| |  | Friday, February 20th, 2026 | | | | |
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Friends and Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching March. The start of the year has moved quickly, and our team has been hard at work on a wide range of initiatives to serve Mason District residents.
Just the other day, I turned to one of my staff members and said, “Wow, we’re doing a lot of cool stuff.” From bringing nearly 30 community partners together for our Mason District Health Fair, to engaging in conversations about innovation and opportunity during the Space Expo hosted by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, to continuing our legislative advocacy efforts, there is real momentum happening across our district.
All of this is happening while we remain focused on supporting residents every single day — helping navigate county services, resolving concerns, and connecting people with the resources they need.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be wrapping up my district-wide school tour, an important opportunity to hear directly from students, teachers, and administrators.
We’re also reimagining the Reimagine Mason podcast with a new, visually-exciting format to better showcase the stories and work happening throughout our community.
As the FY 2027 budget process continues, we’ll be digging into the details and advocating for the programs and services our residents rely upon. At the same time, we’re collaborating with our state partners to bring job fairs and other community events to Mason District later this spring.
Thank you for staying engaged, sharing your feedback, and being such active partners in this work. There is a lot to be excited about — and I look forward to continuing it together.
Please reach out to my office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or by phone at our main phone line 703-256-7717 if we can be of service.
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Around the District with Supervisor Jimenez | | Mason District Health Fair | | |
On February 7th, we were proud to host the Mason District Health Fair — and despite very cold temperatures, more than 100 residents came out to take advantage of vital services and resources.
Nearly 30 organizations joined together under one roof to connect neighbors with healthcare providers, community nonprofits, and County agencies. It was a powerful example of what happens when we remove barriers and bring services directly into the community.
Access was the driving focus of this event. Too often, families face challenges navigating complex systems, finding reliable transportation, or knowing where to start when they need care. By hosting this fair locally and ensuring it was accessible by public transportation routes, we helped make services easier to reach — especially for seniors, working families, and individuals without reliable access to a car.
From preventive screenings and wellness information to social services and community programs, residents were able to get questions answered, make connections, and walk away with tangible next steps for their health and well-being.
Thank you to every organization, volunteer, and staff member who braved the cold to serve our neighbors — and to the residents who showed up, engaged, and took charge of their health.
| | Visiting Holmes Run Middle and Bren Mar Elementary Schools | | |
I had the pleasure of visiting Holmes Run Middle School and Bren Mar Park Elementary School as part of my district-wide school tour. With these engagements, we’ve now visited 21 out of 22 schools in Mason District — and I couldn’t be more excited to be nearing the finish line of this important initiative.
Spending time in our schools is one of the most rewarding parts of this job. From meeting dedicated teachers and principals to talking with students about their goals and experiences, these visits provide invaluable, on-the-ground insight into what’s working and where we can continue to support our school communities.
| | General Assembly Reception | | |
Last night, after wrapping up meetings in the district, I drove down to Richmond with my team to host our Fairfax County General Assembly delegation. It was a wonderful evening of conversation, collaboration, and celebration.
We were honored to spend time with Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, Mark Sickles, Saddam Azlan Salim, Jennifer Boysko, and Rozia Henson, who continue to advocate for Fairfax County priorities during the legislative session.
We also celebrated fellow Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer’s birthday and had the opportunity to induct Supervisor Jimmy Bierman into the Virginia Association of Counties
| | Meeting with FCEDA & Space for Humanity | | |
Looking to the Future of Space in Fairfax County
I had the opportunity to meet with Victor Hoskins of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and longtime friend Antonio Peronace, Executive Director of Space for Humanity.
With the SpaceNEXT Conference hosted by FCEDA taking place at Capital One Hall in Tysons this week, we discussed exciting opportunities for collaboration and how we can bring Space for Humanity’s impactful and inspiring programs to Fairfax County.
As we continue positioning our community as a hub for innovation and economic growth, conversations like these help ensure Fairfax remains at the forefront of emerging industries — including the future of space exploration and access.
| | | Breaking Government: Democratic Shadow Public Hearing | | |
Great conversations last week from the Democratic Shadow Field Hearing, “Breaking Government: How DOGE and Trump Damaged Federal Workers and Public Services, and How We Fix It,” led by Ranking Member Garcia, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, and Rep. James Walkinshaw. Testimony from federal workers and oversight professionals highlighted how federal workforce instability directly impacts local governments, regional economies, and the delivery of public services.
In Fairfax County, federal employees are central to our economic strength and civic life, and disruptions ripple throughout our community. The discussion reinforced what I wrote in April with Congressman Don Beyer: federal layoffs are a wake-up call for local communities and require accountability, thoughtful policy, and strong partnership across all levels of government.
You can read my op-ed here: vadogwood.com/opinion/federal-layoffs
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Reimagine Mason: Under Construction | | | | |
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Budget Season is Here!
On February 17, the County Executive presented the proposed FY 2027 budget. The County’s annual budget is one of the most significant and complex responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors. It determines how we fund our schools, support public safety, maintain infrastructure, and deliver services in the year ahead.
Overall, the FY 2027 outlook is positive. As we move through this process, we want to hear directly from you — your input, feedback, and concerns matter.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt the FY 2027 Budget on May 5, 2026, with the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of the FY 2027 proposal, including detailed agency reductions, a budget dashboard, a summary document, and the full budget, please visit: Advertised Budget Plan | Management and Budget.
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Taxes
- Real Estate Tax Rate remains unchanged at $1.1225 per $100 assessed value
- The average homeowner’s tax bill is projected to increase by about $357 due to higher property assessments — not a rate increase
- Each 1¢ change in the tax rate equals about $83 on the average tax bill
Schools
- $118 million increase (4%) in funding for Fairfax County Public Schools
- Schools remain the County’s largest investment
Supporting Our Workforce
- Fully funds all three collective bargaining agreements
- Includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment plus merit and longevity increases
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Mason District FY27 Budget Process Dates
Feb. 17 - The County Executive presents the proposed budget to the Board of Supervisors. This proposal begins the public review process.
Feb 24 - The Board of Supervisors and School Board review the proposed budget and discuss funding priorities, including the tax rate.
March 2 - A virtual Mason District town hall with School Board member Dr. Anderson and County Executive Bryan Hill to review the proposed budget and hear directly from Mason District residents.
April 14-16 - Residents can provide public testimony and share feedback directly to the Board of Supervisors before decisions are finalized.
April 28 - Board members review the proposal and consider amendments or adjustments prior to adoption.
May 5 - The Board of Supervisors votes to adopt the final budget for FY 2027.
July 1 - Fiscal Year 2027 begins.
| | | | Community Voices & Opportunities | | |
Calling All Young Artists!
Do you have a creative spark—or know a student who does? Join the first-ever Solid Waste Management Glass Recycling Can Art Contest, in partnership with the Mason District Arts Advisory Council! This contest invites students to create artwork that highlights the benefits and importance of glass recycling.
Eligibility:
- Students in 6th–12th grade
- Must attend a school within the Justice, Annandale, or Falls Church pyramids in Mason District
Contest Details:
- Submit one original artwork per entry (Can enter individually or as a group!)
- Theme: “The benefits and importance of glass recycling for our community”
Prizes & Recognition:
- Winning artwork will be installed on a purple glass recycling can at the Mason District Government Center
- Artwork will debut on Earth Day, April 2026 (Winners will be notified in March)
Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Help us raise awareness and showcase young talent while celebrating recycling and creativity!
For more information about the contest, including how to submit your artwork, submission guidelines, entry requirements, and more about the Glass Recycling program, go to https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/glass.
For the latest recycling and zero-waste updates, subscribe to the Fairfax Recycles newsletter and follow us on the Facebook and X @ffxpublicworks.
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Mural at Willston Center
A new mural for Seven Corners is in the works, and county residents are invited to be part of the design process.
The proposed mural will be located at Willston Centre I in Seven Corners, and is part of Paint It, Fairfax!, the county’s mural program created to enhance the county's eight Commercial Revitalization Districts and Areas and showcase each community’s unique assets.
A community survey is open through Saturday, February 28 and offers county residents the opportunity to submit style preferences and design ideas that will help ensure this new piece of public art reflects the distinctive spirit of the Seven Corners community. Survey responses will directly assist the mural’s selection committee in selecting a theme, choosing an artist, and finalizing the project design.
| | Free Trees to Community Organizations | | |
Community-based organizations in Fairfax County can now apply to receive free, high-quality trees for planting on private property through a program from the county’s Urban and Community Forestry Division, in partnership with Casey Trees.
The initiative is designed to help volunteer groups, civic associations, faith-based organizations, and other community groups increase tree canopy—particularly in economically disadvantaged and highly vulnerable communities identified under the county’s One Fairfax policy.
While priority will be given to projects in these areas, all eligible organizations are encouraged to apply.
Trees are professionally grown, regionally native, non-invasive species that meet industry standards. Each tree is 8–10 feet tall, and delivery (including loading and offloading at one designated location) is provided at no cost. Funding comes from the county’s Tree Preservation and Planting Fund.
Apply here by April 10, 2026
| | Emergency Services Information | |
NON-NATIVE HOLLY
Check your yard for Holly; with its bright red berries and glossy green leaves, is often associated with winter holidays in the US. Yet, many of the holly trees planted in our area and sold in nurseries are either native to Asia or hybrids and were introduced to the US in the late 1800s as ornamental plants.
Hollies escape landscaped areas via bird-dispersed berries and invade forests. They form dense thickets that shade out native shrubs and seedlings which in turn reduces plant diversity. Asian hollies provide far less ecological value than native hollies.
Good native alternatives to Asian hollies are: Ilex opaca (the native American holly), Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon holly), Ilex glabra (Inkberry), Ilex verticillata.
Brought to you by Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA)
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Community Drives and Programs | | |
AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers Return to Mason Super Site on January 30, 2026 for Free Tax Preparation
Mason District is pleased to once again welcome AARP Tax-Aide volunteers to provide our community with FREE TAX ASSISTANCE. Volunteers will be available at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, 6 days a week from January 30 to April 15 (See hours below).
Walk-Ins are welcome as are clients of all ages. Most tax returns are completed in one visit with the client present. Volunteers are certified to complete Federal and Virginia income tax returns, as well as returns for District of Columbia and Maryland residents
To get started, Mason Tax-Aide recommends completing an Intake Packet prior to arrival.
Appointments and Information are available, if needed. Call 703-249-9961 and leave a message. Your call will be returned within one business day by an IRS-certified counselor. Or visit our website at: novataxaide.org/sites/mason
Hours of operation
- Monday and Thursday: 1 pm - 8 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30 am – 1 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm
Must check-in 30 minutes before closing
Languages in addition to English
We are able to serve clients in the following languages in addition to English:
Chinese Spanish Vietnamese and others
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Lifetime Learning Monthly Forum
The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, an educational group for adults over 50, will hold its next in-person Forum on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA. The guest will be Maestro James Ross, Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.
This program is free and open to the public without registration. More information is on the LLI website www.llinova.org, clicking on Classes and Events, and scrolling down the calendar to March 4, 2026, or by going directly to https://llinova.org/courses/event-calendar. This program is part of LLI’s monthly Forum Series held the first Wednesday of each month. Social activities start at 9:30 am and the program begins at 10:00 am. LLI also provides more than 130 classes, programs and excursions a year to its members. More information on membership in LLI is available on LLI’s website www.llinova.org. Any questions, please e-mail LLI at admin@llinova.org.
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Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason
Email: Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone: 703-256-7717
Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm
Fairfax County does not discuss individuals’ personal information unless authorized or required to do so by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act or other law. Any e-mail or other correspondence sent to a member of the Board of Supervisors, or any other public official and/or employee of Fairfax County may be subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
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