Andres Jimenez

Mason District Supervisor

CONNECT WITH US!

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Board of Supervisors adopted the FY2026 County Budget following one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent years. With $60 million in proposed cuts and an initially suggested tax increase, this budget reflects both tough decisions and key victories, many made possible by the voices of engaged residents.

🔑 Countywide Highlights:

• Real Estate Tax Rate Reduced: Instead of the proposed increase to $1.14, the rate was lowered from $1.125 to $0.0025 per $100 of assessed value, a quarter-cent cut that helps soften the impact of rising assessments and demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
• 4% Meals Tax Approved: Designed to diversify revenue, with roughly one-third expected from non-residents. Includes a 3% dealer discount for restaurants. The budget assumes only 6 months of revenue, keeping projections conservative.

🌟 Mason District Budget Wins:

• $250,000 for Trail Maintenance – Enhances safety, access, and recreation throughout local parks and paths.
• $35,000 for Volunteer Fire & Rescue Equipment – Supports two of the county’s busiest and most essential emergency response stations.
• Full Funding for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) – Strengthens community-based emergency preparedness and response capacity.
• Bridge Funding for Middle School After-School Programs – Ensures continued support for youth engagement through the 2025–26 school year.
• $75,000 for Emergency Shelter Case Management – Delivers vital support to individuals and families facing housing instability.

While the overall budget presented difficult trade-offs, these targeted wins reflect smart investments in safety, equity, and neighborhood quality of life, thanks in large part to sustained community advocacy.

A few weeks ago, the Justice Rowing Team delivered an incredible performance at the State Championship, and I want to take a moment to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments.

With seven boats competing, these student-athletes pushed their limits and represented Mason District with heart and grit. While not every boat advanced to the finals, each one showed real progress and determination.

🎉 Four boats reached the finals:

• ⏱️ Men’s Freshman Quad – 5th place, with a 50-second time improvement from the week before
• 🥉 Women’s Senior Double – 3rd place
• 🥈 Men’s Senior Quad – 2nd place
• 🏆 Women’s Junior Quad – State Champions!

🚨 And now, it's onward to Nationals!

The Men’s Senior Quad and Women’s Junior Quad have officially qualified for Nationals on May 23–24, with two additional boats still under consideration.

This week the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proudly recognized the team with a formal Resolution honoring their achievements and leadership as student-athletes.

Congratulations to the Justice High School Rowing Team! Your dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship make our community proud. We'll be cheering you on at Nationals and beyond!

I recently hosted a Mason District Arts Roundtable in partnership with ArtsFairfax and our Mason Arts Advisory Taskforce, a powerful conversation with local artists and creatives about the future of the arts in our community.

This roundtable is just the beginning. We're laying the foundation for the first-ever Mason District Art Fair, coming this October, and we want our local arts community at the heart of it.

Your voices, ideas, and vision are essential. Whether you're a visual artist, performer, maker, or supporter, this is your invitation to help shape something meaningful for Mason.

ArtsFairfax is compiling the roundtable feedback, and my office will be sharing next steps soon. Stay tuned and get ready for something truly special this fall.

It was a full and joyful weekend across Mason District filled with events that celebrated public safety, neighborhood connection, and cultural heritage.

🚒 Fort Buffalo Firehouse Grand Opening

We officially opened the new Fort Buffalo Fire Station 28, a major investment in public safety that will serve the community. This state-of-the-art facility gives our firefighters the space, tools, and resources they need to keep our residents safe. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life and to the dedicated firefighters who serve day in and day out.

🎶 Summer in Seven Corners Block Party



We joined residents, families, and local businesses for the Summer in Seven Corners Block Party. From music and games to food and community tables, this event brought together people from every corner of our district. It was a fantastic reminder of how vibrant and connected this community truly is.

🌸 Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

At another powerful gathering, I was honored to stand with Supervisor James Walkinshaw to present a Proclamation Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

We celebrated the contributions, resilience, and cultural richness of our AAPI community with traditional music, dance, food, and hands-on activities. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. Your voices and heritage strengthen Mason District and our entire county.

These events are what make Mason special. Thank you to everyone who came out, volunteered, performed, and shared your pride. This is community in action.

County Looks to Brand Commercial Revitalization Districts in the Mason District

The Fairfax County Community Revitalization Section (CRS) of the Department of Planning and Development is seeking community input into the design of gateway and banner signage for Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners. In this effort, CRS is partnering with the Crossroads and Corners Coalition (C3) and the Mason District Supervisor’s Office, and has retained the services of graphic design consultants Torti Gallas/Ashton Design. The goal is to define each area and give them a recognizable identity and brand. Gateway signs and banners will help identify the boundaries of each area, highlight special places, and convey each community’s unique character, while putting them into context within the greater Mason District of Fairfax County.

An online survey will launch next week to solicit community input into the special characteristics and history that help define each area and how those things can be reflected in the design of gateway signage. The survey will be the first step in the community engagement process for designing the gateway signs. Following the survey, CRS’s graphic design consultants will create two concepts for each district and share them with the public for additional comment and refinement before selecting the final designs.

This is a prime opportunity to guide the aesthetic identity and branding of Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners to enhance the sense of place in each area. Please share your candid thoughts and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate in this exciting public process.

For more information and to find the survey when it launches next week, visit the CRS website.

Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and over 3,800 federal contractors, making our region deeply connected to federal operations. To support those impacted by changes or disruptions in federal services or employment, the Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub provides essential resources for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits, and businesses. Whether you need job search assistance, financial support, or guidance on available county services, this hub is designed to help you navigate current and future challenges.

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

Fairfax County is committed to ensuring our workforce and community remain strong, stay informed, and connected!

🚌 Memorial Day Transit Alert: Fairfax Connector to Operate Sunday Schedule

On Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025), Fairfax Connector will operate on a Sunday service schedule.

🚍 Routes in service include:

101, 109, 151, 152, 161, 162, 171, 310, 321, 322, 371, 401, 402, 423, 463, 467, 558, 559, 574, 605, 615, 630, 642, 651, 662, 672, 721, 803, 901, 921, 924, 937, 950, 952, 954, 983, and RIBS 1–5.

Routes not listed will not operate on Memorial Day.

🔒 Please note: All Fairfax Connector Transit Stores and the Customer Service Call Center will be closed for the holiday.

📅 For more information and full holiday schedules, visit:

👉 fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/holiday-schedules

Plan ahead and have a safe Memorial Day!

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!

🚲 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

🚧 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.

🗳️ Work the Polls in Fairfax County

Fairfax County is looking for dedicated residents to serve as election officers for upcoming elections. This is a great way to support democracy right here at home and ensure a smooth voting process for your neighbors.

👉 Who can apply?

Any registered Virginia voter is eligible to become an election officer in Fairfax County (preference is given to county residents).

📚 Training:

Mandatory training is required before your first election and every two years after that to keep your certification up to date.

🕔 What’s the commitment?

Election officers work a full day, from 5:00 a.m. until polls close and all duties are complete (usually around 9:00 p.m.). You’ll earn $250 for your service.

✅ Accessibility:

Fairfax County provides reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

💻 Learn more and apply here

📧 Questions? Contact: Elect@fairfaxcounty.gov

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Us!

Join us for an afternoon of culture, community, and celebration at our Asian Pacific American Heritage Month event!

📅 Date: Saturday, May 24th

🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location: Eileen Garnett Civic Space

📌 Address: 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA

🔗 RSVP: Reserve your spot on Eventbrite »

Enjoy a vibrant lineup of festivities, including:

• Authentic Asian cuisine from local vendors
• Live music and traditional dance performances
• Origami and mahjong demonstrations
• Hands-on crafts for all ages

Come celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. We can’t wait to see you there!

💼 Job Opening & Volunteer Opportunities with Shepherd’s Center of Annandale-Springfield

The Shepherd’s Center of Annandale-Springfield (SCAS) is looking for a Part-Time Office Manager to join their dedicated team! This is a wonderful opportunity to support an organization that enhances the lives of seniors in our community.

🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

📄 Job Description & Details: www.shepherdscenter-annandale.org

📧 Email: shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com

📞 Phone: 703-941-1419

SCAS has been serving Annandale and Springfield since 2004, helping seniors stay engaged, productive, and connected through creative programs and services.

Other Ways to Get Involved:

• 🚗 Drivers: Provide volunteer transportation
• 🍽️ Lunch N’ Life Committee: Help set up/clean up, plan events, and book speakers
• 🏛️ Board Members: Help guide SCAS’s mission
• 🤝 Outreach: Connect with churches and businesses
• 💰 Fundraising/Grant Writing: Support fundraising efforts

Interested? Call the SCAS office at 703-941-1419 to learn more and start giving back to your community!

🦷 Calling All Local Dentists: Help Expand Access to Dental Care in Mason District

As part of our continued efforts to support the health and well-being of residents in the Culmore and Fairmont communities, we are working closely with our Health and Human Services (HHS) partners to identify local dentists who may be willing to volunteer their time or provide reduced-cost dental services to neighbors in need.

Access to dental care is a critical component of overall health, and many residents in these areas face significant barriers to receiving regular care. By stepping up to support this effort, dental professionals can make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families right here in Mason District.

If you are a dental provider or know someone who may be interested in partnering with us, please reach out to our office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-256-7717 to learn more and get involved.

Together, we can help close the gap in dental care and build a healthier community.