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The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors today approved its Fiscal Year 2027 budget markup, reducing the Real Estate Tax rate while maintaining core services and making targeted investments in affordable housing, economic competitiveness and critical programs. The board is scheduled to formally adopt the FY 2027 budget on Tuesday, May 5.
The Board lowered the Real Estate Tax rate by one-quarter cent, from $1.1225 to $1.12 per $100 of assessed value. For the average homeowner, this reduces the projected increase in the annual tax bill from $357 to $337.
An additional $8.8 million is dedicated to affordable housing, bringing the county’s baseline investment to approximately $52.7 million annually.
Partial funding is to be restored for:
- Low- and moderate-income home repair Pilot ($250,000)
- Part-time preschool program ($200,000)
- Home-delivered meals ($130,588)
- BeWell behavioral health support ($310,000)
The FY 2027 budget reflects a fourth consecutive year of agency reductions, bringing total reductions over that period to nearly $124 million. More than half of the county’s budget—over $3 billion—continues to support Fairfax County Public Schools. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.
| | This afternoon, we celebrated the opening of the Kingstowne Farmers Market at 5844-5862 Kingstowne Center. The complete list of vendors can be found here. The market will be open every Friday through October 23 from 3 to 7 p.m. | | 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
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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.
| | Hayfield Elementary School Career Night - April 24 | | |
I enjoyed speaking with students at Hayfield Elementary School about my role in local government.
Invasive Species Removal at Hybla Valley Community Center - April 25
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I joined Nature Forward at the Hybla Valley Community Center for an invasive plant cleanup. It was the sixth and final class of a program that educated community members on invasive vines and their threats to the tree canopy. The cleanup was a great way to close out Earth Month.
Maker Space Event - April 25
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At the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub Maker Space Event, students learned the tools and skills required to personalize tote bags, mugs, and other products.
NVMS Conflict Resolution Center Graduation - April 25
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The NVMS Conflict Resolution Center conducted a 2-day introductory Youth Restorative Justice training at the Hybla Valley Community Center. Participants represented Brotherhood Empowered Teen Leadership, George Mason University Students, and other community youth representatives. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck (far left) and I joined in congratulating the participants.
65 Trees for 65 Years - April 26
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Thank you to the Returning Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and Jefferson Manor neighbors who planted 65 native trees, in addition to various perennials, at Jefferson Manor Park on April 26. This number signifies the 65th anniversary of the Peace Corps.
The native species will provide wildlife corridors and shade while sequestering carbon to combat climate change. Fairfax ReLeaf donated the native saplings and Fairfax County Park Authority provided the perennials from native plant nursery Earth Sangha.
Bush Hill Elementary School National Banner Recognition - April 30
| | Bush Hill Unified Basketball Team | | (From left) Heather Dinich, David Thomason, Principal Mary Duffy, Dr. Timothy Shriver | | |
The Bush Hill Elementary School community celebrated the work of their Unified Sports Teams. Students of all ages and abilities play together on basketball and track teams, creating a school environment in which all students feel included. For their commitment to social inclusion, Bush Hill was recognized for the second time as a National Unified Champion School by Special Olympics and was named to the ESPN Honor Roll.
Bush Hill was the first elementary school in Virginia to receive the honor of Special Olympics Unified Champion School. The award was presented by Chairman of Special Olympics Dr. Timothy Shriver, ESPN journalist Heather Dinich, and President of Special Olympics Virginia David Thomason. Thank you to Bush Hill Principal Heather Duffy for your leadership.
Building Paths Graduation - May 1
| | The fifth and largest cohort of the Building Paths Construction Trades Career Pathway Program celebrated its graduation. Graduates completed an 8-week program where they received industry certifications, hands-on experience, and job placement assistance in the construction trades. | | |
Franconia-Springfield Planning Study
Scenario A: Focus on Strategic Infill
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The Franconia-Springfield Planning Study is reviewing the Comprehensive Plan for the Franconia-Springfield Transit Station Area (TSA) and Springfield Community Business Center (CBC). The Comprehensive Plan is the county’s guiding document for land use and development decisions.
Fairfax County staff have developed three distinct scenarios for public review and comment. These scenarios differ in development intensity, placemaking features, the amount of green space, and the extent of pedestrian and street infrastructure improvements.
Scenario A focuses on the potential for strategic infill with mixed-use development, public spaces, and streetscape that create a sense of place while maintaining some existing uses that are likely to remain in the medium-to-longterm. It includes walkable, mixed-use corridors that support daily needs and build on existing infrastructure, while maintaining the existing neighborhood fabric.
A centrally-located town square is proposed between Amherst and Backlick in the CBC which would serve as a focal point for the community and creates a recognizable place within the corridor. The potential for another public space could be located within a redeveloped Brookfield Plaza.
Targeted infill on underutilized, vacant, and select surface parking areas create opportunities for new mixed-use housing and commercial/retail and would be scaled appropriately to surrounding neighborhoods. For more information on the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study, visit the study website.
| | Zoning Applications in Progress | | Celebrate the significance of Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax County Park Authority’s premier wetland sanctuary, by discovering the beauty and importance of wetlands during this fun and free event. Bring friends and family to stroll the forested paths and immersive half mile boardwalk trail to learn about the plants and animals that live in the park. See live raptors, reptiles and amphibians up close and enjoy interactive displays and activities. Collect a stamp at each station to receive a prize. Rain or shine. Registration encouraged. | | Fire and Rescue Department 168th Recruit School Graduation | | |
(From left) Probationary Firefighters C. Haddon assigned to Fire Station 5, J. Perlak assigned to Fire Station 5, A. Huggins assigned to Fire Station 22
Please join me in welcoming the three probationary firefighters from Fire and Rescue Department 168th Recruit School assigned to serve the Franconia District.
9th Annual Scam Jam
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Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn, Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Chairman Jeff McKay present the Scam Jam proclamation to Fairfax County Silver Shield and AARP Virginia
The 9th annual Fairfax County Scam Jam was held on April 30 at the Fairfax County Government Center. Attendees got practical tools to recognize and stop two fast-growing threats: romance-based investment schemes and cryptocurrency fraud. Representatives from AARP Virginia, the Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program, and federal agencies were present to answer fraud and scam questions.
The Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program is an initiative designed to protect older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers from scams and fraud. Through presentations and resources, the program raises awareness about common scams and teaches strategies to avoid becoming a victim.
Pause. Question. Protect.
The Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission has launched a new initiative called “Pause. Question. Protect.” It’s a simple, memorable reminder that you have more power than you think when faced with a suspicious request.
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Pausing can give you time to think and interrupts a scammer’s number one tactic: pressure.
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Question what’s happening.
- The final step, protect, is about safeguarding your information and your finances.
Report a scam:
| | Cinco de Mayo SoberRide Program | | |
Offered by the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the 2026 Cinco de Mayo SoberRide® program will be in operation beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) and operate until 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6th as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk period.
During this twelve-hour period, area residents ages 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones then enter the SoberRide® code int he app’s ‘Payment’ tab (under the ‘Add Lyft Pass’) option to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. WRAP’s 2026 Cinco de Mayo SoberRide® code will be posted at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5th on www.SoberRide.com.
| | National Small Business Week | | |
May 3–9 is Small Business and Economic Development Week
Fairfax County is honoring its 30,000 small businesses with a week of advocacy and education to highlight their vital role in job creation and community character. Through partnerships with the FCEDA and the Fairfax CORE platform, the county provides local entrepreneurs with essential resources, workshops, and networking opportunities to help their businesses thrive and grow. To learn more about how small businesses power our community and to find resources for your own entrepreneurial journey, check out our latest updates on the blog.
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Monday May 4th 6:00 – 7:00p
Made in Fairfax – Fairfax CORE Webinar
All Made in Fairfax Businesses are invited to join a practical webinar to learn how the Fairfax CORE platform can help you grow your creative business. This session will show local makers and artisans how to easily find business guidance, understand local zoning rules, and connect with helpful workshops and support partners. Join with this link.
Tuesday May 5th 8:30a – 3:30p
Entrepreneurship 101 and Small Business Resource Expo
"The Small Business Resource Expo” joins our Entrepreneurship 101 Workshop during National Small Business Week. This full-day, collaborative experience brings together entrepreneurs, business experts, lenders and includes a small business expo with more than 20 resource partners, for a powerful day of learning, connection, and opportunity.
Wednesday May 6th 6:00 – 7:00p
Virtual Entrepreneur Help Desk “Unlocking the Power of Fairfax CORE”
Join Fairfax County’s Director of Small & Local Business for a virtual session on how to master the Fairfax CORE platform. This webinar offers practical tips for entrepreneurs to easily find business guidance, connect with regional partners, and access the tools needed to help their businesses grow. Join with this link.
Friday, May 8th 9:00a - 1:00p
Entrepreneur Help Desk @ Mount Vernon District Office
This is an opportunity for one-on-one support tailored to your needs. We can connect you with essential resources, such as startup guides, workshops, and local government programs designed to help your business grow. Spaces are limited. Register.
The National Small Business Week 2-day virtual summit is happening Tuesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
This year’s event is open to established and aspiring business owners and will include educational presentations by industry experts, exhibit booths, free business resources, and business advice from America's SBDCs.
The event is free, but registration is required.
| | Green Business Partners Program | | The Green Business Partners (GBP) Program, launched by Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), recognizes and celebrates businesses that are taking proactive steps toward environmental sustainability and climate leadership. | | |
This free membership program offers Fairfax County businesses a platform to:
- Showcase leadership in climate action
- Strengthen visibility in the community
- Align with Fairfax County’s environmental goals
- Connect with other like-minded organizations and county resources
Organizations can join the program in one of three categories based on their sustainability commitments: Leader, Member, and Ally.
GBP Leaders are organizations that demonstrate a track record of sustainable business practices, including significant achievements in energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and green procurement
GBP Members are businesses that are committed to sustainable operations, even if they don’t have third party certifications yet.
GBP Allies are organizations or companies that may be located outside Fairfax County, but collaborate with the county to promote sustainability.
The GBP Program is an opportunity to lead by example and collaborate with Fairfax County in advancing bold climate goals. Apply here.
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Spring is the time of year when Fairfax County highlights building safety!
International building codes and state building codes exist to ensure the integrity and safety of all building occupants in the county, for those in residences such as single-family homes to everyone frequenting commercial buildings such as offices and restaurants. To learn about building safety and health standards, permitting for decks and home improvements, and more, everyone is invited to participate in the first annual Building Safety Month Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Pkwy). RSVP to the resource fair.
Classes and Kids Activities offered during the resource fair:
- Building Permits 101: Room 106 at 11 a.m.
- Deck Details Bootcamp: Room 106 at 12:30 p.m.
- Storytime with a Librarian: Outside at 11 a.m.
- Touch-a-Truck: All day, includes a firetruck, flusher truck, and EV trash truck
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Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA)
Franconia Corridor Improvements
Franconia-Lorton Third Track
Early works construction is underway on the northern end of the Franconia-Lorton Third Track Project, with the new Control Point Beltway interlocking under construction near Fleet Drive. A railroad interlocking is a signal system where tracks cross, merge, or split that allows for the safe movement of trains.
Franconia-Springfield Bypass
Construction on the Franconia-Springfield Bypass is also underway, with temporary drainage and erosion controls installed and retaining wall excavation ongoing.
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Franconia Area Meetings
Representatives from VPRA and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will meet with neighbors in the Franconia area on Tuesday, May 19. Please join us!
· Learn about our Franconia area railroad construction
· Hear about expected neighborhood impacts
· Ask questions
· Pick up some swag!
Windsor Estates:
Corner of Windsor Avenue and Victor Gray Court
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Loisdale Estates:
Sidewalk Across from 6701 Jerome Street
5:45 – 6:45 PM
| Richmond Highway BRT Community Charm Survey | | |
Fairfax County is undertaking a “Community Charm” project, which will add artwork to each of the BRT stations to reflect the history and character of the surrounding neighborhoods. View the proposed designs and participate in the Community Charm Survey by May 8, 2026.
For more information, visit the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) webpage.
Richmond Highway BRT Open House
| | On April 29, staff from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and Northern Virginia Transportation Authority held an open house on the Richmond Highway BRT. Residents had the opportunity to view the proposed station artwork designs and ask questions about the project. | |
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