Dear Neighbor,

While it feels like much longer, it was less than a year ago that thousands of us here in Fairfax marched for Black lives and to protest the murder of George Floyd. This week's guilty verdict delivered accountability to his murderer, but our work to deliver justice must continue.

Read Chairman Jeff McKay's and the Fairfax County Police Department's statement.

Today is Earth Day and a great opportunity to plan a visit to one of Fairfax County's 420+ parks to participate in County Earth Day activities. The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) also has a series of environmental articles. These articles highlight environmental problems we face, and the most promising solutions that can be implemented at the local level. I encourage you to participate in an activity that interests you!

At 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, April 23, the Board of Supervisors Budget Policy Committee will meet to discuss potential changes to the Proposed FY 2022 Budget. The meeting will be livestreamed on Channel 16. Live audio of the meeting may also be accessed by dialing (703) 324-5300.

Sunday, April 18, was the first day Fairfax County began the transition to Phase 2 of COVID-19 Vaccine rollout. During Phase 2, all individuals in the Fairfax Health District who are 16 or older are eligible to schedule a vaccine appointment via VaccineFinder. While appointments are currently limited due to lack of supply, we do anticipate an increase in availability over the next several weeks.

Continue Reading for More Information On:

Below: Screen shot of Fairfax County Health Department's COVID-19 Case Data Dashboard on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

Early voting begins tomorrow, Friday, April 23 for the June 8 Democratic primary in Virginia. On this first day of early voting, just the Fairfax County Government Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Saturday, April 24, these three locations will be open for early voting from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.:

These three early voting sites will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The only other Saturdays these three locations will be open are May 29 and June 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On June 1, more hours and locations will be offered.

An additional 13 early voting locations will be offered beginning May 29. Voting hours at these locations will be Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday hours will only be offered at these locations on May 29 and June 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Any registered Fairfax County voter can vote early, and can cast their ballot at any early voting site.

For a complete list of dates, times, and voting locations visit the Office of Elections' website.

Effective yesterday, Wednesday, April 21, Governor Northam issued Fifth Amended Executive Order 72. Changes include:

Sadly, 2 out of 3 children are exposed to trauma and violence. In observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month, join Brittany Vera -- the Child Witness to Domestic Violence Coordinator for Fairfax County Family Services -- and me for a special Braddock Voices Podcast. We discuss Fairfax County’s Step Up 4 Kids initiative, warning signs to look for, and ways you can help.

You can watch this episode on my YouTube Channel. Prefer to listen to the podcast on the move? Visit my Soundcloud account to listen to the episode while you go about your day. You can enjoy these options for free, and you do not need to have an account. Make sure to reach out to me if you have recommendations on guests we should include next!

As April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Congressman Connolly will be hosting a Sexual Assault Awareness Discussion tomorrow, Friday April 23, 2021 at 3:00 pm. This event will offer a chance to raise awareness about sexual violence and domestic abuse and educate others on ways we can prevent sexual assault. They also want to share resources and legislative measures that are being taken to protect and defend those impacted by sexual assault.

Register in advance for this meeting.

Submit questions for the panel of speakers.

For questions and event details, please contact our Fairfax office at (703) 256-3071 or email [email protected], or contact our Prince William office at (571) 408-4407 or email [email protected]. 

Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Drug take back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies.

Safe disposal of unused or expired medications prevents drug abuse and misuse, accidental poisoning, and protects the environment.

Braddock District residents can safely dispose of their prescription drugs by visiting the West Springfield District Station, located at 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152, on Saturday, April 24, from 10:00 am through 2:00 p.m.

Want to learn more about the program? Visit Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board's Drug Take Back Day website.

Bring Your Ideas to the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan Community Conversations. Join the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) for virtual community conversations on the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan. Learn about the plan and tell FCDOT how you travel and access destinations by biking, walking, rolling (scooter/wheelchair/stroller), hiking, running and riding in and around your local community. 

The Braddock District virtual meeting will be on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. You can join by phone by calling 1-844-621-3956 and using access code # 129 953 8791.

Members of the public are invited to fill out a community survey (until May 1) on walking and biking preferences and safety issues (available in 8 languages), and populate two interactive maps with information about barriers to walking and biking, and suggested routes for trails and bikeways. 

Each year, the Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations, businesses and county employees who:

The awards are administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.

The 2021 Environmental Excellence Award nomination period is now open and will remain open until 11:59 PM on June 1, 2021. All nominations must be submitted via email to [email protected].

Download a PDF of the nomination form that can be filled in by hand, scanned, and emailed.

Download a PDF of the nomination form that is fillable using a computer.

Complete this brief 10-minute survey and have your voice heard about the potential future transit enhancements in Fairfax and Prince William counties.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is conducting a feasibility study of enhanced public transportation services between the Franconia-Springfield Metro station in Fairfax County and the Quantico Marine Base in Prince William County. Enhanced transit could include options such as additional express bus services, increased VRE commuter rail expansion, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), or an extension of Metrorail.

This survey closes May 15, so don’t wait and share your thoughts today!

Save the date and register to attend the upcoming public meeting on May 4.