Andres Jimenez

Mason District Supervisor

CONNECT WITH US!

Thank you to Chairman Jeff McKay for bringing forward this important Board Matter on Fairfax County’s economic competitiveness. Our county contributes more than $167 billion annually to Virginia’s economy, over a quarter of the Commonwealth’s GDP.

As Chair of the Workforce Readiness Taskforce, I’m focused on tackling the region’s brain drain by fostering collaboration among labor, developers, and our school systems. Together, we are building the partnerships that will keep Fairfax strong, innovative, and competitive for the future.

At this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we proudly recognized Mason District’s Spring sports standouts for their dedication and achievements. Congratulations to the Justice High School and Woodson High School rowing teams and the Thomas Jefferson High School Girls Tennis team for their excellence on the water and on the court, as well as for the leadership and spirit they bring to our community. Their accomplishments are a testament to the talent, perseverance, and teamwork that make Mason District proud.

Last week, we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the Culmore Back to School Distribution & Cookout, filled with good food, important conversations, and true community spirit. Students received backpacks and school supplies to start the year strong, while neighbors connected and celebrated together.

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers, community partners, and local organizations whose generosity made this event possible, ensuring every child in Culmore begins the school year ready to succeed. Here’s to a safe, joyful, and successful year ahead!

Mason District Restaurant Week is back, celebrating 30+ global cuisines right here at home! Local restaurants can join this week-long showcase at no cost and be featured across our promotions.

RSVP by September 1:

https://forms.office.com/g/fDetMBJ4Up?origin=lprLink

✅ Why join?

• Boost foot traffic and connect with new customers
• Celebrate and share your culinary story with a broader audience

Questions? Reach out to us at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County is home to about 80,000 federal employees and more than 3,800 federal contractors, making our community closely tied to federal operations. The Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub offers essential support for residents, government employees, military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits, and businesses impacted by changes in federal services or employment. From job search tools to financial assistance and county services, the hub helps our workforce stay strong, informed, and connected.

🔗 Explore resources and support: Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub

George Mason University Launches Support Resources for Displaced Federal Workers

George Mason University is offering support services for federal employees and families impacted by job disruptions, helping them build new skills and career paths. Resources include 90+ online micro-credential courses, free entrepreneurial coaching, graduate application fee waivers, and complimentary tickets to select events. These programs aim to keep displaced workers engaged, connected, and prepared for future opportunities.

To learn more and access these resources, visit gmu.edu/displaced-workers-support.

Apply Now: Fall 2025 Community Police Academy

The Fairfax County Police Department is accepting applications for the free Fall 2025 Community Police Academy, running September 11–November 15. This 10-week program gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement through tours, activities, and conversations with officers. Classes rotate across county facilities, and participants must attend at least 8 of 10 sessions to graduate.

Learn more and apply here: Community Police Academy | Fairfax County Police Department

🚲 Stay Connected: Active Transportation Newsletter

Did you know that FCDOT’s Active Transportation Program publishes a monthly newsletter? It’s a great way to stay up to date on local events, safety tips, transportation plans, and projects that make walking, biking, and rolling easier and safer across Fairfax County. Whether you’re a regular trail user or just curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, this newsletter is a valuable resource to keep you informed and engaged.

👉 Check it out and subscribe here: Active Transportation Newsletter | Transportation

For road-related issues like potholes, damaged signs, or snow removal, contact VDOT at:

1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623), VDOTinfo@vdot.virginia.gov, or my.vdot.virginia.gov.

For parking or traffic enforcement concerns, reach out to the Mason District Police Station at (703) 691-2131 or email fcpdparkingenforcement@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Your reports help keep our community safe and accessible!

🚧 Check Out VDOT’s 2025 Paving Map

Wondering when your street, or a nearby road, might be repaved? The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has a live paving map for 2025 that lets you track paving projects across the region in real time. It’s a helpful tool to stay informed about planned improvements and potential impacts in your neighborhood.

👉 Explore the map here.

🌱 Yard Watch: Japanese Stiltgrass Alert

Brought to you by the Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA)

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), an invasive species first found in the U.S. in 1919, is rapidly spreading across forests, floodplains, parks, and even home gardens, crowding out native plants. This annual grass seeds heavily, with seeds remaining viable for up to five years, so it’s important to remove it before it goes to seed in late summer. Learn how to identify it by its silvery midrib and tapered leaves in this video and consider removal options from string trimming to chemical treatments (as a last resort).

📝 Share Your Input: Bailey’s Crossroads & Seven Corners Signage Survey

Fairfax County is seeking community feedback on branding and signage for two of our busiest commercial hubs: Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners. Residents are encouraged to share their preferences through a brief four-question survey, open now through August 31. Don’t miss your chance to help shape the look and feel of these important community centers, take the survey today!

🐾 2025 Clear the Shelters Adoption Event

The biggest adoption event of the season is here! Clear the Shelters, the nationwide campaign sponsored by NBC and Telemundo, returns Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31, and we’re waiving adoption fees all weekend long at the Michael R. Frey Campus and Lorton Campus.

From playful pups and curious cats to gentle rabbits, every animal in our care deserves a loving home and with your help, we can make it happen. Last year, 103 pets found families in just three days, and this year, we’re aiming even higher. Whether you’re ready to adopt or simply spread the word, your support makes this a true community-wide success.

Learn more.

📚 Support Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia

Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia (RIF of NOVA) is seeking businesses and individuals to sponsor their upcoming race, sponsorships received by October 10 will include your name or logo on the race-day T-shirt. Proceeds directly support the Books For Keeps program, which provides at least one new book of their choice to more than 23,000 children across Mason District, Fairfax County, and neighboring communities. The race itself will be held on October 25, and while runners and walkers are welcome, sponsorships are the top priority right now. Learn more about RIF of NOVA’s programs at 2025 BOOK IT FOR BOOKS - Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia

Support Healthy Aging: Apply for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Virginia Office for Aging Services and FRESHFARM are partnering to bring the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP) to eligible older adults in Fairfax County!

The program offers a $50 benefit to qualifying seniors to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from local farmers markets. It’s a simple way to eat healthy, support local agriculture, and stay engaged in the community.

📅 Apply by September 30, 2025

🎯 Goal: Enroll 772 senior shoppers this season!

🔎 Learn more: freshfarm.org/virginia-senior-fmnp

📝 Apply now: freshfarm.org/virginia-senior-fmnp/apply

Please help spread the word, share with neighbors, post in your community, or feature in your organization’s outreach. Every share brings us closer to connecting seniors with fresh, nutritious food.