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Dear Neighbor, 

As we head into the Labor Day weekend (click here for the backstory of how the so-called “King’s Dominion Law” made the holiday even longer for Fairfax County Public Schools), it seems like a good time to update you on the first iteration of Fairfax County’s Draft Legislative Program for the 2027 General Assembly session which was presented at Tuesday’s Legislative Committee Meeting. The Legislative Program provides a roadmap to our government relations team entering the session and outlines broad principles and goals of the County vis-à-vis our relationship with Richmond. Some parts of our program stay consistent year-to-year, while others change based on evolving circumstances.  

I’ll get your first question out of the way first: for you eagle-eyed observers, yes, Page 8 reaffirms the Board’s opposition to a casino in Fairfax County! 

Otherwise, I want to highlight a few key points I shared during the Legislative Committee Meeting – you can view my comments beginning at the 57:15 mark here. First, Fairfax County continues to ask for the implementation of recommendations of the 2023 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study on Virginia’s K–12 funding formula, which has an enormous impact on our budget. As with last year, our focus remains on Recommendation 6, which calls for increasing the state share of K–12 funding and updating the Standards of Quality formula to reflect actual teacher salaries and local labor costs, and Recommendation 12, which proposes replacing the current Cost of Competing Adjustment with a statewide cost‑of‑labor index. These changes could result in up to $16 million and $187 million in additional recurring annual funding for our schools. 

As I noted during the meeting, our strategy cannot focus solely on how these changes benefit Fairfax County. We must also demonstrate how jurisdictions across the Commonwealth would benefit. Our County team will be working closely with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to refine the numbers so we can work effectively with our delegation – and partners statewide – on advancing these necessary reforms.  

Second, our Draft Legislative Program proposes supporting public-sector collective bargaining bills this session, and I agree with that direction. As I mentioned at the meeting, I’m not entirely satisfied with the current draft language. Given that Fairfax County has led on collective bargaining as the first jurisdiction in the Commonwealth to implement such measures and we have success on this front (consider, for instance, that we have reduced our Public Safety agency vacancy rates from the high teens to the low single-digits), I think we should emphasize the benefits we have seen along with our desire to keep our system. I am happy to see something in our Draft Legislative Program, though and we will work to refine it further. 

Third, while our Draft Legislative Program includes language surrounding data centers – specifically on Page 8 “[s]upport granting localities additional authority to address the environmental impacts of data centers, without shifting responsibility for regulatory compliance onto localities” – I think we can and should say more. Bills passed last year such as SB 553 requiring water companies to report usage by data centers or SB253 that sought to shift the cost of data center-related transmission equipment rather than sharing that cost with regular customers represent a step in the right direction. Same goes for the Data Center Energy Consumption Tax passed as a part of this year’s budget and the State Corporation Commission’s approval of a surcharge to shift such costs to large energy users, i.e. data centers. I have also begun discussing additional bills with members of our Dranesville District delegation, including legislation that would require State Corporation Commission (SCC) approval for any “Bring Your Own Generation (BYOG)” data center proposals. This would help ensure data centers cannot bypass utility regulations and that, if they pursue on-site generation, they do so in ways that support rather than strain the electric grid. Our county’s commitment to environmental stewardship – and our responsibility to protect rate‑paying residents – should guide our approach. We should support measures that ensure data centers act responsibly and pay their fair share. (If you’d like to hear more of my perspective, I appeared on James Carville and Al Hunt’s podcast earlier this week – starts around the 42:40 mark.) 

Fourth, while I appreciate the language on Page 15 regarding Traffic Safety and Coordination – particularly its effort to strengthen alignment between local pedestrian and multimodal initiatives and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) approvals – I believe we need to go further. Last year, I worked with Delegate Rip Sullivan on a VDOT study bill aimed at improving the agency’s processes and timelines broadly, with a particular focus on housing and development impacts. I will continue pressing for opportunities to build crosswalks and sidewalks more quickly and within budget. 

While we are doing our part to shorten our own timelines, including through the Active Transportation Audit I initiated, we need stronger partnership from the Commonwealth to deliver more projects faster and more cost-effectively. I’m committed to working with anyone and everyone to make that happen. 

There’s a lot in this package, and plenty more I could have commented on. And of course, this is only the beginning of a three-month process to refine our priorities for the upcoming session. But I wanted to give you a sense of where I’m starting on several key issues. 

And, again, for the thousandth time: no casino! 

Finally, before I go, I know that some of you have been hearing a lot about high school crossing guards. Chairman McKay provided an update in his newsletter yesterday. Crossing guards are back out at some prior locations where they were last year, including McLean High School. (Note: neither Langley High School nor Herndon High School have had dedicated crossing guards. Also note: Fairfax County continues to be the only jurisdiction in Northern Virginia that uses crossing guards at high schools). At Tuesday’s Budget Policy Committee meeting, I requested that the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) have a presence at high schools where we have seen early school year problems. I described how I have worked with FCPD, VDOT, and FCDOT in the past to try to improve pedestrian safety around schools in the Dranesville District in response to community concerns. Again, I implored our FCPS partners to work with us on improving safety around schools, including working on education for walkers and drivers alike. You can watch my remarks at the 53:57 mark here. As always, please drive safe and if you’re out walking around, please try to stay in crosswalks and on sidewalks (which I continue to try to deliver faster and on budget!).  

Have a terrific long weekend! 

All the best,

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Jimmy in the Community

OFC Ignite

Clemyjontri Park Open House

Friday Night Live

Last Arrowbrook Summer Entertainment and Jeff Fairfield's Retierment

Upcoming Medicaid Eligibility Changes

for Some Noncitizen Adults

To qualify for full Medicaid benefits after October 1, 2026, adults will need to be a U.S. citizen, a Lawful Permanent Resident, Cuban or Haitian Entrant, or a Compact of Free Association migrant. Medicaid rules for children and pregnant members are NOT changing. Regardless of immigration status, there are community clinics and other services available to help you stay healthy. Find low-cost or free health care options in Fairfax County.

Learn more about these changes and how to update your contact information to get important notices.

Stop, Yield, Stay Safe: Pedestrian Sign Updates

You may notice some changes coming to pedestrian safety signs around Fairfax County!

There are roughly 2,000 Yield to Pedestrian signs at crosswalks throughout the county. Over the past year, staff have been inspecting and documenting these signs, building a database of their locations, checking their condition and identifying where repairs or replacements are needed. So far, about one-third of the signs have been inspected. 

From “Yield” to “Stop”

Following a recent change to Virginia state law, some signs will also receive updated wording, changing “Yield to Pedestrians” to “Stop for Pedestrians.” The new sign database will help ensure the appropriate wording is used as signs are updated in the coming months. The program is looking ahead, too! Using crash data and safety analysis, staff are identifying additional crosswalks where new signs could help address documented pedestrian safety concerns. It’s all part of the ongoing work to maintain existing signs, respond to changing requirements and make crossings safer for people walking throughout Fairfax County.

Stay Informed About Scams with Silver Shield Alerts

How can residents stay updated about scams and fraud? Fairfax County has launched a new Silver Shield Scam and Fraud Information channel through Fairfax Alerts to help residents stay informed about scams targeting the community.

The new alert channel will provide scam prevention resources and send notifications when scams reach a heightened level of concern. These updates are designed to help residents recognize potential scams, stay informed, and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Sign up for alerts here. To receive Silver Shield scam and fraud updates, select Area Agency on Aging and then choose Silver Shield – Scam and Fraud Information. Residents can also sign up for other county notifications, including emergency alerts, severe weather alerts, and traffic updates.

Workforce Development Month

Department of Family Services Workforce Development provides a wide range of no-cost employment services and workforce programs in the Northern Virginia region for job seekers of all ages and abilities. Our dedicated workforce professionals support job seekers at every stage of their career journey—whether you're exploring opportunities, seeking new skills, or ready to take the next step. Learn more about the Department of Family Services and Workforce Development resources here.

Fairfax Water Focus Groups

September 4, 5, 6, 11, & 13: Tuck in the Animals

Tuck in the animals at Kidwell Farm! Join the Park Authority at Frying Pan Farm Park to see how the farm animals settle in for the night. Bring your flashlights and dress for the weather for a cozy twilight tour. Don’t miss this adorable evening tradition! Sign up here.

September 4, 5, 6, 11, & 13

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Frying Pan Park

2709 West Ox Rd,

Herndon, VA 20171

September 4 - November 24:

Free In-person Dads Parenting Group

Join a free 12-session In-Person Dads Parenting Group to improve your parenting skills and foster better relationships with your children. This opportunity is open to Fairfax County residents or dads with children living in Fairfax. Language interpretation services are available. For more information, call 703-324-7720, email buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov, or go to this website to learn more.

September 7: Voting Closes for

Movie Under the Stars

Our annual Movie Under the Stars is coming up. Vote here to choose what movie to screen!

September 8 - October 27:

Therapeutic Water Workout Class

Join the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department's Therapeutic Water Workout Class. This class is for people age 16 and older who have chronic illnesses like:

• Arthritis
• Painful joints
• General weakness

In this class, you will:

• Work on flexibility and balance
• Gently build strength

Rubber-soled shoes are recommended for safety.

Tuesdays, September 8 - October 27

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Herndon Community Center

814 Ferndale Avenue,

Herndon, VA 20170

September 9: Exploring the Dimensions of Aging - The Dima Lab: Lewy Body Dementia

and Parkinson's Disease

Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Dima as she begins experiencing visual disturbances and changes in motor functions due to the progression of her Lewy Body Dementia, and how she and her family navigate coping with her symptoms. Learn about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and important considerations for promoting independence, preserving dignity, and offering culturally competent care. Register here.

Wednesday, September 9

10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Online

September 10: McLean District Station

Community Advisory Committee Meeting

Want to be more involved with the McLean District Station Fairfax County Police Department? Consider joining their Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

CACs enhance communication between residents and the FCPD and offer residents a chance to dialogue with members of their local police districts. For more information regarding your local police district's CAC meetings, click here.

This month's meeting for the McLean District Station will include a presentation from the Victim Services Division.

September 10: Beyond Back-to-School: Navigating Anxiety, Routines, and School Avoidance

Parents, it’s that wonderful time of year—the start of a new school year! But for many families, the transition isn’t always easy. Join the Safe Community Coalition for Beyond Back-to-School: Navigating Anxiety, Routines, and School Avoidance, a free and supportive conversation for parents and caregivers.

The shift from summer freedom to the school-year routine can be challenging for the whole family. Local mental health professionals will share practical strategies for:

• Managing back-to-school anxiety
• Creating routines that work for your family
• Recognizing and addressing school avoidance
• Maintaining your own peace of mind as a parent or caregiver

Register here to gain professional insights, share experiences, and take away practical tools to support your family’s mental health and well-being.

Presented by McLean Community Center in partnership with the Safe Community Coalition. Facilitators: Carey Hitchcock, LCSW, and Becky Kohm, M.A.T., Ed.S.

Thursday, September 10

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave,

McLean, VA 22101

September 10 & 26: (Not) Strictly Painting 15

Opening Reception and Artist Talk

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) will open (Not) Strictly Painting 15 on September 10, 2026. Now in its 15th iteration, (Not) Strictly Painting celebrates the depth and breadth of paintings, or works related in some way to paintings. This biennial exhibition features pieces from 39 artists throughout the Mid-Atlantic area. RSVP here for the Opening Reception and/or Artist Talk.

Opening Reception

Thursday, September 10

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Artist Talk

Saturday, September 26

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave,

McLean, VA 22101

September 10-13: Tysons Library Book & Media Sale

Come join the Friends of Tysons Library for our biggest sale yet! 30,000 books, puzzles, games, graphic novels, DVDs, CDs, LPs.

• Proceeds benefit the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and related activities.
• Donations of books and media appreciated!
• Volunteers welcome and needed!

For more information, please visit this website, email tysonslibraryfriends@gmail.com, or cal 703-338-3307.

September 10 thru 13

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike,

Falls Church, VA 22043

September 11: 25th Anniversary

Remembrance Ceremony

Fairfax County is hosting its 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. If you are planning to attend in person, please RSVP here.

September 12: Fall Community Parking Lot Sale

Too much stuff? Not enough space? This parking lot sale has more than 60 vendors. Clean out the closet and join your friends and neighbors as a vendor for this fun community event. Residents selling gently used household items are welcome.

Register here by September 4 to participate!

Saturday, September 12

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave,

McLean, VA 22101

September 14: DMV Connect at the Herndon Library

Can't make it to the DMV? DMV is coming to you! The Virginia DMV will be at the Herndon Library to offer many services that are usually available at DMV offices including: REAL ID Drivers' Licenses, ID cards for adults and children, disabled parking placards, address changes, vehicle titles & E-Z Pass Transponders. 

Appointment and walk-in services will be available between 10:00am-3:30pm. (Closed for lunch from 12:30pm-1:30pm.)

Visit this website to make an appointment.

Monday, September 14

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library

768 Center St,

Herndon, VA 20170

September 14: Disability Inclusion Fair

Teens and young adults with disabilities along with their family and friends are invited to a special event.

Come learn about:

• Services and programs
• Job opportunities
• Education and training
• Recreation and fun activities
• Other resources available after high school

The event will include:

• A live performance by Elvis tribute artist and disability advocate Alex Presley
• Guest speakers from different backgrounds who will share their stories and give support to individuals and families

Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Monday, September 14

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike,

Great Falls 22066

September 14: Proposals Due for Mini-Grants for Youth-Led Anti-Stigma Initiatives

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board is offering mini-grants for youth-led projects to reduce stigma among their peers, with support from the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia which is funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. These mini-grants will fund youth-planned, youth-led projects within Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church City to be completed by May 21, 2027. A total of $6,000 is available, for requests not to exceed $1,000 each. Proposals are due September 14, and awardees will be announced October 1. Apply here.

September 15 - 16: Open Auditions for The Alden's Professional Teen Improv Company

Calling all high school students with a passion for comedy! (the) Unruly Theatre Project (UTP) is The Alden’s professional teen improv company, bringing live comedic performances and community programs to audiences throughout the area.

Company members are paid for performances and rehearse twice a week from late September through May. In addition to performing at venues including art galleries, cafés and the Old Firehouse Center, members gain hands-on experience in areas such as marketing, stage management and photography.

Open to 9th-12th graders only.

Open Auditions: Register here. No prepared monologue is required. Headshots and resumes are welcome but not necessary.

Questions? Email alden@mcleancenter.org.

September 16: AARP Let's Lunch Together

You’re invited to join AARP at Mylos Grill in McLean to enjoy lunch together with other friends and neighbors. The goal of AARP's monthly lunch together is to foster community spirit and combat social isolation.

No stuffy seminars or sales pitches—just relaxed camaraderie with fellow AARP members and new friends. 

Enjoy a 20% discount on the entire check. Each guest will be responsible for their own lunch cost. Come as you are and leave as you wish anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 

AARP kindly asks that you register here so they can give the chefs and restaurant staff a heads up!

Wednesday, September 16

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mylos Grill

6238 Old Dominion Dr,

McLean, VA 22101

September 16 & October 19: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Registration links will be shared soon by FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one hour long and open to all. There will be two community conversations at Dranesville District schools or schools that Dranesville District students attend.

Wednesday, September 16

6:45 p.m.

McNair Elementary School

2499 Thomas Jefferson Dr,

Herndon, VA 20171

Monday, October 19

6:30 p.m.

Spring Hill Elementary School

8201 Lewinsville Rd,

McLean, VA 22102

Come join us for VolunteerFest 2026! Hosted by Volunteer Fairfax, the event will bring hundreds of community members together to pack 100,000 nutritious meals for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Attendees can also visit the Community Fair to connect with local nonprofits and public agencies to learn more about their services and discover new volunteer opportunities. Meal packing is open to registered participants ages 16 and older for one of two shifts. The Community Fair will be open from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and 11 to 11:45 a.m. Learn more and register here.

Friday, September 18

Shift 1: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Shift 2: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Northern Virginia Community College

8333 Little River Turnpike,

Annandale, VA 22003

September 19: Runnymede Park & Stream Cleanup

Calling nature lovers! We're looking for volunteers for our park & stream clean up at Runnymede.

Join Herndon Parks and Recreation on Saturday, September 19 from 8am-12pm as we work together:

• Trash pickup
• Paint signs, tables & benches
• Remove invasive plant species
• Get ready for Naturefest!

They'll bring gloves, trash grabbers, bags, hand sanitizer, and any tools. You bring a water bottle, a friend and be sure to wear closed-toed shoes! 

Saturday, September 19

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Runnymede Park

195 Herndon Pkwy,

Herndon, VA 20170

Thru September 19: Stuff the Bus

Did you know that nearly 68,000 Fairfax County residents live below the federal poverty level? The need for food is REAL in Fairfax County. Help us Stuff the Bus to fight hunger on Saturday, September 19th! 

This year's Stuff the Bus events will take place at Supervisor district offices countywide. If you can't make it on September 19th, you can stop by our office at the McLean Governmental Center, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to donate non-perishables or gift cards!

Saturday, September 19

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

McLean Governmental Center

1437 Balls Hill Rd,

McLean, VA 22101

September 19: Estate Planning Essentials

Join local attorney Margaret O’Reilly for an accessible introduction to the key documents that help you plan for future health and personal decision-making. With over forty-five years of experience in estate planning and elder law, Margaret will explain the purpose of tools like “like advance medical directives, durable powers of attorney, and wills, as well as cover common planning pitfalls. This program is ideal for anyone looking to better understand how to make their wishes known and ensure clarity for loved ones.

Registration not required, but available here if you would like an email reminder.

Saturday, September 19

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library

768 Center St,

Herndon, VA 20170

September 19: OFC Block Party

Celebrate the end of the season with the OFC Block Party! This outdoor community celebration brings classic block party energy to downtown McLean with live music, games, activities, food, giveaways and fun for all ages. Gather with friends and neighbors for an afternoon filled with entertainment, laughter and the welcoming spirit that makes McLean such a special community.

Featuring:

• Music
• Giveaways
• Games
• Food
• Amusements
• Crafts
• Children's Business Fair
• And more!

Saturday, September 19

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Old Firehouse Center

1440 Chain Bridge Rd,

McLean, VA 22101

Save the Date!

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted tomorrow at the 495 NEXT Lane Closures webpage. Sign up to get updates and alerts here.

Check out the 495 NEXT interactive map, project background, and more information by visiting 495NEXT.org. If you have any questions or concerns about the 495 NEXT project, please feel free to contact the project team at 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov or 703-592-6430.

Travelers should stay informed and prepared by:

• Checking VA 511 by using 511virginia.org or via the mobile 511Virginia app
• Following VDOT on social media at:
• X (formerly Twitter): @VaDOTNOVA and @VaDOT
• Facebook: VDOT NOVA District
• Nextdoor: Virginia Department of Transportation
• Signing up for construction updates and alerts
• Calling the Construction Information Lane at 703-592-6430

The National Park Service has reached substantial completion of the north parkway rehabilitation project on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Some finishing work will continue during off-peak travel hours. Motorists can expect travel impacts once crews begin rehabilitation efforts on the Route 123 Interchange bridge. Visit this webpage for more information.

Learn More & Stay Connected:

• To opt in to receive email updates about traffic, meeting notices and information about major milestones, please click here.
• To contact the project team, please e-mail the National Park Service.
• View recordings of informational public meetings on the public meeting webpage.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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