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01.22.2026
Dear Neighbor,
Winter is definitely upon us! As I'm sure you have heard, we are expecting a not-insignificant amount of snow this weekend. While kids all across the County will be wearing their pjs inside out, readying their sleds and dreaming of snowmen, others will be thinking more about snow shoveling!❄️☃️🛷! I invite you to review Fairfax County's Guide to Snow. The guide has street snow removal resources, a link for the County's operating status, snow shoveling tips, and more. You can also follow Fairfax County's emergency information blog for local impacts and resources related to the weather.
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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) owns and maintains most roads in Fairfax County and is responsible for plowing during winter weather events. Visit VDOT's Winter Weather page for tips and information. Read below for more about their plowing operations. To assist with plowing on your street, if possible, consider moving vehicles off the street before the storm. Out of courtesy to your neighbors, and for general safety, please shovel the sidewalks in front of your property if you are physically able to do so.
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Important Resources
Emergency:
- Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency: call or text 9-1-1
- Public Safety Non-Emergency: (703) 691-2131
- Fairfax County Emergency Information Line: (703) 817-7771
Roads:
Utilities:
County Resources
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Fairfax County's Hypothermia Prevention Program is operating now. If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think is at risk for hypothermia, call (703) 691-2131 | TTY 711.
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This is the non-emergency police number. A police officer will respond and conduct a wellness check. Learn more about the program on the County website.
Please scroll down further in this email for even more winter weather resources.
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Open House February 4
Once again, I am inviting Braddock District community members to join us for our Open House!
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Braddock District Supervisor’s Office
9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015
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
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Report from the Commission on Aging
This week, I had the honor of meeting with members of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, a group of 12 appointed volunteers from Fairfax County, Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax who advocate for the needs of older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
I applauded the Commissioners for the work they are doing to support seniors and highlighted my own experiences helping my parents age in place. In particular, I noted the importance of communication and outreach to diverse senior populations and listened to the ideas the Commission has to connect more seniors with the information and resources they need. As Chair of the Board of Supervisors' Health & Human Services Committee, one of my goals is to help seniors aging place find more opportunities for peer-to-peer and intergenerational connection.
Visit the Commission on Aging webpage to learn about resources available to seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
On a related note, Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services Adult and Aging Division recently created two video public service announcements about our programs and services for older adults. Please see below:
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Adult Protective Services Public Service Announcement
This video addresses challenges as we age and the need for more support, warning that without sufficiently funded prevention programs and Adult Protective Services programs, older adults may face an uncertain future.
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A Pivotal Moment in Aging
This video brings attention to the growing older adult population and their changing needs, highlighting the many services designed to support older adults as they age well in their communities.
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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:
- More Winter Weather Resources
- Veterans and Military Families Wellness Survey
- What the Department of Code Compliance Does for You
- Traffic Signal Planned at Rolling Road and Grigsby Drive
- George Mason University News
- General Assembly in Session - Find Your Legislator
- Free Assistance for Income Tax Preparation
- Dog Licenses Due February 2
- Survey on Accessory Living Units
- Affordable Rental Housing Waitlist Applications to Open February 2
- Presidents Day Clean UP on Americana Drive
| | More Winter Weather Resources | |
VDOT crews begin plowing when two inches of snow have fallen. You can follow the plow services on VDOT's Plow Tracker map. Crews prioritize interstate highways, major roads, and main subdivision roads. After a storm ends, VDOT aims to have plowed one passable lane on all roads within the following time frames:
- 2-4" of snow: 24 hours
- 4-6" of snow: 48 hours
- 6" or more: 72 hours
To assist with plowing on your street, if possible, consider moving vehicles off the street before the storm.
A road in "passable" condition is defined as:
- An 8- to 10-foot-wide path that provides access for emergency vehicles
- Driveable with extreme caution, but is snow-packed, and it is not bare pavement or plowed curb-to-curb
- Crews will sand hills, curves, and intersections to help with traction
- Major roads and thoroughfares are plowed prior to neighborhood streets being plowed.
- If there is an emergency, 911 operators work with VDOT to ensure access for emergency vehicles
Driving/Roads
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Delay nonessential travel if possible. If you must drive, reduce speed, increase distances, bring emergency supplies, give space to first responders and VDOT crews, and familiarize yourself with winter driving tips. Continue to check the forecast throughout the entirety of your trip. If you must travel, use extreme caution.
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Monitor road conditions on 511 Virginia or call 5-1-1 from any phone in Virginia.
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Follow @vadotnova and @NWS_BaltWash for real-time updates.
Preparing Your Driveway
Adopt a Fire Hydrant to Clear Snow
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With the potential for a significant snowstorm this weekend, now is the time to consider adopting a fire hydrant in your neighborhood. There are thousands of hydrants available to adopt across the county.
By adopting a hydrant, you play a vital role in ensuring our Fire and Rescue Department can respond more quickly in an emergency.
Read more at the County's Emergency Blog.
| Veterans and Military Families Wellness Survey | |
Are you an active duty Service Member, Reservist, veteran, or military spouse? The Fairfax County Veterans and Military Families Commission is conducting a survey of the military community, and they would appreciate your participation.
The survey will assist the Commission in identifying gaps in services provided to the veteran and military family community, and help them advise the Board of Supervisors on policy. Click here to take the survey.
| What the Department of Code Compliance Does for You | |
The Fairfax County Department of Code Compliance (DCC) is committed to promoting and preserving a safe, healthy, and desirable living environment for all residents. Through enforcement of zoning, property maintenance, and building codes, DCC ensures that county regulations are applied equitably and consistently.
What the Department of Code Compliance Does for You
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Protecting neighborhood quality: The majority of cases focus on zoning, property maintenance, and unpermitted construction, helping preserve safe, well-maintained neighborhoods.
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Strong inspection presence: County investigators completed almost 11,000 inspections in 2025 to address complaints, ensure compliance, and respond to residents’ concerns.
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Resolving community concerns quickly: Nearly 9 out of 10 cases (88%) are closed, with 94% resolved through voluntary compliance, meaning issues are fixed without costly enforcement (often litigation) actions.
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Seasonal issues addressed proactively: Over 1,100 seasonal grass inspections were conducted to address neglect, pests, and safety hazards in communities.
- Accessible and responsive service provided through multiple, convenient ways to reach us:
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8,600 calls handled by intake staff
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3,600 online submissions received
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545 FOIA requests processed
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Countywide coverage: 29 investigators serve all magisterial districts, ensuring fair and consistent enforcement across the entire County.
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Community engagement matters: Staff hosted or attended 15 community events, published 12 newsletters, and supported over 61,000 website visits, keeping residents informed and engaged.
For more information, please read the January Code Compliance Corner.
| Traffic Signal Planned at Rolling Road and Grigsby Drive | |
VDOT plans to construct a traffic signal at the intersection of Rolling Road (Route 638) and Grigsby Drive (Route 4179) across from the main West Springfield High School entrance.
To learn about the project, visit the VDOT website.
Contact information for VDOT staff can be found on the project website. If your concerns cannot be satisfied through regular contact with staff, VDOT has posted a willingness to hold a public hearing and a process for residents to request one.
| George Mason University News | | |
Traffic Alert - EagleBank Arena
Increased traffic is anticipated on and around the western portion of the Fairfax Campus due to a large event at EagleBank Arena.
Lot L will be closed until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23. Traffic impacts will occur around campus. Please adjust your travel times accordingly.
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit GMU Parking Services.
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Military Appreciation Night - GMU Wrestling
GMU Wrestling is hosting a Military Appreciation Night, with colors presented by the ROTC.
Date & Time: Friday, January 23, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Recreation Athletic Complex (the RAC)
4350 Banister Creek Ct.
Fairfax, VA, 22030
Admission and parking will be free for all fans!
| | General Assembly in Session - Find Your Legislator | |
Virginia's state legislature, the General Assembly, is in session from now until mid-March to deliberate over the state budget and to consider hundreds of bills introduced by members. Here are some helpful links:
The Braddock District is represented by the following General Assembly members whose districts cover our Supervisory District:
Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy (33rd District)
Senator Dave Marsden (35th District)
Senator Stella Pekarsky (36th District)
Delegate Dan Helmer (10th District)
Delegate Gretchen Bulova (11th District)
Delegate Vivian Watts (14th District)
Delegate Laura Jane Cohen (15th District)
Delegate Kathy Tran (18th District)
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Legislative Committee meets regularly to discuss bills that may impact the County. Their next meeting will take place on Friday, January 23 at 4:00 p.m. and can be viewed on Channel 16.
| | Free Assistance for Income Tax Preparation | | |
Two free programs offer assistance for individuals to prepare their income tax returns:
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is sponsored nationwide by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). VITA volunteers all over the country will prepare federal and state tax returns for low-income families – those making $69,000 and less in 2025. Northern Virginia CASH is a coalition of community partners who support the VITA sites in Northern Virginia.
In-person VITA services are available at several sites in Northern Virginia. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointments are needed. For more information, please send an email to DFSVITA@FairfaxCounty.gov or call (703) 533-5320 (please leave a message). Visit the County's VITA website for more information.
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The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides free federal tax return preparation and e-filing beginning in the first week in February (Mason District Government Center and Columbia Pike Library open January 30) by volunteers certified by the IRS. The eleven centers in Northern Virginia also prepare Virginia returns. Counselors handle almost all forms of income, and work with taxpayers to help them get all the deductions and credits for which they qualify. Although the program has no set income limit, Tax-Aide clients are generally low- and middle-income taxpayers. Taxpayers of all ages are welcome, with special attention to seniors.
Visit novataxaide.org to find a location and time that works for you, and to learn about what documents you should bring to your appointment.
| | Dog Licenses Due February 2 | | |
Leer en español
Dog licenses are due by Monday, Feb. 2, and the quickest and easiest way to apply or renew is online on the PetData website. Licenses are usually due by January 31. Because that date falls on a weekend this year, dog owners have until the next business day to purchase or renew their pet's license.
LICENSING BASICS
Every dog four months or older must be licensed yearly with Fairfax County, and licenses are valid until Dec. 31 each year.
Licenses cost $10 — except for service dogs which are given licenses for free. PetData charges a $2 service fee for credit or debit card payments.
If you are getting a license for the first time, you must provide a current rabies vaccination certificate. When renewing, proof of vaccination isn’t required unless the certificate has expired.
Residents who have applied for a license in the past should have received their renewal notice directly from PetData.
For more information, read the article on the County News Center.
| | Survey on Accessory Living Units | | 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!
| | Affordable Rental Housing Waitlist Applications to Open February 2 | | |
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will be accepting waitlist applications for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units Monday, February 2, 2026, through Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Households with a Project-Based Voucher typically pay up to 35 percent of their adjusted monthly income towards rent while the FCRHA pays the remaining portion of the rent to the owner. Units that are accepting waitlist applications are owned by the FCRHA and range from studio to four-bedroom apartments and townhouses.
For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit the FCRHA website or call the Waitlist Hotline at (703) 449-9050.
| | Presidents Day Clean UP on Americana Drive | | |
Save the date! This is a reminder that once again, the Fairfax County Restoration Project (FCRP) and the Friends of Accotink Creek will be holding a Clean UP Event on Americana Drive on Presidents Day, Monday, February 16.
Please feel free to sign up to participate at www.fcrpp3.org.
When: February 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where to meet: Sign-in table at Americana Drive at Patriot Drive, Annandale
Sign up at the FCRP website
More Information at the Friends of Accotink Creek website
Email: contact@accotink.org
How can you help? - Join them for an hour or for the day. Invite friends and neighbors to join. Spread the word!
¿Cómo puedes ayudar? -Participa por una hora o el día. Invita a amigos y vecinos a unirse. ¡Corre la voz!
If you are a student, you will need to sign in and OUT at the check-in table so they can track community service hours which are provided by Friends of Accotink Creek.
Additionally, FCRP could use some volunteer help for the following roles so please let them know if you can help us out:
-A Volunteer who can take pictures in the field and e-mail them to the organizers for inclusion in the summary immediately following the event.
-A Volunteer who can help drive if people need to move from one zone to another.
-A Volunteer to help with set up - this means helping place the supplies in the field and at the registration table.
-A Volunteer to help with sign-ins at the registration table.
Stay warm and we hope to see you there!
| | 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. | | Follow Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer on
Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and Bluesky. | | | | |
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