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Welcome to April, Mason District!
As we step into April, we also celebrate Earth Month—a perfect time to get outside, enjoy the warmer weather, and reconnect with our community. I encourage you to join the Walk & Win Challenge this month. It’s a great way to stay active, spend time with neighbors, and help Mason District earn countywide bragging rights!
It’s been a busy and exciting start to the season. As you fire up your grills and enjoy spring gatherings, please remember to prioritize safety. And if you’re ready to kick off some spring cleaning, join us tomorrow at Justice High School from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for our Community Shredding Event.
With more activity in our neighborhoods, I also want to remind everyone to drive slowly and carefully—especially in residential areas where families are out walking, biking, and enjoying the sunshine.
Looking ahead, early voting begins next Saturday. Early voting will be available at the Mason Government Center; however, due to ongoing construction at the police station, parking will be extremely limited. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your visit. Additional details can be found below.
Thank you for staying engaged and helping keep Mason District a vibrant, safe, and connected community this spring.
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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Earth Month Tip of the Week
This week, our staff are doing their part for the planet by using reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastics.
Small changes like this make a big difference!
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Around the District with Supervisor Jimenez | | Visit to ACCA Child Care Center | | |
Welcoming a Special Guest to Annandale
We were pleased to welcome James Walkinshaw to the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) Child Care Center for a visit and discussion on the vital programs they provide in partnership with Fairfax County.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to learn more about the center’s impact on local families, see dedicated teachers in action, and discuss their ongoing needs. It was especially fun spending time with some of our youngest Mason District residents—even getting a chance to join them in the ball pit!
It was also great to reconnect with a former colleague and see the incredible work Congressman Walkinshaw is continuing to do for Fairfax County on Capitol Hill.
| | Opening Remarks at the 2026 Naturally Latinos Conference | | |
Fortaleciendo Comunidades y Ecosistemas (Supporting Communities & Ecosystems Together)
I was honored to share opening remarks at the 2026 Naturally Latinos Conference, hosted by Nature Forward. This year’s theme, “Fortaleciendo Comunidades y Ecosistemas,” highlights the deep connection between strong, thriving communities and the health of our natural environment.
It was inspiring to join leaders and advocates committed to advancing sustainability, equity, and environmental stewardship across our region.
| | Planning Commission Recognition | | |
Honored to Serve Our Community
I was honored to be recognized alongside my fellow Planning Commissioners for our service and commitment to shaping the future of our community.
My years on the Planning Commission played a critical role in shaping my vision as Supervisor for Mason District—grounding my approach in thoughtful growth, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.
This experience reinforced the importance of careful land use decisions, strong public input, and balancing development with the preservation of the character and needs of our neighborhoods. I am grateful to serve alongside such dedicated colleagues and remain committed to advancing work that reflects the values and priorities of our community.
| | Engaging with the Next Generation of Leaders | |
Career Day at Bailey's Upper Elementary
I had a great time visiting Bailey’s Upper Elementary as a Career Day presenter and speaking with fourth and fifth grade students about my work as Supervisor. They came prepared with thoughtful—and often very entertaining—questions. From asking how old I am to whether I’ve ever met Barack Obama (which I have!), the conversation with the students at Bailey's Upper was both lively and memorable.
We also talked about ways to protect sea animals, drawing on my background with Ocean Conservancy, and even brainstormed what restaurants they’d love to see in their community. It was inspiring to see their curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for making a difference.
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Scout Interview: Citizenship in the Community
I had the pleasure of speaking with a Boy Scout from Troop 150 in Annandale as part of his Citizenship in the Community merit badge.
We had a great conversation about local government, key issues facing our community, my time on Capitol Hill, and my work as Supervisor.
It’s always encouraging to see young people taking an active interest in civic engagement and learning how they can make a difference.
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Fairfax Youth Leadership Program
I also enjoyed meeting with Fairfax Youth Leadership Program students Eshal, Hiwot, and Ruth from Edison, Justice, and Falls Church High School.
This program, a partnership between Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools, helps students better understand local government and connect with leaders in their community.
The students came prepared with thoughtful questions, and I was impressed by their curiosity, insight, and commitment to civic leadership.
| | Staff Tour of 911 & Emergency Management Headquarters | | |
Inside Fairfax’s Emergency Response
Our team had the opportunity to tour the 911 and emergency management headquarters and learn more about the critical work of the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS). We gained valuable insight into how the County prepares for and responds to emergencies, and how coordination across multiple agencies ensures residents receive timely and effective support.
This year also marks 20 years of Fairfax County’s 911 system, highlighting two decades of innovation, collaboration, and dedication to public safety.
To learn more about DEMS and their work, visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement/
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Explore Careers and Support for Job Seekers
Looking for career opportunities or guidance navigating the job market? Fairfax County and our partners are hosting upcoming events to help job seekers connect with resources and employers.
These events and resources are great opportunities to explore career pathways, get guidance, and connect with local employers.
We encourage residents to take advantage of these upcoming events in our area:
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Are you interested in getting into the electrical, HVAC or plumbing trades but don’t know where to begin? Attend the FCPS ACE program information session on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at 7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 329W, Annandale, VA 22003 to learn about apprenticeship training, financial aid for classes, employer sponsorships and more! The session will be offered in-person and virtually—virtual attendees must register in advance.
For more information on job fairs, career programs, and workforce resources in Fairfax County, visit: Fairfax County Job Fairs and Resources
These events are great opportunities to explore career pathways, get guidance, and connect with local employers.
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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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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.
April 14-16 - Residents can provide public testimony and share feedback directly to the Board of Supervisors before decisions are finalized. Sign up at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/speakers-form, call the Clerk to the Board’s office at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711), or email clerktothebos@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.
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
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Upcoming Special Election
A statewide special election will take place on April 21, 2026, giving Virginia voters the opportunity to decide whether to amend the state constitution as proposed in House Bill 1384. All registered voters in Virginia are eligible to participate.
Key dates to know:
You can vote early at any early voting location in the county. The Mason District Governmental Center will offer early voting April 11–18:
- Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Please note that parking at the Mason District Governmental Center is extremely limited due to ongoing construction, and voters may wish to consider another early voting location.
To learn more about what will appear on your ballot, review the official voter guide from the Fairfax County Office of Elections.
| | | Transportation and Infrastructure | | |
Why You’re Seeing Open Hydrants around the Community
If you’ve spotted water running from hydrants lately, there’s no cause for concern -- Fairfax Water’s annual water main flushing is in full swing. Each spring, crews open hydrants across the system to move fresh water through the pipes and clear out naturally occurring sediment. It’s a quick, important process that helps keep our drinking water clean, safe, and high‑quality.
During flushing, you may briefly notice changes like slightly discolored water, a small amount of sediment, or a more noticeable chlorine taste or smell. These effects are normal and not harmful, and they typically pass quickly. If you’re sensitive to chlorine, keeping an open container of water in the refrigerator can help the taste dissipate. To learn more, visit fairfaxwater.org or call 703‑698‑5613 (TTY 711).
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2026 VDOT Repaving Project Map Now Available
The Virginia Department of Transportation has released its 2026 repaving project status map, allowing residents to track paving projects across the region in real time.
Using the interactive map, residents can view the status of specific road segments:
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Scheduled: Work is planned, but has not yet started
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In Progress: Paving is currently underway
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Completed: Work has been finished
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Rescheduled: Paving has been deferred to a future year
Residents can explore the map and check the status of roads in their area here: 2026 Pavement Project Status Application
For additional details or questions about specific projects, please contact VDOT directly.
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Free Tax Preparation with AARP
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.
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, complete an Intake Packet prior to arrival.
Appointments and Information are available, if needed. Call 703-249-9961 and leave a message, or visit the 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
UPDATE: AARP will be extending the hours of our service on the last 2 days, Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15. On those 2 days our Tuesday and Wednesday hours will be 9:30am until 6pm.
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Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Fairfax County provides real estate tax relief and vehicle tax relief (only one vehicle per household) to citizens who are either 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled and meet the income and asset eligibility requirements.
Qualified taxpayers may also be eligible for tax relief for renters.
To schedule an appointment, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/appointments.
For more information, visit the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration's website, or call (703)-222-8234.
Hours at Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax, VA, are Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM (Appointments are not required).
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It's Time to Get Moving!
From April 1–30, join the countywide Walk & Win Challenge by walking one of nine Fairfax County loops—or create your own route—and submit your walk to earn chances to win weekly prizes.
Don’t forget: participants must submit at least one photo or screenshot of their walk per week to be eligible to win prizes, and submissions reset weekly—so keep walking and uploading all month long.
Let’s show up and make Mason District the winner this year!
| | Spring Cleaning Center: Shred & Donate! | | As you refresh your home this spring, make it count for the community! | | |
Community Shredding Event
Bring your sensitive documents to Justice High School on Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. for safe, secure shredding. Drive slowly and carefully as you pass through the neighborhood.
Please let us know you're coming by RSVP-ing here: Spring Shredding Event
What to know:
- Paper materials accepted, including staples, paper clips, binder clips, and spiral notebooks
- No three-ring binders or large metal bindings
- Non-paper items (CDs, tapes, X-rays, etc.) must be separated
All shredding is handled by a professional vendor and completed in compliance with federal and state data security laws, ensuring your information remains confidential.
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ACCA Donations
While you’re cleaning, consider donating to the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA).
They are seeking:
- Spanish books for children
- Hot Wheels cars
Drop donations by our office and help support local kids and families!
| | | | Don’t Miss the Spring Book Sale | | |
George Mason Friends Spring Book Sale (April 22-April 26)
George Mason Friends will host their ever popular, semi-annual book sale from Wednesday evening, April 22 through Sunday, April 26 at the George Mason Regional Library (7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale).
The sale features high-quality used books, CDs and DVDs in various categories. Proceeds support Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, Library Foundation scholarships, Fall for the Book Festival, and programs/equipment at George Mason Regional Library. More details at georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com.
| | Community Financial Literacy Workshop | | |
Build Your Financial Skills
Looking to strengthen your financial know-how? Apple Federal Credit Union is hosting a free community financial literacy workshop focused on budgeting, saving, and long-term financial planning. This is a great opportunity to gain practical tools and set yourself up for financial success.
The workshop will take place on Thursday, April 9, from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Mason District Government Center. Space is limited—be sure to reserve your spot here: Financial Literacy Workshop - Sign Up Sheet.
| | Volunteer with Animal Services | | |
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Lend a Paw
Fairfax County Animal Services is seeking Dog Handler volunteers at the Michael R. Frey and Lorton campuses. Join an April virtual info session to learn about opportunities, requirements, and ask questions:
- Michael R. Frey: Friday, April 10, 11 a.m.
- Lorton: Friday, April 10, 2 p.m.
Learn more and register here.
| | Spring into Senior Softball | | Stay active, meet neighbors, and play ball this season | | Are you interested in a fun, sporty summer and want to reconnect with your love of slow pitch softball? Then look no further than Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS), the largest organized senior softball league in Northern Virginia, and it’s co-ed too! NVSS offers three conferences for players of all skill levels for men over 50, and women over 40. The Spring season starts in mid-April and runs through July. To learn more about NVSS, or to sign up to play, visit nvss.org, or contact Artie Negrin at 336-596-6960. | | | Sustainability Programs: Trees & Seedlings | | |
Free Trees for Fairfax County Residents and Community Organizations
Community-based organizations can apply to receive professionally grown, landscape-quality, regionally native trees (1.5–2.0 inches in caliper, 8–10 feet tall, 130–150 pounds each) for planting on private property. All community organizations are encouraged to apply.
Learn More about Tree Distribution for Community Organizations
Fairfax County residents can also sign up to receive up to two free trees shipped directly to their homes through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Participants can choose from species selected for our local environment, and each shipment includes tree shelters and stakes to support healthy establishment. Supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis — claim your free trees and help grow Fairfax County’s tree canopy.
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Annual Native Seedling Sale
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting orders for our 2026 Annual Native Seedling Sale Program, through which we provide native trees and shrubs to Fairfax County residents at low cost.
All seedlings are native to Virginia and were chosen with advice from our friends at the Fairfax County Urban Forestry Management Division and Virginia Department of Forestry.
Sale proceeds help to support the stewardship and engagement programs offered by NVSWCD that also support Fairfax County’s Environmental Vision, including those that engage the Fairfax County community in additional local reforestation efforts, volunteer stream monitoring, our local Envirothon high school competition, storm drain marking and education, Green Breakfasts, and others.
For questions, email: conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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NATIVE PLANT SPOTLIGHT: Greenbrier
Common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is a native plant often mistaken for the invasive multiflora rose due to its similar appearance. While it can be difficult to manage, greenbrier plays an important role in supporting local wildlife.
This hardy plant thrives in a variety of conditions and provides valuable benefits to birds, small mammals, and insects. Its berries offer winter food, while its dense growth creates shelter and nesting habitat.
Though sometimes seen as a nuisance in gardens, greenbrier is an important part of our local ecosystem. Consider preserving it when possible, and only remove it if it interferes with pathways or desired plantings.
Brought to you by Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance
| | Youth Leadership Opportunities | | | | |
Fairfax County Business Pulse Survey | | |
Fairfax Business Owners: We Need Your Pulse!
Fairfax County business owners are invited to share their perspective on the local
economy through the latest Business Pulse Survey, open from March 23 to April 17.
Managed by the Department of Economic Initiatives, this confidential survey provides a real-time snapshot of the county’s business climate. Whether you lead a small startup or a large corporation, your feedback is vital.
The data collected guides the design of county strategies and support programs, such
as Fairfax CORE, ensuring resources are tailored to the actual needs of our entrepreneurs.
Take the Survey by April 18: Spring 2026 Business Survey
| | FY 2027 Budget: Share Your Feedback | | |
Help Shape Fairfax County’s Budget
The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the FY 2027 Advertised Budget—and your feedback will help shape the final decisions before adoption in May.
Fairfax County’s FY27 Advertised Budget outlines priorities for funding critical services like schools, public safety, transportation, housing, and community programs. As part of the budget process, the Board of Supervisors is considering possible adjustments, and community input is an important part of that discussion.
| | Fairfax County Arts Participation Survey | | |
What Arts Experiences Do You Want to See?
Arts and culture are vital to our community. Help Fairfax County design, deliver, and communicate about the kinds of performances, exhibits, events, classes and other arts experiences you want to enjoy. This survey includes demographic questions, but your responses are anonymous. Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.
Take the survey now: Fairfax County Arts Participation Survey - PublicInput
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Remove Invasive Species & Save Our Trees | | |
Only YOU can save our trees!
All are invited to participate in a “Fairfax PRISM Extravaganza,” March 12 - April 21, when people across Fairfax County will come together to rescue trees from invasive vines.
Our trees are increasingly being smothered and strangled by invasive vines and crowded out by aggressive non-native plants. To combat this growing threat, a new collaboration of public and private organizations has organized Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM — a community-wide initiative with the motto: “Only YOU can save our trees.”
Launch events are planned throughout the county, giving participants hands-on opportunities to learn about invasive plants and help rescue trees in their own communities. Those events are listed at FairfaxPRISM.org, where you can also learn about other ways to help or to get help with this work. Registration is required for the tree rescue events because of limited parking in some locations.
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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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