Have you noticed that our area has experienced warmer, wetter, and weirder climate conditions? In 2022, together with my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, we adopted the Resilient Fairfax plan that provides goals and strategies to adapt to and reduce risks from extreme heat, severe storms and flooding. | The plan includes 48 strategies to create climate-ready communities, adaptive environments, resilient infrastructure and buildings, and integrated action planning. View the Resilient Fairfax interactive map to see average temperatures in your neighborhood and across the county. Explore different features showing population data, transportation options, and natural resources like tree canopy, parks, and bodies of water. | |
Resilient Fairfax 48 strategies (click to expand)
Fairfax County is helping keep residents safe in the heat in several ways:
- Tree Canopy – Tree canopy is one of Fairfax County’s most effective defenses against urban heat islands. The Board of Supervisors has adopted policies to protect and increase existing tree cover. Agencies like Land Development Services enforce requirements for tree preservation and replanting, particularly in areas vulnerable to high heat.
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Senior Cool Care Program – The Senior Cool Care Program provides additional cooling at home by providing air conditioning units, window air conditioning units or fans for eligible older adults, age 60 and older. The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2025.
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Cooling Assistance Program – Assistance includes payment of electric utility bill, cooling equipment repair, purchase of a window or portable A/C unit and/or a one-time payment of an electric security deposit. Program eligibility requires households include individuals who are age 60 or older, 5 or younger, or someone with a disability.
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AC Rescue – This new program provides small air conditioning (AC) equipment for county residents who are unable to receive help from other cooling programs. There are no age or disability requirements, and the program is open year-round to residents who make up to 80% area median income.
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Summer 2024 AC Rescue at Harmony Place Mobile Home Community
Community-based organizations in Fairfax County can apply to receive free trees for planting on private properties, through a program by Fairfax County’s Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. The program, offered in partnership with Casey Trees, is designed to help community organizations in Fairfax County – such as volunteer groups, civic associations and faith-based organizations – obtain high-quality, professionally grown trees suitable for planting. Purchasing top-quality trees can be a challenge for these organizations. This opportunity focuses on increasing tree cover in economically disadvantaged communities, which typically do not benefit from moderate to high tree cover. Learn more.
| | It is both an honor and a privilege for me 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
| | One of the best parts of my job as Supervisor is getting to know you in your communities. I would like to attend your next homeowner, civic, or citizen association meeting to share information and hear what's important to you. If there is a community association meeting or event you would like me to attend, please contact my office at 703-971-6262. | | If this email was forwarded to you, consider signing up for my email list to receive newsletters and other important announcements. | | Federal Workforce Resource Hub | | |
Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and thousands of federal contractors. The Federal Workforce Resource Hub serves as a resource to help navigate current and future issues for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits and businesses who may be affected by actions, changes or disruptions to federal services or employment.
Northern Virginia is stepping up for recently unemployed federal employees and contractors with major new resources.
Upcoming Career Fairs
| | Over 250 people attended the Franconia Nights performance of The Pietasters. Before the show, I presented the Fairfax County Park Authority Board Outstanding Volunteer award to George Lee, who has been volunteering at Franconia Rec Center for six years. He has also been the volunteer manager of Franconia Nights the past three years. | | Presenting Certificate of Appreciation to Anthony Tran - July 31 | | |
Supervisor Lusk and Anthony Tran at the Springfield Resource Center
I presented a certificate of appreciation to Anthony Tran for his exemplary service to the families of Second Story and the Franconia District. His efforts in mentoring, educating, and inspiring youth have profoundly impacted our community.
| | ArtsFairfax Public Art Locator Challenge - July 31 | | |
With ArtsFairfax CEO Stuart Holt at Springfield Overlook
ArtsFairfax invites local art enthusiasts to get on social media and take a selfie with found art for a chance to win arts experiences from cultural partners throughout Fairfax.
As the local arts agency that provides funding and resources for the arts sector in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church, ArtsFairfax launches the first ever Public Art Locator Challenge—a social media scavenger hunt to promote their Public Art Locator, a tool that maps public art throughout the region.
From July 1 through September 30, participants are encouraged to take a photo with artwork that is publicly accessible and post the picture to Instagram or Facebook. Qualifying Public Art Locator entries will be entered into a raffle for gift certificates, show tickets, and other offerings from Fairfax arts organizations. Learn more.
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Crested Knolls Subdivision Information Session
August 14, 2025
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The Crested Knolls Subdivision Plan was filed with Fairfax County’s Department of Land Development Services on March 12, 2025, and is moving through the required administrative staff review process. My office has scheduled a community information session on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. This meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Franconia Governmental Center, located at 6121 Franconia Road.
Topics to be covered during the session include:
- An overview of the subdivision review process
- An explanation of the governing ordinances and review timelines
- Results of staff analysis to date
- Additional context information from the developer
- Feedback from the community
For more information on the subdivision plan, click here: PLUS ACA-Accela Citizen Access3
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Virginia Sales Tax Holiday
August 1-3
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During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax.
What items are eligible?
Detailed lists of qualifying items and more information for retailers can be found in the Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines.
| | Back-to-School Immunization Clinics | | The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer a series of back-to-school immunization clinics in August 2025 for all FCPS students. Appointments are required. Call 703-246-7100 to make an appointment. En Español. | | |
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Virginia's Farmers Market Nutrition Program (VA Senior FMNP) provides a one-time benefit of $50 to program participants to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from participating farmers at local markets from now through November 30. Participants must be Virginia residents, 60 years of age or older, and have a monthly household income below $2,413 (one person) or $3,216 (two persons). Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025. Learn more.
Have questions? Contact the Senior Farmers Market program team for support by emailing va-senior@freshfarm.org, texting 1-833-412-4863, or calling 855-827-3667.
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Home Repair for the Elderly Program
The Home Repair for the Elderly Program is designed to provide minor home repairs and/or accessibility modifications to eligible low- and moderate-income elderly homeowners and individuals with disabilities for homes in which they are currently residing. These “minor” repairs can often make a “major” difference in protecting their investment and helping them maintain their independence.
Fairfax County will provide a crew to do up to one week's worth of labor and provide up to $1,000 in materials to complete necessary repairs and maintenance. Materials are paid for by county and federal funds. All materials and labor for the work done under this program are provided completely FREE OF CHARGE to eligible homeowners. Learn more.
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Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Strategy Town Hall
Fairfax County is developing its first Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Strategy — a roadmap to support the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads. From public charging stations to building codes, your input will help shape how the county prepares for an EV-friendly future. A Virtual Townhall will be held on August 6 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the strategy and gather feedback.
Your feedback will help guide:
- Where and how the county invests in public charging
- How to make EV benefits accessible to all residents
- What policies support clean transportation for everyone
This is a virtual meeting: Microsoft Teams
For more information, please visit the Fairfax County EV Readiness Strategy. The draft EV Readiness Strategy will be posted on August 4 in advance of the meeting.
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Charge Up Fairfax
Fairfax County residents could soon see new opportunities for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations closer to home and the places where they spend their free time, thanks to the expansion of the Charge Up Fairfax program.
Charge Up Fairfax launched in 2023 to help homeowner and condominium associations install shared EV charging stations in common areas. Since its inception, 16 communities have participated in Charge Up Fairfax, with five successfully completing EV charging station installations.
Newly adopted guidelines increase program eligibility to nonprofit organizations and places of worship. Through technical guidance and financial assistance, Charge Up Fairfax can help these groups take a first step toward expanding EV charging infrastructure throughout the county. Learn more.
| | The Energy Conservation Assistance program is an urban cost-share program that provides financial and technical assistance to property owners implementing energy efficiency updates, installing renewable energy solutions or enhancing the resilience of structures and property to withstand the impacts of climate change. | |
Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County
Champions of Character Award
The Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards recognize youth athletes, coaches and parents in each supervisory district in Fairfax County for having demonstrated extraordinary service in the athletic community while modeling the basic traits of good character: respect, responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, citizenship, and fairness. Nominations for the fall awards ceremony are due by September 1. Learn more.
| | 2024 Winners from the Franconia District | | 2025 Springfield Bridge Walk | | The annual Springfield Bridge Walk has been scheduled for Saturday, August 30. Click on the flyer to learn more. | | Fall 2025 Building Paths Cohort | | |
Cooling Centers
When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, excessive heat watch, or excessive heat warning, the County activates its Extreme Heat Response Plan.
Visit indoor locations during operating hours to stay cool. In addition to shopping malls, stores or movie theaters, you may consider cooling off at one of our county facilities designated as Cooling Centers, including:
You are encouraged to first check that locations are open before you arrive. View the cooling centers map.
| | Remember, our furry friends are especially vulnerable to the heat. Never leave your pets in a hot car, even for a few minutes—it can be deadly! If you see an animal left alone in a parked vehicle, call the non-emergency police line at 703-691-2131. | | |
Cooling Assistance Program
Cooling Assistance is a program designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. Applications for Cooling Assistance will be accepted from June 16 - August 15. Ways to apply.
Senior Cool Care Program
If you’re 60 or older, you may also be eligible for a fan or air conditioning unit through the Senior Cool Care Program. To learn more, please call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948.
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June 11 to August 16: Summer Reading Adventure for children and adults (Register)
June 16 to August 15: Applications for Cooling Assistance accepted (Learn more and apply)
August 7: Food and Beverage Tax Workshops at Mount Vernon Government Center (Learn more and register)
August 8: Red Cross Blood Drive at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Flyer)
August 8: Nomination deadline for Environmental Excellence Awards (Learn more)
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