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This week, the Board’s Economic Initiatives Committee met to receive updates about the impact to our economy of the federal government’s mass layoffs. We got a clearer picture of what the potential outcomes could be with respect to employment rates, wages, County revenue, and more.
Unfortunately, unlike during both the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, this time we do not expect support from the federal government in helping residents and small businesses impacted by the Trump Administration's actions.
We heard from Chairman McKay who had returned from testifying before the Virginia General Assembly’s Emergency Committee on Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions. He presented a set of recommendations of things that the state government could do to support Northern Virginia and other regions impacted.
At this week's meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, we heard from regional business leaders who described the threat posed by the Trump policies as "existential" to our region's economy. We learned that Northern Virginia business leaders are preparing to meet with Governor Youngkin to urge him to engage with President Trump to express the damage to our region and to federal agencies' abilities to accomplish their respective missions caused by his actions.
To date, Governor Youngkin has refused to meet with our Board, but I'm hopeful that regional business leaders can convince him to take action.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience sexual violence at some point in their lifetime.
Sexual violence is a public health, human rights, and social justice issue that impacts every person in Fairfax County.
The purpose of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate the community on how to prevent it, and share resources available to those impacted by sexual assault.
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services shares 5 Ways to Talk about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
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The Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) offers free, short-term individual and family counseling services via teletherapy. Call (703) 324-5730 and choose the option for Counseling Services. The DSVS 24-hour hotline is available at (703) 360-7273.
Textile Recycling
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With many residents cleaning out closets this time of year, it’s a good time to see if any clothing items can be donated or recycled.
I'm excited to share that we have launched a textile recycling pilot program in partnership with Helpsy. The Fairfax County DPWES Solid Waste Management Program is implementing the pilot to provide residents with a convenient way to recycle unwanted textiles. Helpsy is dedicated to extending the life of clothing and reducing textile waste. Items accepted include clothing, shoes, and household fabrics.
Items can be dropped off at the new blue collection bins located next to the Recycling Loop at the I-66 Transfer Station.
Items collected through the program are either:
- Reused: Resold through thrift partners in North America and globally or donated to community organizations
- Recycled: Repurposed into new materials such as insulation, industrial rags, and other useful products.
Read more about the pilot program or textile recycling in general.
| | 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:
- Reduced Fee Vaccine & Microchip Clinics
- 2025 Grass Season Kicks off April 14
- Miscommunication or Missed Communication?
- Burke/Springfield Center for Active Adults Community Engagement Opportunities
- Scam Jam 2025
- Call for EQAC Student Members!
- Fairfax County Fix-It Clinic
- Braddock Bark 2025
- NOVA Launches Training Opportunity for Recently Unemployed Federal Workers and Contractors
- Resources for Federal Employees and Contractors
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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, April 14 (9:00 – 11:00 a.m.)
- Fairfax County Fire Station 40 (4621 Legato Road, Fairfax)
- Friday, April 25 (9:00 – 11:00 a.m.)
- Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton)
For more information on upcoming dates or details, visit the FCAS website.
| | 2025 Grass Season Kicks off April 14 | | |
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) will start receiving and investigating grass complaints on Monday, April 14. 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.
| | Miscommunication or Missed Communication? | | |
Miscommunication or Missed Communication? The Challenges of Hearing Loss for Caregivers. This virtual webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, will feature Bonnie O’Leary with the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons on April 16, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Bonnie will present information about hearing loss as a disability, the types and causes of hearing loss, how to recognize it, its similarities to early-onset dementia, the major myths surrounding hearing aids and cochlear implants, and the emotional and psychological impact late-onset hearing loss can have on seniors.
The session will briefly examine helpful tools, such as apps and a personal amplifier. The presentation will end with tips and information on effective communication strategies. Register today.
| | Burke/Springfield Center for Active Adults Community Engagement Opportunities | | |
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. The center will open later this spring at Huntsman Square in Springfield. This is a transition from the Burke-Springfield Center Without Walls.
April 2025 Community Engagement Opportunities (see flyer for more information):
- Wednesday, April 16 (2:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
- Pohick Regional Library (6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke)
- Monday, April 21, 2025 (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
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Join on Zoom
Translation services are available. Requests should be submitted by April 10 by calling (703) 324-9568, TTY 711.
For more information and background on the project, please visit the BSCAA webpage. Community members who are unable to attend a meeting or wish to provide further comment following a meeting may view a copy of the presentation and provide comments. The presentation and opportunities for comment will be posted on BBSCAA's webpage on April 17. Comments will be accepted through April 30.
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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.
| | 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.
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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!
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Participating branches include:
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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 (5650 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.
| | 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.
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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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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:
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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.
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