the county and fixes potholes. You can look up who maintains every road in the county. VDOT’s online reporting tool makes it easier to pinpoint exactly where you see a pothole. Learn more.
(40 and older) Softball Players Wanted
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Any woman over the age of 40 is encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. They play most Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna from May-July and September-October. Learn more.
Join the Lifetime Learning Institute
Hunter Mill District seniors and their friends are invited to join the Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College. It is an organization centered on classes, activities and fellowship for retirees. The annual membership fee is $110. For additional information, email Janice Viola or Mary Alexander.
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Stay Informed and In Touch
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Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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