|
4.17.25
Dear Neighbor,
April is Earth Month and Fairfax County is joining communities around the world to highlight the need for environmental stewardship for a healthier planet! Plan to participate in events throughout the month to help us raise awareness, educate, and provide opportunities to get involved. Below you'll find information on several exciting Earth Month events!
| | |
I'm proud of the work we are doing to fight climate change, improve resilience, and protect our local environment.
We offer programs that help residents be more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint, including:
| | |
We also offer food scrap composting available at the I-95 Landfill Complex, I-66 Transfer Station, and all of our farmers markets, including Wakefield Park (opening May 7) and Burke, which opens for the season this Saturday, April 19, at 8:00 a.m. at the Burke Centre VRE Station (5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke)!
Reducing environmental impacts goes beyond what one person can do; multiple County agencies and departments have programs that share the same mission of offsetting our impact. The Department of Planning and Development offers programs that conserve open spaces, reduce noise, and protect our water.
Our Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is leading the way to make facilities more energy efficient, saving millions in energy costs. We are moving forward with "Green Buildings," like the Monument Drive Commuter Garage that opened last summer, and electrifying our County vehicle fleet.
I was proud to lead the effort to implement the Plastic Bag Fee, which has generated over $7 million in revenue that is allocated to environmental cleanup programs, pollution and litter mitigation programs, educational programs on environmental waste reduction, and more. Multiple studies have also indicated that the fee has lead to a reduction in plastic bag pollution as residents transition from single use plastic bags.
| | |
The Board will host a series of Budget Public Hearings next week from April 22-24 at the Government Center. We want to hear from residents and encourage you to provide testimony in person, by video, or by phone at one of the three meetings.
Sign up to speak:
The County has expanded the methods for residents to offer feedback on the Budget. You can submit your comments and feedback using these methods:
| | 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:
- I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study – Feedback Due April 21
- FCPA Summer Camp Registration Opens April 22
- Earth Day Events
- Upcoming Meeting on Center for Active Adults
- Scam Jam 2025
- Call for EQAC Student Members!
- Fairfax Founders Fund
- Upcoming Job Fairs
- Fairfax County Fix-It Clinic
- Braddock Bark 2025
- 2025 Grass Season
- NOVA Launches Training Opportunity for Recently Unemployed Federal Workers and Contractors
- Resources for Federal Employees and Contractors
| | I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study - Feedback Due April 21 | | |
Earlier this month, VDOT held 4 virtual public meetings to provide information on the three alternatives under study to address identified transportation needs within the study area. The meeting materials can be viewed through the Virtual Information Room.
Feedback on the information shared at the public information meetings can be submitted via a comment form by Monday, April 21.
| | |
FCPA Summer Camp
Registration Opens April 22
| | |
Registration for Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) summer camps begins on Tuesday, April 22. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out!
Visit the FCPA Camp Registration page to search camp locations and listings and find tips to prepare for registration day.
The waitlist for summer camps opens up on May 2. Learn more on FCPA's Camp Registration page.
| | |
KPW Earth Day Clean-Up
The Kings Park West Civic Association will hold an Earth Day Clean-up on Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Royal Lake Park (5344 Gainsborough Drive, Fairfax).
Trash bags and grabbers will be provided. Email parks@kpwca.org with questions.
Delegate Tran's Earth Day Town Hall
| | |
Delegate Kathy Tran will host a Virtual Earth Day Town Hall on April 24 at 7:00 p.m.
The event will feature Alan Rowsome from the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Catherine Setaro from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, and Jay Ford from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Register and submit your questions online.
| | |
Earth Day Festival
Fairfax County Park Authority's (FCPA) Earth Day Festival is on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Sully Historic Site (3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly).
Learn how you can make a positive impact on the planet through exciting, interactive activities and games! Enjoy:
- Outdoor Discovery Activities
- Interactive Nature Exhibits
- Earth-Friendly Vendors
- Food Trucks
- Craft Beer Garden
- Local Bands and Live Entertainment
- Free Giveaways
- Furry Farm Friends
Admission is free, parking is $10 per car. Learn more on the FCPA website.
| | |
Spruce Up North Springfield
Join the North Springfield Civic Association on Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the North Springfield Swim Club Parking Lot (5604 Earlehurst Street, Springfield) for a neighborhood-wide Earth Day event filled with eco-friendly activities, community spirit and great perks!
Activities will include free paint recycling, a neighborhood cleanup, garden plant swap, junk hauling discounts and free coffee, tea and pastries!
Sign up to help with the neighborhood clean-up or contact Mayur Nagpure at mayur.nagpure@gmail.com for more information.
| | Upcoming Meeting on Center for Active Adults | | |
Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is holding community engagement meetings to discuss programming and activities at the Burke-Springfield Center for Active Adults (BSCAA). The center will open later this spring at Huntsman Square in Springfield. This is a transition from the Burke-Springfield Center Without Walls.
The next Community Engagement session about programming will be Monday, April 21, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Zoom.
BSCAA's webpage provides more information and background on the project, copies of the presentation, and is where community members can provide comments, which will be accepted until April 30.
| | |
Join AARP Virginia and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign to learn more about how to protect yourself from scammers and how to protect older adults from fraud, abuse, and exploitation.
Scam Jam 2025 is Wednesday, April 30, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Community College’s Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center (8430 Center Drive, Annandale). Registration is required.
| | Call for EQAC Student Members! | | |
Do you know Fairfax County high school sophomores or juniors who are interested in environmental science or policy? Fairfax County’s Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is looking for students in good standing to apply by Monday, May 5, for the 2025-2026 student member position.
EQAC’s mission is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for protecting and restoring the environment, including preparing an annual report on the environment. For more information and application materials, check out the application.
| | |
Calling all innovative startups! The Fairfax Founders Fund is now accepting applications!
Are you a founder with a groundbreaking idea looking to scale your business? The Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) is excited to announce that applications for the Fairfax Founders Fund are open until May 5.
This initiative supports the growth and development of early-stage startups in Fairfax County with up to $50,000 in funding. DEI believes in fostering a strong ecosystem where innovative ideas can flourish.
The Founders Fund offers financial resources to help startups navigate their early stages.
DEI encourages eligible startups to explore this opportunity and contribute to the vibrant innovation landscape of Fairfax County. View the applications and more information.
| | |
Employers Needed for Upcoming Job Fair
Congressman Don Beyer is holding a Job Fair for federal workers and contractors on Saturday, May 3, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m., at George Washington Middle School (1005 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria).
Are you looking for employees and have jobs you would like to share? Contact Holly Hicks Dougherty with the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce at holly@mountvernonspringfield.com.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | 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 by a Fairfax County Public Library Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, May 10, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The Library 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 branch by branch. Please call the branch of your choice to confirm the services available.
| | |
Volunteer Your Skills
Are you skilled at bringing broken and damaged things back to life? The library is looking for volunteer fixers to help with the event. They welcome fixers skilled in the types of repairs above and other types of fixing as well!
| | |
Participating branches include:
| | | |
The Braddock District's most popular event of the year is coming up! The 4th Annual Braddock Bark Dog Festival is on Sunday, May 18, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the McLaren-Sargent Shelter at Lake Accotink Park (5660 Heming Avenue, Springfield).
As always, there will be adoption opportunities, activities for dogs, tables and booths featuring local businesses and non-profits, food vendors, and more! All leashed dogs are welcome.
It’s sure to be a paws-itively good time! You can get more info on Supervisor Walkinshaw's Facebook page.
| | |
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) is now receiving and investigating grass complaints. Grass complaints can be submitted by telephone at (703) 324-1300 or through the PLUS system.
Grass height is regulated by the Fairfax County Vegetation Ordinance. Generally, grass may not be taller than 12-inches on any vacant or occupied residential property less than ½-acre (21,780 square feet) in area. For any commercial property, the property needs to be a vacant developed property with no limitation on lot size.
How does DCC enforce?
- Respond to the complaint and confirm that the grass is taller than 12-inches and is a residential property less than ½ acre in size, or a commercial property that is developed and vacant.
- Post a bright green placard on the house providing information about the violation and how to come into compliance.
- Send a Notice of Violation and confirm proof of delivery.
- Re-inspect after 14 days.
- If the grass has been cut, the case will be closed. If the grass has not been cut, a request is sent to a contractor to cut the grass.
- The property owner is invoiced for the cost of the cut.
- Failure to pay an invoice results in involvement from the Department of Tax Administration and the placement of a lien on the property.
Read more about grass height on DCC's website.
| | NOVA Launches Training Opportunity for Recently Unemployed Federal Workers and Contractors | | |
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is stepping up to support recently unemployed federal workers and contractors with the launch of NOVAnext - a $1 million scholarship initiative designed to help individuals transition into their next careers.
This program provides access to free courses, including IT certifications, program management, HR, entrepreneurship, and Generative AI. Participants will also benefit from resume writing and job search workshops to better equip them for the job market.
Key Details:
✅ Up to $1 million in scholarships available
✅ 14 courses designed to build skills for industry-recognized certifications
✅ Self-paced, online entrepreneurship courses
✅ Free resume & job search workshops
This is an incredible opportunity for individuals affected by recent employment disruptions to upgrade their skills and secure new career paths.
Eligibility:
🔹 Must have been laid off after February 1, 2025
🔹 Reside within the NOVA service area
🔹 Complete an online application
Apply today or learn more.
| | |
Resources for Federal
Employees and Contractors
| | |
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.
| | |
Senator Mark Warner
Senator Tim Kaine
| | |
Congressman Don Beyer
Congressman Gerry Connolly
| | |
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
As the employment landscape is shifting in the Greater Washington region, find a job in Northern Virginia – your skills and experience are valuable, and companies are looking to hire YOU.
Actions to take to find a job and get hired:
-
Browse 45,000+ open positions with companies looking to hire in Northern Virginia.
- Visit your local Virginia Career Works Career Center or make a virtual appointment.
- Connect with Fairfax County’s One-stop Employment Resources Center services.
Join a Weekly Webinar to Stay Informed
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority will host a free weekly webinar to connect job seekers with the resources they need to find a job in Northern Virginia. Whether you are looking for a job or supporting displaced staff, these sessions are packed with valuable insights on actions to take to get re-employed. View how to register here.
| | Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube | | | | |
