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Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to send letters of support, or share your concerns, for undergrounding utilities on Richmond Highway. Very regrettably, last week’s Board discussion did not bring the support for either establishing an undergrounding funding reserve, or to move forward with planning for undergrounding on Richmond Highway as part of the widening and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects slated for the coming years. The biggest concern is the potential loss of $334 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds on one of the largest, decades in the making, transit projects in the Country – the BRT. Chairman Jeff McKay and I will be meeting in the coming weeks with our federal legislators and the FTA to discuss how FTA funds can support this project with the additional undergrounding costs and its potential delays. I will keep you informed, as always.

Recently, the federal government rolled out a new mental health crisis and support line – 9-8-8. By calling or texting 9-8-8, residents can access mental health care support 24 hours a day. This new support line is critical in connecting people in need with life saving support services. Here in Fairfax County, it is just one tool in a multi-faceted approach to providing holistic behavioral health care that is responsive to an individual's needs.

Last Tuesday, we had another successful National Night Out with 12 communities coming together with our public safety officers to celebrate and promote police and community partnerships. Our police are vital to maintaining Fairfax County’s record as the safest jurisdiction of our size. Earlier this year, I voted with my colleagues 9-1 to increase police pay to be competitive with surrounding areas. Police here and around the country are experiencing staff shortages and last week FCPD announced temporary changes to officers’ shifts to help address position vacancies. While staff vacancies remain challenging, and must be filled, I am committed to ensuring police pay, benefits, and the breadth of professional opportunities continue to be the best in our area. I greatly appreciate their sacrifices, continued professionalism, and dedication to the safety of our residents.

As summer winds down, I would like to take a moment to thank our summer Youth Leadership Intern, Sarah Rivera-Rivera. TEAM MVD appreciated the opportunity to get to know Sarah, share how we daily engage with our community and guide her through the ins and outs of County government. You can learn more about the Youth Leadership Program here.

Thank you Sarah Rivera-Rivera!

I would also like to introduce you to our newest team member, Cassidy Donaghy. Cassidy will wear several hats in our office as Communications Support, Event Coordination & Community Outreach. Cassidy is a recent graduate of James Madison University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and attended South County High School. Having lived in Mason Neck her whole life, she is extremely excited to give back and work for the community that raised her. In her free time Cassidy loves to sing, cook, and enjoy the outdoors, especially Mason Neck State Park.

Have a great rest of your summer, whether you are heading to the beach, hiking in the mountains or getting the kiddos ready to go back to school!

Dan Storck 

Para subscribirse para nuestro boletín en español o si conoce a alguien quien quiera subscribirse, o para hablar con un hispanohablante, comuníquese con Madeleine Carcamo Reyes a su preferencia, por teléfono al (703) 780-7518 o por correo electrónico: [email protected].

Join the Office of the Fire Marshal as they give a sneak peek to record types coming to the new Planning and Land Use System in Release 4. This sneak peek will focus on record types of interest to contractors including Fire Alarm, Sprinkler System, Underground Line, and more! This session will review how these records will work in the new PLUS platform and how processes will be streamlined for customers.

Wednesday, August 17 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Register Here!

Join the Department of Planning and Development as they review frequently asked questions related to the application process for specific applications in the Zoning module. This session will include a focus on Rezoning and Special Exemption applications.

Wednesday, August 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15p.m. Register Here!

​A new 9-8-8 crisis and support hotline is now active across the United States, including here in Fairfax County. Dialing either 9-8-8 or the existing NSPL number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will connect you to behavioral health care and support 24 hours a day. Virginia continues to invest in building capacity to enhance community-based crisis services. Learn more...

The County has launched a webpage that contains information on reproductive healthcare, reproductive rights in Virginia as well as health resources for women. Learn more...

The CSB offers 24/7 emergency behavioral health services to all County residents. Mobile crisis units, walk-in emergency services, and substance use and detox programs are all also available. Recently, our County Health Department partnered with the CSB to develop a webinar explaining how to access services when experiencing a mental health crisis. Click the link to watch a recording of this webinar. Learn more.... 

The County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) invites nonprofit safety net organizations to apply for a new round of grants funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The pandemic and its lingering effects have negatively impacted nonprofits through reduced revenues, increased expenses and community need, and persistent staffing concerns. These grants are intended to help nonprofit safety net organizations mitigate those impacts and remain sustainable partners in serving our community. Learn more...

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) passengers will ride free during September and between certain stations in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia during October, following a vote of the VRE Operations Board in July. The decision to suspend fares will make VRE a more attractive and viable option for Metrorail riders during the closure of Blue and Yellow Line stations south of Reagan National Airport, slated to begin September 10, and those returning to work post-Labor Day. Learn more...

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be closing the Alban Road bridge over Accotink Creek about a half a mile north of Rolling Road on August 13 for approximately 5 weeks to make urgent repairs. A detour will be in place during the repairs with variable message signs in place notifying drivers in advance. The signed detour route will be Rolling Road, Fullerton Road and Boudinot Drive. Learn more...

You should have received your Personal Property Tax bill and I know many of you have questions. About 90% of vehicles have gained in value from 2022 as compared to 12% in 2021. The Department of Tax Administration has put together an FAQ that can be found here. Payments on My Fairfax portal can be stored in advance to pay on October 5th. Learn more...

We had a great time visiting with neighbors at this year's National Night Out!

Are you, or someone you know, going to college this year? For many young adults, college is the first time away from home. Campus life should be a fun, rewarding and life-changing experience. However, there is no sure way of ensuring a crime free campus, but there are ways of reducing the risk of being a victim of crime. This presentation teaches easy to understand ways you can increase awareness and prevent criminal confrontations. The one-hour lecture will give you the tools you need to develop your own personal safety strategy, including information about phone security, campus security, technology security, social media awareness and self-defense options.

The presentation is free and will be at the West Springfield Government Center (6140 Rolling Road) on Saturday, August 13, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. For questions, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or [email protected]. Register here...

Captain John Lieb serves as the Commander of the Franconia Police District, overseeing nearly 51 square miles that encompass Springfield, Annandale and Lorton. He oversees a staff of nearly 140 sworn officers and 30 professional staff and volunteers. After growing up in Pittsburgh, Captain Lieb attended Duquesne University, graduating with a degree in Criminology. He joined the FCPD in October, 2003.

Captain Lieb worked as a patrol officer in both the McLean and Sully Districts. He was also a detective in the Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau. As a supervisor, Captain Lieb oversaw several different patrol squads, including a Selective Enforcement team that worked to resolve complex traffic issues and enhance the safety of pedestrians and motorists in Tysons Corner, VA., and other high-volume traffic areas. Captain Lieb is an active member of our Crisis Negotiations Team, trained to assist during mental health crises, barricade situations and other critical incidents.

In his spare time, Captain Lieb loves spending time with his wife and two kids, a seven-year-old and a three-year-old. He’s also a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan – especially the Penguins! 🏒 Learn more about Captain Lieb...

In the County there are many opportunities to recycle and do our part for the environment. Here are some reminders of easy steps you can take:

Once a native tree gets established, little if any care may be needed for the next twenty years or so. Our oaks and other native trees evolved here and are accustomed to the local soils and our variable temperatures and rainfall, although these 90+ degree days are adding to the stress of living in an urban or suburban environment. Because older trees may start to develop issues, it is wise to have those that are near houses inspected every two years by an independent consulting arborist, meaning one who has no financial incentive to sell tree care services. They can recommend procedures that may prevent a tree from becoming hazardous. Even better, they may be able to provide reassurance, for instance, that a tree that is leaning a little may be quite stable, despite the dire warnings of a marketing representative from a tree company that is eager to keep its crew busy. Always use the services of arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Learn more...

The Fairfax County Park Authority will honor 21 individual volunteers named 2022 Outstanding Volunteers and selected by their peers from across the park system. Volunteers are at the core of the agency’s ability to provide excellent service to millions of visitors each year. Approximately 4,000 volunteers give of their time and talent annually and take on a multitude of tasks. Outstanding volunteers in our area include:

Fairfax County is exploring being the first Virginia locality to create a “green bank” as a way to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In a presentation to the Board of Supervisors’ environmental committee last week, County staff said a green bank can help spur investments in clean energy. Essentially, a green bank is a publicly-funded financial institution that helps fund, develop, and support clean energy technologies for both residential and commercial entities. Supervisor Storck says that it could "not only benefits Fairfax County residents but also other counties around us". Read more on FFX Now...

Between January and May, Fairfax County’s new plastic-bag tax has brought in $511,000 in revenue, and County officials have ideas where those funds should go. The Board of Supervisors at its July 26 Environmental Committee briefly reviewed a July 19 memorandum from Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination Director Kambiz Agazi that outlined the bag-tax program’s early results. Supervisor Storck says, “This is an opportunity for us to repurpose those funds, if you will, for ways hopefully to continue to make a difference in our environmental management”. Read more on the Sun Gazette...

Part of the requirements to earn Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America is completing a service project. For Eagle Scout candidate Omar E. Thondique II of Troop 1906 in the Gum Springs area, his project was inspired by being in a military family and his passion for history. Thondique's project added a section to the boardwalk at Manassas National Battlefield Park, a national park that was the site of a major Civil War battle. During a spring break visit to Manassas National Battlefield Park, Thondique realized he could help improve the experience for visitors who walk through wet, muddy fields to some of the park's monuments during rainy weather. Read more on the Patch...

By 2023, our mission is to create a roadmap to transform the Workhouse Campus into a vibrant, arts-focused, multi-use campus that realizes its development potential while maintaining, protecting and leveraging the site’s historic character, assets and resources. To take the next steps in this mission, we need to hear what the greater Lorton community has to say. Please join us for a public meeting on August 17 at 7 p.m. to hear about the overall vision that Supervisor Storck, Fairfax County and the Workhouse Arts Foundation is developing, and share your input. You can also take the community survey. Learn more...

Effective August 14, all regional and community Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) branches are moving to a modified schedule due to ongoing staff recruitment challenges. Learn more...

The National Society Descendants of American Railroad Workers was formed in 2021 to honor and preserve the legacy of “our ancestors whose hard work enabled the expansion and prosperity of our country.” Amanda Morris, one of the founders of this organization, will speak at the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society’s August 16 meeting. She’ll discuss how this new organization plans to accomplish its goals through genealogical documentation, education and support for historical preservation efforts related to American railroad history. She’ll also share sources that will help you document the railroad workers in your family history.

This FREE presentation will be streamed on ZOOM on Tuesday, August 16, 1-3 p.m. or LIVE at 1500 Shenandoah Rd. Register by emailing [email protected]. Learn more about MVGS...

Fairfax County recently ranked No. 2 in the 2022 Digital Counties Survey by The Center for Digital Government, in partnership with National Association of Counties. The survey identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage open data, collaboration, and shared services, enhance cybersecurity and contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts. Learn more...

A Fairfax County Fire and Rescue effort, Fire Fighters and Friends plans to distribute approximately 1,500 backpacks with school supplies on August 16 and 17 in our community.

All are welcome and you can donate to this effort here.

The Lorton Community Action Center is also collecting school supplies for local students. Learn more...

Would you like to have a unique and interesting volunteer experience while making a difference in a school, classroom, family, or in one child’s life? Join GrandInvolve, a nonprofit program that facilitates volunteer opportunities in 25 of Fairfax County’s Title I Elementary Schools! GrandInvolve is currently recruiting adult volunteers who are interested in providing classroom assistance with math, reading and other simple educational tasks that the teacher requests. For a rewarding experience with flexible hours and various responsibilities, consider volunteering with GrandInvolve for this coming school year. Find more information (including an automated Volunteer Interest Form) at Questions? Email [email protected].

The saying "April showers bring May flowers" must be true, because 9-year-old Azalea is ready to bloom in your household! Azalea has the most beautiful torbie pattern to her coat and could easy be the star of any botanical themed cat show. She loves her play time - especially toy mice, cat wands and laser pointers! Azalea came to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter because she wasn't enthused about a new addition to the household. It is very normal for cats to take some time to adjust to changes in their environment, just like plants! With a calm, nurturing environment (AKA the fertilizer), this Azalea will grow into a vibrant loyal companion.

If you'd like to meet her, stop in during open hours at the Animal Shelter! That's right, the shelter has returned to walk-in hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. For more info on the adoption process and other pets available for adoption, visit here.

Did you know: Because of synthetic materials, furniture and construction, fire spreads faster than ever before. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reminds residents how important it is to have working smoke alarms, escape plans and a designated meeting place in case of a fire. Closing your doors is also important for your safety. Closed doors can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped. Learn more...

Mount Vernon District Staff (clockwise): Supervisor Dan Storck, Camela Speer, Peyton Smith, Maddie Carcamo Reyes, Christine Morin, Volunteer Shirley Short, Cassidy Donaghy and Nick Rinehart.

Whether you need a notary, a "Slow Down" sign, Mosquito Dunks, or you would like to reserve meeting space in the Mount Vernon Governmental Center -- my office offers all this at no cost to you. Have road maintenance requests, zoning questions, environmental concerns, or need COVID-19 vaccine information? Stop by the Mount Vernon District Office anytime during our office hours, call or email us. We are here to help!

Stay Connected: 

[email protected] 

MV District Office: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Help serve your community by serving on a Fairfax County Board, Authority or Commission (BAC). Please ask your friends, neighbors and community members if they are willing to help serve Fairfax County.

To harness the power of every individual through education, training and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds. To build on community strengths to develop action plans to involve the whole community, including special needs groups. To focus on public education, training and volunteer opportunities for community and family safety. To promote and oversee Citizen Corps programs. To provide opportunities for special skills and interests. To Identify best practices and report accomplishments.

To review human services needs and assess the effectiveness of the human services delivery system; to report annually on the conditions and effectiveness of the human services delivery system; to develop a more effective and efficient human services delivery system; to enhance coordination of services among human services providers, both public and private; to recommend annual service delivery goals, objectives, and priorities for human services organization, with consideration of the requirements of non-county funding sources; to develop and oversee a five-year long range comprehensive human services plan which establishes goals, objectives and priorities; to educate the community, in consultation with the Board of Supervisors, on human services; to review and transmit to the Board of Supervisors a program-oriented budget for human services; and to review the annual Capital Improvement Plan and provide appropriate comments to the Board of Supervisors.

There are several At-Large positions available as of December 2021 on County BACs.

Volunteering on these committees increases citizen participation in our District. If you are interested in serving on a county board, authority, commission, or committee (BAC), please provide a current résumé to [email protected]. For more information, please download the brochure for a brief guide to BACs, or learn more on the County website. You can also check out the County's Volunteer Management System for information on these and other volunteer opportunities near you.

Join us for the 7th Annual Community Bike Ride on Saturday, October 22 at 8:30 am- starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center. The Tour de Mount Vernon brings cyclists on a fun ride through the southern and central portions of the Mount Vernon District including a scenic route through Fort Belvoir. The route consists of paved roads, paved trails and has several challenging sections. Ride monitors and Fairfax County Police help with directions and keep everyone safe. Registration will open soon! Learn more...