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Dear Neighbor, 

Hope to see some of you all tonight at our Town Hall at the McLean Community Center at 7pm! 

For this week’s newsletter, I want to update you all on this week’s Audit Committee Meeting where we discussed “Evaluating the Restaurant Permitting Process,” the latest report from the Office of Financial and Program Audit (OFPA). As always, many thanks to the excellent team at OFPA! 

The goal of the audit was to identify ways to reduce timelines, improve clarity for applicants, and strengthen coordination across agencies. With more than 2,500 food establishments in Fairfax County – and roughly 280 new permits issued each year – ensuring an efficient and predictable process is important not only for small business owners, who make up the vast majority of restaurant operators in our region, but also for the County’s broader economic vitality. Restaurants contribute significantly to local placemaking and economic development, so making it easier to open one benefits all of us. 

While restaurants must navigate several county touchpoints – Land Development Services (LDS), the Health Department, and the Office of the Fire Marshal – what encouraged us most throughout this audit was the collaborative response from these agencies. LDS, in particular, embraced the opportunity to improve, emphasizing that restaurant owners are their customers and that the County’s role is to help businesses open successfully while upholding important health and safety standards. Let’s dive in a bit as to what the audit found: 

• Opening a restaurant takes too long—over 10 months on average. The audit showed that although individual reviews or inspections were not excessively time‑consuming, the cumulative time of multiple rounds created unpredictable and lengthy delays for business owners. 
• Experience matters. Applicants familiar with permitting systems typically move more quickly through the process. This underscores the need for better guidance, tools, and user‑friendly materials for first‑time and small‑business restaurateurs. 
• Interviewed restaurant owners identified six major concerns: Unpredictable timelines; inconsistency across reviewers and inspectors; limited guidance for small or first‑time operators; communication challenges; costs associated with delays; and a desire for a more collaborative, customer‑centered approach. Importantly, as the audit pointed out, most owners are not asking for fewer requirements; they simply want a process that is clearer, more consistent, more predictable, and more collaborative. 
• Delays create real financial impacts both for restaurant owners and for the County. Bringing businesses online faster supports local jobs, commercial activity, and the County’s tax base. 

The Auditor’s report outlined three main areas for improvement, along with recommendations that management fully agreed to: 

1. Fragmented and outdated guidance for restaurants. Recommendations include: 

• Creating and maintaining a comprehensive, up‑to‑date restaurant permitting guide; 
• Improving County website content related to restaurant permitting; 
• Exploring a single point of contact or “concierge” for small or first‑time restaurant owners; 
• Enhancing and integrating permitting dashboards across agencies; 
• Updating customer service surveys to strengthen feedback loops; and, 
• Evaluating the use of AI tools to quickly assess the completeness of applications. 

2. Cross-agency workflow challenges. Recommendations include: 

• Strengthening intake procedures to identify restaurant projects earlier and ensure Health Department and Fire Marshal involvement from the start; and, 
• Making targeted improvements to the County’s PLUS permitting system so restaurant projects do not “fall through the cracks.” 

3. Inconsistent and often lengthy permitting experiences. Recommendations include: 

• Creating a cross‑agency workgroup (LDS, Health Department, Fire Marshal, and Department of Economic Initiatives) to address consistency, clarify expectations, and improve the applicant experience; and, 
• Aligning permitting improvements with the County’s broader Economic Competitiveness Strategy (you can read our Economic Competitiveness Strategic Roadmap here and Housing Action Plan here) to avoid duplication and support business growth. 

Looking Ahead 

Perhaps the most promising outcome of the audit is the enthusiasm and candor from agency leadership. As LDS Director Bill Hicks noted during the Audit Committee meeting, a restaurant owner’s goal isn’t simply to obtain permits – it’s to open their doors and start serving customers. Our job is to help make that happen as smoothly as possible. 

Director Hicks and Director of Permitting Brandy Mueller even encouraged us to share the LDS customer assistance phone number directly in this newsletter: 703‑222‑0801. Calls are answered by a real person ready to help troubleshoot issues or hear suggestions for improvement. Indeed, one thing that the Audit stressed is that early interventions that improve applications on the front end make for more smooth and expeditious reviews on the back end. This is part of why, unsurprisingly if you have read about our Active Transportation Audit, I support efforts to create better user guides/standardized materials to outline and guide applicants and county staff throughout the process. 

Implementing the audit’s recommendations should allow the County to move forward to create a clearer, faster, and more supportive permitting experience for our vibrant restaurant community. My hope is that this Audit will, like others before it, help us improve our systems and deliver government services faster and more efficiently. As you know, I love being on the Audit Committee because that’s the kind of government that you all deserve. 

Thanks for reading – and if you want to read the whole report click here – and I hope to see some of you in a few hours at our McLean Town Hall. And if you can’t make it tonight, we’ve got one more this Fall in Herndon on October 14 at the Herndon Fortnightly Library at 7pm. See you around! 

All the best,

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Dranesville District news and updates.

Make sure you’re following us on Social Media for daily and real-time updates:

Jimmy in the Community

McLean Community Center Artfest

22 Years of the Silver Light Senior Association and 10 Years of NOVA Adult Day Care and Home Care

Cornerstones Roundtable on Health Disparities and Human Services

Arts Fairfax Public Art Master Plan

S'mores Night at Runnymede Park

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of Darkness Walk

Salsa in the Park

Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston

Town Halls

LGBTQ History Month

October is LGBTQ History Month. "In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month. Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions."

For more information, visit Equality Forum - LGBTQ History Month Website; American Library Association – Learning Resources and Book List; Notable Virginians; and FCPS Heritage Months, Celebrations, and Traditions.

Disability History and Awareness Month

October is Disability History and Awareness Month, also known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Virginia has designated October as Disability History and Awareness Month to increase public awareness and respect for persons with disabilities, inform the public concerning their many contributions to society, encourage health promotion to increase community awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities, and emphasize the abilities and rights of disabled persons rather than their exceptionalities. Learn about Fairfax County activities and FCPS Heritage Months, Celebrations and Traditions.

VDOT Road Improvement Project - Pardon Our Dust

There is Latex Modified Emulsion Treatment being done on Route 7, near Georgetown Pike. Once this treatment is complete, the road markings will be repainted, and the bollards on the left-hand turn lane will be replaced. The project is expected to be finished on Sunday, October 18, but please note that the date may shift if there is inclement weather.

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week is October 4–10, 2026. This year’s theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety™ Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” The theme focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer. 

Most electronics in your home are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or damaged, they can overheat, start a fire, or explode. To properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries, find a Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste site here.

Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence - The Intersection of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Domestic Violence

Brain injuries resulting from intimate partner violence can often go unrecognized or untreated, leaving survivors without the specialized support they may need. In fact, we have long thought traumatic brain injuries—or TBIs—caused by domestic violence were less damaging than the ones athletes and folks in the military experience. But we’re learning this form of violence can cause a distinctive pattern of brain damage, one that is at least as disabling as the damage that occurs on a football field or a battlefield.

On this episode of Unscripted, listen to host Kendra Lee, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Clinical Services Coordinator Katia Aguirre-Vega; Donna Meltzer, CEO, of Brain Injury Services; and Jess Linquist, intake case manager also with Brain Injury Services, discuss the intersection of TBIs and domestic violence.

Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey

As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. The 5-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15. 

Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school. Questions- SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.

The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.

Help Shape the Future of Alabama Drive Park

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to provide input on proposed improvements to Alabama Drive Park in Herndon. Public comments will be accepted online through Saturday, October 10 at 5 p.m. The Park Authority plans to begin revitalization work at the park in spring 2027. The proposed project includes several improvements designed to enhance the park’s recreational opportunities and address existing site needs, including:

• Converting the rectangular field (Field #3) to synthetic turf.
• Replacing the playground equipment.
• Making drainage improvements.

Additional improvements may be incorporated into the project as funding allows, including:

• Parking lot and trail repairs.
• Basketball court repairs and restriping to add a futsal court.
• A new picnic shelter.
• New site furnishings.

Learn About Potential Changes to

Home Day Care Facility Regulations

Community members are invited to share feedback on proposed updates to the Zoning Ordinance that could impact how proposed home day cares are allowed throughout the County. 

There are several ways you can participate:

Attend a virtual meeting:

• Wednesday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 15, at 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m. – with live Spanish translation services

Review the proposed options and project summary document on the County’s website.

Send questions and comments to staff.

Note: All meetings will cover the same content. No registration is required.

With the goal to help increase the supply and expand access to child care, county staff is developing a Zoning Ordinance amendment to decrease regulatory barriers and streamline processes to help facilitate the creation and increase capacity of home day cares.

If you cannot attend the meetings, recordings will be available afterwards. If you have any questions or comments, email jacqui.kamp@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-1314. If you would like to request additional language services, please email Sarah Godfrey at sarah.godfrey@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-4256. For more information, visit this website.

InternshipsVA Matching Grant Program

Virginia businesses looking to recruit top talent can now take advantage of the InternshipsVA Matching Grant Program. Funded by the Commonwealth’s Innovative Internship Fund and Program and administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), this initiative helps local organizations build a competitive workforce by supporting paid, credit-bearing internships for students attending Virginia colleges and universities.

Eligible Virginia businesses and non-profits with 150 or fewer W-2 employees can receive a 50% wage reimbursement for qualifying internships. Employers can receive up to $7,500 per intern, with a maximum cap of $75,000 across ten interns per state fiscal year. To qualify, host organizations must offer valuable work experience and mentorship, pay at least the state minimum wage, and structure the internship for a minimum of 120 hours over at least eight weeks. Eligible employers must also complete the required Employer’s Guide to High-Quality Internships Training before applying.

Grant applications must be submitted online at least two weeks prior to the internship start date. To learn more about program requirements, application deadlines, and how to access regional support managers, visit this website.

FCPS ACE Offers $500 Scholarships for Online Business, IT, and Legal Career Training

Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (FCPS ACE) is pleased to announce a new $500 scholarship opportunity for eligible online classes in business, computers and information technology, and legal studies. This new scholarship adds to the list of previously announced efforts to assist adults who want to build job-ready skills, prepare for professional certifications, advance in a current role, or begin a new career.

Business, computer and IT, and legal training can provide a practical path to greater confidence, career mobility, and earning potential. Through FCPS ACE, students can choose from career-focused classes that support advancement in human resources, project management, accounting, business support, technology, cybersecurity, legal services and other in-demand fields.

Online learning gives adults the flexibility to pursue education around work, family, and other responsibilities. Students can learn from experienced instructors, develop practical skills, and work toward professional certifications without putting their lives on hold. Whether someone is preparing for a first career, changing direction, or seeking greater responsibility, the right class can help make the next step feel more achievable. For more information, visit this website.

Early Voting

Three voting sites are open for early voting for the November 3 General Election. Unlike election day voting, when voters must vote in their precinct, during early voting, any Fairfax County voter may vote at any Fairfax County early voting location. For more information, please visit In-Person Early Voting | Elections. 

Other Important Dates and Links: 

• Register to Vote/Update Registration through October 23, 2026 
• Apply for ballot to be mailed to you through October 23, 2026 
• Who/What is on your ballot? 

October 8: 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 police 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 Major Crimes Bureau on death investigations.

October 8: Teen Parent Discussion Group

Do you sometimes feel like your teens are slipping away?

The Safe Community Coalition would like to invite you to their FREE monthly parent discussion group facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.

This discussion offers practical, evidence-based communication skills to bridge the gap between parents and their children/teens. Parents will learn how to shift from lecturing to active listening, navigate challenging conversations, and use techniques to build connection and trust.

Facilitators: Melissa Sporn, Ph.D. and Alexis Guerrero, LC SW.

Space is limited. RSVP now to save your spot!

Thursday, October 8

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

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

October 9-10: Kids Halloween Costume Exchange

Stop by to grab a new costume for your little one (limit two costumes per family). For more information, visit this website.

October 10: McLean 5K and OFC Ignite

Only a few days left before the McLean 5K & OFC Ignite! 5K online registration will close October 8 at midnight. They also need more volunteers to help the 5K run smoothly. To sign up for the race or to volunteer, visit this website.

Immediately after the McLean 5K, enjoy relaxing activities, refreshments and wellness-focused fun for the whole family at The Old Firehouse Center! Classic OFC activities will be available such as ping pong, board games, arcade games, refreshments, the Sensory Room, food, and more. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

McLean 5K

Saturday, October 10

8:00 a.m.

McLean Square Shopping Center

6631 Old Dominion Dr.

McLean, VA 22101

OFC Ignite

Saturday, October 10

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

Old Fire House Center

1440 Chain Bridge Rd.

McLean, VA 22101

October 10: Fire and Rescue

Department Open House

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Open House! Stop by your local fire station to meet your firefighters, experience fun activities, and learn about fire safety.

McLean Volunteer Fire Department will also be hosting a Push In at 1:00 p.m. as they push their new fire engine into the station. They will also offer the chance to view an antique, horse-drawn (but steam-powered) pumper, tour an ambulance, see their current fire engine and tower-ladder, practice "stop, drop, and roll" and hands-only CPR, try your hand with a firehose, meet their volunteers and career personnel, and pick up safety hand-outs and souvenirs. Their address is 1455 Laughlin Avenue, McLean.

Saturday, October 10

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

All Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Stations

October 12: Senior-Treat

October 12: Touch a Truck

Join McLean Community Center (MCC) for the event that gives children of all ages the chance to see, touch, and explore some of their favorite vehicles! Worried about the noise? MCC offers a chance to explore the trucks during the quiet hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Visit this website for more information.

Monday, October 12

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

October 13: Herndon Resource Center Grand Opening

October 13: Community Needs Public Hearing

Fairfax County will hold a public hearing to gather input on the County’s FY26 Action Plan performance and affordable housing and community development needs for FY28. Residents, service providers, and advocates can comment on current and projected housing needs, gaps in services, and barriers to accessing housing. Written comments and requests to present are due Tue., Oct. 13 by 4pm. The public is also welcome to join virtually.

Tuesday, October 13

7:00 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rm 9/10

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035

October 15: Senior Safety Summit

October 15: Town of Herndon Candidate Forum

Want to learn more about the candidates running for Herndon Town Council? Join Cornerstones for an evening of conversation and community engagement.

This nonpartisan forum gives residents of the town of Herndon an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, learn more about their perspectives on issues important to our community, and get the information they need before heading to the polls on November 3.

The evening will also include helpful election information and Get Out the Vote resources to make it easier for residents to participate in this important local election. For more information and to register, visit this website.

Thursday, October 15

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

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church

432 Van Buren St.

Herndon, VA 20170

Thru October 16: Help Support Herndon

Middle School Families

Herndon Middle School is seeking support for their first food distribution event of this school year, hosted through Family Engagement, and held in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. They are collecting donations to support their students, families, and community members experiencing food insecurity. Every donation, big or small, can make a meaningful difference.

Donations Needed:

• Rice
• Sugar
• Beans
• Maseca/corn flour for tortillas
• Other non-perishable foods
• Toiletries and personal-care items
• Gift cards
• Monetary donations

🥫 Food donation reminder: Please donate new, unopened, good-quality food items that are not expired. We want to make sure the food we provide to our families is safe and useful.

💳 Gift cards & monetary donations:

Gift cards or cash donations can be brought to the main office between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Please ask for the financial staff, and they will provide you with a receipt for your donation.

📦 Drop-off:

These donations can be brought to the school Monday thru Friday during school hours, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or to my office at 1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101 Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also send donations by mail from Amazon, Target, and Walmart to Herndon Middle School at 901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170.

October 16: Food Truck Friday

Looking for a fun, family-friendly evening out? Come enjoy Food Truck Friday at Immanuel Presbyterian Church! Free to attend, food available for purchase. They're bringing together delicious food, great company, and community spirit—all in support of SHARE McLean, a local nonprofit helping neighbors in need.

What to Expect:

• Drop boxes for donations to SHARE McLean – canned goods and non-perishable items!
• Opportunities to learn more about SHARE McLean’s work and how you can support
• Food Trucks from Masala Grill, The Corn Factory, and Travelin’ Tom’s
• Live music, an open playground, outdoor space to hang out – bring a lawn chair or blanket!
• A joyful atmosphere welcoming all ages!

For more information, visit this website.

Friday, October 16

5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Immanuel Presbyterian Church

1125 Savile Lane

McLean, VA 22101

October 16: Domestic and Sexual Violence

Annual Meeting

The Domestic and Sexual Violence Community Annual Meeting will celebrate the past 12 months of achievements and recommit to the work as one community, interwoven, until everyone is safe.

For questions, contact Stacy Ziebell at stacy.ziebell@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Friday, October 16

8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Government Center Forum and Board Auditorium

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035

October 16-18: Farm Harvest Days and Carnival

Unlimited ride wristbands are on sale here!

October 17: Fairfax Circuit Court-Sully District Expungement Clinic

October 18: Clemyjontri Sensory-Friendly

Family Trick or Treat

Costumes are welcome but not required. Expect reduced noise and sensory support to help everyone enjoy the day comfortably. Tickets sell out fast! Buy yours here.

Sunday, October 18

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Clemyjontri Park

6317 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101

October 19: Community Conversation 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.

Monday, October 19

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Spring Hill Elementary School

8201 Lewinsville Rd.

McLean, VA 22102

October 20: AAUW McLean Area Branch Meeting

Shea Holman Kilian, J.D., is an Assistant Professor of Legal Studies at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and Faculty Director of the Jurisprudence Learning Community (JPLC) where she also serves on the advisory board of the Schar School’s Gender and Policy Center. Professor Holman’s work involves workplace harassment prevention, gender equity, and civil rights. Outside the university, she serves as Counsel at the Purple Method, where she provides legal and policy guidance to organizations addressing sexual misconduct and workplace harassment. Her work includes developing workplace policies and training, advising organizations on legal and regulatory issues, and advocating for policy reforms. Previously, as Executive Director of the Purple Campaign, she led state and federal advocacy efforts concerning workplace harassment and helped develop legal and policy initiatives on protections for employees.

Professor Holman will discuss gender equity and workplace rights, with a particular focus on sexual harassment prevention, employment discrimination, civil rights, and creating safer and more equitable workplaces. She will provide an overview of her work examining how laws, organizational policies, and institutional practices can be used to prevent workplace harassment and discrimination and to strengthen protections for employees. Her discussion will center on workplace culture, employee protections, and organizational accountability.

Tuesday, October 20

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

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

October 21: 6816 & 6824 Elm Street Redevelopment Proposal Community Meeting

6824 Elm Dev LLC will host a community meeting regarding a proposed rezoning of the properties at 6816 and 6824 Elm Street in downtown McLean. The applicant proposes to replace the existing office buildings and surface parking with a seven-story mixed-use building containing residential, office, and ground-floor retail uses, structured parking, publicly accessible open space, and streetscape improvements.

This in-person meeting will be held in partnership with my office and the McLean Planning Committee on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the McLean Community Center. The meeting will include a presentation on the application, an overview of the County review process by the Department of Planning and Development staff, and a question and answer period.

Wednesday, October 21

7:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

October 24: Dranesville Celebrates Trees

Sign up here!

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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