02.19.2026

Dear Neighbor,

I’ve never loved rain as much as I did last weekend when it washed the remaining snowcrete away from my driveway! I hope you had similar results as we continue to dig out, and that you enjoyed a good long weekend!

We had another busy Board meeting on Tuesday – please see below for “Notes from the Boardroom” for a short recap. 

The Budget

One of the most important responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors is to adopt the County Budget, which funds our schools, our County services, improvements to our infrastructure, and more. Based on how the County government is structured, the County Executive first presents his budget proposal (the Advertised Budget), and then members of the Board hear from our constituents and deliberate over the course of several months before final adoption of the budget on May 5th.

This Tuesday was our first glimpse of the Advertised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, presented by County Executive Bryan Hill. While there will be more to come, here are a few things I’d like to highlight:


• The real estate tax rate is proposed to remain unchanged.
• The Budget continues strong funding for our schools, public safety, and compensation for our valued County employees who provide the services we rely upon. It also contains a modest increase of funding directed towards our most vulnerable populations, including those facing housing and food insecurity.
• The County is mandated to balance its budget. Given increasing infrastructure needs as our physical facilities are aging, the growing need to modernize our IT ecosystem, rising costs, and continued employment challenges and economic uncertainty, the proposal includes reductions of nearly $33 million (which is on top of about $91 million in reductions over the past four years).
• The budget documents also include information about the County’s debt service and capital improvement program – including the bond referendum plan. This proposes the timeline in which renovations will be funded in upcoming bond cycles.
• There are signs of hope for a longer-term economic recovery – for example, we are starting to see a decrease in office vacancy rates and a slight growth in the commercial real estate tax base. We are not there yet but the first sign of recovery is on the horizon.

I am also hopeful that the state will be even more aggressive in prioritizing education funding given our shared responsibility to fund local schools. If Fairfax County were to receive state K-12 funding at just the national average, that would amount to a more than $350 million increase, which would help relieve pressure on our local taxpayers and enable us to do more for our residents.

I’m hopeful that with new leadership in Richmond, state leaders will revisit the formulas that determine how much school funding comes to our County (and broadly across the Commonwealth). 

Additionally, I am looking forward to the work the Board had started before my term began – directing staff to look at initiatives to increase access to housing, including affordable housing – as well as the work on economic initiatives that can help keep our County strong and vibrant and reduce the tax burden on our homeowners. Growing our economy means we can reduce the need for some of the tougher choices and instead focus on continuing to provide effective and efficient services that maintain our quality of life – safe communities, excellent schools, good parks, and recreation facilities, with services to support those who need them.

I invite you to view the Budget documents at the County website, such as:

• Budget at a Glance
• Advertised Budget Plan Presentation
• Advertised Budget Summary

And I want to hear from you as I dig into my first budget season in my new role. Please join me at the Budget Town Hall (March 24, 7:00 p.m. on Channel 16). Or, share your thoughts via one of the following methods:


• Email: FY27Budget@publicinput.com
• Call (703) 890-5898 and enter code 6733
• Testify at the budget public hearings Tuesday through Thursday, April 14-16 in person, by video or by phone. To sign up, complete this form.

Two Upcoming Opportunities for Braddock residents!

Report from Conference on AI & Workforce Impact

While I was attending the Board Meeting, one of our team members joined the Forward DMV Conference on AI & Workforce Impact. This session marked the third installment in a thought-provoking series examining how AI is reshaping the workforce, what it takes to position our region as a magnet for businesses, and how we can equip students for both cutting-edge AI careers and skilled trades. While the conversation around AI was very positive, there was also caution. The reality is we need to be prepared for it, from an economic, operational, and workforce perspective. The big takeaway for workforce development: In today’s fast-evolving job market, adaptability isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity.

As always, 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,

Rachna

NOTICE: The Pennino Building at 12011 Government Center Parkway remains closed due to repairs following an equipment failure. Visit this County Emergency Blog post for information on the closure and how you can continue to access services from the County's Human Services agencies.

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:

• Notes from the Boardroom
• Upcoming Events with the Fairfax County Police Department
• Join Fairfax Center Area’s Community Task Force on Monday as it Explores Placemaking
• Updates on the Potomac River Sewer Main Break
• Survey on Accessory Living Units
• Menstrual Supplies Drive March 2-31
• Free Assistance for Income Tax Preparation
• Pet Adoption Spotlight: Zikki

Notes from the Boardroom

Hello Braddock! Tuesday February 17 was a Board of Supervisors meeting where, as mentioned, the big ticket item was the County Budget presentation. Here are some additional highlights:

Housing Initiatives Strategic Communications Plan 

On Tuesday I introduced a Board Matter, along with Chairman McKay and colleagues, to develop a comprehensive strategic Communications Plan to support and promote Chairman Jeff McKay’s Housing Initiatives Board Matter. The Chairman's Board Matter, adopted last September, outlines comprehensive strategies to increase housing production across Fairfax County to help address the housing affordability crisis and enhance our economic competitiveness. 

We are facing an acute housing crisis. In short, the significant lack of housing makes it harder for people to live and work here, making it harder for companies to move here, impacting our future economic vitality, needed to revitalize our commercial sector and take pressure off homeowners.

That's why it is so vital that our community also understand the current dire housing affordability realities and the need for the comprehensive strategies envisioned in the Chairman’s Board Matter. With this latest step, we are taking a proactive step toward building the public understanding regarding our housing crisis and the need for a breadth of solutions to address the acute housing crisis. 

Department of Economic Initiatives Recognized

Also on February 17, the Board congratulated the County's Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) for receiving national recognition. DEI's Talent Up Fairfax program has been named Virginia’s featured innovation in the "50 States, 50 Breakthroughs" showcase.

By connecting 347 local employers with 179 paid interns at a $25/hour median wage, this initiative has proven that workforce development is a powerful driver for our local economy. Congratulations to the Department of Economic Initiatives, the Department of Family Services, and The SkillSource Group on this national recognition! The Board will present these organizations with a proclamation in the near future.

Upcoming Events with the Fairfax County Police Department

The Fairfax County Police Department actively engages with the community by participating in and hosting a variety of events. These include police district station events, community meetings, and ongoing programs. Getting involved in your community provides numerous benefits, including enhancing public safety, preventing crime, and fostering stronger relationships with your local first responders.

Read the FCPD News Blog to learn about events from February 21 through 25 at police district stations that cover the Braddock District, including West Springfield, Fair Oaks, and Franconia.

Join Fairfax Center Area’s Community Task Force on Monday as it Explores Placemaking

What makes a place truly welcoming and vibrant? Is it the lively, walkable streets, the civic spaces, a mix of activities, or simply the feeling of connection? Join the Fairfax Center Area’s Community Task Force as it explores the topic of placemaking at its next meeting on Monday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. The group will meet virtually via Zoom.

The Fairfax Center Area Study is a County-led comprehensive planning effort to shape land development over the next 20 to 30 years. This third phase focuses on the core area centered around the County’s Government Center, Fair Oaks Mall, and surrounding area. The County is studying how the area should evolve into a walkable, mixed-use, urban-style neighborhood based around the availability of future mass transit.

In this meeting of the community task force, staff will share how intentional placemaking can create vibrant and dynamic places, providing sound economic development alongside health, recreational, social, and employment opportunities for residents and visitors. Through an interactive workshop, the task force will apply placemaking concepts to the Fairfax Center Area core.

For more information, visit the project’s website. 

Virtual/Online:

Monday, February 23, 7:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://bit.ly/FairfaxCenter

Meeting ID: 863 1635 1980   Passcode: 885053 

Updates on the Potomac River Sewer Main Break

Fairfax Water Quality and Service Remain Unaffected by Sewer Main Break

Fairfax Water customers are not impacted by the recent break of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line. The break occurred downstream of Fairfax Water’s Potomac River intake, which means it does not affect water quality or service for their customers. Additionally, the Occoquan Reservoir remains completely unaffected. The reservoir is an entirely separate water source and is not connected to the Potomac River system where the incident occurred.

Fairfax Water and regional water utilities continuously monitor water quality to ensure the safety and reliability of your drinking water. There is no risk to our water supply as a result of this event.

To read VDH's statement on this event, click here.

Flushing Wipes Is Worsening Potomac River Spills During Regional Repairs

A major regional sewer line that carries wastewater from Fairfax County is currently undergoing emergency repairs, and residents are being asked to help reduce strain on the system.

During recent maintenance work, wipes clogged several pumps along the line, reducing capacity and contributing to a wastewater overflow. Crews are working to restore full system capacity while repairs continue.

Unlike toilet paper, most wipes, including those labeled “flushable,” do not break down in the sewer system. Instead, they can accumulate and clog pumps and pipes. During infrastructure repairs, the system is more vulnerable to blockages that reduce capacity and increase the risk of overflows.

Wastewater from parts of Fairfax County travels through this regional sewer line to Washington, D.C. Because the system crosses jurisdictional boundaries, what is flushed locally can affect equipment and waterways downstream.

Residents can help protect the Potomac River and the regional wastewater system by following two simple rules:

• Flush only human waste and toilet paper.
• Throw all wipes in the trash.
• Also, avoid dumping fats, oils and grease down the drain.


The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services works closely with regional partners to manage shared wastewater infrastructure. Public cooperation during repair efforts helps keep the system operating safely and protects local waterways.

Survey on Accessory Living Units

Closing February 28: Share Your Thoughts on Potential Changes to Regulations for Accessory Living Units!

Potential updates to the County’s zoning regulations for accessory living units (ALUs) are under consideration, and the community is invited to weigh-in through an online survey. ALUs are a secondary dwelling area of a single-family detached residence, often known as in-law suites, basement apartments, or guest houses. The Zoning Ordinance contains requirements for ALUs, which include limitations on size, occupancy, entrances, parking, and more. Some of these requirements could be updated through an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.

The community survey offers County residents an opportunity to submit feedback on potential changes for ALU regulations, which County staff will use alongside their analysis to determine next steps. The survey will be open through February 28.

Take the Survey!

Menstrual Supplies Drive March 2-31

Supervisor Sizemore Heizer's office at 9002 Burke Lake Road is participating as one of the sites collecting menstrual products for distribution by area nonprofit organizations. View the flyer below and click here for additional available locations around the County.

Free Assistance for Income Tax Preparation

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers have returned to Mason Government Center to provide the community with FREE TAX ASSISTANCE. Volunteers are available at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, 6 days a week from January 30 to April 15 (See hours below). 

Walk-Ins are welcome as are clients of all ages. Most tax returns are completed in one visit with the client present. Volunteers are certified to complete Federal and Virginia income tax returns, as well as returns for District of Columbia and Maryland residents.

To get started, Mason Tax-Aide recommends completing an Intake Packet prior to arrival. 

Packets are available:

• At Mason District Government Center, (address above), inside the 1st set of doors to the right.
• OR
• Download the Tax Year 2025 Intake Packet and form here: novataxaide.org/sites/mason

Appointments and Information are available, if needed. Call 703-249-9961 and leave a message. Your call will be returned within one business day by an IRS-certified counselor. Or visit our website at: novataxaide.org/sites/mason

What to Bring:

All tax documents, government-issued photo Id, Social Security cards (or documents) for all on the return, last year’s return (if possible), and a six-digit Identity Protection Pin, if you received one in the past or applied for one this year. (The IRS will send you a new one each January.) Also see: https://www.novataxaide.org/general-information_1/what-you-need-to-bring

When clients arrive, they will be interviewed and the return prepared by an IRS-certified counselor and reviewed by a second IRS-certified counselor. After clients review and sign return, they will receive a paper copy of the completed Federal and Virginia, (DC or MD) return. All tax returns are filed electronically.

What They Can and Cannot Do

Please check here for what we can and cannot do:  https://www.novataxaide.org/general-information_1/what-we-can-cannot-do

Hours of operation

• Monday and Thursday: 1 pm - 8 pm
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30 am – 1 pm
• Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm

Must check-in 30 minutes before closing

Languages in addition to English

They are able to serve clients in the following languages in addition to English:

Chinese    Spanish    Vietnamese   and others 

Pet Adoption Spotlight: Zikki

Meet Zikki!

This handsome 4-year-old, 70 lb pup is full of energy, intelligence, and personality. Zikki is an active dog who thrives on mental stimulation and plenty of exercise, so he's looking for an adopter who can match his enthusiasm and provide a structured, engaging routine. If you love training, outdoor adventures, and building a strong bond with your dog, Zikki could be the perfect fit!

Zikki is a Level 1 Special Adoption, which means he needs an experienced, dog-savvy home that understands his unique needs. He has shown some guarding behaviors around food and toys, especially in the shelter environment, so his future family should be prepared to use positive reinforcement and high-value treats for trades rather than taking items directly. Zikki loves chicken and responds well to reward-based training, making him a great candidate for continued learning with a professional trainer. Because of these behaviors, Zikki should go to an adult-only home without minors and with adopters who are comfortable managing these situations calmly and safely.

Zikki can also be a little wary of strangers, so he'll need slow introductions and a quiet home environment without frequent visitors. He's not a dog who enjoys meeting new people in busy public spaces, so a home with limited foot traffic and a secure yard would be ideal. Once Zikki trusts you, he's incredibly sweet and loyal-his previous owner shared that it took about a month for him to fully settle in and show his affectionate side, and then he became a wonderful companion.

Despite his quirks, Zikki has so much potential. He's smart, eager to learn, and loves having a job to do. With patience, consistency, and the right environment, Zikki will thrive and reward you with a deep, lasting bond. If you're an experienced dog owner looking for a loving, active companion who will keep you on your toes and fill your life with joy, Zikki is ready to meet you. Come give this special boy the second chance he deserves!

This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It's a 5 day, no-strings-attached, trial adoption period. You can take this pet home to try it out! Interested? Come to the shelter any time during open hours and talk to one of our Customer Care staff.

Be sure to check the "shelter information" box on the listing to see if the pet is located at our Fairfax Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or our Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton). Then, come in during our open hours! Both of our locations are open 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 information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt .

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.