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07.09.2026
Dear Neighbor,
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July is Disability Pride Month, and I keep thinking about Judy Heumann.
If you don't know her name, you live in a world she helped build. Judy contracted polio as a toddler and used a wheelchair her whole life. At five, she was turned away from kindergarten because the principal called her a "fire hazard." Years later, the same school system denied her a teaching license because she couldn't walk. She sued, won, and became the first wheelchair user to teach in New York.
Then, in 1977, she led about 150 disabled people into a federal building in San Francisco and refused to leave until the government enforced the first civil rights protections for disabled Americans. Officials cut the phone lines and hot water. The Black Panthers brought food. Deaf protesters signed messages through the windows. They stayed nearly a month, still the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. history, and they won, paving the road to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Judy is remembered today as the mother of the disability rights movement, and she summed up her life's work simply: “I simply refused to accept what I was told about who I could be.”
Her story captures two things I believe deeply. Disability inclusion is a civil right. And it makes the world better for all of us. The fight for disability rights produced ramps, curb cuts, and captions that help families with strollers and anyone trying to catch their favorite show in a loud room. Companies that lead on disability inclusion outperform their peers, while the cost of accommodations is often less than people think. We keep finding out the bar was never as high as we may have thought it was.
And yet the barrier Judy hit at five hasn't fully disappeared; it's just gotten subtler. Some still too often expect disabled and neurodivergent people to do most of the adjusting: to mask, to act neurotypical, to navigate hidden norms that are not their own, to access only the spaces we deem "easier" to make accessible. Imagine not knowing if you can even get in the door because of a flight of stairs, or whether anyone in the room will understand how you communicate. Being on edge, every day, in a world not designed for how you experience it. It has to be exhausting, and it shouldn't be the price of belonging.
Here's something I've heard over and over from people who've participated in activities alongside their disabled peers: how much they learned. How much they grew. Some tend to assume inclusion programs exist so the non-disabled peer can help the disabled one. In reality, the learning runs both ways, as it does in any peer activity, and it's often the non-disabled peer who walks away with lessons that last a lifetime, lessons that can happen naturally in schools with greater inclusion, which data also shows to lead to better outcomes for students with disabilities and benefits all students.
So, yes - let's provide accommodations, always, for everyone. But those of us who built a world around non-disabled and neurotypical norms, and then mostly let in those who can best adapt to it, could do more to expand that world so everyone can just be themselves. We all adapt to different environments; some people are just expected to hide far more of themselves in the process or may take adaptations that the majority do not need. Too often people with disabilities have learned to settle for fewer spaces or segregated ones because it can be too exhausting to keep asking the world you live in to remember you exist and to include you.
Pride, as Judy Heumann lived it, means getting to be yourself. In the world. With everyone. Part of humanity. As they chose, not as others chose for them. All Judy Heumann wanted was to be seen as fully human. (Pun intended.)
After all, we are ALL human with the same rich complexity of desires and interests, feelings and dreams, strengths and challenges.
Happy Disability Pride Month!
To learn more: Read Judy Heumann's memoir “Being Heumann” or watch the Oscar-nominated documentary “Crip Camp” on Netflix.
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P.S. Speaking of open doors - I am proud to bring back Battle of the Bands as two additional summer concerts and we are seeking bands!
Calling All Bands — Battle of the Bands Is Back!
Do you play in a band? Know someone who does? This is your moment. I'm proud to bring back Battle of the Bands as two additional summer concerts at Lake Accotink Park — and we're looking for six bands ready to take the stage.
And here's the best part — the audience helps to pick the winners. This isn't a battle judged behind closed doors. Our audience helps choose which bands advance to the finals, so mark your calendars:
- Thursday, August 14 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. — Six bands take the stage. With your help, we narrow the field.
- Thursday, August 21 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. — The top three return to battle it out for the title.
Musicians, here's what's in it for you: Every participating band will take home a Sweetwater gift card, with extra prizes for our top three finalists. And the winner earns a headlining spot at the 2027 Braddock Summer Nights Concert Series! And who knows? Maybe the next Dave Grohl will be discovered right here in the Braddock District.
Eligibility — participating groups must include:
- At least two members
- At least one vocalist
- At least one member who plays a musical instrument
- Preference will be given to groups in which a majority of members reside in Fairfax County
Music: All genres welcome! Submit two recorded tracks (cover songs are fine) as an .mp3, .mp4, link to a public music site or social media site or YouTube video.
Download the registration form and submit by July 15, 2026. Questions? Email braddockevents@fairfaxcounty.gov
Help us spread the word! Even if you're not a musician yourself, you can be part of making this happen. Forward this to the garage band down the street, the coworker who gigs on weekends, your kid's music teacher, that friend who's always talking about "getting the band back together." Share it on social media, in neighborhood groups, wherever local musicians might see it. The more bands that enter, the better the show for everyone.
Why this matters: It might seem like just a summer concert series, but it's so much more than that. In a moment when so much feels heavy and divided, music, the arts, and sports have a way of reminding us what we share. Just look at the World Cup: all those heartwarming stories of strangers from across the globe celebrating together, united by something joyful. That's the same magic we're after right here at home - neighbors gathering, kids creating, and communities connecting.
Come on out, cheer loud, and cast your vote. The next Braddock District champion is out there and you get a say in crowning them!
| | Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer | | |
In this issue:
- Microburst Strom Resources
- Rachna in the Community
- Community Heroes
- Community Happenings
- Notes from the Boardroom
- Housing Updates
- Education Updates
- Environment and Parks Updates
- Public Safety Updates
- Resources for Older Adults
- Land Use Updates
- Transportation Updates
- Pet Adoption Corner
| | Microburst Storm Resources | Your Guide to Navigating Available County Resources After the Burke Microburst Storm | After a successful virtual townhall last night, my team and I have put together a list of resources for those in the community effected by the Microburst Storm that occurred in Burke on June 28. This list has been compiled from the websites and phone numbers provided during the meeting by the many county and state agencies that joined us on Wednesday night. |
Storm Recovery & Emergency Information
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Tree Damage & Property Cleanup
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Property Damage & Permits
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Community Assistance & Human Services
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Homeowners Associations & Consumer Assistance
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If you need additional assistance that is not addressed by the resources above, please don't hesitate to contact the Braddock District Supervisor's Office. My team and I remain committed to helping our community recover and will continue working with our county, state, and community partners throughout the recovery process.
Braddock Office Adress: 9002 Braddock Road, Burke VA, 22015
Braddock Office Email: braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov
Braddock Office Phone: (703) 425-9300
| Town Hall Video Recording with Captions | |
For those of you who missed the virtual town hall, our office has uploaded a video recording of the meeting with captions available on our YouTube channel: Braddock District Supervisor hosts a Teams Town Hall on the Microburst Storm - July 8, 2026
| Cheering on Team USA from Crafthouse at Fairfax Corner | |
Monday night, the Braddock District Office joined community members at Crafthouse to cheer on the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team. While the match didn't end with the result we were hoping for, it was still a fun evening filled with great company, team spirit, and community pride.
It was wonderful to see so many fans come together to support the USMNT and enjoy the excitement of the game. Local businesses like Crafthouse provide great gathering spaces where neighbors can connect over shared interests, whether it's cheering on our national team or simply spending time together.
Thank you to Crafthouse for their hospitality and to everyone who joined us for a memorable evening. We look forward to gathering again soon to continue supporting our sports teams and celebrating our vibrant Braddock community.
| Welcome Home Virginia Task Force 1! | |
Following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, members of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1) deployed to assist with international search-and-rescue operations in some of the hardest-hit areas. Working alongside local responders and other rescue teams, VA-TF1 has helped locate survivors, including a mother and her 9-month-old baby who were rescued from beneath the rubble.
On Monday night, 79 members of VA-TF1 and six search canines returned home from Venezuela, marking the conclusion of their earthquake response mission. They were welcomed home by their families, fellow first responders, and members of the community who gathered to honor their service and thank them for their dedication.
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Our hearts are filled with gratitude for these brave men and women who answered the call to help communities devastated by disaster. They traveled thousands of miles from home, working tirelessly in dangerous conditions to search for survivors, provide hope, and demonstrate the very best of Fairfax County on the world stage.
We are especially proud that so many members of VA-TF1 call Fairfax County home. Their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others embody the values that make our community so strong.
To every member of VA-TF1, thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication to serving others—both here at home and around the world. And to the families who supported them throughout this mission, thank you for your strength and sacrifice as well.
| | Braddock Nights Concert - The Gayle Harrod Band | | |
Kick off your weekend with the Braddock Nights Concert, featuring the Gayle Harrod Band, this Friday evening from 7:30-8:30 at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA 22150 for a free outdoor concert filled with great music, family-friendly fun, and a wonderful chance to connect with neighbors.
There are bands out there that weave a musical story so vivid that you wind up in the middle of it. The Gayle Harrod Band not only understands that but leans into it. Band leader and lead vocalist Gayle Harrod achieves a rare, honest, and spell-binding level of performance with thrillingly rocket-powered vocals, a signature blend of grit, gravel, and pure defiance, yet can summon warm, smoky, velvety tones and draw the listener in with a heartbreaking quiet, confessional intimacy.
The Gayle Harrod Band’s Debut CD, Temptation, was released in February 2023 and is a beautiful showcase of Blues styles from Chicago to New Orleans, Memphis to the Mississippi Delta and Muscle Shoals; with influences of Motown, R&B, Gospel and Soul. Temptation was also chosen by the Blues Foundation as a finalist in the 2024 International Blues Challenge for Best Self Produced CD and is a 2024 Wammie Award Winner for Best Blues Album. The Gayle Harrod Band also won 2024 Wammies for Best Blues Artist and Best Blues Song for “In the Deep Dark Night”.
The band has been performing throughout the DMV region and beyond since 2017, with an exciting and memorable setlist that covers Blues, Soul, R&B, Motown and Popular favorites from the early 1900’s to present and captivating audiences, from the young to the young at heart.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, relax under the summer sky, and join us for another memorable night in the Braddock District!
| | Arts in the Parks Children's Show - The Great Zucchini | | |
Looking for a fun family activity this weekend? Join us for the Arts in the Parks Children's Show, featuring The Great Zucchini, this Saturday morning from 10:00-10:45 at Wakefield Park/Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA 22003, where children can enjoy a free, interactive performance in the beautiful outdoors while making lasting summer memories with family and friends.
The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini's show keeps children on the edge of their seats. Watch your kids' faces light up as they see things disappear and reappear. Watch how animated and excited the children get when they yell "Wake up Zucchini," when he accidentally falls asleep during the show or when he turns tissue paper into colorful rainbow streamers, or when his puppet, Ruffles the Rabbit, keeps coming out of the hat without The Great Zucchini noticing. This is "eye candy" magic comedy at its best.
| | George Mason Legal Clinic Provides Free Legal Services to Military Community | |
Active-duty servicemembers and veterans can access FREE legal services via George Mason’s Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-Vets) at the Antonin Scalia Law School. The clinic offers legal advice regarding landlord-tenant matters, consumer protection and contract issues, uncontested divorces, step-parent and close-relative adoptions, Medical Evaluation Boards/Physical Evaluation Boards, discharge upgrades, military pay and entitlement matters in federal and state forums.
Learn more at https://mvets.law.gmu.edu/.
| Fairfax Water’s Customer Satisfaction Survey 2026 | |
I’m pleased to announce that Fairfax Water’s 2026 Customer Satisfaction Survey is now open!
The survey is available in both English and Spanish and takes approximately five minutes to complete. Feedback from customers is invaluable and will help Fairfax Water continue improving the services it provides to our community.
We encourage you to share the survey with your constituents and contacts through newsletters, social media, email, and other communication channels.
To make sharing easy, the following resources are available:
The survey will remain open through July 24, 2026.
| Workhouse Arts Center - Open Call for Exhibitions | |
Workhouse Arts Center's open call for proposals facilitates submissions from parties interested in having a solo or group exhibition in the Workhouse Arts Center’s Building W-16, in the McGuire Woods, Vulcan, and Muse Galleries.
Summer 2026 review
Opens: May 1, 2026
Deadline: July 12, 2026
Notification: July 31, 2026
Application fee: $30
Contact: Sarah Berry, Curator at SarahBerry@workhousearts.org
| | Goal! World Cup and Soccer Resources | | |
GOOOOAAAAAL!
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway through July 19, bringing together nations from around the globe in a celebration of sport, teamwork, and international pride.
In Fairfax County, our diverse community means residents will be cheering on teams from every corner of the world, making this tournament an especially exciting time to come together and celebrate our global connections.
Looking for a place to watch the action? Fairfax provides a calendar with several watch parties.
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Library Events
Come and partake in the wonderful activities taking place in 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 - LEGO in the Library | | |
Calling all LEGO lovers! Whether you're an experienced builder or just discovering the fun of creating with LEGO bricks, you're invited to join us after school for an afternoon of imagination and hands-on fun. This is a great opportunity to meet other LEGO enthusiasts, make new friends, and share your creations in a welcoming and collaborative environment. Drop in to design, build, and explore your creativity while tackling unique building challenges or bringing your own ideas to life.
Ages 6-12.
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Burke Centre Meeting Room 116, Burke Centre Meeting Room 117
| Burke Centre - Read to the Dog, Asiago | |
Build confidence and a love of reading by sharing a story with a gentle, trained therapy dog! In this relaxed, judgment-free program, children ages 5–12 can practice reading aloud at their own pace while our furry friend listens patiently. Bring your favorite book or pick one from the library to read aloud to Asiago. Reading sessions cannot be extended due to late arrival. Program is a first come, first served basis & in-person sign-ups begin at 3:30 on the day of the event.
Ages 5-12 with caregiver.
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Burke Centre Meeting Room 116, Burke Centre Meeting Room 117
| Kings Park - Bad Art Night! | |
No Talent? No Problem! Join us for a fun, judgment-free creative session where the only goal is to relax and express yourself. Whether you create a masterpiece, a doodle, or something completely abstract, there's no right or wrong way to participate. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, let your imagination take over, and discover the joy of creating without the pressure of perfection.
Adults 18+. Registration Required.
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Kings Park Meeting Room
| Kings Park - The History of the American Civil War with Historian Madeline Feierstein | |
The American Civil War (1861-1865) reflected this young nation's complicated relationship with unity, identity, and slavery. At its core, both sides fought for their unique visions of the American experiment. Test by fire, the United States emerged victorious against its own rebellion yet reluctantly reunited. This lecture will discuss the ideological causes of the Civil War, why it was a necessary conflict, and how it laid the groundwork for future discontent.
Adults, registration is encouraged.
Presented by local historian Madeline Feierstein.
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Kings Park Meeting Room
| | Land Use Policy Committee | |
On Tuesday, July 7, the Land Use Committee (which is a committee of the full Board of Supervisors) received three presentations from various County officials in the Zoning Administration on the topics of:
- The Zoning Ordinance Work Program
- Proposed amendments to ordinances for home daycare facilities
- Proposed amendments to ordinances for accessory living units
This annual presentation on the Zoning Ordinance Two-Year Work Program highlighted zoning amendments that had been made for Fiscal Year 2026 for Congregate Living Facilities, Light Utility Facilities and Manufactured Housing, among other topics. The staff noted that they are currently working on amendments that will modernize the requirements for Accessory Living Units, Accessory Structures and among other things, Flood Plain updates and requirements for Home Day Care facilities. The Zoning Administration staff also described which ordinances would be included for immediate review (Tier 1) and which ordinances will be planned for revision later. Staff pointed out that updating these ordinances takes time since community outreach and feedback is needed on each ordinance amendment.
The next presentation covered the need for affordable day care in the county and steps the county can take to support the establishment of home day care facilities. County staff noted that there are some requirements for home day care facilities that could be loosened up to simplify the process of establishing day care.
Finally, the Committee heard from Zoning staff about proposals for increasing flexibility and streamlining the process for homeowners to build accessory living units on their properties. Some of the options being considered include removing the requirement that the owner also be an occupant of the main home, removing the two-year renewal requirement and allowing a detached accessory living unit by-right on lots of 36,000 square feet or larger with a simple administrative permit.
You can view the entire Land Use Committee Meeting here.
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The Environmental Committee met with staff from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) to follow up on the discussion of the County’s Refuse Disposal Fund. This account is used to cover the expenses associated with transportation and disposal of trash, permitting and enforcement of contracts with trash haulers, processing of hazardous and electronic waste as well as community education initiatives and glass recycling in the County. Because the funds in this account will be exhausted over the next few years, DPWES is considering options for increasing revenues in this fund. Their presentation to the Environmental Committee included short-term options such as possibly reducing operating hours at the landfill, placing a one-year freeze on non-mandatory capital improvement projects, charging for trash services that are currently free, and increasing enforcement.
DPWES explained that they have been meeting with regional partners to discuss additional options for increasing revenue and that they are pursuing new legislative authority.
You may view a recording of the entire Environmental Committee meeting at this link.
| | How First-Time Homebuyers Can Get a $50,000 Down Payment Loan | |
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) offers down payment loans to qualified individuals for first-time home purchases. Up to $50,000 is available for down payment assistance to help remove barriers to homeownership. These loans are made possible from Virginia Housing.
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Check your eligibility: Households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and who meet other requirements are eligible to apply. All details are on the website.
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Contact a Virginia Housing-approved lender: The lender submits the application to the FCRHA on behalf of the buyer, and the FCRHA processes applications as they are received.
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Get pre-approved: Buyers who are pre-approved receive a loan commitment and complete homebuyer education and counseling. Next, they work with the lender and real estate agent to obtain a ratified sales contract to purchase a home in Fairfax County.
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Close on your new home! Once you have a ratified contract to purchase, your lender will submit the complete application package for final approval. After it is approved, the purchase of your new home is coordinated with the lender, Fairfax County staff, and the title company.
Tip: consider the options for how you would use a loan: A Fairfax County Down Payment Loan may be used to reduce your first mortgage principal amount; pay reasonable and allowable closing costs; pay points to reduce the mortgage interest rate; or buy out private mortgage insurance (PMI). Work with your lender to determine the best use of the loan for you and your household.
Learn more and apply today
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Volunteer and Partner Services is excited to once again partner with Roonga, this time for their annual School Supply and Backpack Drive! In order to get started, all you need to do is log onto the live site.
July 1 through August 7, 2026, you are invited to Adopt-A-Student and help them start the school year prepared and confident.
Guidelines:
Volunteer and Partner Servies is asking for a donation of a brand-new backpack and grade-specific school supplies for each student you adopt. For your convenience, they have included the school supply lists recommended by Fairfax County Public Schools for each grade level. Please refer to these lists when shopping to ensure students receive the items they need.
When you drop off your donation, it is required that you include a securely attached tag with:
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The student’s Roonga ID, and
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Their caseworker’s name.
Important Reminders:
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Check the student’s region. Please make sure you note which region the student lives in so you know which regional office to use for drop-off.
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Coordinate directly with the caseworker. Please contact the caseworker for the student you adopt, not the main program number, for questions, drop-off details, and confirmations.
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Donate new supplies only: All backpacks and school supplies must be brand new—we’re unable to accept used or gently used items, regardless of their condition.
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The Deadline is August 7: Drop off or deliver the backpacks and school supplies to the caseworker by appointment only by Friday, August 7, 2026. Please do not show up to the office without first speaking to the assigned caseworker.
Thank you for helping Fairfax County children start the school year equipped, encouraged, and supported. Your generosity makes a real difference in their lives.
| Environment and Parks Updates | Experience the Power of Parks in Fairfax County During Park and Recreation Month | |
July is National Park and Recreation Month, and the Fairfax County Park Authority is celebrating the power of parks to bring people together, support health and wellness, and strengthen communities. This year also marks the Park Authority's 75th anniversary, celebrating decades of parks, programs, and outdoor experiences.
With 424 parks, more than 340 miles of trails, recreation centers, golf courses, nature centers, waterfront parks, and free Summer Entertainment Series performances, there are countless ways to get outside this summer. Whether you're hiking, paddling, swimming, playing at a local playground, or simply enjoying nature, there's something for everyone.
Discover your next adventure and learn more by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority's Park and Recreation Month webpage.
| Audrey Moore Rec Center Litter and Illegal Dumping Alert | |
Fairfax County staff has noted an increase in trash left behind at the glass recycling purple can located in the main parking lot of Wakefield Park/Audrey Moore Rec Center.
Please keep this area clean and litter free.
Cardboard boxes should be broken down and placed in your curbside recycling cart or dumpster.
If the glass is too big to fit in the purple can slots, then it does not belong. Larger glass items should be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for a small fee.
Visit the Fairfax County Public Works recycling and trash webpage to see fees and more.
If dumping continues, the county may remove the glass recycling container at the impacted location.
| New Directors Join Fairfax County Park Foundation Board | The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to accept the nominations of Ellen Gray, Radhika Subramanian and Jonathan Wertz as board directors of the fundraising arm for the Fairfax County Park Authority. The Park Authority Board confirmed these appointments at its June 24 board meeting. The new directors’ first term of service began on July 1 and extends through June 30, 2029. | Plastic Free July: Save Money and Protect Your Health By Ditching Plastic | |
We all know how much waste and pollution single-use plastics cause. But did you know that the average family could save $1,000-$2,000 per year by swapping out single-use items like food containers, water bottles, coffee mugs, shopping bags, and utensils for reusable ones? Switches like these also go a long way toward reducing litter, conserving resources, and lowering hidden costs of managing plastic waste. What with the 16,000+ undisclosed chemical ingredients found in plastics, reducing your exposure also benefits your health.
This Plastic Free July, stop by the Annandale Farmers Market on Thursday, July 9th and Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 from 8:00AM - 12:00PM at 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA, 22003.
to learn more from Clean Fairfax. The Farmers Market will have a demonstration on safer alternatives to plastics for food preservation and talking about reusables.
Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets are leading the way in Virginia, now in their second year of being plastic bag-free, so remember to bring your own bag, box, tote, or cart to the market! Plastic Free July is a global movement to reduce single-use plastic waste and join together to find safer, cheaper, and more creative alternatives.
Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more at www.cleanfairfax.org
| Know Your Rights / Conoce Tus Derechos | |
The Sherwood Regional Library will be hosting a bi-lingual presentation and Q&A with First Shift Justice Project, which empowers workers in low-wage jobs to exercise their rights related to caregiving and parenting. By educating and supporting working parents to assert their rights before they lose their jobs or their workplace stress becomes untenable, First Shift helps them safely maintain their employment, their health and their family commitments.
Registration recommended.
Topics discussed will include:
- Job protected leave from work
- FMLA, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
- Knowing your rights on pregnancy accommodations
- Virginia's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program which goes into effect December 2028
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Location: Sherwood Regional Library Meeting Room
| New Virginia Public Safety Laws now in Effect | |
A Fairfax County initiative resulted in the Virginia General Assembly passing legislation (HB55) allowing localities in Planning Districts 8 (Northern Virginia), 9, and 15 to use noise monitoring cameras to enforce excessively loud vehicle exhaust systems.
Drivers found in violation could receive a civil penalty of up to $100. The violation would not appear on a driver's record or affect insurance rates. Revenue collected would be used to cover the cost of the program and support local transportation safety initiatives.
The law also includes privacy protections for collected data, requires annual public reporting on enforcement activity, and expires on July 1, 2028.
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Another Fairfax initiative resulted in a new Virginia law (HB250) that expands restrictions on adults convicted of certain offenses involving children.
Beginning July 1, 2026, those individuals are prohibited from coming within 100 feet of playgrounds, athletic fields, sports facilities, or gymnasiums operated by park authorities if they are there to have contact with children who are not in their custody.
The law also applies to individuals convicted of similar offenses in other states or countries. Violating these restrictions is a Class 6 felony.
| If you're interested in all of the notable newest Virginia laws that went into effect July 1, 2026, take a look at Fairfax County News Center for information on laws regarding transportation safety, housing, | July Is UV Safety Month — Protect Yourself from the Sun | Resources for Older Adults | James Wallar, Former U.S. Trade Negotiator, to Speak at LLI/NOVA Forum on Int’l Trade, Tariffs & Trade Deficits | |
The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, an educational group for adults over 50, will hold its next in-person Forum on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA. The guest will be James Wallar, a former U.S. trade negotiator.
James Wallar worked for the U.S. Treasury for 32 years, and was part of the official U.S. delegation negotiating the Northern American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations and the longest, most comprehensive and final Uruguay Round, which established the World Trade Organization. After retiring from the U.S. Government, he was an economic consultant, focused on Southeast Asia. Wallar will address the issues associated with the many twists and turns of trade policy, including the misconception that exports are good and imports are bad.
This program is free and open to the public without registration. More information is on the LLI/NOVA website available by scrolling down the calendar to September 2, 2026. This program is part of LLI/NOVA’s monthly Forum Series held the first Wednesday of each month. Social activities start at 9:30 am and the program begins at 10:00 am.
LLI/NOVA also provides more than 130 classes, programs and excursions a year to its members. More information on membership in LLI/NOVA is available on LLI’s website www.llinova.org.
Any questions, please e-mail LLI/NOVA at admin@llinova.org.
| Fairfax County Land Development Services Educational Opportunites | |
Does the heat of summer have you thinking you need to upgrade from a sprinkler to a pool in your backyard? Does your barbecue hangout spot have a few loose screws or rotted deck boards? Or maybe your AC stopped working and you want to install the HVAC yourself!
Before you hand any money to a contractor or pick up a shovel to start digging, think about taking a Building Permits 101 class or Deck Details class from Fairfax County’s Land Development Services (LDS). LDS has classes available in several formats on their Education & Outreach website.
If you belong to a neighborhood organization and would like to have LDS present a class for your whole neighborhood, they have staff that can teach you and your neighbors about building safely and sustainably in Fairfax County. Learn about the building permit process before you start your next home renovation and save time and money today!
Click here to request a Building Permits 101 class for your neighborhood organization!
| | Northern Virginia Localities Gain Authority to Increase Sales Tax for Public Transportation | | |
Under Virginia's biennial state budget, adopted in Richmond late last month, Northern Virginia localities now have the authority to ask voters to approve a local sales tax increase of up to 1%. If approved through a referendum, the additional revenue can be used to support transportation, education, or a combination of both.
Until now, only nine of Virginia's 133 cities and counties were authorized to hold referendums on a local sales tax increase dedicated to school construction. Northern Virginia localities did not have this authority.
The new budget expands referendum authority to every city and county in the Commonwealth, while capping any increase at 1%. It also provides Northern Virginia localities with the added flexibility to dedicate a portion of the revenue to public transportation in addition to education.
As Northern Virginia's largest locality and a regional leader, Fairfax County is expected to play a significant role in determining how this new authority could be used and in shaping a coordinated regional approach.
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Meet Cindy (formerly known as Sunny for her sunny personality), a sweet, curious, and playful girl. She is a total lovebug who expresses her affection through tail wags and with kisses (if you'll let her). She greets you with enthusiasm each time she sees you.
She is very energetic and loves the outdoors, especially long walks and running, but she also enjoys long naps and is very chill indoors (she'll let you work nearby undisturbed for several hours; she's just happy to be near you). Nothing makes her happier than gentle pets (especially belly rubs!), soft brushing, and hearing what a good girl she is. She is highly motivated by and always looking for food, but she learned quickly not to beg.
She is a social butterfly who loves spending time with her people and especially meeting new people and dogs, although she is working on her leash manners so that she doesn't pull when she gets too excited.
She already knows "sit" and "down," and she learns new routines quickly, where (not) to walk, where to do her business, and not to put her paws on the counter/table.
She is very gentle with her toys, although she doesn't seem to have much interest in them.
She never barks for any reason. She doesn't seem to have any separation anxiety, and she's fine spending the night by herself. She doesn't have any accidents or touch anything that she wasn't supposed to.
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: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalservices/adopt
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