October 4 through October 10 is Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme, as announced by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. As Chair of the Board of Supervisors Safety and Security Committee, keeping Fairfax residents safe is a top priority. Our Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) has developed a number of safety tips for our residents. | | Watch the video to hear from FRD about how to safely manage batteries. | | |
Here are a few things that you can do stay prepared for fire emergencies:
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Test smoke alarms monthly and regularly replace batteries. You can request a free battery-powered smoke alarm here.
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Make a plan with your household. Map out at least two ways to get out of every room with your family and practice these routes twice a year.
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Properly charge batteries and devices. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
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On Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10:00AM - 4:00PM join FRD for their countywide Open House at all fire station locations to meet your firefighters, experience fun activities, and learn about fire safety. | | | |
Visit a Franconia Fire Station:
- Franconia, Station 5 (6300 Beulah Street)
- Kingstowne, Station 37 (7936 Telegraph Road)
- Springfield, Station 22 (7011 Backlick Road)
If you need any fire prevention resources or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office
| | 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.
| | | | On September 29, 2026, the Board of Supervisors recognized September as National Preparedness Month. We have spent the month of September educating ourselves and our neighbors on how they can stay prepared. To complete the month, this proclamation reminds us that we all play a part in being prepared for emergencies. | | We honored Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lambda Kappa Omega Chapter for its 50th anniversary and celebrated its service and contributions to the community. Over the last 50 years, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lambda Kappa Omega Chapter have awarded over $300,000 to community programs and students pursuing higher education and have supported vital organizations including Volunteer Fairfax, Embry Rucker Shelter, Katherine K. Hanley Shelter, and many others. They are an important part of our community, and we are proud to recognize their contributions. | | The Board of Supervisors and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lambda Kappa Omega Chapter. | | |
We honored Victor Hoskins for his distinguished service and visionary
leadership upon his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. Victor's focus on collaboration and his ability to utilize his knowledge of the entire DC metropolitan area for the benefit of Fairfax County has been paramount to our economic success.
| | (left to right) George D. Thomas (Current EDA President), Supervisor Lusk, Victor Hoskins, and James Quigley (Chair of FCEDA Commission) | | Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit | | Board Approved: Updates to the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit | | At this week’s Board meeting, we made progress on the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit project (RHBRT). First, we approved a Project Administration Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for construction from Sherwood Hall Lane to Sacramento Drive. The Project Administration Agreement establishes the roles, responsibilities, and funding arrangements necessary for VDOT to administer construction of the RHBRT. | | Second, we approved an authorization to Execute a Memorandum of Agreement with VDOT for the Design and Construction of the RHBRT Project. This agreement is one of several required for the RHBRT project to advance. It affirms the project's details and the collaboration that will occur between the county and the state. Stay updated with the project here. | | Approved community charm designs for windscreens at BRT stations. | | Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit project map. | | Board Approved: Community Charm designs for the windscreens located at each BRT station. | | The County engaged communities along the Richmond Highway Corridor to identify themes and inform the development of artwork for the BRT stations. After community feedback in spring 2026, the BRT executive committee prepared completed artwork for each station and the board approved the above designs. | | Board Approved: Plan Amendment SSPA 2025-IV-2RH (Hilltop Village) | | On June 10, 2025, the Board of Supervisors authorized the consideration of a Plan Amendment for the area located at the northeast corner of Beulah St and Telegraph Rd in the Hilltop Village Center Plaza. The Plan Amendment allows for residential use instead of the previously allowed office use. The Board of Supervisors approved the Plan Amendment on September 29, 2026. View the staff report. | | Personal Property Tax Deadline Oct. 5 | | |
Residents can continue to access copies of vehicle and business personal property bills for the current and three prior years. Real estate bills back to 2021 are also available online on the My Fairfax Portal.
Taxpayers may still visit the online payment portal or call or e-mail the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) to request a copy of their bills.
Taxpayers who have questions about their bills or have sold their vehicles are urged to contact DTA as soon as possible. Virginia law requires that vehicles are valued using a recognized pricing guide, applied uniformly and as of January 1.
Important Links:
This year, DTA and the Department of Information Technology (DIT) have added four tax payment kiosks located throughout the County.
Gerry Hyland Government Center
8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309
Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
| | Fairfax County School Board | | Happening at the September 24, 2026 Fairfax County School Board Meeting | | |
"At our most recent meeting the School Board approved a quantum computing system for Skyview High School, making FCPS the first K-12 school division in the world to put a working quantum computer in front of its students. I was proud to introduce, and gain Board approval for, a key follow-on motion which specifically directs the Superintendent to expand this cutting-edge technology directly into John R. Lewis High School when the Division is ready. This action will help ensure that Lewis students continue to lead in STEM, workforce readiness, and soon, emerging technology"
- Marcia St. John Cunning, Franconia District School Board Member
Watch the full School Board Meeting here.
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Join the Fairfax County School Board to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at the upcoming School Board meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026, where the Crestwood Elementary choir will perform the beloved children’s song De Colores.
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| | This weekend - Highway Cleanup | October 3 - Franconia- Springfield Parkway Highway Clean Up | | Public Hearing - Dominion Energy Inc. and Next Era Energy Inc. Merger | | |
The Virginia State Corporation Commission will hold a local public hearing in Fairfax to receive comments on the proposed merger between Dominion Energy Inc. and NextEra Energy Inc.
Members of the public are invited to attend and offer comments on the proposed transaction and its potential effect on Dominion's Virginia customers.
Hearing details:
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Date: Friday, October 9
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Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
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Location: Fairfax County Government Center, Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
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How to participate: To comment in person, you need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start and notify the designated SCC staff that you want to testify. You do not need to provide comments in advance. Each speaker will have two minutes to comment. More information is available from the SCC.
| Affordable Housing Waitlist opens Oct. 5 | | |
Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will be accepting pre-applications for the Project-Based Voucher waitlist at Telestar Court (2990 Telestar Ct Falls Church, VA) and The Exchange at Spring Hill (8721 Boone Blvd N, Tysons, VA). Both buildings are still under construction. The Housing Waitlist will be open from Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. through Sunday, October 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Need Help Applying?
| | Unveiling the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail - September 26 | | Supervisor Lusk and Supervisor Sizemore Heizer show the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. | | Congressman Walkinshaw joins the BOS to present the trail sign. | | The Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County Park Foundation unveiled the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. This trail named in his honor represents his steadfast advocacy for our environment and green spaces across Fairfax County. | | Rising Hope Mission Church's 30th Anniversary - September 26 | | Supervisor Lusk and Chairman McKay thank Rising Hope Mission Church for their years of service. | | Rising Hope Mission Church has been a leader in supporting our most vulnerable community members. It was a pleasure to join them for their 30th Anniversary. | | Jefferson Manor Community Gatherings | | Supervisor Lusk discuss public safety with the Jefferson Manor HOA on September 22, 2026. | | Supervisor Lusk and the Penn Daw Fire Station at Jefferson Manor Block Party on September 26, 2026. | | I had the pleasure of joining the Jefferson Manor community for their annual Block Party. Thank you to Penn Daw Station Battalion Chief Christopher Sampl for your continued support of the Jefferson Manor Community. It is always a pleasure to join Jefferson Manor as they stay engaged with public safety and community building in their neighborhood. | | Hayfield Robotics Community Showcase - September 27 | | On Sunday, I joined Hayfield Secondary School’s Team 614 for their Community Showcase in partnership with First Chesapeake Robotics teams from across the region. These students work incredibly hard to build award winning robots and advocate for STEM education for all. They are actively building skills that will prepare them for the workforce and allow them to give back to future generations. Thank you to Tavish for being my guide for the day. Thank you to Shelly Stoddard and First Chesapeake for your commitment to supporting our students. Thank you to Joey Kerns for your advancement of robotics education across the county. | Supervisor Lusk, former Team 614 captain, Madison (middle) and team volunteer, Lynne (left). | | Supervisor Lusk drives "Popcorn Machine", Team 614's 2026 Robot. | I would also like to highlight Madison, a first-year student at George Mason University and the former captain of Hayfield Highschool’s First Chesapeake Robotics Team. She was the driver and design lead for Team 614 during last season’s international tournament and has returned to continue to support the team. | | ReMix Market - Springfield Grand Opening - September 28th | | Supervisor Lusk and ReMix Market Owner, Mark Harrington. | | Cutting the ribbon at ReMix Market. | | I joined the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce to welcome their newest member, Mark Harrington and ReMix Market (6909 Old Keene Mill Rd). We are excited to welcome Mr. Harrington back to the Franconia district. | | SMART Week - September 30th | | Supervisor Lusk and Moms Demand Action. | | Supervisor Lusk discusses the importance of safe gun storage. | | I joined Moms Demand Action to recognize SMART Week and discuss the importance of safe firearm storage. I presented them with a proclamation designating August 24-28, 2026 as SMART Week in Fairfax County. | | Franconia District Neighborhood College Orientation - October 1 | | Supervisor Lusk welcomes the Franconia cohort of Neighborhood College. | | We kicked off the Neighborhood College Program with an overview of the Franconia District. This free program gives participants an opportunity to learn about how the county works, understand our community in context, and become effective community leaders. Learn more here. | | |
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.
| | Want to know more about the WISH? | | Blue Lights Night in Hybla Valley and Groveton | | FCPD officers hand out ice cream in Groveton Gardens. | | FCPD officers visit Costco in Hybla Valley. | | At Lafayette Apartments and Groveton Gardens, officers including the Ice Cream Patrol, spent time connecting with community members. Our police officers work hard to engage with the communities they serve. | | |
Want to learn more about crime prevention? Join your local Community Advisory Committee to meet directly with local police officers, 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
| | October 7 - Coffee with a Cop | | Pedestrian Safety Reminders from FCPD | | |
Did you know the Department of Emergency Management (DEMs) does monthly webinars on important safety topics?
Check out the March 2026 edition on the Volunteer Emergency Team.
| | SAVE THE DATE: Franconia-Springfield Planning Study Update on October 20 | | |
Hey Springfield residents, you're invited to join a 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
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Board Approved: Authorization to Advertise Public Hearings on a Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment Re: Accessory Living Units
The proposed zoning ordinance amendment for Accessory Living Units includes streamlining the process, removing unnecessary requirements, updating the standards to align more closely with those of surrounding jurisdictions, and allowing more lots to have a detached ALU. View the staff report and learn more here.
- Planning Commission public hearing: October 29, 2026 at 7:30PM
- Proposed BOS public hearing: November 17, 2026 at 4:30PM
| | Zoning Applications in Progress | | |
Fall Tree Rescue Extravaganza begins October 3
Residents are invited to Fall Tree Rescue Extravaganza II, organized by Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management)—a countywide effort to protect Fairfax County’s trees and natural areas from invasive plants.
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From October 3 through November 1, tree rescue events will take place in every magisterial district, bringing together residents, volunteers, community organizations, and local leaders.
Every vine clipped gives a tree a second chance to thrive. Protecting these trees means preserving the shade, cleaner air, wildlife habitat, and cooler neighborhoods they provide. Learn more.
Franconia District Event
Tree Rescuing at Ridgeview Park with Friends of Holmes Run
Sunday, October 4, 1-3 p.m.
4111 Duvawn St
Register
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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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Fuel Assistance Program
apply beginning October 13
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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.
Open application period for the Fuel Assistance Program is October 13, 2026, through November 13, 2026.
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.
Learn more here.
Apply online or call 833-522-5582.
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Martha Glennan
Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards
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Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area?
Nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2026 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award! Nominations open now through October 16, 2026.
Nomination forms must be completed and e-mailed to disabilityrights@fairfaxcounty.gov before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026 with subject line, “Martha Glennan 2026”.
| | Upcoming in Franconia and beyond | | October 3: Virginia 250 Mobile Museum at Pohick Church | | October 24 - VFW Springfield Post 7327 Community Centennial Tribute | | |
October 1- November 6: Medicare 101 Workshops
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.
| | October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month | Domestic Violence is a public health emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men will experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lives. | The Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline 703-360-7273 is here for you if you or someone you care about is experiencing violence in a relationship. | |
Community Input for The Council to End Domestic Violence
The Council to End Domestic Violence (CEDV) is working to identify ways they can strengthen our community’s response to domestic violence and better support individuals and families who are affected. As part of this effort, they are inviting community members to share their perspectives through a brief, confidential survey. Here is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N6PHNF6
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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.
| | October 6: Virtual Talent Tuesday with the Department of Family Services | |
Connect with Recruiting Manager Theresa Mazzaro from Fairfax Radiology Centers as she reviews resume tips, interviewing techniques, and best practices on how to represent yourself when applying to jobs.
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- 12:00PM-1:00PM
- Virtual
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Register here.
| | October 10-19 - Neighborhood Community Services Open Hire Sessions | Economic Initiatives Business Pulse Survey | | | | |
Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives is asking business owners to participate in the 2026 Business Pulse Survey. The survey is confidential and designed to capture a snapshot of Fairfax County's business community.
Take the survey.
| | October 3: FCPS Flu Shot Event at Frost MS (Learn more) | | October 3: Hybla Valley Community Center Mobile Market (Learn more) | | October 8: A Virginia Legislative Update with Del. Kathy Tran at Sherwood Hall Library (Learn more) | | |
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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