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02.26.2026
Dear Neighbor,
It looks like the groundhog was right about six more weeks of winter! My winter parka has been working overtime this year. I hope you stayed safe during our second snowstorm and the heavy winds that caused power outages in our community. I’m thankful for VDOT and Dominion crews who worked hard to get streets cleared and power restored, and to our awesome community for once again shoveling out!
As always, the Braddock office staff was here to help connect people to resources and we will be again, with the potential for more snow in the forecast for next Monday. Spring can't get here soon enough.
Budget Update
| As we enter into budget season, we are focusing on hearing from you regarding the County Executive's budget proposal, known as the Advertised Budget. As a starting point, here are two interesting charts talking about where the funding comes from and where it goes (click each image to enlarge): | | |
Where Does the Money Come From?
The FY 2027 General Fund budget brings in nearly $6 billion, and property taxes do the heavy lifting, with real estate taxes alone accounting for almost two-thirds of everything we collect (64.7%), and personal property taxes adding another 14.4%. While the proposal keeps the tax rate flat, rising home values mean the average homeowner will see their bill go up about $357 for the year. That's exactly why smart, Fairfax-style economic development is a top priority, because attracting the right businesses and revitalizing our commercial tax base can take pressure off homeowners. And affordable housing remains just as critical, so the people can afford to live, work, and play right here in Fairfax County.
Where Does It Go?
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More than half of every dollar (51.2%) goes to our schools. Strong schools are both a moral imperative and the engine of our local economy, and I'm committed to working with colleagues on this Board and the School Board to jointly push Richmond to fully fund its obligations to public education. Public safety comes in at 12.2% and this investment along with funding strong human services helps keep us the safest large jurisdiction in the country, a distinction worth protecting. And new funding for the Park Authority, plus $180 million in the Fall 2026 bond referendum, reflects our commitment to the parks and green spaces that make Fairfax County a place people are proud to call home.
I invite you to review the Budget and join me for my Budget Town Hall on March 24 at 7:00 p.m. The Town Hall will be broadcast on Channel 16 and on my Facebook page. You can call in, email braddocktownhall@fairfaxcounty.gov in advance with questions, or even comment on Facebook during the program and we’ll address as many of your issues on the air as we can.
Neighborhood College
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In partnership with the County's Neighborhood and Community Services, I am excited to host the return of Braddock District's Neighborhood College starting in March. This opportunity only comes once every two years and I encourage interested and involved Braddock residents to sign up! Limited slots are still available and sign-ups close March 6th.
This free certificate program is a great opportunity for community members who live or work in the Braddock District to learn more about Fairfax County government and practical ways you can get involved in your community.
For more information, see the Braddock Neighborhood College flyer (also available in Spanish) or contact Toiya Godfrey at NCScommunitydevelopers@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Braddock is for Sports Lovers
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We’re blessed with so many wonderful educational institutions in the Braddock District, from our excellent FCPS schools to both George Mason University’s and Northern Virginia Community College’s flagship campuses. You can find some great indoor fun by attending an electrifying basketball game at Mason - right here in our backyard!
Mason Men's Basketball (click for schedule):
- Saturday, February 28, 2:00 p.m. against St. Bonaventure
- Saturday, March 7, 4:00 p.m. against St. Louis
Mason Women's Basketball: Congratulations to the Patriots for yesterday's impressive victory over St. Joseph's, marking their third consecutive season with 20 wins! The team wraps up the season with a match against Duquesne in Pittsburgh on February 28.
Baseball - the Patriots will compete with Lehigh University on February 27, February 28, and March 1. View the schedule here.
Yours in service,
| | As always, please reach out to my office anytime if you need assistance (or a notary) or if you want to share ideas of how to make Braddock even better. We are here to listen and help. | | 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:
- Notes from the Boardroom
- Fairfax Center Area Task Force Meeting March 2
- Special Election March 3 for Braddock District School Board
- Best of Braddock Event March 4
- Conversation with Authors on Migration & Displacement
- AARP Community Challenge Grant Program
- March 9 Community Meeting on Church of the Good Shepherd/Olley Lane Property
- County to Prioritize Active Transportation Projects and Funding
- Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7
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Tuesday, February 24 was another busy Board Committee day, an opportunity for us to focus on issue areas that impact the County and to hear from our experts in the field.
Safety and Security Committee
Drone as a First Responder
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The Board received a presentation from FCPD about Drones as First Responders (DFR). The Aviation Unit manages the FAA compliance, licensing, and coordination of all drone operations within FCPD. A DFR working group was formed across all public safety departments to align best practices, ensure compliance with County drone policy, and increase awareness of DFR capabilities and benefits across public safety departments. The criteria for using the drone aligns with state code and existing County guidance. The drone can fly about a two-mile radius from its docking station and remain in flight for about 25 minutes. The drone has a typical flying speed of 35 mph, reaching heights between 200 to 400 feet. The drones are American-made Skydio X10 Drones made with collision avoidance and FAA registered, and are parachute equipped.
Currently, FCPD is in the process of adding locations for drones to deploy from, gathering flight data, and increasing public communication, including adding flight logs to the public website. FCPD continues to meet with the FAA and regional partners to set standards and best practices. Later this year, FCPD expects to complete installation of all DFR locations. There are plans to integrate existing drone detection and radar systems into the DFR program. Additionally, they will integrate technology with the Department of Public Safety Communications to decrease response times to 911 calls for service and emergencies.
To view the presentation, click here.
FCPD School Crossings Update
The Board received a presentation from FCPD updating us on the use of a vendor for school crossings. FCPD is responsible for 328 crossing locations (164 a.m./164 p.m.) primarily covered by School Crossing Guards (SCG). Currently 44 of the 62 crossing guard positions are filled. On average, about 110 crossings per day have been covered by Police Officers. Each crossing is 30 minutes in duration.
In August 2025, FCPD began a pilot program with a private crossing guard company with the goal of filling the crossings that required Police Officer coverage, without impacting SCGs. FCPD has engaged with stakeholders including FCPS Safety and Security, FCPD School Crossing Guards, FCDOT to discuss potential changes to crossing locations, additional signage, lighting and pedestrian safety features. Additionally, FCPD has surveyed crossing locations to determine if changes could be made, worked with FCPS on changes to the Kiss and Ride flow, changes to vehicle and bus entry and exit points, as well as looking at vegetation that could have impacts to crossings, parent/student messaging. Through this engagement, 14 crossings were eliminated.
Since making these changes through the engagement process, there are now 314 total crossing times. There are 62 crossing guard positions, and 44 of them are filled. The private vendor is currently covering 68 crossing times. FCPD officers are currently covering 62 crossing times. The recommendation for FY2027 is to eliminate High School Crossing Guard positions. This change would not impact Secondary Schools. The existing personnel would be reallocated to fill current vacancies in middle/elementary schools. This change would allow for cost savings of $1,891,027. The Board briefly discussed potentially setting some guidelines to which high schools, based on the surrounding roadways, could be considered for eliminating the crossing guards.
To see the presentation, click here.
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Transportation Committee
Capital Bikeshare Update
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The Board received a presentation updating us on Capital Bikeshare. Capital Bikeshare is a publicly owned and operated bicycle transit service spanning over 800 docking stations across 8 jurisdictions. In 2025, Fairfax County expanded Capital Bikeshare to all 13 Metro stations in our jurisdiction. Electric bikes are very popular. They make up 17% of the fleet but are used for 49% of the trips. The average trip for a classic bike is 19 minutes. The average trip for an e-bike is 15 minutes. The County is looking forward to the future of Capital Bikeshare and further expanding access. To expand bikeshare, staff will be looking at areas where higher density housing is planned, transit expansion, and equity. There will be two new bikeshare locations in the Braddock District later this spring near Heritage and Americana Drives in Annandale.
To view the presentation, click here.
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Environmental Committee
At the first Environmental Committee of the year, Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) provided an update on the County’s progress toward meeting its environmental targets. OEEC Director John Morrill noted that the County had successfully achieved the following in 2025:
· Established the Energy Compass Program to assist county residents with planning home energy improvements
· Added 134 hybrid and eight electric vehicles to the County fleet
· Increased by four the number of County buildings using solar, including the I-66 Transfer Station
· Recruited about two dozen new small and large businesses into the Green Business Partners Program
OEEC shared that the County’s goals for 2026 include:
· Activating the large I-95 Landfill Solar Array this spring. This huge solar array will help cut energy costs for County facilities
· Address “heat island” and stormwater issues in areas of the County by planting trees to improve tree canopy and assessing the extent of invasive plants growing in the County
· Increase community outreach on home energy programs, and drinking water and stormwater infrastructure
To learn more about the issues covered in this most recent Environmental Committee meeting, view the materials on the Board website.
Budget Policy Committee – Joint Meeting with the Board of Supervisors and the School Board
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While there is much to review on the finer points of the proposed Budget, my focus on Tuesday was the bigger picture. It’s clear that we need certainty from our state partners on transportation and school funding. Without it, we as a County will not know how much we will need to contribute to fill the gap. As noted above, strong schools are an economic driver for Fairfax County, which is itself the economic engine of the Commonwealth. And we must address our critical transportation (and housing needs) to remain a vibrant and connected community. A strong Fairfax County means a strong Virginia.
The Board of Supervisors will be back for a full meeting on Tuesday, March 3.
| Fairfax Center Area Task Force Meeting March 2 | |
This meeting was rescheduled from February 23 due to the County government closure.
Join Fairfax Center Area’s Community Task Force on Monday as it Explores Placemaking
What makes a place truly welcoming and vibrant? Is it the lively, walkable streets, the civic spaces, a mix of activities, or simply the feeling of connection? Join the Fairfax Center Area’s Community Task Force as it explores the topic of placemaking at its next meeting on Monday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. The group will meet virtually via Zoom.
The Fairfax Center Area Study is a County-led comprehensive planning effort to shape land development over the next 20 to 30 years. This third phase focuses on the core area centered around the County’s Government Center, Fair Oaks Mall, and surrounding area. The County is studying how the area should evolve into a walkable, mixed-use, urban-style neighborhood based around the availability of future mass transit.
In this meeting of the community task force, staff will share how intentional placemaking can create vibrant and dynamic places, providing sound economic development alongside health, recreational, social, and employment opportunities for residents and visitors. Through an interactive workshop, the task force will apply placemaking concepts to the Fairfax Center Area core.
For more information, visit the project’s website.
Virtual/Online:
Monday, March 2, 7:00 p.m.
Zoom: https://bit.ly/FairfaxCenter
Meeting ID: 863 1635 1980 Passcode: 885053
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Special Election March 3 for
Braddock District School Board
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A Special Election will be held March 3, 2026 for a member of the Fairfax County School Board. Registered voters in the Braddock District are eligible to vote in this election.
Early voting continues today through Saturday.
Voting dates, times and locations:
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Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 323
Fairfax, VA 22035
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 28: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Burke Centre Library
5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke, VA 22015
Monday - Friday 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 28: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday March 3 – Election Day - Vote at your regular polling place. Polls open 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
For more information, visit the Fairfax County Office of Elections website.
| Best of Braddock Event March 4 | Conversation with Authors on Migration & Displacement | |
The George Mason University Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) invites you to A Conversation with Authors on Migration & Displacement.
🗓 Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
🕓 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Merten Hall, Room 1204, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Learn more and RSVP here
Join IIR for a timely and insightful panel discussion featuring Mason authors whose recent books examine migration and displacement from global, historical, and lived perspectives.
Featured books:
· Unsettled Families: Refugees, Humanitarianism, and the Politics of Kinship by Dr. Sophia Balakian (socio-cultural anthropologist and assistant professor in the School of Integrative Studies)
· Migration Stories: Connecting Activism, Policy, and Scholarship edited by Dr. Benjamin Gatling (folklorist and Associate Professor in the English Department)
· Activist Lifeworlds and Bounded Futures in Lebanon by Dr. Yasemin Ipek (Assistant Professor in the Global Affairs Program)
· Before and After the Border: One Man’s Journey Home by Dr. Ricardo O. Sánchez (Adjunct Professor in the College of Education and Human Development)
· Supporting College Students of Immigrant Origin: New Insights from Research, Policy, and Practice by Dr. Blake Silver (Associate Professor of Sociology, Director of Educational Pathways & Faculty Development in the Honors College and Director of the Education & Health Research Hub) and Dr. Graziella Pagliarulo McCarron (Associate Professor of Leadership Studies, Higher Education program faculty member in the School of Integrative Studies)
Speakers will share the motivations behind their work, key themes and findings, and the broader social, political, and human implications of migration today. There will be time for audience questions and dialogue following the moderated discussion.
This event is free and open to students, faculty, researchers, practitioners, and community members interested in migration and displacement.
| AARP Community Challenge Grant Program | |
AARP invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. The AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.
Grant opportunities support projects for improvement of public places, transportation, digital connections, disaster resilience, training, pedestrian/bike audits, housing design, as well as to support veterans and military families and more. Dollar amounts range from a few hundred to $15,000.
Applications are due March 4, 2026. Visit the AARP website for more information.
| March 9 Community Meeting on Church of the Good Shepherd/Olley Lane Property | |
Braddock District Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer and the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development will hold a virtual community outreach meeting on Monday, March 9, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss a proposal for the property on Olley Lane owned by the Church of the Good Shepherd.
This meeting will provide the community with information about the planning process as well as review and obtain community feedback on the reactivated Site-Specific Plan Amendment (PA 2023-II-3F) and schedule. You will also have an opportunity to share your thoughts and provide feedback to Supervisor Sizemore Heizer and to County Planning staff who will be working on the Comprehensive Plan amendment.
Background: In 2022, the Church of the Good Shepherd announced plans to subdivide their 10-acre parcel of land at the intersection of Braddock Road and Olley Lane, which has long been planned for 1-2 dwelling units per acre and zoned R-1, which allows residential development at one house per acre. The Church requested that the County consider modifying the Comprehensive Plan to allow development of a portion of the property along Olley Lane for new single-family houses at a higher density than is currently planned and zoned.
Action on a potential Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow residential use at 2-3 dwelling units per acre was deferred in 2023, when the Board of Supervisors prioritized the nomination as a Tier 3 item pending additional public outreach and consideration of changes to the proposal, including affordable housing, tree preservation, and compatibility. Since that time, a 3.12-acre site on the north side of the property has been subdivided from the Church’s property and a contract purchaser has been retained by the Church to facilitate residential construction on the site. The potential developer spoke with community members, held neighborhood meetings, and shared a revised development concept. Given these actions, in August 2025, former Supervisor Walkinshaw asked the Board to reprioritize the proposed Plan Amendment to an active Tier 2 status and to begin the formal evaluation process when appropriate resources are available. County staff has indicated that they are now able to begin.
Join the Meeting:
Join on Teams
Dial in using your phone at (571) 429-5982, Access Code 421558107#
If you have any specific comments or questions prior to the meeting, please visit the Plan webpage or contact Michael.Wing@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| County to Prioritize Active Transportation Projects and Funding | |
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has released project shortlists for the Active Transportation Prioritization Process, and is now accepting public feedback. On the Project Prioritization Process webpage, you will find a drop-down for each Supervisor District with that district’s shortlist, and a link to the survey that members of the public can use to provide feedback on shortlisted projects in that district. In addition to collecting feedback through those surveys, FCDOT is also hosting two virtual public meetings:
At these public meetings, FCDOT will be providing information about the prioritization process, and attendees will also be able to ask questions or offer comments.
Public comment will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. You can take the survey to share your thoughts about projects in the Braddock District.
| Consumer Protection Week,
March 1-7 | |
Fairfax County celebrates National Consumer Protection Week from March 1-7, 2026. The County's Consumer Affairs Division is committed to ensuring that Fairfax County consumers – from young adults to seniors – have the resources they need to understand their consumer rights, learn about tenant responsibilities, avoid fraud and scams, and make informed decisions.
Various outreach events open to the public will be taking place during this week – including Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Day at the Fairfax County Government Center!
Fairfax County NCPW Events
Monday, March 2 – Saturday, March 7, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Printable Outreach Event Details and Schedule: English (PDF) Spanish (PDF) Korean (PDF)
Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Day
Monday, March 2, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fairfax County Government Center Lobby
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Printable Consumer Affairs Day Flyers: English (PDF) Spanish (PDF) Korean (PDF)
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