FAIRFAX CITY, Va. — In a unanimous vote on April 28, 2026, the City of Fairfax Council ratified a partnership with Fairfax County and approved the construction of the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center. The Willard-Sherwood project is a major joint investment designed to expand access to health services, recreation, and community programming for both City and County residents.
The agreement clears the way for the construction of the approximately $127.2 million complex, which will bring together a wide range of public services under one roof. City of Fairfax is expected to contribute roughly $54 million toward construction, with the county funding the remainder. Ongoing operating costs will be shared between the two jurisdictions based on usage.
City leaders described the decision as a milestone in a years-long collaboration between Fairfax City and the county. The project is intended to replace the aging Joseph Willard Health Center and modernize the adjacent Sherwood Community Center, creating a more efficient, centralized campus for residents.
On October 28, 2025, a split vote occurred over costs and scope of work. Council Members Amos, Hardy-Chandler, and Bates voted in favor of the project moving forward as is. However, three Council Members, Stacy Hall, Thomas D. “Tom” Peterson, and Rachel McQuillen voted not to advance the Willard-Sherwood project due to cost concerns. Their vote did not cancel the project but allowed the residents to have meaningful discussions and gave staff more time to work on cost-cutting measures without jeopardizing the project. City Charter does not enable the Mayor to be a tie breaker on financial matters, and if she had voted in favor of this project, it would have proceeded under the old terms and vice versa.
The project continued to be revised and debated over several months. On April 28, 2026, the City Council unanimously voted to move forward with the $127.2 million Willard‑Sherwood Health and Community Center.
The Willard Sherwood project has changed significantly from its early proposal, which raised concerns about cost. Initially, it carried a tax impact of 9.7 cents—about $710 annually for the average homeowner, stated Council Member Peterson. In October, several Council members voted against the land use application to signal the need for better affordability. Since then, City staff reworked the financial approach, improving cost recovery and tightening assumptions. Today, the tax impact is reduced to 4.33 cents, or about $316 annually—a 55% decrease.
“These improvements didn’t happen by accident. They happened because residents spoke up,
council members raised concerns, and staff responded with real discipline,” said Peterson.
“We didn’t change the building—we changed the cost—and that cut the impact on Fairfax
homeowners more than in half.”
Over the past year, I carefully evaluated this project, raising concerns about its financial sustainability shared by Council Member Hall in her April 28 statement. “In 2025, projected costs included $4.8 million in annual operations, $3.3 million in debt service, and only $600,000 in revenue—creating a significant potential tax burden I could not support,” stated Hall. “My concern was not the value of a community health center, but ensuring fiscal responsibility. Since then, working with fellow Council Members McQuillen and Peterson, and staff, we have reduced costs and developed a more sustainable model.
“With a cost-recovery approach and county partnership on shared expenses, the project now shows a significantly improved outlook and stronger financial footing for residents,” stated Hall. For example, in their April 27, 2026, memo, Fairfax County will share certain operating expenses, including front desk staffing and security during overlapping programs.
Council Member McQuillen’s press release stated that she supports the revised Willard Sherwood project after earlier opposing parts due to cost concerns. She said resident feedback, especially on affordability, helped shape a stronger plan. Previously, she cited roughly $1.2 million in projected annual costs without a clear funding strategy. The updated proposal offers improved financial clarity, reduced taxpayer burden, and a sustainable operating plan without cutting services.
“As someone who has served on the School Board, I look at every major decision through the lens of how it supports families and the long-term health of our community,” said McQuillen, crediting fellow Council Members Hall and Peterson, and community input for the April 28 outcome that she voted for.
The Council also approved a $22 million revenue bond issuance to finance the city’s portion. The Council opted not to proceed with a $4 million optional renovation of the performing arts space at the existing Sherwood Community Center at this time.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the facility projected to open later in the decade as a new hub for health, wellness, and community life in the City of Fairfax.
Council Member Thomas D. “Tom” Peterson’s statement delivered on April 28, 2026.
Author
Tania Hossain is the editor, publisher, and co-owner of The Independent News Press, a consortium of local print and online newspapers in Virginia. She focuses on writing about community issues and advocates for local newspapers, both print and online, especially in the age of Ai from selfie filters to betting on military strikes. A Merrifield resident, she is a keen backyard gardener, loves forest bathing and a curious biohacker, believing that proactive health keeps one out of the costly illness industry. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine launch, she feels fortunate to be running this newspaper.
