Friends,

Every day it seems brings a new threat from the Trump Administration against federal employees. Fairfax County is home to over 50,000 federal workers as well as contractors. As I’ve written in previous newsletters, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has and will continue to take every opportunity to speak out against these attacks on the livelihoods of so many of our residents. 

I would like to provide our federal workers, contractors and their families with assurances that you are not in this fight alone. In fact, On November 19, the Board of Supervisors approved my Board Matter that directed the County Executive to begin a review of all County policies and programs that are under threat from the incoming administration, which at the time had not even taken office. I listed as our first priority the protection of federal workers as well as contractors. Fairfax County, as a local governing body, is limited in how we can fight back against this administration’s draconian mission to gut the federal government, but we are committed to that fight. I am in regular communication with my regional counterparts and our representatives in Congress in discussions on what we can do to protect our residents. 

What can we do? You can explore the Work in Northern Virginia website, which lists over 80,000 job opportunities and provides information on various upcoming job fairs. This platform is operated by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and is open to everyone.

How can federal employees stay informed about employment changes? For those specifically affected by federal employment changes, it's important to stay informed through federal representatives. While we cannot provide you with specific advice, representatives such as Rep. Connolly, Rep. Beyer, Rep. Subramanyam, Sen. Kaine, and Sen. Warner offer newsletters and communications with up-to-date information on federal employment matters. I encourage you to sign up for their communications by following those links. 

What is the County’s position? Fairfax County has a longstanding position in our Federal Legislative Program opposing the kinds of “haphazard cuts to federal employment” that the Trump Administration is pursuing. 

“The County opposes efforts to dramatically reduce the size of the federal workforce, relocate up to 100,000 federal employees, and replace non-partisan career civil servants with political appointees, as such actions could have a devastating impact on the local economy, including the commercial and residential real estate markets as well as the County’s revenue sources. Fairfax County is home to more than 50,000 federal employees, and businesses located in Fairfax County receive over $38 billion in federal contracts (see also the Federal Agency Relocation, Consolidation, and Related Activities position on pages 10-12).”  

Finally, senior County staff is tracking the actions of the Administration in real time and determining the impact on our residents who rely on federal supports.

• Winter Weather Resources
• Best Workplace for Commuters
• Kicking off the Textile Recycling Pilot
• FCPD's Connect Fairfax County
• Unified Sanitation Districts
• "Legacy on Ice" A Benefit to Support Victims of the Aviation Tragedy

We are expecting some winter weather! This evening through tomorrow morning, hazardous conditions are likely, with cold temperatures and the possibility of snow or ice. Conditions could become dangerous quickly, so be sure you're prepared. Check your home, vehicle, and emergency supplies, and monitor local weather reports for updates.

For a list of winter weather resources and ways to track and report conditions, visit https://conta.cc/4iUoGH3

Stay safe and stay informed!

What's happening? Fairfax County is a leader in transportation infrastructure, prioritizing efficient and reliable public transportation for all residents. During the February 4th Board of Supervisors meeting, we recognized 12 employers for their commitment to promoting environmentally friendly commuting practices. These efforts help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The employers were honored as "Best Workplaces for Commuters" (BWC). To view the full list of BWC recipients, visit Fairfax County Honors "Best Workplaces for Commuters".

Anything else? Looking ahead, I remain committed to ensuring that Fairfax County continues to be a regional model for transportation, offering services that meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.

With the executive order requiring a return to in-person work, we anticipate that commuting in the National Capital Region will become more challenging. Also during the February 4th meeting, Supervisors Bierman, Lusk, and I introduced the Board Matter: Commuter Services Awareness Campaign for Federal Workers. This initiative directs County staff to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at reminding federal workers of the many options and benefits of mass transit available in Fairfax County.

For more information about the commuter services we offer, visit Fairfax County Commuter Services.

The 12 employers recognized for their commitment to promoting environmentally friendly commuting practices at the February 4th Board meeting.

What’s happening with textile recycling? A textile recycling pilot program has been launched in the County. Textile waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the United States, yet 95% of discarded textiles can be reused or recycled. By participating in the program, residents help reduce waste, conserve resources, and support sustainability efforts within the community, which align with the county’s Zero Waste Plan that includes, in part, recycling, reuse and recovery.

Residents can drop off their textiles at the designated blue bins 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.

What Can Be Donated? The program accepts a wide range of textiles, including:

• Clothing – Tops, sweaters, jeans, dresses, outerwear, baby clothes, undergarments, and more.
• Footwear – Sneakers, boots, heels, slippers, cleats, and more.
• Accessories – Hats, bags, gloves, scarves, jewelry, and sunglasses.
• Linens – Sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters, curtains, and table linens.
• Other Items – Stuffed animals, sports uniforms, and luggage.

All dropped-off donations must be clean, dry, odor-free, and in a securely closed plastic bag.

For the latest waste management updates, subscribe to the Fairfax Recycles newsletter and follow them on Facebook and X @ffxpublicworks.

The new blue collection bins located next to the Recycling Loop at the I-66 Transfer Station.

What is the Connect Fairfax County program? Fairfax County Police Department has launched the Connect Fairfax County initiative to improve public safety by enabling residents and businesses to register their security cameras. This program helps law enforcement quickly identify cameras that could hold valuable evidence in investigations.

How does it work? There are two ways to participate in the program:

• Register Your Camera: Property owners can register their cameras for free online. FCPD may contact you if your camera footage is needed during investigations, but registering does not give them access to your footage.

• Integrate Your Camera: For those who want to go further, you can integrate your camera with FCPD, giving them access to live footage during emergencies or investigations.

Anything else? For more details, visit Announcing Connect Fairfax County: Enhancing Safety Through Collaboration | Fairfax County Police Department News.

What's happening? Fairfax County is exploring a new approach to residential waste collection, known as Unified Sanitation Districts (USDs). Under this proposed system, the county would take direct control of waste hauling contracts with private collectors, simplifying the process for residents living in single-family homes.

Tell me more! Beginning in 2030, all residential waste collection would be managed by private haulers operating under contract with Fairfax County. This change aims to streamline waste management services and make it easier for residents to handle their waste collection needs. To learn more about how the USD system would work, visit Unified Sanitation Districts - Transforming Residential Waste Collection | Public Works and Environmental Services. If you’d like to share your thoughts about the program, please email USDfeedback@publicinput.com. 

Waste less, save more!

What’s happening? “Legacy on Ice” is a live figure skating tribute taking place on March 2, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The event will honor those affected by the tragic aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. The evening will feature performances from a star-studded lineup of figure skaters, including Ilia Malinin, a three-time U.S. champion, two-time ISU Grand Prix Final champion, 2024 World champion, and Fairfax County resident.

How will the funds be used? Proceeds from the event will support the victims' families, first responders, and aviation professionals affected by the tragic aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation will distribute the funds equally to three causes: the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund, the Greater Washington Community Foundation’s “DCA Together Relief Fund,” and the DC Fire & EMS Foundation.

How can I contribute or attend? To contribute directly, please visit Donation - Legacy on Ice – Monumental Foundation

For more event information, visit “Legacy on Ice” Benefit at Capital One Arena to Support Victims of the Tragedy at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport | U.S. Figure Skating