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On October 13, 2026, the Board of Supervisors recognized October as Pedestrian Safety Month in Fairfax County.
The 2025-2030 Fairfax County Transportation Priorities Plan defines our current strategy for updating roads in Fairfax County. The plan allocates $368.01 million for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects. In the Franconia District, this includes sidewalk installations and improvements along Telegraph Road and near Bush Hill Elementary School. It also includes crosswalk updates and pedestrian safety installations across the district. Learn more here.
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Photos from Franconia Police District Community Report
Next week begins the fourth and final wave of the Road Shark initiaitve. Conducted in partnership with Virginia State Police (VSP), the high-visibility initiative targets speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, and other unsafe behaviors to improve roadway safety in Fairfax County.
Keeping our roadways and walkways safe requires all of us to do our part. Shorter days and changing weather present new road safety challenges. This month, we are reminding everyone to "see and be seen." Whether you are walking, biking or driving, keep in mind that safety is a two-way street and is everyone’s job.
Here are a few tips from Fairfax County Police Department.
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Tips for Pedestrians
- Cross at Crosswalks: Whenever possible, use designated crosswalks and intersections. Follow pedestrian signals and look in all directions before entering the roadway.
- Stay Visible: Make yourself easier for drivers to see, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Wear bright or reflective clothing and consider carrying a flashlight.
- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions while crossing the street. Keep your attention on surrounding traffic and never assume a driver sees you.
Tips for Drivers
- Yield at Crosswalks: Slow down and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Never pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
- Slow Down: Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed for traffic, weather, and visibility. Lower speeds give drivers more time to recognize and react to pedestrians..
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your attention on the road. Put your phone down and remain focused on what is happening around you.
| | My colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and I are committed to working with public safety agencies and the community to improve pedestrian safety in Fairfax County. | | It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | | |
Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
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Connecting with residents where they live is one of the most rewarding parts of serving as your Supervisor. I welcome invitations to attend your homeowners, civic, or community association meetings to provide updates, answer questions, and hear your priorities.
If you would like me to join an upcoming meeting or neighborhood event, please contact my office at 703-971-6262 or Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov.
If this email was forwarded to you, consider signing up for my email list to receive newsletters and other important announcements.
| | Recognitions at the October 13 Board of Supervisors Meeting | | Irene Smith was a dedicated, long-time resident of the Franconia District. She was active in the Clermont Woods Community Association and rarely missed a meeting. Irene passed on September 28, 2026. She will be remembered for her warm heart and her dedication to the community. | | Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation | | |
Nicole Wright Patrick, Mason District Commissioner on the Fairfax County Commission for Women
Domestic Violence is a growing public safety issue. At the Board of Supervisors meeting, we recognized the work done by the vast number of domestic violence advocacy groups and support service providers in the county. If you or someone you know is in need of tools to understand or overcome domestic violence, please call the domestic violence hotline at 703-360-7273.
Learn about domestic violence resources here.
| Recognizing USA-01 for its search and rescue deployment in Venezuela | | USA-01 accepts their proclamation | | |
In June 2026, 79 personnel and 6 K-9s from USA-01, Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue team, were deployed to Venezuela to aid in recovery efforts in the wake of devastating earthquakes. The crew worked over 186 continuous hours, triaged 74 sites, and worked 41 different locations. Five survivors, including a 9-month-old baby, were safely rescued from collapsed buildings.
Currently USA-01 is deployed in Panama, responding to a recent earthquake.
Their commitment to service in times of disaster is a reminder of what can happen when we invest in public safety. Fairfax County is safer, the country is safer, and the world is safer because of the work they do.
| | Volunteer Fire Commission Awards | | | | Ivy Ayala and Richard Prien | | Congratulations to Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department's Ivy Ayala and Richard Prien for being awarded BLS Provider of the Year and Canteen Member of the Year, respectfully. Ivy, Richard, and other exceptional volunteers were recognized at the Volunteer Fire Commission Awards ceremony at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting. | | Two Weeks Left: Kingstowne Farmers Market | | October 17: Chessie's Backyard Boo-gie at the Franconia Rec Center | | October 18: Trunk or Treat at American Legion Post 176 | | October 18: Venture into Volunteering Fair and Beacon 50+ Expo - Springfield Town Center | | |
Click to enlarge
Have you been thinking about volunteering? Looking to add new and enriching activities to your life? Want to create new connections?
At the Venture into Volunteering Fair, meet representatives from nonprofit organizations and local government agencies who will tell you about ways to volunteer in the community and answer your questions.
Venture into Volunteering will be held on the upper level at the Springfield Town Center (6500 Springfield Mall) on Sunday, October 18, from 12-4 p.m.
This fair will take place in conjunction with the annual Beacon 50+ Expo. Exhibitors will provide helpful information regarding services for older adults, retirement communities, home remodeling, financial planning, healthcare, travel, fitness, and more.
| | Tenants and Workers United 40th Anniversary Gala - October 9 | | For 40 years, Tenants and Workers United has been organizing grassroots campaigns around issues like affordable housing, fairer working conditions and living wages, education justice, and more. | | Fire Prevention Week Station Open House - October 10 | | Franconia Volunteer Fire Station 5 | Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Station 22 | | Kingstowne Fire Station 37 (Assistant Fire Chief Edmonston, far right) | Did you visit a Franconia District Fire Station during their annual open house on Saturday, October 10? I visited fire stations across the Franconia District in honor of Fire Prevention Week. I presented the Board of Supervisor's Fire Prevention Week Proclamation at Franconia Volunteer Fire Station, tested my fire safety knowledge at the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Station, spoke with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteers at Kingstowne Fire Station, and met future firefighters across the district. Thank you to Assistant Fire Chief Brian Edmonston for being my guide for the day. | | Audubon Estates Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration - October 10 | | The Audubon Estates community in Hybla Valley celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with food, music, and dances from a variety of South American countries. | | Mason District Restaurant Week - October 12 | | I joined Supervisor Andres Jimenez (front row, center) and Visit Fairfax President and CEO Barry Biggar (front row, right) at Flavor Hive (5730 General Washington Dr) to celebrate Mason District Restaurant Week. | | Del. Kathy Tran's Veterans and Military Families Town Hall - October 14 | | Speaking about resources for our military families at the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield. | | Timothy P. Williams (center) and Tom Holley | | I appreciated the opportunity to share how Fairfax County supports veterans and their families. I joined other panelists, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Timothy P. Williams and Virginia Department of Veterans Services Deputy Director of Benefits Tom Holley, to discuss supporting military families. Thank you to American Legion Post 176 for hosting. | | Participate in the Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project | | |
The Fairfax County History Commission is encouraging county residents to participate in an oral history program about Vietnam War veterans. Interviews will be conducted through early May 2027 and will become part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center was created by the United States Congress in 2000 to collect and preserve the firsthand remembrances of U.S. wartime veterans. Fairfax County residents will have the opportunity to add their voices to the existing national archive.
The History Commission is seeking both veterans to interview and student note-takers. Please contact the History Commission at queenofcheaptravel@gmail.com to participate, or ask a veteran to participate and, with their permission, send their contact information to the Commission.
| | FCIA Interfaith Resiliency Conference - October 15 | | On Thursday morning, I attended the Interfaith Resiliency Conference, organized by Faith Communities in Action in partnership with Fairfax County. Representatives from houses of worship and faith-based community organizations learned tools to identify risks and implement proactive security measures from Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security, Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications. | | Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy Graduation | The Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy celebrated the graduation of its 92nd session. We are proud to welcome Officers Estefany Persia and Nicholas Williams to the Franconia District Police Station and Officers Zachary Broderick and Sarah Hafley to the Mount Vernon Police Station. | | Officer Estefany Persia and family | | Officer Estefany Persia (left), Major Deanna Weand (middle) and Officer Nicholas Williams (right) | | True Ground's Celebrate Home | | Watch the video to learn about True Ground's 2026 Resident Services. | | True Ground serves over 6,400 community members in Northern Virginia metro area. On Thursday, we celebrated the funding of their two million dollar Resident Services Program and highlighted the work they are doing in the Fairfax County community. | | Early Voting at Franconia District Governmental Center begins Oct 22 | |
The Franconia District Governmental Center
7130 Silver Lake Blvd
October 22 - October 31
Weekdays: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 10/24 and 10/31: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 10/25: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
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Want to learn more about crime prevention? Join your local Community Advisory Committee to meet directly with local your local public saftey officials, hear about what they are doing in the community and ask questions.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Franconia District Station (7170 Silver Lake Blvd), October 21, 2026 at 7:00PM
- Mount Vernon District Station (2511 Parkers Ln), October 21, 2026 at 7:00PM
| | November 5: Franconia District Fire and Crime Prevention Town Hall | | Join me, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, and Fairfax County Police Department to discuss fire and crime prevention in the Franconia District. If you have any fire or crime related topics or questions that you would like to learn more about, please email them to Aaron.Campbell@fairfaxcounty.gov by October 24. | | |
Department of Emergency Management and Security Webinar Series
The Department of Emergency Management hosts monthly webinars with safety updates and preparedness tips. Check out the October 2026 webinar on earthquake preparedness and fire prevention.
| October is Cybersecurity Month | | |
Did you know: Scammers often try to use social engineering to gain access to sensitive information.
Social Engineering involves exploiting the vulnerabilities of a user, rather than their system, to circumvent IT security measures. Examples include phishing, email scams, and other cons. Users are often the most easily defeated element of IT security architecture.
| | Learn how to protect yourself from cyber-attacks with the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security. | | Want to learn more about land use in Franconia? | | |
Join Franconia District Planning Commissioner Chris Landgraff for coffee and conversation about Franconia District land use cases.
Saturday, October 24,
9:00AM to 12:00PM
Franconia District Governmental Center, Room G105 (7130 Silver Lake Blvd)
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October 29 - Steinway Street/Beulah Street Independent Living Community
going to the Planning Commission.
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The staff report for application SE-2025-FR-00044 is available for community review. This application proposes to allow an independent living community consisting of 75 total units, which includes 71 townhome‑style units and 4 single‑family detached units. The townhomes are designed with a maximum height of 44 feet, while the single-family detached homes will have a maximum height of 35 feet. All units will contain a two-car garage.
The surrounding area has a mix of residential and non-residential uses. The site design proposes landscaped buffer areas and 61% open space.
Stormwater management will be provided onsite through underground treatment and detention facilities. These methods are designed to reduce peak runoff rates below pre-development conditions according to the staff analysis.
The Planning Commission public hearing for this case will be on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at the Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035
Read the staff report here.
For all case information click here.
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Ways to Provide Public Hearing Testimony
All persons wishing to present their views on scheduled public hearings may call the Planning Commission Office at 703-324-2865Call: 703-324-2865, or register online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker no later than 1:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, to be placed on the Speakers List. There are multiple ways that members of the public can provide testimony on public hearings. While in-person testimony may be allowed at certain meetings (please check the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting that you may be interested in to see how the meeting will be held here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/meetingcalendar).
Testimony may be provided in in person, by written statement, by telephone, or by pre-recorded YouTube video. Videos need to be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. the day prior to the Planning Commission meeting. Written testimony and other submissions can be received at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035 and/or Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| | October 20: Franconia-Springfield Planning Study Community Meeting | | |
Please join the webinar Tuesday, October 20 to hear what's new for the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study. The webinar will share the Preliminary Plan for the Franconia-Springfield area, which has been shaped by community input across the study's multiple rounds of engagement. Learn more on the study webpage.
Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/3UX3Mj1
| | Fairfax County Planning Commission approves additions to Hybla Valley Community Center | On October 7, 2026, the Planning Commission approved an addition to the Hybla Valley Community Center that will create an 11,000 square foot child-care center. The child-care center will have the capacity to serve up to 86 children from birth to 5 years of age. Learn more about the project here. | | Zoning Applications in Progress | | Food Assistance in Franconia | | October 19 - Food Distribution at the Franconia Governmental Center | | October 22 - Pantry at St. John's Community Services | | |
The Pantry is a community resource that ensures no one goes without. By providing access to food, clothing, and other essential items, The Pantry supports individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across the DC-metro area.
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- October 22: Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Rd
- Opens at 3pm
| | Fall and Winter Fuel Assistance | |
The Fuel Assistance Program helps eligible households in meeting their energy needs by supplementing the cost associated with their primary heat source. Eligible households must meet income requirements.
Approved applicants will be notified of their benefit amount in late December. Payments begin in January and continue through April or until the benefit has been exhausted.
Open application period for the Fuel Assistance Program is October 13, 2026, through November 13, 2026. Learn more here. Apply online or call 833-522-5582.
| | For Students and Families | | |
Happenings at the School Board
On October 8, 2026, Superintendent Michelle Reid shared that FCPS has been designated a Purple Star Division by having all of its schools earn a purple star designation. Virginia’s Purple Star Designation program recognizes schools for excelling in supporting military-connected students. FCPS is the only division of its size in the nation to achieve Purple Star designation.
"FCPS is home to many military families and Franconia has a strong connection with military installations which include Fort Belvoir and the US Coast Guard Telecommunications and Information Systems Command. This accomplishment has been the result of an intentional effort by the entire division to ensure every military connected family feels welcome and safe in our schools."
- Marcia St. John-Cunning, Franconia District School Board Member
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The Crestwood Elementary Choir performed De Colores at the October 8 School Board Meeting.
The School Board also discussed and passed the School Board State and Federal Legislative priorities which focus on increasing or maintaining funding for programming that serves our special education, multi-lingual and economically disadvantaged students.
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October 21 - Growing Together: Talking about
Social-Emotional Learning at Home
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Applications Open for Thomas Jefferson
High School for Science and Technology
Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application is now available. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
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Fairfax County Public Schools Facility Improvements Survey
The FCPS Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is inviting employees, families, and community members to participate in the Renovation Queue Survey.
The survey asks for feedback on the condition of school facilities, the ways buildings affect teaching and learning, and the factors FCPS should consider when prioritizing renovations. Participants can also share what would increase understanding of and transparency in renovation decisions, such as publicly available criteria, regular updates, community input opportunities, and facility-condition data.
Please take approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey and help inform the future of FCPS school facilities. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will be open until October 31, 2026.
| | November 14: Special Education Family Conference | | |
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Free event.
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- 8:30 AM-3:00PM.
- Hayfield Secondary School (7630 Telegraph Road)
- Register
Visit the Special Education Family Conference website for more information. Questions? Email specialedfamilyconf@fcps.edu.
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Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) is hosting workshops to help those who are eligible or may soon become eligible for Medicare. Registration is required.
Kingstowne Regional Library (7130 Silver Lake Blvd)
- Monday, October 26, 1:30-3:00PM
- Register here.
| | Free Pet Vaccine & Microchip Clinic in Hybla Valley | | |
Fairfax County Business and Economic Data Dashboard
The Fairfax County Business and Economic Data Dashboard has been updated. Here are a few highlights:
• Local job market firming: Fairfax County unemployment fell to 3.3% in August (vs. 4.1% nationally), and job postings rose 15% year-over-year to 39,726.
• Federal job losses slowing: Virginia’s federal unemployment claims are still up 46% from 2025, but the gap is narrowing and weekly claims fell 14% from August to September.
• Sales tax dip temporary, hotels busy: September sales tax fell 2.2% (largely because a major retailer filed late), while Northern Virginia hotel occupancy rose 8.0% year-over-year to 72.2%.
| View the Business and Economic Data Dashboard here. | | |
Ready to start, strengthen, or scale your business?
Join the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and Fort Belvoir Army Community Service for a special edition of Entrepreneurship 101: From Idea to Expansion, celebrating the leadership, innovation and resilience of military spouses and veterans.
Whether you’re exploring a business idea or growing an established company, this FREE event offers practical guidance and resources to help you move forward. Open to military-connected entrepreneurs and the broader small business community.
Tuesday, November 10 | 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
University of Virginia - Northern Virginia Campus (8095 Innovation Park Drive)
Register.
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Registration for the next Building Paths Cohort is still open.
This free, 8-week construction trades program gives participants the opportunity to gain industry certifications, hands on experience, mentorship, and more. Learn more and apply here.
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The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is proud to house Talent Capital AI, a regional initiative connecting job seekers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia with opportunities matched to their skills and goals. At the heart of the effort is TalentCapital.ai — a free platform powered by agentic AI that surfaces job openings, training programs, career coaching, networking events, and entrepreneurship resources, all in one place.
The platform features Celeste, an AI concierge, supported by specialized agents for jobs, events, training, entrepreneurship, and coaching. It is designed to support anyone in career transition — with a particular focus on displaced federal workers — and is available at no cost to all Greater Washington residents.
| | Tree Delivery still Available | |
Free Trees Still Available for Home Delivery to County Residents
Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the Fairfax County Urban and Community Forestry Division is giving away free trees to Fairfax County residents to plant on their property. When planted properly, these trees will help increase shade, reduce energy use and carbon emissions, improve water quality, reduce urban heat island effects and help make communities cleaner and greener.
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The tree giveaway was initially reserved for residents in communities with high or very high social vulnerability. The remaining trees are being made available to residents throughout Fairfax County while supplies last.
To sign up for trees, visit https://get.arborday.org/fairfaxcountydirectship. Tree recipients will be given access to an online tool that can help residents identify the best location to plant their tree, see estimates on how each tree could affect their home’s energy costs and select the trees they would like to receive. Trees will be shipped directly to residents along with tree shelters and stakes.
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Police Non-Emergency Line: 703-691-2131
Dept of Code Compliance: 703-324-1300
Dept of Tax Administration: 703-222-8234
Report Road Hazards to VDOT: 800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD)
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