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Mason Readers,
As we move further into the spring season, there are many meaningful opportunities for our community to stay informed, get involved, and support one another.
This week’s newsletter highlights important updates from the Boardroom, including continued progress on public safety, new efforts to protect residents from scams, and action to address community concerns like roadway safety. You’ll also find ways to engage with local programs, from upcoming events and volunteer opportunities to county surveys where your voice can help shape our future.
As always, we are focused on ensuring residents have access to the resources and information they need. Whether you’re looking to get involved, give back, or simply stay informed, we hope you’ll find something in this week’s edition that speaks to you.
Thank you for staying connected and engaged in our community.
Please reach out to my office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or by phone at our main phone line 703-256-7717 if we can be of service.
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Around the District with Supervisor Jimenez | | Mason District Leader Recognized | | |
Andres Curtin Named 2026 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 Honoree
We are proud to share that Andres Curtin has been named a 2026 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 honoree by Leadership Fairfax and the Arlington Leadership Center for Excellence.
Through his work with Opportunity Neighborhoods in Bailey’s Crossroads, Andres is helping build stronger, more connected communities.
From food distributions to youth leadership programs, his work centers on empowering residents, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for people to lead and thrive.
Andres’ compassion and commitment are inspiring, and his recognition is well deserved. We are grateful for leaders like him, and for the ongoing work of organizations like Second Story and Opportunity Neighborhoods that make a lasting difference in the lives of our residents.
| | Annual Interfaith and Government Leaders Iftar | | |
Celebrating Faith, Community, and Connection in Mason District
Mason District is home to the largest mosques in Virginia, Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, and we were thrilled to be part of the Annual Interfaith and Government Leaders Iftar this week.
This evening meal, which breaks the fast during Ramadan, brought together faith leaders, community members, and government partners to foster dialogue, strengthen relationships, and celebrate our shared values of peace and respect.
Events like this highlight the richness of our diverse community and the importance of coming together across cultures. To all observing Ramadan: "Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem."
| | | Visit to NVCC's Mason District Campus | | |
Preparing Students and Workers for the Jobs of Tomorrow
This week, we visited the Northern Virginia Community College campus in Mason District to learn more about the programs preparing students and workers for today’s evolving job market. We discussed NOVA Next, which supports displaced federal workers as they transition into new careers through targeted training and resources.
We also explored how NOVA is expanding trade and technical pathways in high-demand industries like AI, data centers, and aerospace—creating strong career opportunities that don’t require a traditional four-year degree. Additionally, NOVA’s dual enrollment programs are serving approximately 22,000 high school students, giving them the chance to earn college credit and gain early exposure to career pathways.
These programs are a great example of how our local institutions are helping build a skilled, adaptable workforce right here in our community. Thank you to Steven, Josh, and
| | Celebrating the Culmore Cohort of Community Influencers | | |
Recognizing Leaders Making a Difference in Mason District
I had the honor of attending and speaking at Northern Virginia Family Services Community Influencers Graduation, celebrating the incredible individuals who have completed this leadership program. These graduates represent the future of community engagement, bringing innovative ideas, dedication, and passion to improving neighborhoods across Mason District and Fairfax County.
It was inspiring to hear from the graduates about the projects and initiatives they plan to implement to strengthen community connections, enhance local programs, and make a positive impact. We look forward to hearing about the success of these dedicated individuals in the future!
| | Glen Forest Civic Association Annual Meeting | | |
Listening, Sharing, and Connecting with Our Community
Over the weekend, I had a great time talking with residents of the Glen Forest Civic Association to discuss community priorities, hear concerns, and answer questions.
These conversations are an important part of staying connected with neighbors and ensuring that local government is responsive to the needs of the community. From sharing updates on ongoing initiatives to listening to residents’ ideas, gatherings like this strengthen the partnership between elected officials and the people they serve.
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Explore Careers and Support for Job Seekers
Looking for career opportunities or guidance navigating the job market? Fairfax County and our partners are hosting upcoming events to help job seekers connect with resources and employers.
These events and resources are great opportunities to explore career pathways, get guidance, and connect with local employers.
We encourage residents to take advantage of two upcoming events in our area:
- Congressman Don Beyer will host a Federal Workers Resource Fair on Saturday, March 21, from 10 AM–12 PM at Wakefield High School. This event is designed to support displaced federal workers with resources and career opportunities.
For more information on job fairs, career programs, and workforce resources in Fairfax County, visit: Fairfax County Job Fairs and Resources
These events are great opportunities to explore career pathways, get guidance, and connect with local employers.
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From the Board Room
At this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we recognized several important observances, including April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Flood Awareness Week (March 9–14), and honored the 30th anniversary of the Imo’cron Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, as well as 50 years of Fairfax County Master Gardeners.
Expanding Regional Scam Prevention: Pause. Question. Protect.
Scams continue to be one of the fastest-growing threats facing our community. In response, the Board advanced a new unified approach to education and prevention through the “Pause. Question. Protect.” (PQP) initiative.
This three-step framework—Pause before acting, Question the source, and Protect your personal information—builds on national best practices and simplifies how residents can guard against fraud. County agencies will now work to expand outreach and ensure consistent messaging across the region, with continued collaboration with partners like the U.S. Secret Service and regional organizations.
Addressing Commercial Truck Parking Near Roadways
The Board also took action to address ongoing concerns about large commercial vehicles parking for extended periods along certain secondary roads, particularly near commercial areas. These situations can limit business access and create traffic challenges.
To address this, the Board directed staff to develop an ordinance that would allow Fairfax County to restrict parking on parts of the state secondary road system adjacent to VDOT right-of-way in non-residential areas, improving safety and accessibility.
From the Committee Room
Safety and Security Committee Meeting
At last week’s Safety and Security Committee meeting, Chief Kevin Davis presented the 2025 Crime Data Report.
The report highlights continued progress in public safety across Fairfax County, including:
- A 7% decrease in homicides, reaching the lowest rate since 2018
- A 48% decrease in carjackings
- A 19% decrease in robberies
These trends reflect ongoing efforts to enhance safety and strengthen community partnerships. More information can be found through the Fairfax County Police Webpage at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/fairfax-county-police-department.
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Budget Season is Here!
On February 17, the County Executive presented the proposed FY 2027 budget. The County’s annual budget is one of the most significant and complex responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors. It determines how we fund our schools, support public safety, maintain infrastructure, and deliver services in the year ahead.
Overall, the FY 2027 outlook is positive. As we move through this process, we want to hear directly from you — your input, feedback, and concerns matter.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt the FY 2027 Budget on May 5, 2026, with the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of the FY 2027 proposal, including detailed agency reductions, a budget dashboard, a summary document, and the full budget, please visit: Advertised Budget Plan | Management and Budget.
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FY27 Budget Process Dates
Feb. 17 - The County Executive presents the proposed budget to the Board of Supervisors. This proposal begins the public review process.
April 14-16 - Residents can provide public testimony and share feedback directly to the Board of Supervisors before decisions are finalized. Sign up at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/speakers-form, call the Clerk to the Board’s office at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711), or email clerktothebos@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.
April 28 - Board members review the proposal and consider amendments or adjustments prior to adoption.
May 5 - The Board of Supervisors votes to adopt the final budget for FY 2027.
July 1 - Fiscal Year 2027 begins
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Upcoming Special Election
A statewide special election will take place on April 21, 2026, giving Virginia voters the opportunity to decide whether to amend the state constitution as proposed in House Bill 1384. All registered voters in Virginia are eligible to participate.
Key dates to know:
You can vote early at any early voting location in the county. The Mason District Governmental Center will offer early voting April 11–18:
- Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Please note that parking at the Mason District Governmental Center is extremely limited due to ongoing construction, and voters may wish to consider another early voting location.
To learn more about what will appear on your ballot, review the official voter guide from the Fairfax County Office of Elections.
| | | Transportation and Infrastructure | |
2026 VDOT Repaving Project Map Now Available
The Virginia Department of Transportation has released its 2026 repaving project status map, allowing residents to track paving projects across the region in real time.
Using the interactive map, residents can view the status of specific road segments:
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Scheduled: Work is planned, but has not yet started
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In Progress: Paving is currently underway
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Completed: Work has been finished
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Rescheduled: Paving has been deferred to a future year
Residents can explore the map and check the status of roads in their area here: 2026 Pavement Project Status Application
For additional details or questions about specific projects, please contact VDOT directly.
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Free Tax Preparation with AARP
Mason District is pleased to once again welcome AARP Tax-Aide volunteers to provide our community with FREE TAX ASSISTANCE. Volunteers will be available at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, 6 days a week from January 30 to April 15.
Walk-Ins are welcome as are clients of all ages. Most tax returns are completed in one visit with the client present. Volunteers are certified to complete Federal and Virginia income tax returns, as well as returns for District of Columbia and Maryland residents.
To get started, complete an Intake Packet prior to arrival.
Appointments and Information are available, if needed. Call 703-249-9961 and leave a message, or visit the website at: novataxaide.org/sites/mason
Hours of operation
- Monday and Thursday: 1 pm - 8 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30 am – 1 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm
Must check-in 30 minutes before closing
Languages in addition to English
We are able to serve clients in the following languages in addition to English:
Chinese Spanish Vietnamese
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Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Fairfax County provides real estate tax relief and vehicle tax relief (only one vehicle per household) to citizens who are either 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled and meet the income and asset eligibility requirements.
Qualified taxpayers may also be eligible for tax relief for renters.
To schedule an appointment, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/appointments.
For more information, visit the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration's website, or call (703)-222-8234.
Hours are Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM (Appointments are not required).
For additional information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/real-estate/exemptions.
| | | Emergency Services Information | | | | |
Community Shredding Event | |
Back by Popular Demand
Join us for a free Mason District community shredding event at Justice High School (3301 Peace Valley Ln, Falls Church) from 9-12PM. This 3-hour event is open to Mason District and Fairfax County residents and provides a safe, secure way to dispose of personal documents. Please let us know you're coming by RSVP-ing here: Spring Shredding Event
What to know:
- Paper materials accepted, including staples, paper clips, binder clips, and spiral notebooks
- No three-ring binders or large metal bindings
- Non-paper items (CDs, tapes, X-rays, etc.) must be separated
All shredding is handled by a professional vendor and completed in compliance with federal and state data security laws, ensuring your information remains confidential.
| | Don’t Miss the Spring Book Sale | | |
George Mason Friends Spring Book Sale (April 22-April 26)
George Mason Friends will host their ever popular, semi-annual book sale from Wednesday evening, April 22 through Sunday, April 26 at the George Mason Regional Library (7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale).
The sale features high-quality used books, CDs and DVDs in various categories. Proceeds support Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, Library Foundation scholarships, Fall for the Book Festival, and programs/equipment at George Mason Regional Library. More details at georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com.
| | Spring into Senior Softball | | Stay active, meet neighbors, and play ball this season | | Are you interested in a fun, sporty summer and want to reconnect with your love of slow pitch softball? Then look no further than Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS), the largest organized senior softball league in Northern Virginia, and it’s co-ed too! NVSS offers three conferences for players of all skill levels for men over 50, and women over 40. The Spring season starts in mid-April and runs through July. To learn more about NVSS, or to sign up to play, visit nvss.org, or contact Artie Negrin at 336-596-6960. | | | Sustainability Programs: Trees & Seedlings | | |
Free Trees for Fairfax County Residents and Community Organizations
Community-based organizations can apply to receive professionally grown, landscape-quality, regionally native trees (1.5–2.0 inches in caliper, 8–10 feet tall, 130–150 pounds each) for planting on private property. All community organizations are encouraged to apply.
Learn More about Tree Distribution for Community Organizations
Fairfax County residents can also sign up to receive up to two free trees shipped directly to their homes through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Participants can choose from species selected for our local environment, and each shipment includes tree shelters and stakes to support healthy establishment. Supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis — claim your free trees and help grow Fairfax County’s tree canopy.
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Annual Native Seedling Sale
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting orders for our 2026 Annual Native Seedling Sale Program, through which we provide native trees and shrubs to Fairfax County residents at low cost.
All seedlings are native to Virginia and were chosen with advice from our friends at the Fairfax County Urban Forestry Management Division and Virginia Department of Forestry.
Sale proceeds help to support the stewardship and engagement programs offered by NVSWCD that also support Fairfax County’s Environmental Vision, including those that engage the Fairfax County community in additional local reforestation efforts, volunteer stream monitoring, our local Envirothon high school competition, storm drain marking and education, Green Breakfasts, and others.
For questions, email: conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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NATIVE PLANT SPOTLIGHT: Greenbrier
Common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is a native plant often mistaken for the invasive multiflora rose due to its similar appearance. While it can be difficult to manage, greenbrier plays an important role in supporting local wildlife.
This hardy plant thrives in a variety of conditions and provides valuable benefits to birds, small mammals, and insects. Its berries offer winter food, while its dense growth creates shelter and nesting habitat.
Though sometimes seen as a nuisance in gardens, greenbrier is an important part of our local ecosystem. Consider preserving it when possible, and only remove it if it interferes with pathways or desired plantings.
Brought to you by Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance
| | Youth Leadership Opportunities | | |
Bailey's Youth Symposium – Learn, Create, and Connect
Saturday, March 21 | Free event for elementary–high school students
Minnie H. Peyton Community Center: 5920A Summers Ln, Falls Church
From financial literacy to cooking and creative crafts, this interactive Youth Symposium offers something for every student. Workshops also include personal wellness and even a competitive gaming session focused on teamwork and healthy habits.
Click here to learn more: Youth Symposium
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Active Transportation Project Surveys Open Until March 31 | | |
Share Your Input on Mason District Transportation Projects
Fairfax County is investing millions to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety—and we want your input.
The Active Transportation Prioritization (Round 2) survey is now open, featuring potential projects in Mason District focused on safety, access, and connectivity near schools, parks, and transit.
Review the map, explore proposed projects, and share your feedback by March 31 at 4:30 PM to help guide funding decisions.
Residents can also report sidewalk gaps or maintenance issues for future consideration.
| | FY 2027 Budget: Share Your Feedback | | |
Help Shape Fairfax County’s Budget
The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the FY 2027 Advertised Budget—and your feedback will help shape the final decisions before adoption in May.
Fairfax County’s FY27 Advertised Budget outlines priorities for funding critical services like schools, public safety, transportation, housing, and community programs. As part of the budget process, the Board of Supervisors is considering possible adjustments, and community input is an important part of that discussion.
| | Fairfax County Arts Participation Survey | | |
What Arts Experiences Do You Want to See?
Arts and culture are vital to our community. Help Fairfax County design, deliver, and communicate about the kinds of performances, exhibits, events, classes and other arts experiences you want to enjoy. This survey includes demographic questions, but your responses are anonymous. Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.
Take the survey now: Fairfax County Arts Participation Survey - PublicInput
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Remove Invasive Species & Save Our Trees | | |
Only YOU can save our trees!
All are invited to participate in a “Fairfax PRISM Extravaganza,” March 12 - April 21, when people across Fairfax County will come together to rescue trees from invasive vines.
Our trees are increasingly being smothered and strangled by invasive vines and crowded out by aggressive non-native plants. To combat this growing threat, a new collaboration of public and private organizations has organized Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM — a community-wide initiative with the motto: “Only YOU can save our trees.”
Launch events are planned throughout the county, giving participants hands-on opportunities to learn about invasive plants and help rescue trees in their own communities. Those events are listed at FairfaxPRISM.org, where you can also learn about other ways to help or to get help with this work. Registration is required for the tree rescue events because of limited parking in some locations.
| | Support Women in Our Community This Women’s History Month | | | | |
Donate essential hygiene products at the Mason Government Center
In honor of Women’s History Month, we invite you to give back in a simple but meaningful way. Donate new, unopened feminine hygiene products at the Mason Government Center to help support women and girls in our community.
Access to these essential items is not always guaranteed — your contribution can make a real difference in someone’s daily life.
Donations will be accepted through the end of the month.
| | Make a Difference as Shelter Season Ends | | |
Help Our Neighbors Transition When Shelter Season Ends
At the end of March, the winter Hypothermia Shelter program will close for the season. For more than 400 of our neighbors, that means leaving the safety of shelter — often without knowing where they will sleep next.
Despite the tireless work of housing programs across our community, nearly 75% of those leaving shelter will return to places not designed for human habitation.
To help ease this transition, FACETS is preparing 400 Transition Kits for people leaving shelter — each costing $200 and filled with simple essentials that help someone survive the instability ahead.
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Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason
Email: Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone: 703-256-7717
Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm
Fairfax County does not discuss individuals’ personal information unless authorized or required to do so by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act or other law. Any e-mail or other correspondence sent to a member of the Board of Supervisors, or any other public official and/or employee of Fairfax County may be subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
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