08.27.2026

Dear Neighbor,

Summer is winding down, school buses are back on the roads, and our Board meetings have resumed after our summer break. It feels like a good time to share not just what we're working on, but why it matters to me.

My family has called Braddock home for 25 years. Long before I ever imagined holding elected office, I was a neighbor trying to solve problems for my own family, which grew into advocating for others facing the same struggles. That's still how I think about this job. I'm honored to serve you, but I'm also still your neighbor, and the Board room is where that neighborly work gets done in public.

Much of what comes before the Board this year comes back to one goal: a Fairfax where people can build a good life and afford to stay. Affordability, especially housing, remains central. I want our seniors to age in place, our families to raise kids here, and our young people who grew up here to return and build their own lives in the County. We are always looking for ways to make Braddock more affordable.

Being a strong community also means showing up for people when they need us --- that means resources for survivors of domestic violence, families at risk of homelessness, residents with disabilities, older adults. It means investing in our schools and keeping Fairfax one of the safest and largest jurisdictions in the country. And it means cherishing public spaces like Audrey Moore and Lake Accotink where we connect with each other.

Our office and staff are here to serve you. We can't guarantee an immediate answer, but we will listen, research the matters that concern you, and respond as soon as we can.

We're heading into another budget year, with complicated needs and finite resources. As Board meetings and public hearings resume this month, I want to hear from you: What matters most? What should we protect, improve, or do differently?

Reply to this newsletter, call our office, or speak with me or one of my team members when you see us in the community. I'm your Supervisor, but I'm your neighbor too. And my team is deeply committed to serving you.

In Service,

Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer

In this issue:

• 🎬From the Boardroom
• 👥Community Happenings
• 🤑Money
• 🚗Closures, Delays, and Alerts
• 🏠Land Use and Environment updates
• 💻Education Updates
• 🍎Health and Human Services: Changes to Medicaid
• 🐶Pet Adoption Corner

From the Boardroom

Public Hearings

💵 FY2026 Budget Carryover Public Hearing

• The Board voted to allocate $169M of $171M in available funds from FY2025, leaving $1.62M for future consideration.
• There will be a public meeting as part of the regular Board meeting September 15 at 10:30 a.m. to consider appropriation of these funds. Find out how you can sign up here.
• More information about both these matters can be found here.

🏠Board approves site specific plan amendment for Olley Lane site

• The Board of Supervisors approved a site-specific plan amendment (SSPA 2023-II-3F) for the property on Olley Lane, near the Church of the Good Shepherd. The amendment, for a parcel subdivided from the Church of the Good Shepherd property, proposes to increase the planned density for the land up to two to three homes per acre. The zoning for this property is currently set for one to two homes per acre.
• The proposal now goes to the County’s Zoning Administration for review.
• While there has been substantial community engagement on this amendment, there will be more opportunity for community input during the rezoning process.
• For more details about this proposed amendment and the staff report, please visit the Planning and Development Department’s website for Comprehensive Plan Amendments.

🌳 Tree Commission and the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC):

• The Board approved a measure that will restructure the Environmental Quality Advisory Council to include elements of the Tree Commission. The new commission will be known as the Environmental Commission.
• The new Environmental Commission will integrate a broader range of environmental expertise to help the County address the evolving environmental challenges being faced by the County.
• The goal of the proposal is not to diminish the County’s focus on trees or urban forestry, but to bring our environmental advisory work together in a way that will help the Board and County staff continue advancing its environmental priorities.

🚗New and expanded parking districts:

• At Tuesday's Board meeting, my motions to expand the Lake Braddock Residential Permit Parking District (RPPD) and to establish the new Community Parking District (CPD) at Martin's Pointe were unanimously passed.
• Our Lake Braddock RPPD continues to be a valuable tool for the community to ensure the safety of residents and pedestrians, especially children, navigating residential roads near Lake Braddock Secondary School.
• We were able to provide the residents of the Preserve at Martin's Pointe their requested relief by establishing a new CPD.

Approved Consideration Items

🖼️ Public Art Master Plan

• The Board accepted the Public Art Master Plan, which will provide more opportunities to fund public artwork throughout the County.

Approved Administrative Items

🚴 Braddock in the Board Room: Approved and Funded Projects

The Board approved the allocation of carryover funds to the following pedestrian safety projects.

Guinea Road and Olley Lane

High visibility marking, potentially adding pedestrian refuges and a crosswalk, upgrading curb ramps and pedestrian lighting

Maple Avenue and John Robert Way

20 feet of active transportation facilities

Heritage Drive and Commons Drive

Pedestrian refuge island

Guinea Road and Pierrpont Street

Relocating crosswalk, installing pedestrian refuge, ADA curb ramps, sidewalk connection to relocated bus stops

Lake Braddock Drive and Raintree Road

Upgraded crosswalk with pedestrian refuge and curb ramps

Olley Lane and Eastwood Court

Upgraded pedestrian refuge island and/or rectangular rapid-flashing beacons

Camey Park and Lake Accotink Trails

Trail renovation

You can view the full Board meeting here.

Letter: Crosswalks

I’ve heard from many parents, students, and residents about the lack of painted crosswalks on Burke Lake Road in front of Lake Braddock Secondary School, and I want to assure you that we are actively working with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to get them done as quickly as possible. 



As a former School Board member and FCPS parent, I understand why this is such an important safety concern for our community. Students and families should be able to cross Burke Lake Road safely, and we are determined to resolve this issue. 

I’ve also heard concerns about the rough feeling of the newly treated surface on Burke Lake Road. There’s an important distinction to understand about what was done: the road was micro-surfaced, not traditionally paved. 

Micro-surfacing is a thin, polymer-modified treatment applied over existing asphalt to restore traction, seal cracks, and extend the life of the roadway. Traditional paving, by contrast, involves placing a new layer of hot-mix asphalt or reconstructing the roadway surface. 

The micro-surfacing process creates an unfortunate complication with the crosswalk markings. The new surface needs to remain dry for approximately 48 hours before VDOT can apply the paint. The project was originally scheduled to be completed before the start of the school year, but unfortunately, we have experienced an unusually long stretch of wet weather, with rain occurring nearly every 48 hours over the past couple of weeks. There is an additional delay as VDOT is repainting all marketings along Burke Lake Road, and not just in front of Lake Braddock.

Weather permitting, VDOT expects to have the crosswalks painted by the end of September. They have assured us that completing these markings is currently a top priority.

I’m sorry that our students, parents, and residents have had to deal with this situation, particularly at the start of the school year. I know how frustrating it is to see an important safety improvement delayed. We will continue working with VDOT and push to get the crosswalks completed as soon as conditions allow. 

Thank you to everyone who brought this concern to our attention and for your patience as we work to resolve this. 

Community Happenings

🎸🎸BATTLE OF THE BAND WINNERS🎸🎸

ZIPCODE BAND

Congratulations to Zipcode Band for winning my first ever Battle of the Bands event! Though all bands put up a good fight, Zipcode ultimately prevailed with their Latin rock songs that made everyone get up and dance.

Their victory in the Battle has guaranteed them recognition at this year's Best of Braddock, as well as a spot headlining a Braddock Nights concert. If you can't wait that long to hear their music, follow them @Zip Code Band on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube for all their future performances.

RESCHEDULED: George Mason Men's Soccer Fireworks Alert

George Mason men's soccer plays today at 7:00 p.m.!

Due to potential thunderstorms tonight, IVth Night and the men's soccer postgame fireworks have been postponed. IVth Night will take place on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the RAC Field. The postgame fireworks are rescheduled for the men’s soccer game vs. George Washington University during Family Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. Tonight's soccer game will be played as scheduled.

STUFF THAT BUS! Saturday, September 19

Save the date! On Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., our office will host a Stuff the Bus event!

It's as simple as it sounds. A bus will be at our office (9002 Burke Lake Road). Our goal: to fill the bus with non-perishable food and gift cards for area food banks. So, clear out your pantry and let's show the county what Braddock is made of. Let's stuff that bus to the max!

More information can be found here.

Ravensworth Porch Fest Saturday, September 19

Porch Fest is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the North Springfield neighborhood. The rain date will be Saturday, September 26.

This will be a FREE neighborhood music festival where neighbors play live music for the community. Friends and neighbors gather in front yards, carports, backyards, and front porches to listen to music performed in many styles and levels from amateur, garage bands, community choirs, school ensembles to professional musicians.

If you're interested, check out the organizer's Facebook or website for more information.

Library Events

Come and partake in the diverse offerings of the Kings Park and Burke Centre Libraries this week.

A full listing of library activities throughout Fairfax County may be found on the Library Calendar.

Burke Centre - Walk-In Tech Clinic

Have a technology question?

If you are confused by the words "firewall," "megabyte" and "two-factor authentication,"be sure to show up to this tech clinic with any burning questions.

Technology volunteers are available to help with questions about eBooks, eAudiobooks, cell phones, tablets and computers. Please bring device account IDs and passwords to help the tech volunteers help you. This event is for adults only.

Date: Monday, August 31, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Burke Centre Meeting Room 116 and 117

Kings Park - Calling volunteers for Career Day! Applications due next Monday

Want to help teens find their future careers? Give kids a glimpse of the careers you love. Find the link to the application here.

Money

Fairfax Connector Expands Transit Fare Assistance

Fairfax Connector has announced the launch of TRIP100, a new Transit Ridership Incentive Program that provides qualified Fairfax County residents with a 100 percent fare discount on Fairfax Connector bus service. The new program, supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), replaces the previous TRIP program, which provided a 50% fare discount on Fairfax Connector. 

Participants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be 50 years of age or older, with an annual income of $50,000 or less per individual
• Have an annual income of $32,805, or 225% of Federal Poverty Limit for an individual, 50 years of age or younger
• Be a registered user of MetroAccess
• Receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance
• Receive assistance services and have a caseworker through another Fairfax County agency or organization
• 

Fairfax County residents interested in the program can visit the TRIP100 webpage to review eligibility requirements as well as full terms and conditions.

Scholarships for Healthcare Careers

Your next career could change lives — including your own. 

Start today with a $700 scholarship toward health and medical career training classes through FCPS's Adult and Community Education program (ACE) and gain practical, job-focused skills for an in-demand career. 

Whether you want to work directly with patients or support office operations, learn in-person or online, FCPS ACE gives you options, and a financial head start. You can earn required credentials and create a foundation for future career growth.

Your healthcare career could be closer than you think. Learn more and apply today.

ArtsFairfax FY27 Ticket & Participation Subsidy Grant

ArtsFairfax Ticket & Participation Subsidy Grants fund free and reduced-price tickets, tuition, and transportation for performances, workshops, classes, and camps for people who may not have regular opportunities to experience the arts. Arts organizations based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church may be eligible to apply.

The deadline is June 30, 2027, or until grant funds are depleted. If you are interested, check out this link for more information.

Closures, Delays, and Alerts: Oh My!

Royal Lake Commonwealth Trail Closed

The Park Authority has announced that the new paved trail from Commonwealth Blvd to Lakeside Park and the Royal Lake circuit trail is temporarily closed starting today for approximately two weeks for final construction of the trail. A new bridge and the final paving will be done over the next two weeks for the final phase of construction. Please see the Park Authority signs for details.

Fairfax County Parkway Southbound Nighttime Lane Closures August 29

Weather permitting, on Saturday night, August 29, southbound Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) will have single-lane closures and intermittent traffic stoppages between Ladues End Lane (Route 8473) and Burke Centre Parkway (Route 643) for bridge work as part of the Fairfax County Parkway south widening project, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

You can read more about the project here.

Waived Adoption Fees; Michael Frey Animal Shelter Temporary Shutdown

Beginning Monday, August 31, the Department of Animal Services will temporarily close the Michael R. Frey campus to complete an HVAC renovation that will take approximately six months.

The Lorton campus and a temporary public-facing space offering limited services will both be available during this time. While Lorton will continue to accept stray animals, intake capacity will be significantly reduced.

Best of all, since their fee-waived adoption weekend last week was so successful, with over 75 adoptions, they are doing

Get all the operational updates at this link.

ALERT: Gunpowder Road Bridge over Rt. 29 Closed Until October

The Gunpowder Road bridge over Route 29 will be closed for approximately two months for bridge work, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The Gunpower Road bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic in early to mid-October.

You can get traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511.vdot.virginia.gov, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.

ALERT: Wastewater Repair Project Along Gadsen Drive Starting September 14

Starting Monday, September 14, the Fairfax County Wastewater Design and Construction Division (WDCD) will begin a wastewater infrastructure project along Gadsen Drive.

This project will replace approximately 1,690 linear feet of deteriorated 8-inch sewer pipe, located along Gadsen Drive and Henrico Street. The existing 8-inch sewer main will be upgraded to a 12-inch sewer main.

During construction, WDCD has asked residents to not park in or immediately adjacent to active construction areas. The active work zone will shift as the project advances, so remain attentive to posted signs and changing conditions. Please also note that the dead end of Gadsen Drive near Portsmouth Road has been designated for construction material and equipment storage.

For additional information about this project, please visit this link or email joseph.gerges@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions.  

Land Use and Environment

Free Trees Delivered to Your Door

It’s easy, it’s free and a great way for residents to help grow and strengthen Fairfax County’s urban forest, one yard at a time. Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the Fairfax County Urban and Community Forestry Division is giving away free trees to Fairfax County residents to plant on their properties.

For the first two weeks of the program, free trees will be available to Fairfax County residents who live in communities that rank “high” or “very high” on the Social Vulnerability Index. Eligible residents may receive up to two free one-gallon trees, shipped directly to their homes while supplies last.

To keep an eye on the start dates and to participate, visit Get Trees | Arbor Day Foundation. Tree recipients will be given access to an online tool that can help residents identify the best location to plant their tree, see estimates on how each tree could affect their home’s energy costs and select the trees they would like to receive.

Read more about the program here.

Fairfax Connector Adds New Hybrid Electric Buses to Fleet, Expanding Cleaner Transportation Options

There's something new rolling through Fairfax County this summer. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is adding 19 hybrid-electric buses to the Fairfax Connector fleet, bringing more environmentally friendly transportation options to riders across the county. 

“Hybrid-electric buses are expected to provide approximately 25% fuel savings and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional diesel buses,” said FCDOT Transit Division Chief Dwayne Pelfrey, “helping Fairfax Connector move toward a more environmentally sustainable fleet.”

Later this year, FCDOT anticipates receiving an additional 36 hybrid-electric buses through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant. Manufactured by Gillig Corporation in California, these buses are expected to begin entering service toward the end of the year. All new hybrid-electric buses will replace traditional buses as they are retired in coordination with Fairfax Connector’s fleet replacement program.

You can read more here.

Deer Management Program Begins in September

The Fairfax County Deer Management Program is conducted annually in select Fairfax County parks. This year, the program will run between September 12, 2026 and February 13, 2027 in eleven Braddock District parks.

The goal of the program is to reduce the deer population within Fairfax County to more sustainable levels to minimize safety, health, and environmental impacts related to overabundant deer, and maintain healthy deer herds. The program is implemented by the Fairfax County Police Department in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, NOVA Parks, and other public landholders. The Fairfax County Police Department maintains strict oversight over program operations and includes stringent rules and safety measures given the high use of county parks and proximity of residential areas and businesses.

Want to learn more? A recorded webinar providing a detailed overview of the Deer Management Program can be found on the program’s website.

Housing and Development

Attend the Fairfax Center Development Virtual Meeting on September 2nd

September 29: State of Supportive Housing Regional Forum

The Virginia Housing Alliance and the Corporation for Supportive Housing are hosting in-person regional forums across the state to update the State of Supportive Housing in Virginia report. This report has served as an important resource to provide education on supportive housing in Virginia, including the capacity to deliver this intervention as well as the needs of Virginia residents and communities.

Anyone connected to or curious about supportive housing, which includes housing providers, tenants, healthcare (including behavioral health) providers, local governments, peer support specialists, those working in the child welfare or social services systems, are welcome.

Register here to participate in the Northern Virginia Forum on September 29th, starting at 1:00pm. We are also hosting forums in Harrisonburg, Wytheville, Chesapeake, and Richmond. Questions? Email Isabel McLain at imclain@vahousingalliance.org. We hope to see you there!

Join the Braddock District Land Use and Environment Committee

Are you or is someone you know interested in becoming involved with local land use decision-making? The Braddock Land Use and Environment (BLUE) Committee is looking for five Braddock District residents to learn about and shape the district's land development future.

The BLUE Committee, founded in 2012, reviews proposals and provides recommendations to the Braddock District Planning Commissioner and the Braddock District Supervisor on development and redevelopment projects, while focusing on the goals of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, One Fairfax and Active Fairfax Transportation Plans, among others. It is a self-selected, independent, nonpartisan, and volunteer advisory body comprised of interested citizens who live in the Braddock District. 

Committee members are asked to commit to at least one year of service and serve on at least one subcommittee. If you are interested in joining BLUE, but want to learn more, attend one of their meetings to observe their work and talk with current members. The next meeting will be on September 15 at 7:00 p.m. The location of the in-person meeting will be confirmed in next week's newsletter.

An application may be downloaded here or may be requested by calling (703) 425-9300.  



We look forward to hearing from you!

Adult Education

"International Trade, Tariffs, & Trade Deficits: Fact & Fiction": September 2nd Public Forum

There will be a free community forum next Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. hosted by the Lifelong Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLINOVA). This event will be hosted at the Little River United Church of Christ.

LLINOVA is a social, educational and cultural organization for Northern Virginians over the age of 50, and is associated with the NOVA Annandale campus. They host forums monthly, and this month they will host James Wallar to speak on International Trade, Tariffs, and Trade Deficits.

If you're interested in the event, be sure to check for more information at this site.

Registration for Lifelong Learning Classes at George Mason University is Now Open

Fall registration is now open at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University. Adults age 50+ can choose from hundreds of classes, lectures, special events, and clubs designed to engage the mind, strengthen community connections, and support lifelong learning. Learn more and register here.

Health and Human Services

The Shepherd's Center of Annandale Springfield Seeks Volunteers

Do you have a few hours a month you can spare to volunteer for the Shepherd’s Center of Annandale/Springfield (SCAS)as a volunteer?

SCAS is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) volunteer organization that helps provide transportation for seniors over 50 who no longer drive who live in the Annandale, Springfield, Kingstowne, Franconia, and parts of Alexandria. They are looking for people to help with:

• Drivers / Transportation Services – help transport local area seniors (50+) from their home to medical appointments. This is our most critical need!
• Lunch N’ Life committee—help to plan and facilitate fun events.
• Board Members—help guide SCAS.
• Outreach - Liaison with churches and businesses.
• Fundraiser/grant writer– help raise funds.
• Office Manager – Part-time, paid position handling general office duties. For further details refer to shepherdscenter-annandale.org.

Please refer to their website www.shepherdscenter-annandale.org for additional details on how you can help, or call the office at 703-941-1419, Monday through Friday, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm with any questions you may have.

Upcoming Medicaid Eligibility Changes for Some Non-Citizen Adults

Later this year, a federal law will require changes to Medicaid eligibility rules for certain noncitizen adults. These changes are scheduled to begin October 1, 2026.

To qualify for full Medicaid benefits after October 1, 2026, adults will need to be a U.S. citizen, a Lawful Permanent Resident, Cuban or Haitian Entrant, or a Compact of Free Association migrant. Medicaid rules for children and pregnant members are NOT changing.



Learn more about these changes and how to update your contact information to get important notices.

Losing your health insurance can create challenges in accessing and managing care. Regardless of immigration status, there are community clinics and other services available to help you stay healthy. Learn about low-cost or free health care options in Fairfax County.

Donate Blood, Save a Life

The country is facing a blood crisis and hospitals are in urgent need of donors. All blood types are needed, but there is a particular need for type-O blood donors as the nationwide type-O blood supply falls critically low.

There will be a blood drive September 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. All donors will receive a donor appreciation gift. If this sounds like the opportunity for you, sign up here or reach out to rogerhartman47@gmail.com with any questions.

Find blood drives near you on the Red Cross or INOVA website.

Pet Adoption Corner

Meet Braveheart!

You don't get a name like Braveheart without earning it. Much like the 1995 Mel Gibson hero, this cat is yearning for freedom and a home to fight for. Unlike the movie, this cat is six years old and, an absolute gentleman.

If you're looking for a gentle-hearted companion that will join you in battle or join you at dinner, Braveheart is the cat for you. Animal services has noted that though Braveheart has lived with other cats, slow introductions are always recommended for lovely and gentle souls like him.

If Braveheart sounds like the pet for you, check out more information on him or the adoption process here.