01.15.2026

Dear Neighbor,

I attended my first Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, January 13. Here are some highlights:

I was proud to honor some incredible high school athletes, including the Lake Braddock Boys Cross Country team, Robinson Girls Cross Country team, and West Springfield Volleyball team. These students and their coaches demonstrated remarkable commitment and dedication, taking their teams to win state championships!

As a member of the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board, I was pleased to approve grant funding to support the renovation of parking facilities at the Burke Centre and Backlick Road stations.

The Board authorized the advertisement of two public hearings on March 17:

• Proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment on Large-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems, and
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment on Congregate Living Facilities

Each of these proposals will also go before the Planning Commission for a public hearing on February 25.

Stalking Awareness Month and Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM), an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking.

Though stalking might seem harmless, it isn’t. Here's why:

• 1 in 3 women stalked by an intimate partner were also sexually assaulted by that partner.
• 1 in 3 stalkers are physically violent.
• 1 in 3 stalking cases last longer than a year.
• Stalking increases the risk of intimate partner homicide by three times. 

We can all help build a safer Fairfax County by sharing information to help spot the signs of stalking. View the resources in this community engagement toolkit to help spread the word throughout the community.

January is also Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is the control and exploitation of a person’s labor through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of labor and/or commercial sex work. Force can include the use of physical or sexual violence. Coercion can include threats of violence, emotional manipulation, or controlling access to basic needs. Fraud can include someone claiming the victim owes them money or is paying off a debt.

I am deeply honored to have been appointed to the Council to End Domestic Violence to work alongside senior level public officials and community leaders to strengthen the safety net for victims and survivors of domestic violence. As we observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month, it is vital that we also turn our attention to the hidden crisis of exploitation that persists within our communities. I believe that by raising awareness and fostering collaboration across all levels of government, we can better identify the signs of trafficking, support those in need, and strive to ensure that every individual in our County can live a life free from violence and coercion. 

As with Stalking Awareness Month, you can help by sharing information from the County's toolkit to raise awareness about Human Trafficking.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline at (703) 360-7273, or 911.

🎉 Join Us for the Braddock District Open House!

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
4:30 - 6:30 PM

Braddock District Supervisor’s Office

9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015

As mentioned in last week’s Braddock Beacon, we’re excited to invite you to our Braddock District Open House!

This is a great chance to:

✅ Meet me and our amazing staff

✅ Learn what’s happening in your community

✅ Share your ideas and questions


Drop in anytime between 4:30 and 6:30 PM—we’d love to see you!

🥤 Light refreshments will be served

(Yes, snacks make everything better!)

👉 Click here to RSVP

Please reach out to my office anytime if you need assistance (or a notary) or if you want to share ideas of how to make Braddock even better. We are here to listen and help.

Yours in service,

Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• Library News & Events
• Community Meetings on Accessory Living Units Zoning Ordinance
• Provide Feedback on Roberts Pkwy Study by January 21
• Discount on Classes with FCPS Adult & Community Education
• Forums on Trash Collection
• Drought Warning Advisory Issued for Fairfax County
• FACETS Seeks Donations for Hypothermia Shelters
• Fairfax Police Department 2025 Successes
• Fire & Rescue Department Releases 2026-2028 Strategic Plan
• Community Engagement for Youth
• Clean Fairfax Events

Library News & Events

Kings Park Library Special Sale
The Friends of the Kings Park Library are hosting a special sale of Mysteries, Thrillers, and Espionage books, now through Jan 24. Visit the Library calendar for details.
Location: 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015

Friends of Burke Centre Library's Winter Holiday & Gift Book Sale
Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Burke Centre Library
5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke, VA, 22015

View this event and more on the Library Calendar.

Tech Help Clinic

Are you interested in learning more about using your iPhone? Need help with navigating Facebook? Want to learn more about the Microsoft Office suite? Join the Kings Park Library for a drop-in Tech Help Clinic on Thursday, February 12. Additional information can be found on this link at the Library calendar. If you have questions about this program, contact the Kings Park Library at (703) 978-5600.  

Thursday, February 12, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome!
Kings Park Library
9000 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015

Celebrating America's 250th

Beginning this month, Fairfax County Public Library will launch a year-long celebration in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. In alignment with national, state, and local initiatives, this commemorative year will feature monthly themes, special events, and engaging activities that explore our nation’s past, present, and future.

Visit the County History page for monthly themes and a listing of events.

Community Meetings on Accessory Living Units Zoning Ordinance Amendment

The County is exploring potential changes to Accessory Living Units (ALUs) and invites the community to participate in the process. An ALU is a secondary dwelling unit established in conjunction with and clearly subordinate to a single-family detached dwelling unit. These living spaces include areas for eating, cooking, sleeping, living, and sanitation. ALUs contribute to the housing supply and offer an option for older adults, young professionals, caretakers, and others while supporting homeowners with rental income. The Board of Supervisors adopted new standards for ALUs in 2021 and has been monitoring their implementation.

On January 20 and 21, virtual community meetings will be held to discuss the potential changes that could be made to the Zoning Ordinance regulations for ALUs. Each meeting will include the same content. The different dates and times are offered to provide flexibility for attendees. No registration is required.

Community Meeting - Preliminary Concepts 

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting - MS Teams 

Call In Number: 571-429-5982

Conference ID: 370 746 823#

Community Meeting - Preliminary Concepts  

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 

Virtual Meeting - MS Teams 

Call In Number: 571-429-5982

Conference ID: 676 820 675# 

Additional information can be found on the Department of Planning and Development's ALU page.

Provide Feedback on Roberts Pkwy Study by January 21

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking feedback on a study assessing potential safety, operational and multimodal improvements along Roberts Parkway from Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) to Burke Centre Parkway (Route 643).

VDOT invites residents and travelers to take an online survey by January 21 regarding the proposed improvements under consideration for this approximately half mile stretch of Roberts Parkway. The study is focused on improving roadway and pedestrian safety; preserving capacity to keep traffic flowing smoothly; multimodal (bicycle, pedestrian and transit) accessibility and connectivity; capacity mitigation/preservation; and transportation demand management (TDM) needs. The study is also evaluating potential impacts of the future Fairfax County Parkway/Burke Centre Parkway intersection changes on Roberts Parkway.

More details can be found on the VDOT website.

Discount on Classes with FCPS Adult & Community Education

Save on Learning! $26 OFF on 1-26-26

It’s a new year, with new learning, for a new you! Whether you’re looking to switch careers, upgrade your current skills or just learn something fun, you can get $26 off any class purchased from Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (FCPS ACE) on 1-26-26!

Register for as many classes as you want and get $26 off each class! But only when you register on 1-26-26 and use code PRACE26. Some restrictions apply, so visit the ACE website to see all the details. 

Forums on Trash Collection

Fairfax County will hold a dialogue with Homeowners Association (HOA) and civic association leadership about the current state of waste collection and the potential creation of Unified Sanitation Districts (USDs) for residential waste collection services. Homeowners and Civic Associations for single-family or attached homes are invited to designate one representative from their associations to complete a survey and attend the meeting. If your HOA or CA did not receive an invitation to take the survey and attend the forum, please email catherine.torgersen@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting


The video recording will be posted afterwards on the USD webpage.

Prior to the meeting, DPWES is asking that each HOA/CA complete a brief survey to capture the perspective on waste management in their community. The survey can be accessed at engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/hoa_usdsurvey. Please complete the survey no later than January 26, 2026. 

On the same topic, Fairfax County will host a conversation with the solid waste industry about the proposed USDs. Representatives from residential and commercial waste collectors that have a County certificate-to-operate (CTO) are invited to attend.

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035

The forum will be broadcast on Channel 16. If you hold a CTO and have questions about the forum, please email trashmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Drought Warning Advisory Issued for Fairfax County

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has issued a Drought Warning Advisory for 22 counties and 13 cities across the commonwealth, including Fairfax County. A drought warning is a serious step. It indicates that a significant drought is no longer just a possibility. While we have seen some light precipitation recently, it has not been enough to recharge our local water sources.

Most of Fairfax County’s drinking water comes from the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. While reservoir levels are currently stable, some neighboring areas (like Purcellville) have moved to mandatory water restrictions.

What You Should Do

By reducing our water usage voluntarily today, we can help prevent the need for possible restrictions later this winter. Here are the most effective ways you can save water:

Inside the Home

• Fix the “Silent” Leaks: A leaking toilet can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a day. Test yours by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank; if color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak.
• Shorten Your Showers: Aim for five minutes or less. Even a one‑minute reduction per person can save dozens to over a hundred gallons a month, depending on your showerhead and household size.
• Full Loads Only: Wait until your dishwasher and washing machine are completely full before running them.
• Turn Off the Tap: Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face.

Outdoor & Maintenance

• Sweep, Don’t Hose: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks, driveways and patios.
• Winter Spigot Care: Ensure outdoor spigots are shut off and drained. This not only saves water but prevents pipes from bursting during a freeze.
• Vehicle Washing: Postpone washing your car at home. If you must wash it, use a commercial car wash that recycles its water.

At the Office

• Report Leaks Immediately: If you notice a dripping faucet or a running toilet in the office restroom or breakroom, notify facilities management right away.
• Be Mindful of Kitchen Use: When rinsing dishes in the breakroom, do not leave the faucet running continuously.

Stay Informed

Conditions are being monitored daily by the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Preparation is our best defense. Let’s work together to protect our community’s most vital resource. For more information on local water supply status, visit:

• VADEQ Drought: deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity/drought
• Fairfax Water: fairfaxwater.org/conservation
• Drought.gov: Fairfax County Conditions

FACETS Seeks Donations for Hypothermia Shelters

FACETS’ Hypothermia Shelter Program is providing overnight shelter, hot meals, and outreach to adults experiencing homelessness across Fairfax County. With the support of more than 50 faith partners, they will serve more than 400 individuals over the course of the season.

As winter continues, community support is critical. Immediate needs include coats and cold-weather clothing, hygiene supplies, and new, unopened undergarments, including long underwear. FACETS will also be preparing survival kits for guests transitioning out of shelter and back into situations of homelessness, with needs such as tents, tarps, sleeping bags, and portable charger banks. Click here for the flyer with more information.

Donations of new and gently used items can be dropped off at 10700 Page Avenue, Suite 160, Fairfax, VA 22030. To learn more, visit FacetsCares.org.

Fairfax County Police Department 
2025 Successes

Becoming the safest jurisdiction of our size in America is no accident. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) does amazing work to keep our community safe. This snapshot from FCPD demonstrates that crime rates are down in every category, fatalities on our roadways are decreasing, and the Department is becoming more robust and effective.

Fire & Rescue Department Releases 2026-2028 Strategic Plan

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) is proud to share their 2026-2028 Strategic Plan.

FCFRD's strategic planning process was enhanced to include community engagement. Through a community survey and several in-person sessions, they gathered valuable input on FCFRD’s programs and services. Feedback from community members, as well as input from department personnel, was used to develop the goals and objectives in the strategic plan. In addition, the new strategic plan is closely linked to the Fairfax Countywide Strategic Plan and equity policy, One Fairfax.

The 2026-2028 Strategic Plan is a living document which will be the roadmap to guide future decision-making and priorities of the FCFRD. Click here to read the Strategic Plan.

Community Engagement for Youth

“Truth In Voice, Truth In Service” is a free event being hosted by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services for students in grades 7 - 12, Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax, VA.

Activities will include the following:

• Communications skill-building featuring youth dialogue and group discussions
• Giveaways
• A community service project
• Live music
• Snacks

Transportation is available. Registration is required. To register and request transportation, contact your local NCS Teen Center or Community Center or Katina.Matthews@fairfaxcounty.gov.  

See the Truth in Voice, Truth in Service event flyer for more information. The event is one of several taking place countywide for the Day of Racial Healing in Fairfax County. 

Clean Fairfax Events

Sign up for your spot in the upcoming Worm Composting Bin Workshop on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Green Acres Center in Fairfax. At this workshop, you will learn all about composting with worms and build your own DIY worm composting bin. The bins are made from storage totes that are about 15 inches tall, 20 inches long, and 15 inches wide, so they do not take up much space. This form of composting (known as vermiculture) is easy, quiet, tidy, and odor-free! Worm composting breaks down kitchen scraps into rich and valuable material that feeds houseplants and garden beds, while reducing the amount of trash going into the waste stream. The workshop costs $10. Spaces are limited. Sign up at the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) website.



Clean Fairfax is hosting their first ever Mending Workshop! Bring a piece of clothing that has a hole such as a sweater or a pair of jeans and learn how to fix it right back up. Trish from Mend a Hand will guide participants through how to tidily mend our clothing items, thus giving them longer life and keeping them out of the landfill or donation bin. The workshop will be held January 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 10400 Eaton Place, Fairfax, and the cost will be $20 per person. Click here for the registration page.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates.