This week, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) held three committee meetings; Safety and Security, Information Technology and the Council for Economic Opportunity. Recordings of the Board of Supervisors committee meetings can be found here. | | At the Safety and Security Committee Meeting on October 20, 2026, the Board of Supervisors discussed Fairfax County’s Automated License Plate Reader Program (ALPR). The purpose of this meeting was to receive an update from the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) on our program and discuss community concerns and benefits of ALPR technology. At BOS committee meetings information is provided for discussion. All decisions are made at a full Board meeting. | | Supervisor Lusk asks questions about data security. | | Police Chief Kevin Davis and Major Hudson Bull shared important details about the program and its effects in Fairfax County. ALPRs have been used in Fairfax County since 2008. In 2021, the FCPD evaluated their use of ALPR technology and held meetings with stakeholders to improve procedures. In 2022, FCPD transitioned to a new program using Flock technology. During this transition, steps were taken to improve training, implement improved oversight and auditing, and use crime data to inform the placement of the cameras around the county. Today, there are 84 Flock Safety ALPR’s owned by FCPD and 714 Axon Fleet 3 ALPR cameras affixed to FCPD cruisers. | |
FCPD presented data and use cases indicating that ALPRs have helped reduce certain crimes in Fairfax County. Additionally, FCPD stated that police own all ALPR data collected by the cameras, that the data cannot be sold to third parties and that FCPD controls access to ALPR data. They noted that Virginia law prohibits Fairfax County, and any locality in Virginia, from sharing ALPR data with any jurisdictions outside the commonwealth without a warrant.
FCPD presented a few options for next steps that the county could consider. The Board discussed the presentation and several members, including myself, expressed concern about the continued contract with the current ALPR vendor. I additionally remain concerned about the length of time that data is stored (currently 21 days) and data sharing with jurisdictions who do not enforce the same level of oversight and best practices, as we do in Fairfax County. I will continue working with my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and with FCPD to move forward in a responsible way that protects our residents.
Learn more about Fairfax County's ALPR program here.
| | It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | | |
Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
| | |
Connecting with residents where they live is one of the most rewarding parts of serving as your Supervisor. I welcome invitations to attend your homeowners, civic, or community association meetings to provide updates, answer questions, and hear your priorities.
If you would like me to join an upcoming meeting or neighborhood event, please contact my office at 703-971-6262 or Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov.
If this email was forwarded to you, consider signing up for my email list to receive newsletters and other important announcements.
| | Updates from the Committees | | Council for Economic Opportunity Meeting - October 20 | | The Council for Economic Opportunity includes the Board of Supervisors, corporate leaders, and workforce and economic development partners. | The Council for Economic Opportunity was joined by Carrie H. Chenery, Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade to hear updates on Virginia's economic development priorities. One of the topics we discussed was how state resources can complement Fairfax County's efforts to support emerging small businesses, including early-stage angel investment. Secretary Chenery informed us that her office is working to ensure state funds are deployed to small businesses to help with this exact issue. They are also looking at how entrepreneurs in different areas can benefit from different types of support. We also heard from the Tysons Community Alliance on their success with placemaking during the World Cup season and discussed how other districts can implement some of their programs. | | Information Technology Committee Meeting - October 20 | Updated Fairfax Customer Portal | During the Information Technology Committee, staff presented updates on the recently introduced Fairfax Customer Portal on the county webpage. This is intended to create a more centralized way for residents and businesses to interact with government services. We also learned about how the Fairfax County Department of Information Technology Innovation Division is working to implement their new vision to enhance public services and integrate AI into their infrastructure. | | Coffee with the Commisioner | | October 24 - Coffee with Planning Commissioner Chris Landgraf | | |
Join Franconia District Planning Commissioner Chris Landgraff for coffee, donuts and conversation about Franconia District land use cases.
Saturday, October 24,
9:00AM to 12:00PM
Franconia District Governmental Center, Room G105 (7130 Silver Lake Blvd)
| | | October 23 - Last day of the Kingstowne Farmers Market | | October 24 - Safely Dispose of Medications on Drug Take Back Day | | |
Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Drop off unused and expired medications at:
- Franconia District Police Station (7170 Silver Lake Blvd)
- Mount Vernon District Police Station (2511 Parkers Lane)
Accepted Items: Prescription and non-prescription pills, prescription ointments, medications for pets, e-cigarettes and vaping devices (with batteries removed), and small liquid packs or pods for vaping devices.
Not Accepted: Illegal drugs, needles, pressurized canisters (inhalers/aerosol cans), large quantities of liquids, and non-prescription ointments or lotions.
Learn more about Drug Take Back Day here.
| October 24 - Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Groveton Elementary School | | |
Join Groveton Elementary School students and staff to celebrate 150 years of history and the many people who have contributed to public education in the Groveton community. Guests will explore the school, student projects, historical displays, and anniversary activities. PTA activities will take place outdoors simultaneously.
- 10:00AM - 2:00PM
- 6900 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, Va
| | October 24 - Halloween Costume Dance and Skate Night | | Calling all gliding ghouls! Halloween Costume Skate and Dance Night is on Saturday, Oct. 24, 5-9 PM at Franconia Rec Center (6601 Telegraph Rd). Party to the music and show off your costume. Remember to bring your own skates. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Buy tickets online or at the door. | | Clermont Elementary School Trunk or Treat - October 16 | | Families went all out with their costumes. | | Franconia Fire Station 5 firefighters showed up to show students their fire equipment. | | I joined Clermont Elementary School for their Trunk or Treat. It was great to meet community members and see all the creative costumes. | | Chessie's Backyard Boo-gie - October 17 | | Volunteer Coordinator Julie Margolis (right) and Robin Rueger | | Volunteers from Edison High School Latin Club | | We celebrated Halloween early with Chessie’s Backyard Boo-gie at Franconia Rec Center. Thank you to Fairfax County Park Authority and volunteers from Davis Career Center and Edison High School for organizing a spook-tacular event. | | Venture into Volunteering - October 18 | | Rebuilding Together CEO Patti Klein | | Fairfax County Public Safety Communications staff | | I enjoyed learning about the different volunteer activities and resources for older adults available around the county. Thank you to the Department of Family Services for hosting this event and to all the organizations that showed up for our community. | | American Legion Springfield Post 176 Trunk or Treat - October 18 | | American Legion Springfield Post 176 hosted their Trunk or Treat to celebrate the Halloween Season. It was a great opportunity to dress up and get to know one of our local American Legion Posts. | | |
St. John's Community Services Food Distribution at the
Franconia District Governmental Center - October 19
| | Thank you to Kingstowne Center for Active Adults for hosting the food distribution. | | Participants are encouraged to bring reusable bags. My office had plenty on hand. | | St. John's Community Services brought warm food and groceries for our neighbors. It was great getting to meet community members while we waited. | | Celebrating Alex Orfinger - October 19 | | Congratulating Alex Orfinger. | | Victor Hoskins, former Economic Development Authority President and CEO | | I joined friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate Alex Orfinger's 30 years of service with the Washington Business Journal. Alex has been an integral part of economic development in Fairfax County, telling the stories of our diverse business community. | | Welcoming Principal Justin Simmons to Edison High School - October 21 | |
Franconia District Fairfax County School Board Marcia St. John-Cunning member, (left), Edison High School Principal Justin Simmons (middle)
It was great to welcome Edison High School's newest principal, Justin Simmons, to the Franconia District. Principal Simmons most recently served as Principal of South County Middle School. We look forward to all that Principal Simmons will do at Edison High School.
| | Meeting with the Hayfield Citizens Association - October 21 | | I met with the Hayfield Citizens Association (HCA) to discuss the South Van Dorn Street Improvement Study, Franconia-Springfield Planning Study, restoration at Huntley Meadows Park, and nearby projects in the Franconia District. Thank you to HCA President Robin Beard for the invitation. It was great to hear from the community about their concerns and excitement for our neighborhood. | | |
"Through Me: Where Wonder Finds a Way,” Opening
at Springfield Town Center - October 21
| | (From left) ArtsFairfax President and CEO Stuart Holt, Delegate Garrett McGuire, Artist Precious Burger, Springfield Town Center Manager Eric Christensen | | |
On Wednesday, we celebrated the opening of “Through Me: Where Wonder Finds a Way,” a show by local artist Precious Burger. This is the second show installed at Springfield Town Center as part of “ArtsFairfax Presents.” Precious Burger creates vibrant, layered mixed media works exploring joy, wonder, connection, and possibility.
“At ArtsFairfax, we believe in arts' ability to transform places into spaces, whether that is a space to gather and engage in conversation, or an environment that offers quiet contemplation. Ms. Burger's work is bold, beautiful, and a perfect example of how art invites the viewer to look at themselves and their surroundings differently,” says Stuart Holt, ArtsFairfax President & CEO.
By hosting this exhibition in such a high-traffic, accessible place as Springfield Town Center, ArtsFairfax is making fine art available to a wider audience.
The exhibition is located on the first floor of Springfield Town Center (6500 Springfield Mall) by Dave and Busters.
| | USA-01 Returns from Panama | | Welcoming Virginia Task Force 1 with Fire Chief John Butler. | | |
USA-01, Urban Search and Rescue Team (Virginia Task Force 1) returned on Wednesday October 21, 2026. Throughout their deployment USA-01 personnel worked alongside U.S. Embassy, DoS Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), U.S. military, Panamanian officials, and other international response partners to assess earthquake-related damage and support local recovery efforts. As of the October 19 Situation Report, USA-01 had completed 199 structural assessments, identifying 26 facilities deemed unsafe for occupancy pending repairs. These assessments provided critical information to Panamanian authorities regarding structural safety, operational capabilities, and the ability to safely restore essential services. Thank you too all those who serve.
Learn more about their work here.
| | |
November 5:
Franconia District Fire Prevention & Crime Prevention Town Hall
| | Join my office, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, and Fairfax County Police Department to discuss fire and crime prevention in the Franconia District. If you have any fire or crime related topics or questions that you would like to learn more about, please email them to Aaron.Campbell@fairfaxcounty.gov by October 24. | | October 27 - Domestic Violence Awareness Presentation | | Proposed Steinway/Beulah Street Independent Living Community | | Single family attached elevation rendering. | | Single family detached elevation rendering. | | |
The staff report for application SE-2025-FR-00044 is available for community review. This application proposes to allow an independent living community consisting of 75 total units, which includes 71 townhome‑style units and 4 single‑family detached units. The townhomes are designed with a maximum height of 44 feet, while the single-family detached homes will have a maximum height of 35 feet. All units will contain a two-car garage.
Upcoming Meetings:
Franconia District Land Use Committee
- October 26, 2026
- 7:00PM
- Join the virtual meeting here.
Planning Commission Meeting
Read the staff report here.
For all case information click here.
| | |
Ways to Provide Public Hearing Testimony
All persons wishing to present their views on scheduled public hearings may call the Planning Commission Office at 703-324-2865Call: 703-324-2865, or register online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker no later than 1:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, to be placed on the Speakers List. There are multiple ways that members of the public can provide testimony on public hearings. While in-person testimony may be allowed at certain meetings (please check the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting that you may be interested in to see how the meeting will be held here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/meetingcalendar).
Testimony may be provided in in person, by written statement, by telephone, or by pre-recorded YouTube video. Videos need to be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. the day prior to the Planning Commission meeting. Written testimony and other submissions can be received at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035 and/or Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| | Updates on the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study | | | |
Click to watch the webinar. | | |
The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development along with their consultant SmithGroup and Brick & Story held a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to provide the community a look at the final concept plan for the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study. This final concept included community feedback from past open houses, surveys, and community meetings. Community members were able to provide more feedback and ask questions about the concept.
| | Next steps for the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study. | | Zoning Applications in Progress | | Participate in the Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project | |
The Fairfax County History Commission is encouraging county residents to participate in an oral history program about Vietnam War veterans. Interviews will be conducted through early May 2027 and will become part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center was created by the United States Congress in 2000 to collect and preserve the firsthand remembrances of U.S. wartime veterans. Fairfax County residents will have the opportunity to add their voices to the existing national archive.
The History Commission is seeking both veterans to interview and student note-takers. Please contact the History Commission at queenofcheaptravel@gmail.com to participate, or ask a veteran to participate and, with their permission, send their contact information to the Commission.
| Early Voting at Franconia District Governmental Center Ends Oct 31 | |
The Franconia District Governmental Center
7130 Silver Lake Blvd
October 22 - October 31
Weekdays: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Two Saturdays: 10/24 and 10/31: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
One Sunday: 10/25: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
| | October 26 - Medicare 101 Workshops | |
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) is hosting workshops to help those who are eligible or may soon become eligible for Medicare. Registration is required.
Kingstowne Regional Library (7130 Silver Lake Blvd)
- Monday, October 26, 1:30-3:00PM
- Register here.
| October 31- Open Season Workshop for Federal Employees | |
Federal employees and retirees, Open Season runs from November 9 to December 14.
It's your annual opportunity to review and change your health, dental, and vision coverage. To help you choose with confidence, Congressman Walkinshaw is hosting his annual Open Season Workshop.
When: Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway
Federal Employees Health Benefits experts Kevin Moss and Nancy DeLew will walk through your options, and health care vendors will be on hand to answer your questions.
For more details, call (703) 256-3071.
| | October 28 - Preschool Storytime, Monster Theme | |
Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 3-5 years with Adult. Registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome!
Event details:
- 10:30am - 11:00am
- John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Dr.
- Meeting Room 1
| October 30 - Halloween Storytime & Parade! at Kingstowne Regional Library | |
Come to the library for not-too-spooky Halloween stories and show off your costume before the night's big event! For children birth to 5 years old, with an adult. No registration necessary!
Event details:
- 11:00am - 12:00pm
- Kingstowne Regional Library, 7130 Silver Lake Blvd.
- Meeting Room (E103)
| October 31 - Saturday Stories for Halloween at Richard Byrd Library | |
Join Richard Byrd Library in the children's area for a Halloween story time designed for families with children ages birth to five. Costumes encouraged! No registration required.
Event details:
- 10:30am - 11:00am
- Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St.
| Fall and Winter Fuel Assistance | |
The Fuel Assistance Program helps eligible households in meeting their energy needs by supplementing the cost associated with their primary heat source. Eligible households must meet income requirements.
Approved applicants will be notified of their benefit amount in late December. Payments begin in January and continue through April or until the benefit has been exhausted.
Open application period for the Fuel Assistance Program is October 13, 2026, through November 13, 2026. Learn more here. Apply online or call 833-522-5582.
| | Franconia Elementary School, 6301 Beulah St. | | Click to listen to Franconia Elementary School's theme song. | | Happenings at the School Board | |
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the School Board held a work session to consider a proposal to expand the FCPS World Languages Program. The presentation looked at world language programming from Pre-K through 12th grade. The comprehensiveness of the report requires the School Board to look carefully at the proposals and to be intentional about how they move forward. The School Board will move to next steps and further discussion before moving forward.
Watch the work session here.
| |
"It is critical for the division to leverage the strength inherent in our multi-lingual communities when considering comprehensive world language programming."
- Marcia St. John-Cunning, Franconia District School Board Member
| | |
Key findings from the Fairfax County Youth Survey
The Fairfax County Youth Survey monitors behavior trends and changes among our youth and helps inform prevention programs throughout the community.
Some key findings from the 2025-26 survey include:
- Mental health indicators among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students have improved significantly since 2021.
- Rates of substance use among Fairfax County youth were lower than national rates.
- Most 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students reported having adults in their community they can talk to (85%), a trusted adult at school (80%), and parents, caregivers, or other adults in the family whom they can ask for help (89%).
View the full survey results here.
| | Nutrition related findings from the Fairfax County Youth Survey (click to enlarge) | | |
Fairfax County Public Schools Facility Improvements Survey
The FCPS Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is inviting employees, families, and community members to participate in the Renovation Queue Survey.
The survey asks for feedback on the condition of school facilities, the ways buildings affect teaching and learning, and the factors FCPS should consider when prioritizing renovations. Participants can also share what would increase understanding of and transparency in renovation decisions, such as publicly available criteria, regular updates, community input opportunities, and facility-condition data.
Please take approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey and help inform the future of FCPS school facilities. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will be open until October 31, 2026.
| | Fairfax County Small Business Commission Reverse Tradeshow | | |
The Small Business Commission is hosting a free training and networking event with breakout sessions, keynote speakers, legacy business recognitions, and presentation of the Bea Malone Award.
- Learn more and register here.
- Thursday, November 12, 2026
- 9:00AM to 3:00PM
- 12000 Government Center Pkwy
| | |
Ready to start, strengthen, or scale your business?
Join the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and Fort Belvoir Army Community Service for a special edition of Entrepreneurship 101: From Idea to Expansion, celebrating the leadership, innovation and resilience of military spouses and veterans.
Whether you’re exploring a business idea or growing an established company, this FREE event offers practical guidance and resources to help you move forward. Open to military-connected entrepreneurs and the broader small business community.
Tuesday, November 10 | 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
University of Virginia - Northern Virginia Campus (8095 Innovation Park Drive)
Register.
| | |
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is proud to house Talent Capital AI, a regional initiative connecting job seekers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia with opportunities matched to their skills and goals. At the heart of the effort is TalentCapital.ai — a free platform powered by agentic AI that surfaces job openings, training programs, career coaching, networking events, and entrepreneurship resources, all in one place.
The platform features Celeste, an AI concierge, supported by specialized agents for jobs, events, training, entrepreneurship, and coaching. It is designed to support anyone in career transition — with a particular focus on displaced federal workers — and is available at no cost to all Greater Washington residents.
| | Floodplains in the Franconia District | | click to view flood plain in the Franconia district. | | |
A floodplain is a generally flat or low-lying area of land alongside or near the shorelines of streams, rivers and other waterways that periodically floods. Floodplains exist in many areas within the Franconia district.
For regulatory purposes, in Fairfax County, floodplain means those land areas in and adjacent to streams and watercourses subject to continuous or periodic flooding with a 1 percent chance of occurrence in any given year (i.e., the 100-year flood frequency event) and having a drainage area greater than 70 acres.
Anywhere it can rain, it can flood! Even outside of floodplains!
For information on floodplain locations, visit:
| | |
What can you do to prepare for floods?
- Know your Flood Zone.
- Sign-up for Fairfax Alerts to stay updated on emergency weather events
- To report storm drainage system flooding, issues with a stormwater management pond or to determine who maintains a storm drain, call the Maintenance and Stormwater Management Division at 703-877-2800
| | Proposed 2027 Park Authority Fee Schedule Open for Public Comment | | |
Park fees support the operation and maintenance of Fairfax County’s park system, including rec centers, golf courses, nature centers, camps, classes, water parks, amusements, park programs and amenities.
The Park Authority Board considers fee adjustments on an annual basis, with the goal of balancing user impact with the financial stability of park programs and services. Pending adoption, the 2027 fee schedule will be effective starting Jan. 1, 2027.
| | |
The Park Authority invites community members to share their thoughts and comments by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026.
You can submit your comments:
- Online via PublicInput
- By U.S. Mail to Park Authority Public Information Office, Attn: 2027 Fee Schedule Comments, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927 Fairfax, VA 22035
| | Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd | | October 31 - Free Pet Vaccine & Microchip Clinic in Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Ave., 10am-2pm | | |
Police Non-Emergency Line: 703-691-2131
Dept of Code Compliance: 703-324-1300
Dept of Tax Administration: 703-222-8234
Report Road Hazards to VDOT: 800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD)
| |
| Is the content of this email relevant to you? | | | | | | |
