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As we go into the holiday season and the end of 2022, I am reminded of the many things I am grateful for – family, friends, health, community, and so much more. I am also very grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Mount Vernon District Supervisor. Our office is your resource for everything from trash collection to transportation, new housing to senior services, and much more. To meet Team MVD and learn more about what our office has to offer you, please join us for our Annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center. We will have refreshments and light snacks.
I am also thankful to the many new businesses that have opened in our area in 2022! We have held ribbon cuttings for Amazon Fresh and Popeyes in Lorton, Della J’s Delectables and several other new restaurants along the Richmond Highway corridor, and just this week, Ourisman Kia of Alexandria located in Woodlawn. I invite you join me for the next grand opening of Panera in Lorton (Lorton Market Street) on Wednesday, December 14 at 10 a.m. We welcome all of these new business owners and encourage you to visit and support our local eateries. In fact, the holiday season is a wonderful time to shop local, give local and celebrate your special occasions locally. Our small businesses certainly appreciate you! To help with ideas and suggestions, Visit Fairfax has produced a Made In Fairfax Holiday Gift Guide and a holiday to-do list with 31 Days of Holiday Happiness. Additionally, the County has compiled a 2022 Holiday Giving Guide of local non-profits you can support during the holiday season, and all year long.
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In this Newsletter:
Ourisman Kia
Upcoming Events
Land Use
Health, Housing & Human Services
Transportation
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
In the News
Community Information
Pet Adoption Corner
Giving
Important Safety Information
Team MVD
Boards, Authorities, Commissions
| November 15 was Celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day. To commemorate the day I welcomed a new Glass Recycling Purple Bin at the Saratoga Park and Ride with Supervisor Pat Herrity and local residents. | |
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In this time of giving, I hope you will consider giving not just your time, talents and treasures, but most importantly your kindness. At a time when there is much political and social divide, media strife and economic challenges, we can all use an extra smile, a kind word, a small compliment or a big hug. If we each take a little extra time this season to share the warmth, I know it will make a difference.
As the year winds down, Team MVD is hard at work planning our First Day Hike for January 1, 2023! More details to follow soon. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year!
Respectfully yours in public service,
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Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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Celebrating Our Community | |
Ourisman Kia of Alexandria Grand Opening | |
I was very pleased to attend the Ourisman Kia of Alexandria Grand Opening on November 29. I was joined by Chairman Jeff McKay, Delegate Paul Krizek, the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, Delegate Mark Sickles and Good Shepherd Housing for this celebration. It has been a pleasure to see so many new businesses opening up on the Richmond Highway corridor and I look forward to watching the District continue to grow. | |
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: Madeleine.CarcamoReyes@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Adult Protective Services
(703) 324-7450, TTY 703-449-1186
Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line
(703) 324-7948, TTY 711
Child Protective Services (24/7)
(703) 324-7400, TTY 703-222-9452
Domestic & Sexual Violence (24/7)
(703) 360-7273, TTY 711
Emergency & Basic Needs
(703) 222-0880, TTY 711
Emergency Mental Health (24/7)
(703) 573-5679, TTY 711
Fairfax County Emergency Information Line
(703) 817-7771, TTY 711
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Fire Code-Related Questions
(703) 246-48491, TTY 711
Fraud Hotline
(703) 787-3243
Police Non-Emergency Line
(703) 691-2131
Roads: VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation)
1 (800) FOR-ROAD or 1 (800) 367-7623, TTY 711
Suicide Prevention (24/7)
Call: (703) 527-4077
Text: "CONNECT" to 85511
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events
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2022 James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards Recipients
Established in 1984, the Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards recognize achievement in the total design of a building and its site. The awards aim to raise awareness of outstanding planning and design projects among design professionals and the general public. This year two of the Merit Award winning projects were in the Mount Vernon District. Congratulations to Robert E. Beach Architects, LLC and Maginnis and del Ninno Architects!
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Merit Award
Project: Turning Point Suffragist Memorial and Gardens
9751 Ox Road, Lorton
Architect: Robert E. Beach Architects, LLC
Category: Institutional
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Merit Award
Project: Waynewood Elementary School Modernization + Additions
1205 Waynewood Boulevard, Alexandria
Architect: Maginniss + del Ninno Architects
Category: Institutional
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SSPA Nominations Update
The Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) nominations received during the October 2022 nomination period have been posted to the Track a Nomination website. The nominations will advance to the Board of Supervisors for acceptance into the SSPA screening process on December 6. Staff and the community will review the accepted nominations in a series of community meetings in January 2023. Following the community meetings, the Planning Commission will hold a public workshop in February 2023 to consider and recommend nominations to be added to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program. Board action on the revised Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program is anticipated in March 2023.
Additional information on the 2022-2023 Countywide SSPA process can be found on the SSPA website, including:
Questions regarding the SSPA process can be directed to Graham Owen, 703-324-2771 or email.
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Health, Housing & Human Services | |
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Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
Thanks to the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), Fairfax Water can now offer assistance to eligible customers who need assistance with their water and wastewater bills. The application and additional info on the program are available here. Residents can call 1-888-373-9908 to apply. Information is also available on the Fairfax Water website.
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Hypothermia Prevention Program
Since 2005, the Fairfax County Hypothermia Prevention Program has prevented death and serious injuries among people experiencing homelessness by ensuring that no one must sleep outside during the winter months. This program - available to any adult in need of immediate shelter - provides warm shelter, food and other supportive services to help connect guests to a variety of basic needs such as clothing, employment, housing and more. It remains a highly effective partnership between government, nonprofits and the faith community. The program opened countywide on December 1, and ends the morning of April 1, 2023. After April 1, the County shelters activate overflow capacity during extreme weather events and unseasonably high or low temperatures. Learn more...
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George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail Study
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on a proposed plan and environmental assessment to improve the southern portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Mount Vernon Trail. The project would improve safety and address maintenance needs along the parkway and the trail.
Virtual public meeting
The NPS will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, December 6, at 7 p.m., using GoTo Webinar. The meeting will last approximately 1.5 hours and there will be an opportunity to submit questions. You do not need to pre-register for the meeting.
GoTo Link: Webinar ID: 314-024-315
Online Comments
You can submit comments online or view additional information. Comments are requested by January 4, 2023. The public meeting recording will be posted at this site for you to review if you are not able to attend the live session. Learn more, including where to mail comments...
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Community Advisory Committee Meeting | |
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Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m.
In-Person
West Springfield District Station
6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield
The CAC meetings offer the community a chance to communicate more effectively with officers of the Fairfax County Police Department. This week's meeting will have a speaker from the FCPD Tysons Urban Team.
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All About Recycling: What You Need to Know About Reusing Waste
When we reduce, reuse and recycle our trash, we lessen our environmental impact. Increasing recycling means fewer items end up in landfills, which helps conserve energy, decrease air and water pollution, maintain our natural resources and reduce greenhouse gases. However, here in Fairfax, our trash goes to the Waste-to-Energy Plant where it is burned to produce electricity. Here's what you should know about recycling in Fairfax County...
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Help Control Invasive Plants
Join the Friends of Dyke Marsh at 10 a.m. on December 17, January 16 and February 4 and 18 and help tackle invasive plants. Meet at the Haul Road Trail entrance bulletin board. Bring water, gloves, hand clippers and a lopper, if you have one. The Friends will supply instructions, examples of targeted plants, trash bags, and will have a few hand clippers and loppers to share. Wear long sleeves, pants and sturdy shoes. Sign up by sending an email and put “Invasive Plants” in the subject box. Indicate which date(s) you will participate. The Friends kindly ask that you not bring pets.
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Fairfax County's 'Most Wanted' Arrested in Alexandria
The man whom police called “Fairfax County’s most wanted” on Wednesday is under arrest Thursday. Kyjuan Omar Braxton Trott-McLean, 43, of Mount Vernon, was arrested Thursday afternoon on Colonial Avenue, near Woodley Hills Elementary School “after a short vehicle pursuit” that ended in a controlled maneuver to stop his vehicle, the Fairfax County police said in a tweet at about 1:30 p.m. Read more from WTOP news...
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Police Make Arrest in Burglaries of Latino Restaurants in Mount Vernon
A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly burglarizing two Latino restaurants in Mount Vernon earlier this month, Fairfax County police announced last week. The man has been charged with four counts each of burglary and destruction of property, vehicle tampering and petit larceny. Read more on FFX Now...
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Top it Off's Dawn Gloves Selected as One of Oprah's Favorite Things 2022
Top it Off was featured in Oprah's Favorite Things 2022 List for their Dawn Gloves. Top It Off Co-owner Karena Rasser is based in right here in Mount Vernon in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. As Oprah says “These gloves are from a female-owned business called Top It Off Accessories, and I am going to top them off by giving them with some hand cream. The plaid print is a crowd-pleaser, and you can keep them on while you use your phone thanks to touchscreen capabilities.” Congratulations Top if Off and to Karena Rasser on this achievement. Read more about Oprah's Favorite Things 2022...
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Season of Giving is Underway for Local Nonprofits
As the holidays approach Fairfax County charities and nonprofits prepare for a season of giving. According to Ron Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Alice’s Kids in Mount Vernon, gift cards help kids and families feel normal. Sending gift cards allows families to purchase their own gifts and other necessities. Alice’s Kids is dedicated to helping families with the little things so they can focus on the holidays and other essentials. Read more in the Fairfax County Times...
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Farmers Markets are Still Open
Did you know you can still go to the Farmers Market in December? While it may be getting colder, there are still three locations in Fairfax County that have extended the season, including the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market open until December 21. Shopping at your local farmers market through the fall and into the winter is a great way to celebrate all that the season has to offer, while supporting local farmers, businesses and communities. Learn more...
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Made in Fairfax Gift Guide
Fairfax County has great options for all your gifting needs this year. Check out Made in Fairfax: Your 2022 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring dozens of artisans who create a variety of products in the County like custom furniture, baked goods, jewelry and more.
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Join the Friends of Mason Neck State Park at their Annual Holiday Celebration, Swanfall
December 4 at 2 p.m.
Ann Mason Room of Gunston Hall
10709 Gunston Rd., Lorton
Register
Tundra Swans return to the Great Marsh on Mason Neck each fall, migrating from eastern Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. Learn all about them at the annual Swanfall holiday celebration with the Friends of Mason Neck State Park.
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Artist Residency Program
ArtsFairfax is expanding the Artist Residency Program to new locations throughout the County. Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the ArtsFairfax Artist Residency Program will embed professional performing and visual artists at a County park, library, school, community center and an affordable housing community to bring interactive arts opportunities to neighborhoods underserved in the arts. Two locations are here in the Mount Vernon District:
- Original Mount Vernon High School
- Partner: Neighborhood & Community Services
- Artist & Discipline: Katherine Zukeri, Dance
- Woodley Hills Elementary School
- Partner: Fairfax County Public Schools
- Artist & Discipline: Danielle Badra, Poetry
Learn more about the Artist Residency Program...
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Public Listening Sessions Regarding the Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Communities in Virginia
The Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) and the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB) are jointly hosting a series of town hall style listening sessions around the state, including one in Fairfax County on Saturday, December 3, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. The OAA’s Board of Directors will use these listening sessions to collect feedback that will be useful in determining funding priorities and decisions about grant applications that will be made available as a result of multiple legal settlements from opioid manufacturers, distributers and pharmaceutical companies. The sessions are open to the general public. Reserve a seat for the sessions...
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Make your Pitch with Fairfax County’s New Vendor Pitch Portal
Interested in doing business with Fairfax County? Connect your business directly with department staff buyers through the new Vendor Pitch Portal (VPP), an easy way to present your business idea, product or service offering to County agencies and departments, and Fairfax County Public Schools all at the same time!
VPP is a platform for prospective vendors to submit product/service information for distribution to all County and FCPS central purchasing entities and decision makers. It’s a way to get your product or service noticed by someone who might buy it! This is just another way that Fairfax County is increasing opportunities for small and diverse business owners. The submission process for prospective vendors includes attending a free workshop and completing a form. Pitches are then routed to purchasing contacts within each department for review. Vendor pitches are available for one year. Learn more...
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The Mason Vision Series
The Mason Vision Series, a forum for Mason scholars to share their work with university colleagues and the community, continues on December 7 from 7-8 p.m. with Real Characters, Imagined Events: Celebrities and Historic Figures as Fodder for the Stage featuring Djola Branner, Director of the School of Theater. The discourse will examine how contemporary playwrights and directors are weaving fact and fiction, and creating theater that is at once entertaining, thought-provoking and inspiring. The presentation will be accessible on GMU-TV. Learn more and register...
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Meet Gordie
Gordie the ~6-year-old, 15 lb chunky boy is looking for a home! Gordie comes with a beautiful white and tabby combination coat, and big green eyes that stare into your soul. Gordie came to the County Animal Shelter as a stray, so we do not know much about his history. He was found in the middle of the road in rough shape by an officer. Gordie has since been to the vet and has been prepared for adoption. Gordie is initially timid, but take the time for him to get to know you at his own pace. Gordie just wants a nice, relaxing, loving home to share with his forever family.
If you'd like to meet Gordie, or any of the adoptable pets, go in during open hours! For more info on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, click here...
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December is a great time to give back to the community. Below are four ways to help others have a wonderful and warm holiday season.
- Santa's Ride
- For over 30 years, the Fairfax County Police Department motor unit has been collecting toys and delivering them to children in area hospitals and local charities during the holidays. Help support the Santa’s Ride by dropping off new and unwrapped toys, books or games in the in the lobby of Mount Vernon District Station - or any County Police Station. Please place gifts in the marked tall box before Monday, December 12 at 9 a.m. Learn more...
- Mount Vernon District Station Toy Drive
- The Mount Vernon District Station is collecting toys for the Hybla Valley Community Center Holiday Celebration. Please donate new, unopened toys to the Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane) in the blue bin by Friday, December 16. Learn more...
- Toys for Tots
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Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is collecting new, unwrapped toy donations at all fire and rescue stations. Collection boxes will be placed outside fire stations each morning and will be available until 8 p.m. daily until December 12. Checks or money orders may be made payable to Toys for Tots. Learn more...
- RPSV Coats and Cookies
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Coats: Warm clothing and coats are needed in adult sizes, as well as gloves, scarves, hats, hand warmers, blankets, belts and sleeping bags for those without a home in our community. Drop off locations...
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Cookies: Help create a special memory for homeless adults or for individuals who are alone during the holidays! Sign up to donate a cookies in sealed containers, by sending an email. Deliver your cookies to any center between December 7-12 for their holiday parties where they will be distributed.
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Important Safety Information | |
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Free Testing for COVID-19
PCR testing is available with results in 1-2 days. There is no appointment necessary, no registration required, no ID needed and no out-of-pocket costs. Testing occurs every Wednesday at Groveton Baptist Church from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Other testing locations...
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Information
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus, a virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV is currently circulating in the Fairfax Health District. Data from emergency departments and urgent care centers in the community has shown a rapid increase in the number of people who have been diagnosed with RSV since early September. Practice healthy habits to reduce the chance of RSV infection. Learn more about symptoms, who is at risk, prevention and more...
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COVID-19 Updates
VDH is sending text and voice message reminders to residents across Virginia (aged 50 and over) to remind them that they are eligible for COVID-19 bivalent boosters. The campaign begins in several health districts across the state this week, including ours. More information is available on the FCHD website.
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Code Compliance - Running Bamboo
On January 1, 2023, regulations on running bamboo will go in effect in Fairfax County. While DCC will not be taking running bamboo complaints until the regulations take effect, this month is an opportunity to preview the regulations for constituents. The following resources are available to be prepared for this new ordinance:
- What is running bamboo and what is your responsibility as an owner?
- Fairfax County’s running bamboo topics webpage.
- Fairfax County Podcast: The Issues with Running Bamboo and a New Ordinance to Address the Problem
Basic Things to know about Running Bamboo Enforcement
- Starting January 1, complaints about potential running bamboo violations can be made on the DCC website, or by telephone during regular hours, at 703-324-1300.
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Even without a complaint filed against them, property owners are expected to be aware of the bamboo on their property and to voluntarily take measures to contain it, so it does not spread onto adjacent properties or into the public right-of-way.
- There is no requirement to remove the bamboo, only to contain it.
- A property owner is only responsible for containing the bamboo on their own property, and is not responsible for bamboo that may have spread onto an adjacent neighbor’s property.
- The County will work with citizens and provide ample time for them to contain their bamboo, with fines reluctantly sought only as a last resort for those who do not voluntarily come into compliance.
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Mount Vernon District Staff (top row left to right): Christine Morin, Cassidy Donaghy, Camela Speer, Maddie Carcamo Reyes, (bottom row left to right) Peyton Smith, Volunteer Shirley Short, Nick Rinehart and Supervisor Dan Storck. | |
Whether you need a notary, a "Slow Down" yard 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! | |
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November 2022 Activities:
- Phone calls: 664
- Meetings: 269
Stay Connected:
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane
Mount Vernon, VA 22306
703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)
mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov
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Office Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday:
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Second Saturday Each Month
Lorton Library: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Walk-ins and by appointment
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Boards, Authorities and Commissions | |
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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.
Citizen Corps Council
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.
Human Services Council
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.
Wetlands Board
The board shall preserve and prevent the despoliation and destruction of wetlands within its jurisdiction while accommodating necessary economic development in a manner consistent with wetlands preservation. The objectives and procedures of the Fairfax County Wetlands Board (the Board or the Wetlands Board) are those set forth in Title 28.2, Chapter 13 of the Code of Virginia, (Virginia State Wetlands Act) and in Chapter 116 of the Code of Fairfax County (Wetlands Zoning Ordinance).
Criminal Justice Advisory Board
To receive and coordinate all phases of planning for the Criminal Justice System in the County of Fairfax and to furnish its advice and recommendations to the County Executive and, as appropriate, to the Board of Supervisors. Reestablished to continue in an advisory capacity though no longer required by Federal Law.
There are several At-Large positions available as of December 2022 on County BACs.
- Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Alternate & Design Professional)
- Board of Equalization of Real Estate
- Engineering Standard Review Committee
- Health Systems Agency Board
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Human Rights Commission
- Police Civilian Review Panel
Learn more about any of these 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 mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov. 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.
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