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WOW, 2025 is here, bringing a fresh new year, full of possibility, changes, new connections and snowfall! With the severe winter weather we are experiencing, if you or someone you know requires immediate shelter, please refer to the Hypothermia Prevention Program homepage. Here along Richmond Highway, we have two locations: the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter, 9155 Richmond Highway, open 24/7, and Rising Hope United Methodist Church, 8220 Russell Road, open from 6:30 p.m. – 7 a.m. For additional snow and winter weather related questions, click here.
Last week to kick things off, I hosted my annual First Hike on January 1 with the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail. The hike featured the Mount Vernon Trail and an informative tour of River Farm with beautiful views of the Potomac River. Despite the blustery weather, about 50 people joined us for an energetic and fun start to the year.
Reflecting on 2024, we accomplished a lot together. We launched the illegal truck parking reporter tool, expanded our communications with you and created new opportunities in early childhood education and mental health. We welcomed new businesses, introduced the CEO (Council for Economic Opportunities) business roundtable and the CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs) initiatives, celebrated the groundbreaking of the final phase of the OMVHS redevelopment project and opened a new concessions and restrooms building in partnership with Woodlawn Little League. Take a look below at some additional data we collected!
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In this Newsletter:
Upcoming Events
Land Use
Transportation
Health, Housing & Human Services
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
In the News
Community Information
Supporting Our Students
Community Links
Pet Adoption Corner
Important Safety Information
Team MVD
Boards, Authorities & Commissions
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Looking ahead, 2025 will be filled with more progress, excitement and getting stuff done in the MVD! This year, we’ll celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center, begin site planning for the new Mount Vernon Governmental Center and launch a brand-new forum for smaller Mount Vernon businesses. We’ll also advance the Lorton Visioning 2040 Plan Amendments, work on increasing Housing for All and break ground on the new Gunston Fire Station and I-95 Complex 5MW solar field. We’ll also kick off new events, like the Nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations with our Potomac Banks partners and a first-ever MVD Summer Palooza! Alongside these initiatives, we will continue to advocate for increased funding for our schools. Current state school funding is $1,900+/student below a national average, as identified in a state study. Funding just to this level could reduce property owner's average tax bill by $1,300 annually. Click here to learn more.
For a full overview of our 2024 Accomplishments and 2025 Focus and Investments, keep your eyes peeled for our Annual Mailer – Supervisor Dan Storck’s Advisor – coming to your mailbox later this month.
Save the Date! Join us to learn what we have in "common" at the 38th Annual Mount Vernon District Town Meeting on Saturday, February 8 at Mount Vernon High School! This year, the meeting starts a little later, with the exhibit hall opening at 8:30 a.m., featuring dozens of County and local agencies and KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs. The program begins at 10 a.m. and will include community updates, Q&A sessions with local leaders, a virtual tour of the District and an exciting reveal of the new name, logo and identity for the OMVHS redevelopment project. See you there!
Respectfully yours in public service,
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Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events
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2025 Countywide SSPA Process Nominations
The County’s Site-Specific Plan Amendment Process (SSPA) gives the public a way to propose a land use policy change in the Comprehensive Plan for a site or collection of parcels. This is a bi-annual, countywide cycle for reviewing site-specific proposals, called nominations, to change the Comprehensive Plan’s land use recommendations. The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document for land use and development decisions in Fairfax County and sets forth the community’s vision for the future. With the property owner's consent, anyone can submit a proposal for site-specific land use changes.
The 2025 Countywide Site-Specific Plan Amendment nomination period will be open from January 13 - February 13. Submit your nominations via PLUS. Learn more.
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Richmond Highway Corridor Open House
Wednesday, January 15, 7 - 9 p.m.
Gerry Hyland Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy, Room 221 A,B,C
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation, Department of Planning and Development and the Virginia Department of Transportation will present updates on the Richmond Highway Corridor. The presentations will be followed by an open house.
- The meeting will be conducted in English with Spanish translation available.
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On-site childcare will be available - email the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) to request.
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Shuttle service from the Gum Springs and Hybla Valley Community Centers - email NCS to reserve transportation.
Learn more.
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RHBRT Executive Committee Meeting
Friday, January 17, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
12000 Government Center Parkway, Conference Rooms 4/5
Conversations will include, updated subcommittee procedures and utilities for the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system - "The One".
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The Big Beam Weekend
As part of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project, crews will install five steel bridge girders spanning 295 feet in length over northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) at the Dulles Corridor Interchange for a new 495 Express Lanes ramp. This work is scheduled to occur over the weekend of January 24-27, and will require major traffic impacts on northbound I-495 near Tysons and at the Dulles Corridor Interchange. Learn more.
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Health, Housing & Human Services | |
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Affordable Housing Waitlist Application Opportunities for Older Adults Coming Next Week
Older adults interested in applying for an opportunity to join a waitlist for select affordable housing properties will have the opportunity to do so beginning next week. Affordable housing waitlist applications will open Monday, January 13, at 8:00 a.m. for select properties and will remain open through Sunday, January 19, at 11:59 p.m. The MVD property is: North Hill Senior Residences, two-bedroom apartments, 7245 Nightingale Lane, Alexandria. Learn more.
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Volunteer with GrandInvolve
Do you know an older adult who's looking for ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of elementary schoolchildren? Neighborhood and Community Services is offering classroom volunteer opportunities to support the education of our most vulnerable populations in Fairfax County elementary schools through the GrandInvolve program. GrandInvolve aims to prevent social isolation and ageism through building intergenerational relationships between our younger and older community members. Classroom assistants are especially needed in Springfield and Alexandria for the spring semester. Bilingual abilities are also in high demand, including Spanish and Farsi. For additional questions, email NCS-Volunteers@FairfaxCounty.gov. Learn more.
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Consolidated Community Funding Pool Survey
You are invited to provide feedback on the Consolidated Community Funding Pool (CCFP)! Your input will help to identify targeted community needs. The CCFP is a competitive funding process for human services programs developed and administered by nonprofits and community-based organizations. The survey is due January 8, take it here! Learn more.
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Inova Plea for Blood Donors - Type O
Donate blood with Inova this winter and be a lifeline for those in need. Inova is urging folks with type O blood to please consider donating as soon as possible. Learn more about donating.
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27 Key FCPD Highlights from 2024
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) had another successful year! While the official year-end crime report will be released later this quarter, here is a sneak peek with 27 key highlights from the report. These accomplishments reflect the hard work and dedication of FCPD officers and staff who go above and beyond to keep our community safe. Read the highlights.
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Child Safety Seat and Seat Belt Inspections
Are you or someone you know looking to get a child safety seat inspection or your seat belts checked? Nearly all Fairfax County Police Stations offer designated times throughout the year to help you get prepared. Upcoming safety checks for the MVD include:
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Mount Vernon District Police Station - Tuesday, January 14, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. by appointment
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West Springfield District Police Station - Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Every Tuesday, 5 - 8 p.m.
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Franconia District Police Station - Saturday January 11 and 25, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Learn more.
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Unsolved Since 2000: Cold Case Detectives Seek Leads in Woodlawn Homicide
On April 22, 2000, officers responded to the Super 7 convenience store in the 8700 block of Richmond Highway in Woodlawn for a report of a dead person. The complainant reported observing an adult man deceased on the floor upon entering the store. Officers located the victim inside the business and identified him as Surinder “Paul” Sharma, 43, of Hybla Valley. An autopsy revealed that Sharma was stabbed multiple times in the upper body. In the years that followed his murder, detectives from the Cold Case Squad continued their efforts to meticulously review the evidence to identify a suspect. However, detectives are asking for the community’s help in identifying a suspect. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to call FCPD Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) and by web. Learn more.
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Sustain Fairfax
Every step counts! Let’s protect the environment and create positive change. Fairfax County's climate is changing due to greenhouse gases warming our planet—we’re experiencing more intense storms, extreme heat, heavy rains and unpredictable weather. Most greenhouse gas emissions come from everyday activities like powering our homes or driving our cars. By taking action now, you can reduce your energy bill, help cut emissions, protect our neighborhoods and make Fairfax sustainable for everyone. Learn more.
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Mount Vernon Rec Center Community Information Meeting
Thursday, January 23, 7 - 8 p.m.
Belle View Elementary School, 6701 Fort Hunt Rd., Cafeteria
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a special information meeting about the highly anticipated reopening of the Mount Vernon Rec Center. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn about the exciting updates and opportunities coming to this beloved community facility. The meeting will provide residents with key information about the reopening, including:
- Introduction to the project and Rec Center team
- Reopening timeline
- Details on Rec Center memberships for new and existing members
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Overview of amenities, recreational programs and summer camps
- Information on ice rink and pool rentals
- New job opportunities available at the Rec Center
Learn more.
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NPS Names New George Washington Memorial Parkway Superintendent
The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced that Jennifer (Jen) Madello is the new superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Madello began her career with the Park Service in 2003, serving as a budget analyst and later as a deputy comptroller and budget officer, acting superintendent at Colonial National Historical Park, chief of administration and acting deputy superintendent for National Mall and Memorial Parks, and acting deputy regional director for the NPS Pacific West Region. For the past five years, she has been the program administrator for the NPS Park Facility Management Division. Learn more.
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Lorton Named #4 U.S. Growth City of 2024
Lorton is the #4 U.S. Growth City of 2024, according to the U-Haul Growth Index analyzing one-way customer moves over the past year. Of all the U-Haul traffic to come and go from Lorton last year, 55.1% was incoming and 44.9% outgoing. Looking at year-over-year variations, arrivals were up 48% in 2024 (compared to 2023) while departures were up 19% as overall moving traffic spiked. Learn more.
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Tourism Continues to Rebound in Southeast Fairfax County
Visit Fairfax, the County’s destination marketing organization, is upbeat about the post-pandemic resurgence of tourism in Southeast Fairfax County — particularly in the resource- and attraction-rich parts of the Mount Vernon District. “There has definitely been an increase in tourism in the Potomac Banks region over the past two years,” said Visit Fairfax President and CEO Barry Biggar. Read more from On the MoVe.
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Developer Will Still Pursue Indoor Ski Resort in Lorton After Losing Exclusive Rights
The exclusive rights to bring an indoor ski resort to Lorton have expired for one developer, but the project isn’t going away. Alpine-X, which is looking to build a 450,000-square-foot complex on a closed section of the I-95 landfill, will continue to pursue the “Fairfax Peak” project after the rights ended on December 31. The company intends to take a closer look at the financial state of the project before moving forward, Alpine-X CEO John Emery told FFXnow. Read more from FFXNow.
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Fairfax County Looks for Creative Ways to Support Growing Retail Sector
Fairfax County’s overall retail environment is booming, but County leaders say targeted support is needed to assist some lagging areas. Despite predictions even before Covid that in-person sales would be supplanted by online commerce, the brick-and-mortar retail sector remains strong across the County. Vacancy rate for retail space currently sits at 3.5%, below both the state (3.8%) and national (4.1%) averages and in the middle of the pack among Virginia’s 10 metropolitan areas. Read more from FFXNow.
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New Year, New You! Find Your Next Career Adventure
January 22 and 23, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons
To kick-off the new year, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is hosting a FREE two-day networking and hiring event! At this event, you will network with dozens of top employers from Fortune 500s to government agencies and rising start-ups who are hiring for thousands of jobs. These employers are actively hiring for opportunities from internships and entry level to experienced professionals across sectors including IT, aerospace, cybersecurity, healthcare and more. Learn more.
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The Evolution of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in Fairfax County
A recent episode of the “County Conversation” podcast focused on Fairfax County’s emergency preparedness efforts and protecting community health during emergencies of all types. Learn more.
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Top Library Loans of 2024 and What's Ahead for FCPL
2024 marked the 85th anniversary year for Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). FCPL also celebrated another major milestone, 25 million all-time digital checkouts and 3.8 million in calendar year 2024. That’s a lot of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines! Learn more.
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Regional Leadership and Collaboration: A Conversation with COG Executive Director Clark Mercer
Clark Mercer, executive director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), sat down with Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill to share insights about regional cooperation, economic growth and the future of the DMV area. Learn more.
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Below are community links to local groups, organizations, school news and more. Click the links to learn more and sign up for their newsletters.
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Meet Bernie
This 80lb lovebug is full of personality and affection! Bernie is friendly, playful and loves attention-he'll jump into your lap for pets. While he didn't show much interest in toys, Bernie is a snuggler at heart. He's also polite when it comes to food but prefers some space while eating. When it comes to other dogs, Bernie is respectful and listens well to corrections. After a few calm introductions, he'd likely do fine with a doggy companion. Bernie's ideal home is with an active, patient family who can give him the training and love he needs. Ready to meet this sweet guy? See if Bernie is the perfect fit for you!
Bernie is currently available at the Lorton Campus. If you would like to meet him or any of the adoptable pets at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, visit during open hours! For more info on the adoption process, including requirements and fees, click here.
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Code Compliance Corner: 2024 Year in Review
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) wanted to provide a look at the last year. DCC programs for managing community-based concerns are popular throughout the County. The intrepid intake team provides front-facing customer service, taking nearly 9400 calls, processing 3000 website submissions in PLUS and well over 500 Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. In total, DCC received around 6700 new reports in 2024. The DCC 29 full time investigators, along with our seasonal crews for tall grass enforcement, conducted nearly 12,000 property inspections. Most of the casework (44% of inspections) were related to a zoning matter, followed by property maintenance (21%), unpermitted construction (16%), tall grass (15%) and bamboo issues (4%). Of the cases received in 2024, 85% have been closed. At the time of this report, the agency has about 1600 cases in an active status. Learn more.
DCC is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report or if you are the subject of enforcement, you can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach DCC via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711) or visit in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax.
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How to Protect Your Home in 2025 - With Funding Available
You can prepare your property to better weather the next flood! The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) reimburses Fairfax County residents, renters, communities and places of worship who install flood mitigation projects on their properties. The goal of FMAP is to help property owners reduce flood-related damage and improve/increase flood readiness across the County. Participants can receive reimbursement grants covering 50% of their costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per property. Learn more.
Emergency Preparedness January 2025 Newsletter
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Mount Vernon District Staff (front row left to right): Cassidy Donaghy, Camela Speer, Maddie Alvarado, Christine Morin (back row left to right) Diego Rodriguez Cabrera, Peyton Smith, Supervisor Dan Storck and Volunteer Shirley Short | |
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Whether you need a free notary, voter information, 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 or environmental concerns? Stop by the Mount Vernon District Office anytime during our office hours, call or email us. We are here to help!
Stop by and visit the information tables outside my office for everything happening in the District. From flyers for upcoming events, bike route maps, newspapers and much more, this center is free and available 24/7!
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December 2024 Activities:
- Phone calls: 672
- Meetings: 256
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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MV Office Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday:
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lorton Office Hours
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Second Saturday Each Month (Except August)
Lorton Library: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Walk-ins and by appointment
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Update from Mount Vernon School Board Member Mateo Dunne
Please read my partner on the corridor School Board Member (SBM) Mateo Dunne's latest newsletter for an update on Fairfax County Public Schools.
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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. Open Mount Vernon District positions:
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
In accordance with Va. Code Sec. 51.5-47 to provide input to state and local agencies on service needs and priorities of persons with physical and sensory disabilities, to provide information and resource referral to local governments regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to provide such other assistance and advice to local governments as may be requested.
Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (At-Large Members Needed)
Pursuant to County Code Section 61-2-1, to act on applications for appeals from Building Official, Fire Official or Property maintenance Code Official decisions based on the VUSBC, the VSFPC, the Virginia Amusement Device Regulations (VADR) and Chapters 61, 64, 65, and 66 of the County Code as specified.
History Commission
To advise the County Government and generally to promote public interest in all matters bearing on the history of Fairfax County.
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).
There are several At-Large positions available as of November 2024 on County BACs.
- A. Heath Onthank Memorial Award Selection Committee
- Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Lending Institution Representative)
- Airports Advisory Committee
- Athletic Council (Women’s Sports Alternate Representative)
- Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Alternate & Design Professional)
- Board of Equalization of Real Estate
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee
- Child Care Advisory Council
- Civil Service Commission
- Engineering Standard Review Committee
- Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
- Health Systems Agency Board
- History Commission
- Human Rights Commission
- Industrial Development Authority
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Citizens Advisory Council
- Police Civilian Review Panel
- Young Adults Advisory Committee
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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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
Fairfax Water Emergency Line
(703) 698-5613
Fairfax County Public Schools Family Information - English Phone Line
(703) 204-3941
Fairfax County Animal Shelter
(703) 324-0299
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Fire Code-Related Questions
(703) 246-4849, 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
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board 24/7 Lines
Emergency Services: (703) 573-5679
Fairfax Detoxification Center: (703) 502-7000
Fairfax County Public Library
(703) 324-3100, TTY 711
Office of Elections
(703) 222-0776, TTY 711
Fairfax County Health Department
(703) 246-2411, TTY 711
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