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5.8.25
Dear Neighbor,
On Tuesday, the Board approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Mark-Up package. This is the final step before the May 13 adoption of the Budget, which goes into effect on July 1.
This year's budget process took place against the backdrop of some significant challenges. First, the severe underfunding of public schools by the Commonwealth of Virginia, identified in a report conducted by the General Assembly's own experts, means that we began the process with a $568 million schools funding shortfall. There was some modest progress on that front this year as the General Assembly and Governor restored a $21 million schools funding cut first imposed during the Great Recession fifteen years ago. I'm grateful to those members of our delegation in Richmond who worked to finally restore this funding cut, but the massive shortfall in state education funding remains.
Next, the decline in the commercial office market due to the rise of remote and hybrid work means that a revenue category that had been growing has seen significant declines in recent years. And finally, the reckless actions of the Trump Administration in indiscriminately firing federal employees and freezing or canceling federal contracts are beginning to impact our local economy.
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In light of those challenges, the County Executive's proposed budget included a real estate tax rate increase and $60 million of cuts to County programs. Both the real estate tax rate increase and the proposed cuts generated a lot of interest in the community. I want to thank the hundreds of residents who called, emailed, participated in our Budget Town Hall, and provided testimony during our three days of public hearings on the budget.
After hearing from community members, I fought hard to restore funding for the Middle School After School Program, postsecondary services for students with disabilities, ambulance service, and high school crossing guards. I also worked to delay any decision with respect to our Employee Child Care Center so that County staff can engage with the center's families on developing a sustainable financial model moving forward. I'm pleased that all of those efforts were successful.
The budget increases the County transfer to Fairfax County Public Schools by nearly 5%, or $119 million. This funding will allow FCPS to provide raises for its employees that exceed the 3% raises included in the state budget adopted in Richmond and avoid the cuts that County services and programs will experience. I also worked to add language in the budget that will establish a formal process of County-schools communication on budget and pay issues moving forward.
I also heard from many individuals who shared their thoughts about taxes, particularly the real estate tax and the proposed tax on prepared food and beverages. As I said when I ran for the Board of Supervisors in 2019 and again in 2023, I would consider supporting the tax on food and beverages to reduce pressure on the real estate tax and provide funding for core services, including schools. The budget package includes a 4 percent meals tax and a reduction in the real estate tax rate by ¼ cent from the current rate of $1.125 down to $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value. With this change, average real estate tax bills will increase by $499. Roughly 30% of the prepared food and beverage tax revenue will come from non-County-residents. It will diversity our revenue, reduce pressure on the real estate tax, and help us continue to fill Richmond's education funding shortfall.
In response to the economic uncertainty created by Washington, we set aside $12.6 million to an Economic Uncertainty Reserve. These funds will enable the County to respond to negative economic impacts from federal activity and provide for an expected increase in demand for services by our residents in need.
Small Business Week
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May is Small Business Month, and May 4 - 10 is Small Business Week!
Fairfax County offers several resources for small businesses to thrive:
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Fairfax CORE - Fairfax County provides information and resources entrepreneurs need to start and grow a business in the County, including a step-by-step Starting a Business guide.
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The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) helps businesses start, expand, or relocate in Fairfax County. Its website includes the publication Small Business Start-up Guide: Six Steps to Starting a Business in Fairfax County and Where to Turn for Help.
- The Mason Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free counseling services for future and current business owners. The center is affiliated with George Mason University (GMU) and sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Virginia Small Business Development Center.
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The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a resource partner with the Small Business Administration, provides counseling and mentoring services dedicated to the formation, growth, and success of small businesses.
- FCEDA also offers business counseling at their office in Tysons Corner through an arrangement with SCORE.
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The Small Business Commission (SBC) was created to advise and assist the Board, County executive, and County purchasing agent on any matter that will enhance the capability of small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
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Fairfax County's 2025 Small Business Forum
Join Fairfax County’s Small Business Commission’s free, annual Small Business Forum on Thursday, May 29, at 8:00 a.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway).
Take advantage of learning from business experts and connect with County procurement representatives. Bring your entrepreneurial spirit and learn how to grow your business opportunities.
Learn more about the event, register for the forum, or read about the Small Business Commission.
Bike to Work Day
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Join cyclists for Fairfax County’s Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 15!
Fairfax County has more than two dozen pit stops for bicyclists, including at the Burke Centre VRE Station (10399 Premier Court, Burke) and Audrey Moore RECenter (8100 Braddock Road, Burke).
Commuter Connections, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), and other local governments will host more throughout the National Capital Region.
Additionally, snacks, beverages, and giveaways will be provided at select pit stops while supplies last. New this year, the Fairfax County Government Center pit stop has relocated to the Monument Drive Commuter Garage.
More information on the County’s Bike to Work Day can be found on the Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s website.
| | Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | | Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates. | | |
Continue reading below for more information on:
- Braddock Bark 2025
- Friends of Kings Park Library’s Annual Spring Book Sale
- Graduation Traffic Advisory
- Upcoming Job Fairs
- Braddock Road Project Open House
- Upcoming Blood Drives
- Marian Homes Shredding Event
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration
- Fairfax County Fix-It Clinic
- Help Shape the Future of Transportation
- Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
- Reduced Fee Vaccine & Microchip Clinics
- Public Hearing on School Board's FY 2026 Approved Budget
- "Pardon Our Dust" Meeting
- 2025 Girls Fire & Rescue Academy
- Summer Student Intern Program
- Fairfax Connector's May Service Changes
- Braddock District Council's May Meeting & Legislative Review
- Resources for Federal Employees and Contractors
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Calling dog parents and dog lovers to join the Braddock District Office for the 4th Annual Braddock Bark Dog Festival on Sunday, May 18, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the McLaren-Sargent Shelter at Lake Accotink Park (5660 Heming Avenue, Springfield).
This fun-filled event will include activities for the entire family with a focus on our furry friends. Enjoy a doggie splash area, a kids activity table, giant board games, dog adoption opportunities, a dog agility and obstacle course area, and food vendors. A free canine CPR demonstration, courtesy of Becky’s Pet Care Inc., will be offered.
Dogs that wear a costume or accessories will have a double chance to win the raffle of dog toys courtesy of Swift Paws, a Lure Coursing product company. Additionally, the Washington Capitals and several dog businesses will join to provide free giveaways.
Come and enjoy the paw-tay and help raise funds for the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter to continue providing the much-needed assistance to animals in the Fairfax County Animal Shelter!
You can get more info on Supervisor Walkinshaw's Facebook page.
| | Friends of Kings Park Library’s Annual Spring Book Sale | | |
The Friends of the Kings Park Library's Annual Spring Book Sale is underway!
The sale is from May 8-10 at Kings Park Library (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke) and proceeds directly support the Kings Park Library.
This is one of Supervisor Walkinshaw's favorite events of the year and an opportunity to find great books, save money, and support your local library!
Book Sale hours:
- Thursday, May 8
- 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 9
- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10
- 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
On Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., all books are 50% off, and from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, fill a bag up with books for just $7!
More information is available on the library’s website.
| | Graduation Traffic Advisory | | |
George Mason University will be hosting graduation ceremonies on campus at EagleBank Arena at various times of the day beginning on Monday, May 12 - Monday, June 16.
Doors will open at least one hour before ceremonies begin, and traffic will vary depending on the day.
Subscribe to Mason Alerts or Fairfax Alerts for up-to-date details on high-impact areas and alternative routes. View GMU's graduation schedule.
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Northern Virginia Regional Job Fair
Virginia Career Works is hosting a Northern Virginia Regional Job Fair on Friday, May 9, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
This event is designed to connect local employers with a diverse pool of professional job seekers. Employers include AECOM, Amentum, CACI International Inc, Department of the Army, Agencies from Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William County Governments, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William County Schools, National Industries for the Blind, Virginia Department of Transportation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and more!
View more event details and register online.
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GMU Just In Time Job Fair
Are you looking to hire for internship, part-time, or full-time positions?
George Mason University’s Career Services is hosting the 2025 Just In Time Job Fair on Monday, May 19, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus (4400 University Drive, Fairfax).
Employers will have access to well-qualified applicants. George Mason students and alumni are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and in-demand technical and transferrable skills. Employers are required to register for the event. Learn more online.
Contact Bernadette Davey at bdavey@gmu.edu if you have questions.
| | Braddock Road Project Open House | | |
VDOT has two upcoming meetings about the Braddock Road Project:
- May 14 - Open House to discuss plans for the segment of Rolling Road between Braddock Road and Burke Lake Road
- June 2 - Public Hearing on the overall Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Project
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced that they will hold an in-person Design Public Hearing on the Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Project on Monday, June 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m. (presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.) in the cafeteria at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke—use Entrance #15).
This project proposes to construct multimodal and access management improvements along three miles of Braddock Road (Route 620) between Humphries Drive in Burke and Ravensworth Road (Route 2864) in Annandale, including the eastbound and westbound Braddock Road ramps to southbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Outer Loop), and half a mile of Ravensworth Road between Braddock Road and Heritage Drive. The proposed improvements aim to improve multimodal safety, mobility, and accessibility for all users with intersection enhancements, including at Rolling Road, Wakefield Chapel Road/Danbury Forest Drive, and Burke Lake Road. The improvements also include new and upgraded shared-use paths along both sides of Braddock Road. This project will involve changes in limited access control.
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for residents and organizations to learn about the project, ask questions, and provide comments on the proposal. You may review project information on the project webpage, at the meeting, or during business hours (between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office (4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax).
Hard copies of the plans are available for the public to view at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office. To make an appointment, please contact the project manager, Calvin Britt at william.britt@vdot.virginia.gov or Northern Virginia District Assistant Location & Design Engineer, Yuliya Esmond at Yuliya.Esmond@vdot.virginia.gov. Plans are also available to view by appointment at Supervisor Walkinshaw’s office (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke). Please email braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 425-9300.
In addition, VDOT has posted a voiceover presentation outlining changes to access for Rolling Road between Braddock Road and Burke Lake Road. Currently, much of this section of Rolling Road allows all movements at every intersection. The proposed access management will include a raised median for most of the block, with one full median crossover retained immediately south of the service station. This has been recommended to improve safety along this stretch of roadway.
VDOT will be holding an Open House on May 14 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Kings Park Library (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke) to specifically discuss this segment of roadway with nearby business owners and residents. Those with questions on other portions of the Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Project should bring them to the June 2 meeting.
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Burke Presbyterian Church
Burke Presbyterian Church is hosting a blood drive by Inova Blood Donor Services on Saturday, May 10, from 7:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the church's parking lot (5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke).
Schedule an appointment.
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St. Stephen's United Methodist Church
St. Stephen's United Methodist Church is hosting a blood drive by Inova Blood Donor Services on Monday, May 12, from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the church Fellowship Hall.
You are eligible to donate if you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, are at least 16 years of age, and have not donated whole blood since March 17. The Inova team will also have an ALYX machine available for those who wish to donate "double reds."
Give someone "the gift of life." New donors are especially welcome. To schedule an appointment, use Code 3134.
| | Marian Homes Shredding Event | | |
Local non-profit Marian Homes will host a shredding event on Saturday, May 10 at St. Mary of Sorrows Parish (5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax) from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Donations to Marian Homes will be accepted.
More information can be found on Marian Homes' website.
| | Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration | | |
Join the Fairfax County Park Authority to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) at Mason District Park (6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale) on Saturday, May 10, from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
This vibrant event will showcase traditional performances, engaging activities, delicious food, and inspiring stories that honor the heritage and contributions of the AAPI communities.
Bring your family and friends for a day of cultural exploration, connection, and fun in the heart of Mason District Park! Activities include:
- Cultural performances
- Cultural foods
- Lion Dances
- Dragon dances
- Art contests
- Cultural Parade
- Crafts, games, and prizes
- Community exhibitors and resources
View the full schedule or learn more on FCPA's website.
| | Fairfax County Fix-It Clinic | | |
Do you have a broken or damaged item you’ve been looking to get repaired but it’s too costly or inconvenient? Bring it to a Fairfax County Public Library Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, May 10, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The libraries will have fixers skilled in various types of repairs available to help you bring your items back to life for free!
Types of repair assistance offered at the clinic will include:
- Electrical repair
- Fabric mending
- Jewelry repair
- Knife sharpening
- Small appliance repair
Repair services available will vary by branch. Please call the branch of your choice to confirm the services available.
Participating branches include:
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- Chantilly Regional (4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly)
- City of Fairfax Regional (10360 North Street, Fairfax)
- Culmore (6101 Knollwood Drive, Falls Church)
- Dolley Madison (1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean)
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- Kingstowne (6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria)
- Reston Regional (11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston)
- Sherwood Regional (2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria)
- Thomas Jefferson (7415 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church)
| | Help Shape the Future of Transportation | | |
Join the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for their upcoming community pop-up event focused on the future of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the region!
They're developing plans for a fast, frequent, and reliable transit system, and your input is key to bringing the plans to reality.
Stop by NVTA's pop-up event on Saturday, May 10, at the Fair Oaks Shopping Mall (11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax) from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. to learn, engage, and share your feedback on NVTA’s draft BRT Action Plan that includes up to 28 potential BRT routes to better connect Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland.
- Explore draft plans for up to 28 potential BRT routes
- Talk with NVTA staff about what the future of transit could look like
- Interact with the draft system map and review individual route profiles
- Share your ideas and feedback
- Enjoy giveaways and swag while you're there!
For more details, visit NVTA's website. If you can't make it to the pop-up event, learn about the Future of Transportation blueprint for a regional BRT system and join the conversation on NVTA's website.
| | Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive | | |
The Local Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 10, will provide a major boost for ECHO’s Food Pantry.
All members of the community can help by leaving a bag with any amount of non-perishable food by your mailbox before your letter carrier comes to deliver mail.
Mail Carriers will bring the donations to ECHO, which serves local households in need of food assistance.
Food received from the West Springfield, Burke, Central Springfield, and North Springfield post offices will be given to ECHO. A list of the most-needed items can be found on ECHO's website, but all non-perishable foods that are not expired are welcome.
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Reduced Fee Vaccine
& Microchip Clinics
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As part of Fairfax County Animal Shelter's (FCAS) Pet Resource Center, Fairfax County residents have an opportunity to vaccinate and microchip their pets without the cost of a veterinary exam.
All clinics are first-come, first-served and are cash-only. The Animal Shelter has two upcoming clinics:
- Monday, May 12
- 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Fairfax County Fire Station 40 (4621 Legato Road, Fairfax)
- Friday, May 23
- 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton)
For more information on upcoming dates or details, visit the FCAS website.
| | Public Hearing on School Board's FY 2026 Approved Budget | | |
The Fairfax County School Board welcomes public comment on the FY 2026 Approved Budget at a Public Hearing. This public hearing is scheduled to take place in the Auditorium of Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Rd, Falls Church) at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13.
The Speaker's List is open until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12. The Fairfax County School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of May 13.
Any questions, written statements, and copies of testimony may be submitted to communityparticipation@fcps.edu.
| | "Pardon Our Dust" Meeting | | |
VDOT will hold a hybrid “Pardon Our Dust” meeting Wednesday night, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. about the Fairfax County Parkway Widening South project.
This project will widen about two miles of Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) from four lanes to six between Route 123 (Ox Road) and Nomes Court.
Participants can attend:
A presentation regarding the project’s construction phase will begin at 7:00 p.m., and the project team will answer questions after the presentation.
The $126 million project, scheduled for completion in mid-2027, is financed with federal, state, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and local funding.
The project area is adjacent to the Fairfax County Parkway widening north project, which began construction in June 2024 and is scheduled for completion in mid-2027, and is also near the Fairfax County Parkway and Popes Head Road interchange project, which began construction in December 2023 and is expected to be complete in late 2026. Once all three projects are completed, Fairfax County Parkway will have six continuous through lanes on the approximately eight-mile stretch from Route 123 to Rugby Road (Route 750), and the current choke point at the Popes Head Road (Route 654) traffic signal will be relieved.
Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.
You can get traffic, work zone, and incident information online at 511.vdot.virginia.gov, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere, anytime.
View this information online.
| | 2025 Girls Fire & Rescue Academy | | |
The Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department is excited to announce that the 2025 Girls Fire & Rescue Academy (GFRA) summer camp is June 24 - 27, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The academy is open to rising 9th through 12th-grade female students for the upcoming 2025 - 2026 school year who are residents of Fairfax County.
The program is completely free of charge but limited to 24 applicants. Spots are first come, first served, so apply today!
All applications must be received electronically by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16. Read more about the GFRA.
| | Summer Student Intern Program | | |
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is launching a Summer Internship Program, a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for FCPS high school students or recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education.
This program is designed to provide valuable hands-on work experience, professional development, and project-based learning across various FCPS departments.
Interns will support professional staff in their selected department with projects and participate in weekly professional development workshops on topics such as personal finance, communication skills, resume writing, and networking. Interns will shadow staff completing mission-critical projects that prepare the division for the upcoming school year.
Learn more about this internship program, which supports FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16.
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Fairfax Connector's
May Service Changes
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The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will implement changes to select Fairfax Connector bus routes, effective Saturday, May 17.
These updates are part of FCDOT’s ongoing efforts to enhance service reliability, respond to rider feedback, and align with evolving travel patterns across the region.
Key adjustments include the introduction of two new routes - Route 652 and Route 670 - designed to improve connectivity and meet emerging transit demands. In addition, Route 599 will be discontinued to optimize system efficiency.
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Route 670: Fairfax Connector is excited to offer a cross-county connection from Chantilly to Franconia-Springfield. The 670 utilizes the Express Lanes on both I-66 and I-495 for a quicker commute. This service is only available during weekday rush hour.
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Route 652: This route provides enhanced bus coverage to the Franklin Farms area, connecting to the Stringfellow Road Park and Ride. The 652 will operate during weekday peak morning and evening hours, Monday through Friday.
- Route 599: This express route is being discontinued.
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Passengers traveling to the Pentagon and Crystal City can use Route 598, which serves both Reston South and Reston North Park and Ride lots.
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Route 353: This route has been realigned to service the new Franconia Government Center in Kingstowne, which is slated to open this summer.
Several additional routes will undergo minor service adjustments aimed at enhancing on-time performance and improving overall service reliability.
For full details on the May 17 service changes and to view updated schedules and route maps, visit the Connector's website.
| | Braddock District Council's May Meeting & Legislative Review | | |
The Annual Legislative Review, co-sponsored by Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and the Braddock District Council, is scheduled for Monday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kings Park Library meeting room adjacent to Supervisor Walkinshaw’s office (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
Delegates Vivian Watts, David Bulova, Kathy Tran, Laura Jane Cohen, and Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy will be in attendance.
Considering all the bills that did (and did not) get approved in this year’s General Assembly, plus the impact of government reductions-in-force in Federal agencies, this meeting should be full of valuable information.
| | FCPS Athletic Programs Seeking Medical Professionals | | |
Lake Braddock Secondary School is organizing its Annual Sports Physical Night fundraising event in coordination with West Springfield High School and South County High School and needs volunteer Medical Professionals to sign off on athletes’ participation status for the 2025-2026 school year.
This event is a great way for the Athletic Training Program to support the needs of student-athletes! It will be held on Tuesday, June 3, at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
If you or someone you know is an MD/DO/NP/PA, sign up today to volunteer.
Questions? Contact South County High School Athletic Trainer Rachel Hurlburt at rlhurlburg@fcps.edu or (571) 425-8029.
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Resources for Federal
Employees and Contractors
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Fairfax County Resource and Service Website
Thousands of County residents and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget. The County has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors, and anyone else affected by job loss.
Federal Representatives
Each member of Fairfax County's Congressional Delegation has provided access to resources, including the opportunity for federal employees to anonymously report abuses of power, review employment rights/civil service law, and understand whistleblower protections. If you or someone you know is a federal employee, review and share these resources, and subscribe to your federal representatives’ newsletters to stay informed.
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Senator Mark Warner
Senator Tim Kaine
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Congressman Don Beyer
Congressman Gerry Connolly
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