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03.30.2026
Dear Neighbor,
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Happy Spring, Braddock!
The flowers are out, the trees are blooming, the birds are back, and yes, that means it’s budget season in Fairfax County.
Last Tuesday, March 24, I hosted my first Budget Town Hall, joined by our guest, Christina Jackson, the County’s Chief Financial Officer. Christina walked us through a clear and accessible overview of the Advertised FY27 Budget, and thanks to the thoughtful questions from residents, we covered a wide range of topics, including:
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• The new meals tax, which has already generated $67.9 million in revenue in just six months, which helped keep the proposed real estate tax rate flat.
• The real estate tax rate remains flat with no increase proposed at $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value, now lower than it was in 2017 - made possible by the County Executive’s proposed $32.9 million in reductions, including 107 positions. In the past four years, total reductions have reached nearly $125 million.
• The County’s transit-oriented development strategy, prioritizing new housing near Metro stations, major bus routes, and job centers, ideally in walkable, mixed-use communities.
• Updates on recycling programs and a local shredding opportunity: Marian Homes’ next event on April 11, 10 a.m.–noon, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5121 Woodland Way, Annandale.
• Funding our first responders and human services has led to Fairfax County’s status as the safest jurisdiction of its size. This year alone, homicides are down 7%, with a 100% case clearance rate. Robberies are down 19%, burglaries are down 27%, motor vehicle deaths are down 53%, and pedestrian deaths are down 20%.
• The County’s proposed transfer to Fairfax County Public Schools, which represents more than 51% of the total budget. Having recently served on the School Board, I firmly believe that supporting our schools is both an economic and moral priority - strong schools build a strong community.
• And much more! Watch the town hall at the Channel 16 website.
We were also joined by Tom Dannan, Braddock District’s newly sworn in School Board Member, who arrived just after his first closed session as part of the Board. Tom brings a deep history of public service, from the Peace Corps to PTA President, and I’m excited to partner with him to ensure Braddock remains one of the best places to raise a family, and as we work towards a strong and sustainable County.
| | As budget season continues, please keep your questions coming. You can always reach me and my team at Braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov, and the full budget is available at fairfaxcounty.gov/budget. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the budget and proposed cuts in the next several weeks as we work towards the budget vote on May 5th. | |
As always, my staff and I strive to keep you informed about what your elected Board member and your County government are doing. So I encourage you to read Notes from the Boardroom that provides insights into our Board meetings along with our news items below. Please contact me at braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 425-9300 if you need assistance or have any questions or suggestions! We are here to help.
Yours in service,
| | Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer | | |
In this issue:
- Notes from the Boardroom
- Transportation Updates
- Environment & Parks
- Economic Development
- Community News
- Human Services
- Public Safety
- Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
- Land Use & Development
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Budget Policy Committee
The Board of Supervisors conducts quarterly reviews of its budget and spending. The current Fiscal Year 2026 runs through June 30. At the Budget Policy Committee meeting, we looked at the Third Quarter Review document which identifies remaining revenue and proposes adjustments to the current budget. Typically, the Board and budget staff work to commit any remaining revenue towards existing obligations, which avoids the need to include those in the following year’s budget.
The County is fortunate to be in a solid place financially. We’ve brought in a bit more revenue than expected from sources such as interest earned, with rates not being cut as quickly as anticipated. This enables the County to commit revenue towards existing investments and capital improvements which we would need to pay for in some way.
A portion of the Third Quarter Review revenue is proposed to pay for improvements to some of our aging County buildings and rec centers. Additional funds are slated to support improving the County’s IT infrastructure and covering unplanned personnel costs.
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Information Technology Committee
The Board’s IT Committee meeting featured an update from the County’s Chief Technology Officer on how we’re collaborating across the County government and Fairfax County Public Schools to make our technological tools more efficient and effective. Click here to view the presentation.
A Joint Committee of the two entities was established to find operational efficiencies and to improve stewardship of County tax dollars, especially given the current budget uncertainties. The group is reviewing existing contracts with vendors and looking for ways that the County and Schools could obtain better pricing by joining together on products that they both use.
On initial review, some modest savings were identified. Staff expect that additional savings will be found as the County and Schools align their long-term strategies. We will keep in mind the need to maintain quality and improve services for the end users – the hundreds of thousands of students, school staff, County employees, and County residents.
We also heard from the IT Policy Advisory Committee (ITPAC), an appointed group of volunteer professionals established to advise the Board of Supervisors on technology issues. ITPAC members presented their recommendations on support for IT initiatives to modernize our infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and more, as outlined in the above presentation and their letter to the Board.
| | Upcoming Events and Opportunities | | |
Walk & Win Challenge
Spring is a fantastic time to enjoy the great outdoors! Please join me on the Fairfax County Walk & Win Challenge! This is a countywide walking initiative held in April in celebration of Walking Month. The program encourages residents to get outside, be active, and explore their neighborhoods while supporting their District through friendly competition.
Throughout the month, participants earn entries to win weekly prizes by walking and submitting their activity online. Walks can be completed on one of Fairfax County’s designated walking loops. If a loop is not nearby, a participant can walk their own neighborhood route, making the challenge accessible to residents across the County— regardless of location, schedule, or walking experience.
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The challenge is designed to be simple, inclusive, and flexible:
• Walk at your own pace
• Choose a route that works for you
• Participate as often as you like throughout April
District participation is tracked and shared via an online leaderboard, which creates excitement and encourages ongoing engagement. At the end of the month, the district with the highest participation earns Countywide recognition and bragging rights.
The Walk & Win Challenge supports Fairfax County’s broader goals of promoting active transportation, health and wellness, and sustainable travel choices, while providing a fun, low-barrier way for residents, employees, and families to participate together.
Come join me in making Braddock the highest participation district in Fairfax! Let's show how much we enjoy our amazing network of trails and lakes right here in Braddock! To participate, click here.
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Capital Bikeshare Virtual Public Meeting
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. to gather input on proposed Capital Bikeshare stations in the Providence, Braddock and Springfield Districts.
Up to 17 new Capital Bikeshare stations are proposed along the I-66 Parallel Trail corridor between Fairfax/Fair Lakes and Dunn Loring. The stations will be funded through an I-66 Commuter Choice grant from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.
During the meeting, FCDOT staff will explain how bikeshare works, discuss project funding and share maps of the proposed station locations. Staff also will ask for public feedback on where stations should go.
Meeting Information
Meeting ID: 278 223 443 073 01
Passcode: C8qn6KF3
- Join by phone: 571-429-5982
- Phone Conference ID: 884 801 97#
The regional Capital Bikeshare system has more than 800 stations in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, including 96 in Fairfax County. The system helps people commute, run errands and reach entertainment and leisure destinations. It also makes it easier for riders to connect to Metrorail, bus routes and other travel options.
Community input is essential in determining the final station selections and supporting a successful expansion of the program. The public will be able to submit comments and feedback via online survey, email, telephone and/or U.S. Mail. Detailed participation instructions will be available on the County’s Capital Bikeshare website following the virtual meeting on April 8.
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Active Transportation Prioritization Round 2 - Survey
Fairfax County has approved $25.43 million in one-time funding to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and an additional $17.88 million is anticipated as part of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ initiative to provide $100 million for active transportation safety and access improvements.
In partnership with District Supervisors, the Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has identified potential projects in areas with high walking/biking activity, socioeconomic need, and near key destinations like schools, parks and transit stops. These projects were initially identified based on community and stakeholder feedback collected since 2019, recommendations identified in area and corridor studies, and other improvements identified by staff during site reviews.
For more information:
FCDOT invites residents and commuters to review the potential projects and share feedback by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 4:30 p.m., to aid with prioritization of potential projects for funding. Note that each project will still need to be evaluated for feasibility, and that additional funding will need to be identified to complete potential projects included in this survey.
Although no new project ideas will be considered for this round of funding at this time, you can still:
If you would prefer to leave a recorded voice message rather than taking the survey, please call (703) 890-5898, and enter the project code 3170.
Click "Continue" to begin the survey.
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Metro Celebrates 50 Years of Service to the Region
Friday marked 50 years since Metro first launched a new era of transportation in the National Capital Region. It all began on March 27, 1976, with the first Metro Rail trips carrying customers on the 4.6 miles of Red Line between Rhode Island Avenue and Farragut North.
The Metro Rail system quickly transformed how the region moved. In the decades since, Metro has become the backbone of the region’s transportation network, with generations of customers relying on the system.
Over the years, customers have taken more than 7 billion trips on Metro Rail, and more than 15 billion trips across Metro Rail, Metro Bus, and Metro Access.
Today, the system has grown into a six-line, 130-mile network with 98 stations. In 2025 alone, Metro Rail delivered 147 million trips while playing a central role in the area’s economy and daily life.
“Metro was a bold vision and investment in the region by previous generations,” said Metro General Manager Randy Clarke. “Fifty years later, it remains essential to how people connect to jobs, school, and opportunity. Today, we honor the organizers, the decision makers, the builders, the employees, and the customers who have made America’s Metro System an integral part of the region over the past half-century. Team Metro is committed to stewardship of this great system and continuing to provide safe, frequent, and reliable service for the next 50 years.”
Beyond the numbers, Metro’s impact can be measured in the big and little moments it makes possible.
“For half a century, Metro has been the connective tissue of our region and supported its growth and economic vitality,” said WMATA Board Chair Valerie Santos. “We've carried billions of people from presidential inaugurations to World Series celebrations, from the surge of Cherry Blossom visitors each spring to the sea of red, white, and blue each Fourth of July. Metro has moved not just crowds, but history itself. Just as importantly, Metro is woven into the rhythm of everyday life, carrying people to work, to friends and family events, concerts and restaurants, healthcare, education, and community.”
Throughout the coming months, Metro will celebrate its Golden Anniversary with special 50th anniversary Smart Trip cards, vehicle wraps, pennants, trading cards, and merchandise.
Customers can walk down memory lane at Metro50th.com, a dedicated website where you can see a timeline of our history and browse pennants and photos from years past.
Later this year, a commemorative 50th anniversary coffee table book will be released.
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Braddock District Council Meeting Recap
On March 18, Matt Adams from the County’s Solid Waste Management Program delivered a presentation at the BDC meeting on the proposed Unified Sanitation District (USD). The presentation provided an overview of what a USD is—an approach where the County would manage contracts for trash, recycling, and yard waste collection for residential areas—and outlined potential benefits such as improved service consistency, greater accountability for haulers, and options for expanded services like bulk pickup and food waste collection.
During the presentation, staff also explained why the USD is being considered—primarily to give the County more authority to regulate service levels, pricing, and the number of haulers operating in neighborhoods, as well as to help meet broader sustainability goals. They also reviewed what services could be included and outlined potential next steps, noting that any implementation would require Board approval and would not occur for at least five years.
By way of background, the USD concept was introduced through a Board matter in August 2025. The effort is currently paused while the County conducts community engagement and continues collecting public input, including through meetings with haulers and HOA representatives.
The presentation concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
Click here to see the presentation.
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Greenbrier Plant - A Thorny & Beneficial Native
Common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), sometimes referred to as “nature’s barbed wire,” is a native plant in northern Virginia that is often mistaken for the non-native, highly invasive multiflora rose, and is inhospitable to gardeners who often attempt to eradicate it.
Both multiflora rose and greenbrier have bright green smooth stems year-round, but multiflora rose has hooked thorns while greenbrier has straight thorns. Although greenbrier can be a hassle for gardeners, it is a vital plant for wildlife.
Greenbrier can grow in a variety of habitats and provides benefits to both songbirds and small mammals by providing nesting places, escape cover and winter food in the form of berries. Native insects, such as owlet moth larvae, feed on the flowers and leaves, making it a crucial part of their life cycle.
Like poison ivy, another native plant that is onerous to humans despite its benefits to wildlife, consider cutting back greenbrier only if it’s blocking a pathway.
| Message from Clean Fairfax | |
Clean Fairfax reminds us that that recycling should be seen as a safety net rather than an upfront strategy. We do best when we:
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Refuse unnecessary products
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Reduce the amount of “stuff” we buy
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Reuse, repurpose, and repair what does enter our lives
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Then, Recycle the materials so that they can be remade into useful goods.
Every item we avoid using is one less piece of trash that could become litter in our neighborhoods, natural areas, and waterways. So take a fresh look this Spring at ways that you can support a healthier, lower waste world. Bring your reusable bags with you wherever you shop. Fill and refill your reusable water bottles and coffee cups. Shop secondhand and fix stuff when it breaks. Post your small wins and tag them @cleanfairfax!
Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more on their website at cleanfairfax.org and follow them on social media: IG/Threads/Bluesky: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.
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Spring 2026 Business Survey
Fairfax County officials are calling on local business owners and entrepreneurs to share their insights as the Spring 2026 Business Survey.
The Department of Economic Initiatives has officially launched the Spring 2026 Business Survey. This survey is a "pulse check" that helps the County understand the real-time needs and challenges facing our local business community. The feedback we collect is used directly to shape the programs and resources that support our local economy. Last Fall’s results can be viewed online.
Business owners can complete the survey online.
The survey is designed to gather real-time data on the needs, challenges, and growth opportunities facing the county’s diverse business community. Feedback from the survey will be used to inform future county programs or refine business support resources.
Participation in this survey ensures that the voices of local business owners are heard and that economic initiatives remain aligned with the evolving needs of the marketplace. The survey is open to all businesses located within Fairfax County, across industries and sizes. The data collection period will run for nearly four weeks, with the survey set to close on
April 17.
Results from the Spring 2026 survey will be analyzed and shared with the public later this spring to help guide strategic planning and economic development efforts.
The survey is quick, confidential, and will remain open through April 17.
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Federal to Local Government Webinar Sessions
A new webinar series from Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services – Employment Services designed to support federal workers and contractors considering making the move to local government. Join local government leaders from across Northern Virginia and surrounding areas to learn how to leverage your federal experience and skills for local impact. Learn more here.
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Do More with Fairfax CORE
For current and aspiring business owners, Fairfax CORE offers an abundance of resources! Check their events page for trainings and other opportunities, and read their monthly newsletter.
| Fairfax Founders Fund to Celebrate Cohort of Grant Recipients | |
The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) has announced the selection of five trailblazing startups for the third cohort of the Fairfax Founders Fund (FFF). As a signature initiative of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, this competitive grant program serves as a pillar of the County's economic development strategy and Countywide Strategic Plan.
Celebrate the new Fairfax Founders Fund’s Grantees from Cohort #3. Five founders, one mission - success!
The Fairfax Founders Fund supports high-growth startups that drive innovation within our community. We look forward to showcasing these five exceptional companies and their contributions to the Fairfax County economy. Please join them for an evening of networking and celebration at Bunnyman Brewing.
Event Details:
- Date: April 7, 2026
- Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Bunnyman Brewing Lorton (9514 Workhouse Way, Lorton)
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RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by April 6.
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Cherry Blossom Festival
Don't miss peak bloom in the Nation's Capital! Peak bloom is March 29-April 1. Learn more about the National Cherry Blossom Festival here.
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Menstrual Product Drive
It's the final weekend to donate to our Menstrual Product Drive. Support shelters and nonprofits by dropping off new and sealed packages of tampons, sanitary pads, liners and menstrual cups to any library branch through March 31.
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Calling All LEGO Lovers!
Drop by the Burke Centre Library on Thursday, April 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to create and build with LEGO bricks. Meet others who love building creations as much as you! Ages 6-12. Learn more here.
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Kings Park Library Events
Come and partake in the wonderful activities taking place in the Kings Park Library this week. Additional activities in the libraries throughout Fairfax County may be found on the following link: Library Events | Library.
Library events are always free to the public; some require registration in advance.
- To request ADA accommodations or alternative format of materials, please call 703-324-8380 or TTY 711.
- More Event Guidelines
Lifelong Learning Series - Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Kings Park Meeting Room
National Parks Scavenger Hunt!
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Library Branch: Kings Park Library
Princess Story Time
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Location: Kings Park Meeting Room
Preserve old Photos and Videos by Digitizing Them at the Memory Depot
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Are you thinking about digitizing your family photos, slides or home movies to preserve them for future generations?
You can digitize these items and more at one of Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) six Memory Depots.
These reservable do-it-yourself (DIY) stations enable you to digitize several legacy formats. Simply register for a three-hour session to transfer your memories onto a USB flash drive or SD/SDHC memory card (maximum size of 32 GB for most devices). Currently, you can digitize the following:
- Photographs, negatives and slides
- Scrapbooks and other documents
- VHS and VHS-C video cassettes
- Audio cassettes
- 3.5” floppy discs
- Camcorder tapes including Video8 and Hi8 cassettes
- Vinyl records (Centreville Regional Library only)
The Memory Depot also offers the ability to convert your old 3” or 5” reel-to-reel films to MP4 movies. Please note that it is a lengthy process because the device scans frame by frame to create the digital file. For example, it will take you about 30 minutes to convert a three-minute film.
It is recommended that you attend an in-person or online orientation and read the step-by-step instructions first before registering for a session at the Memory Depot. Printed instructions are available both online and onsite. Register online or call a branch to sign up to use the Memory Depot at the following regional library branches: Centreville, City of Fairfax, George Mason, Pohick, Reston and Sherwood.
If you have limited technology skills, please consider bringing a friend or family member to help you with these DIY stations. More information is available at research.fairfaxcounty.gov/memory-depot.
Spring cleaning or decluttering? The Memory Depot can use your help! If you have a camcorder that you are willing to donate so that more people in the community can convert their movies, FCPL would be very happy to give it a good home at a Memory Depot. Bring your Video8, Hi8, Digital 8 or MiniDV camcorder to any library branch and ask that it be sent to the City of Fairfax Regional Library, Attention: Sharon.
Take advantage of this and other free services at FCPL. Learn more about what the library has to offer here.
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News from ECHO
April 11 is ECHO’s Spectacular Yard Sale! Don’t Miss It!
On the second Saturday in April, come to St. Bernadette’s gym, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, between 8:00 am and noon to find baskets, jewelry, kitchenware, fashion accessories, purses, home decorations, toys, electronics, and more. Proceeds of the sale support ECHO’s mission to assist people in need in our community. Plus, prices are very reasonable and searching for treasures is fun!
Do You Enjoy Working with Teens?
ECHO needs a few adults who enjoy the company of young people to volunteer with the Teen Program on one or two Wednesday evenings a month. A small group of community service-minded high schoolers volunteer on Wednesday evenings during the school year to help keep our donations organized. ECHO needs a few more adults to work with and supervise this great group of young people. The chair of the Teen Program will be happy to orient new volunteers.
In addition, there are a few volunteer openings on specific days for people who want to work directly with clients or those who want to work with donations. Want more info? Contact their Volunteer Coordinator through the ECHO website.
Shred and Share Event for Documents and Electronics
You can help ECHO and get your sensitive documents shredded, and your old phones, computers and computer peripherals securely recycled for free at the same time. On Saturday, April 18, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm there will be a Shred and Share Event at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield. Though it is not required, this is an opportunity to bring non-perishable food and personal hygiene products donations for ECHO’s Food Pantry.
ECHO Needs for Spring
The ECHO Housewares Department is grateful for the recent donations that have helped provide basic household items to our clients. Your generosity has allowed them to fulfill many immediate requests and better support families in need. Thank you!
ECHO’s most needed food and personal hygiene items at this time are dried beans, lentils, rice, canned fruit, Masa flour, boxed pasta, granulated sugar, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, shampoo and toilet paper.
ECHO is open to receive donations of household goods, clothing and non-perishable food from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as one Saturday morning a month which varies, but is noted on their website. Receipts are cheerfully offered and volunteers are glad to help donors with boxes and bags. Look for the Donation Door sign on the west side of the building.
ECHO donations can also be received in the box at the Braddock Supervisor's office, 9002 Burke Lake Road, from 9-5 Mon-Fri and when the Library is open.
Mark Your Calendar!
Please mark your calendar for the Postal Carriers’ Food Drive scheduled for May 9, when Burke and Springfield letter carriers will pick up bags of food donations left at mailboxes as they carry out normal mail delivery, and give those donations to ECHO. This drive is very important to ECHO’s ability to meet food needs during the summer months when many regular donors are on vacation, and few food drives are held.
| Marian Homes Free Document Shredding Events | |
Lifetime Learning Institute-NOVA Forum - Open to Public
Naturalist and ecologist Charles Smith with over 30 years of experience working in natural resource management will speak at Lifetime Learning Forum. Smith has managed public lands for systems as large as 23,000 acres including forested ecosystems, grasslands, wetlands creation and river system restoration. On April 1 at 10:00 a.m., he will speak on the role of native plants in restoring our ecosystems. He’s a U.S. Army veteran, a board member of the Virginia Native Plant Society and instructed Virginia Master Naturalists. Learn more by visiting here.
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Fairfax County History Commission Conference
On April 18, join historians, scholars, educators and community members for a day of exploration, discovery and reflection on the future. As Fairfax marks #Fairfax250, this conference explores how the County shaped—and was shaped by—the American Revolution. From famous figures to everyday people, uncover the ideas, struggles and lasting impacts that helped change the course of history. Presented as part of the Virginia American Revolution 250th Commemoration (VA250). Learn more here.
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Calling All Animal Lovers!
Are you an animal lover interested in making a positive impact by caring for animals and their environment? If so, The Animal Alliance has partnered with STAND in Northern Virginia to offer a FREE six-week virtual service-learning opportunity for community members that may be interested in this opportunity. The cohort runs from April 12th-Mary 24th. Sessions are about an hour and take place on Sundays at 6:30pm. To register visit this google form. For additional information email, Brooke Moreland at brooke@theanimalalliance.org
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Strong families start with solid foundations. Fairfax County community members, parents, and caregivers of children ages 0–18 are invited to join a free workshop series starting April 1 to help build Stronger Foundations for Parenting.
Visit the Department of Family Services website to learn more.
| April 13 Event - "Unclouding the Truth: A Community Discussion about Vaping" | |
The Fairfax County Council of PTAs will sponsor "Unclouding the Truth: A Community Discussion about Vaping" on Monday, April 13, 2026 in the Jackson MS Auditorium (FCPS School Board Meeting Room).
Parents, caregivers, PTA/PTSA members, school staff, school board members, community members, and city/county/state/federal legislators are encouraged to attend.
NOTE: Attendees under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Schedule:
6:30-7:30 PM Panel presentation and community discussion
7:30-8:30 PM Cafeteria with resources, refreshments, and gift card/prize drawings!
Click here for more details and to register
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Disability Safety and Practice Interaction Day
The Arc of NOVA is excited to invite you to attend and share information about an upcoming community event hosted by Arc and many other partners: First Responder Interaction Day on Saturday, April 25th, 10 AM-2 PM at the Fairfax Fire Training Academy on West Ox Rd.
This free event is designed to help individuals with disabilities, their families, and community members learn how to safely and confidently interact with first responders in emergency situations. Participants will have the opportunity to meet local first responders, learn about emergency and crisis resources, and practice real-life scenarios in a supportive environment.
At the event, you can:
• Meet and interact with police, fire, and emergency personnel
• Practice navigating emergency scenarios through role-play
• Learn about helpful safety tools like disability ID cards and Emergency Health Profiles
• Explore community resources that support safety and independence
These interactive experiences help build understanding and confidence for both community members and first responders, strengthening safety and communication for everyone involved.
The Arc of NoVA encourages you to attend and share this opportunity with families, colleagues, and community members who may benefit.
Click here for event details and registration.
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Avoid the Trap: Toll Payment Text Scam Circulating
This week, Fairfax County Police alerted residents about a text message scam falsely claiming to be from Virginia toll services. FCPD continues to encourage the public to remain vigilant, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report scams to help protect others in the community. To learn more, click here.
Women’s Health Programs Across FCPD
The Fairfax County Police Department is proud to highlight Jane Bahneman, Women’s Health Coordinator within the Fairfax County Occupational Health Center, whose work is strengthening wellness initiatives across both the Police Department and Fire and Rescue Department. As this newly established role continues to take shape, Jane is leading the effort to build and expand women’s health programming to better support the evolving needs of our workforce. To learn more, click here.
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Why You’re Seeing Open Hydrants around the Community
If you’ve spotted water running from hydrants lately, there’s no cause for concern -- Fairfax Water’s annual water main flushing is in full swing. Each spring, crews open hydrants across the system to move fresh water through the pipes and clear out naturally occurring sediment. It’s a quick, important process that helps keep our drinking water clean, safe, and high‑quality.
During flushing, you may briefly notice changes like slightly discolored water, a small amount of sediment, or a more noticeable chlorine taste or smell. These effects are normal and not harmful, and they typically pass quickly. If you’re sensitive to chlorine, keeping an open container of water in the refrigerator can help the taste dissipate. To learn more, visit here or call 703‑698‑5613 (TTY 711).
| Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers | |
Medicare, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care: What You Need to Know
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging is offering a webinar on April 15 at 12 p.m.
Click here to register.
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Aging Well Resource Guide
The Aging Well Resource Guide provides information on services, programs, recreational activities, educational opportunities, and community engagement activities for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.
For questions or assistance please reach out to:
Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line
703-324-7948, TTY 711
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Experienced social workers answer calls, listen to your questions and concerns, and then help you find appropriate resources. Interpretation services are available.
| What the Fairfax County Department of Land Development Services Does for You | |
The Fairfax County Department of Land Development Services (LDS) ensures that all new development in Fairfax County meets the safety and health standards of all applicable codes and county ordinances. We protect the health, safety, welfare, and environment for those who live in, work in, and visit Fairfax County. In the last year, we did this through:
- Ensuring Safe and Compliant Construction
- $1.74 billion in construction
- We reviewed all site, subdivision and building plans, and issued site and building permits (issuing 56,249 building permits for construction)
- We performed 164,941 building inspections and completed 32,842 site inspections
- Taking action against non-compliant construction and land disturbing activities
- We issued 127 erosion and sediment control, 14 stormwater, and 12 resource protection area violations
- Customer outreach to help homeowners, builders, engineers and contractors
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We hosted 69 outreach events (classes, tabling, home shows, etc.) across 59 locations in Fairfax County. You can find out about class offerings or watch recordings of our Buildings Permits 101 and Deck Details Bootcamp classes on our Education and Outreach page
- Providing exceptional customer support to help shepherd customers through the land development process
- The Permitting and Customer Support Center relaunched in the Herrity building. Staff are available for walk-in customers in Room 324 of the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Parkway) Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday 9:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- In person: every day, on average, we helped 38 customers with each customer waiting 9 minutes or less to speak with a staff member
- By phone: on average our main phone line saw an average wait time per call of 53 seconds. You can reach us at 703-222-0801
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For more information, please check out the FY2025 LDS Annual Report
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