March 8, 2023


Neighbors,


Today is International Women's Day and we're well into Women's History Month. I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, intelligent women, both at home and at work. This week, I am turning over this part of the newsletter to my staff to share with you the women who have inspired them to work in public service.

Shruti: The woman that inspired me to enter public service is Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. I admire her bravery and passion for advocating for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community in the House of Representatives. It makes me happy that someone with a similar background to mine can make a difference for many women each day. 

Amanda: Some of my earliest memories include learning about Jane Goodall’s work in Africa studying animal behavior in chimpanzees. She inspired me to care about animals, ecosystems and local communities that may be far from home, but are still part of a world we all share.

Lisa: By luck or intention, I have been nurtured, mentored and befriended by a group of smart, amazing women. My mom, sisters, daughter, nieces, close friends and many work colleagues have taught me the importance of family, giving back to your community, and striving to be the best possible version of yourself. And most importantly, how to face it all with a sense of humor.

Jillian: Over the years, Oprah Winfrey’s unique experiences and outlook on life have served as an inspiration for so many, and I am no exception. Oprah’s universal messages of service and gratitude have resonated with me on a personal level. I have been particularly thankful for her focus on supporting women and girls through empowerment, dedicated service, and education. Oprah’s words and actions have been a continual reminder to me that helping others is a win-win situation. 

Gwenn: Former Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins got me involved with public service for Fairfax County, first as a volunteer on various boards, committees and task forces and then as one of her staff aides. I continue to remain dedicated to public service with a focus on health, affordable housing and human services as a staff aide to Supervisor Walter Alcorn.  

Paul: The person who inspired me for public service would be my mother. She served for many years on the local Community Services Board helping to provide resources and services to individuals in dire need. Her service to the community outside of her job and family showed me the importance of giving back to the community. Also, it was very important to have her life experiences and perspective at the decision-making table to make sure all the voices of the community were being heard. These are the ideas and principals that guide my work to this day

Thank you to the women of Hunter Mill District who exemplify community and public service! For more inspiration, Fairfax County has a number of events and stories of exceptional women as part of the Women's History Month celebration. Learn more.


Regards,

Walter

Board of Supervisors Update

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, March 7. You can review the Board package here and watch the meeting here (with agenda). Of note from yesterday's meeting:

  • We recognized Hunter Mill resident and FCPS senior Ilia Malinin (photo) for his outstanding accomplishments in national and international ice-skating competition. Learn more about his accomplishments.
  • The Board approved a public hearing for March 21 regarding a compensation increase for the Board of Supervisors. You can read that Board Matter here. I voted against the Board Matter since I don't think the Board should get a greater increase in compensation over the last eight years than the cumulative Market Rate Adjustments (MRAs) that county employees have received. The Board Matter was approved and the public hearing will take place.
  • My joint Board Matter with Chairman McKay was approved that directs staff to develop a procurement strategy on redevelopment of Reston Town Center North, and to present the draft strategy to the Reston Town Center North Task Force and other members of the Reston community.
  • The Board of Supervisors authorized an advertised Real Estate Tax Rate of $1.11 per $100 of valuation, unchanged from last year. The Board cannot adopt a rate higher than the advertised rate but can adopt a lower rate. With the increase in this year's Real Estate Assessments, we will be looking to relieve the burden on homeowners while also addressing some of our critical county needs, including helping our employee’s income stay somewhat close to inflation and regional market rates. See below on how to provide your input on the tax rate and budget. 

Board of Supervisors Joins Local Leaders for Earthquake Relief Effort

The recent earthquakes in Turkey have had a devastating impact to the community in that region. More than 50,000 people have died and millions have been displaced. This past Friday, March 3, the Board of Supervisors and other Northern Virginia elected leaders and officials, including me and Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert, gathered to launch a fundraising effort organized by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). The goal is to collect $25,000 to purchase food packages for those impacted by the earthquakes. Learn more.

Budget, Real Estate Assessments and Taxes

The county executive recently presented his proposed (advertised) budget for Fiscal Year 2024. You can get his presentation and details here. I will be hosting two town halls to get your input on the proposed budget and real estate tax rate. Hunter Mill District School Board member Melanie Meren and county staff will also be on hand to answer questions.


  • Tuesday, March 28, 7 p.m. James Madison High School, Warhawk Lecture Hall, 2500 James Madison Dr, Vienna.


For questions regarding the proposed budget and tax rate, please email my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.


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 2023 tax relief application form, as well as answering questions. Learn more.

Land Use and Transportation Updates 

Lake Anne Community Survey Open Two More Days Until March 10

An online survey has been developed by the county's Department of Planning and Development and consulting partner Streetsense to gain an understanding of the perspectives of residents, business owners, and visitors of Lake Anne and what they see as challenges and opportunities for the area. The survey will be open until March 10. More information and to take the online survey, click here.


Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. 

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 20 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 call ID: 816 293 203#. For more information contact Shruti Nallappa

 

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 104 024 042#. For information, contact Shruti Nallappa.


Reston Comprehensive Plan

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage and podcast.



Click on the timeline below for a larger view.

Public Safety Update

Drive Sober and Celebrate Responsibly

With St. Patrick's Day on the horizon, the county's public safety agencies are encouraging everyone to not drink and drive, and to have a designated driver if you are out with friends. The Police Department will be monitoring the roads for drunk drivers, as well as aggressive and reckless driving. So please slow down, be responsible and #TakeAMoment when you are out on the roads.


If you do find yourself out and need a ride home, SoberRide will ensure you get a free Lyft ride (up to $15) on St. Patrick's Day, from 4 p.m., Friday, March 17 to 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 18. Learn more.

What's News in Vienna

Vienna Community Band Spring Concert March 12

The Vienna Community Band is presenting its spring concert at the Vienna Community Center on Sunday, March 12 at 4 p.m. Want to join the band? New musicians are being recruited for all sections - flutes, clarinets, saxophones, bassoons, oboes, tubas, and euphoniums. If you are interested, attend any 6 p.m. rehearsal on Sundays at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street SE, Vienna. Learn more.

Health and Human Services Updates

Diabetes Self-Management

Fairfax County's Diabetes Self-Management Program is a free 6-week group interactive workshop series for individuals interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their diabetes. The workshop is every Tuesday, March 21 to April 25, 1 to 3 p.m., Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Caregivers are welcome. For more information, call 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or email Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov


Food Insecurity in Our Community and How to Help


COVID-19 Resources

3 Things to Know Today

spring_blossoms_butterfly.jpg

Things to Do in March in Fairfax County and Northern Virgina

Cherry blossoms and kite flying are on the to-do list for this month. Visit Fairfax has put together a great list of things to do as we move toward spring. Learn more.


Reston Association Election

The 2023 Reston Association Board of Directors election is underway. The deadline for voting is March 31. Learn more.


African American Historic Resources Survey and Report

The draft African American Historic Resources Survey Report is now available for review, and public feedback will be accepted through Friday, March 24. Learn more.

Stay Informed and In Touch
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Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711

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