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Savi Mamgain

City FY2027 Budget: Taxes, BPOL, Meals Tax, and the Cost of Funding Growth 

City of Fairfax, VA - The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for City of Fairfax outlines a broad financial plan that increases funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services while relying on a diversified set of revenue sources. Rather than a single large tax hike, the city spreads revenue adjustments across property taxes, business taxes, meals tax, hotel tax, and utility fees, creating a gradual but noticeable increase in overall costs for residents and businesses.

Fairfax County Adopts $5.7 Billion FY2027 Budget, Slightly Lowers Tax Rate

Fairfax County, VA - Fairfax County officials adopted a roughly $5.7 billion FY 2027 General Fund budget, maintaining spending across schools, public safety, transportation, health services, and infrastructure while navigating rising costs in staffing, healthcare, and long-term capital needs. The Board of Supervisors approved the plan in May, along with a quarter-cent reduction in the real estate tax rate to about $1.12 per $100 of assessed value.

Pickleball: Yes, More Paddles!

Back in 2017, Fairfax County gave a collective nod to the pickleball boom—either that or they were just jealous of the fun everyone was having—and decided to add more courts. Fast-forward to 2024, and the county was slapping down 84 total courts, of which 16 were hardcore, dedicated pickleball-only zones. Think of them as the VIP suites of the pickleball world—exclusive, no tennis allowed.

Social Wellness Month: Strengthening Connections for a Healthier Life

Every July, we celebrate Social Wellness Month, a time dedicated to nurturing our relationships, building supportive communities, and prioritizing meaningful social connections. As we move through an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, social wellness serves as a reminder that our bonds with others are not just important for emotional support—they're vital to our overall well-being.

School Bus Camera: $250 fines for passing

The County and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are partnering to introduce a school bus arm camera program designed to deter drivers from passing stopped school buses, thereby protecting the vulnerable children getting on and off these vehicles.

City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Jeff Platenberg Announces Retirement After 40 Years of Public Service

After a remarkable 40-year career in public education, City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Jeff Platenberg has announced his retirement, effective July 31, 2025. Platenberg made the announcement during the School Board meeting on May 5, sharing his deep reflections on a career filled with significant achievements and community impact.

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Navy’s Carderock Division and Fairfax City Economic Development Advanced Defense Innovation Through Reverse Pitch Day

City of Fairfax, VA - Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD), in partnership with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), hosted a one-of-a-kind Reverse Pitch Day focused on sensors and autonomy technologies on June 26, 2026, at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center.

Backyard Vegetable Gardening: A Guide to Growing Food

Backyard vegetable gardening is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to turn unused outdoor space into something productive, living, and deeply grounding. What begins as a few seeds in soil often becomes a long-term relationship with weather, patience, and the subtle rhythms of nature.

An Open Letter to the People of Fairfax

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Tentatively, City of Fairfax Council to Consider Resolution for School Capital Projects Tax on July 28 at Regular Meeting

CITY OF FAIRFAX, VA - The City of Fairfax is considering a resolution to request a Fairfax Circuit Court order for a special election on a 1% retail sales tax increase. Revenue would be dedicated exclusively to public school capital projects, such as school construction, facility expansions, and infrastructure upgrades.

Let it Be, Let it Be, Let it Be: It’s Our Little City, If We Can Keep It

To start, don’t change the City Charter. The Mayor-Council form of government has proven to be an effective way of balancing the needs of the community with strong leadership, when needed, from the Mayor’s chair. Unfortunately, we have already seen unfiltered partisanship and a shift from May to November elections, making City elections less about the issues and more about a party. And that’s really sad. We shouldn’t be voting based on the color of a sample ballot. Modifying the Charter, as some have suggested, will only make the situation worse.

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July sounds simple until you realize that it falls right in the middle of pool party, BBQ, and cookout season, where all plates and cups seem to come in plastic. What was once known as the most common month for plastic use, is now turning into a global reminder to rethink everyday habits, even when summer makes that harder than it sounds.

Summer Travel 2026: Americans Embrace Shorter Getaways, Bigger Adventures

Summer travel is heating up in 2026, but travelers are approaching vacations differently than in years past. While Americans remain eager to explore, rising costs, crowded airports, and limited flexibility across the travel industry are reshaping how—and where—they spend their vacation dollars.

Three Candidates Certified for Virginia Republican U.S. Senate Primary

RICHMOND, VA - The Republican Party of Virginia has certified three candidates to compete in the party's Aug. 4 primary for the U.S. Senate nomination, setting the stage for a contest that will determine who will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in the general election on Nov. 3. 

The Mayor’s Chair Is Not Broken — It Requires Leadership

Op-Ed by former City of Fairfax Mayor Rob Lederer and Mayor Steve Stombres (June 14, 2026) As former mayors of the City of Fairfax, we have followed with concern recent public discussion suggesting that the office of mayor cannot be effective under the city’s current charter. We respectfully disagree.

One Journey to Make Pride Celebrations Across Northern Virginia Within Reach

Pride Month is a celebration of courage, community, and the freedom to live authentically. It’s a time to recognize the progress that has been made toward equality, while also honoring the resilience of LGBTQ+ people whose voices, stories, and advocacy continue to make our communities stronger.

Bringing the World Home: Au Pair Program Charms Families in Northern Virginia

The au pair program, specifically through organizations like Cultural Care Au Pair, is a cultural exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding between Americans and international participants that is facilitated by the US Department of State. Unlike traditional childcare, an au pair is a vetted young adult from another country who lives with a host family, providing personalized care while engaging in a deep cultural exchange, according to Cultural Care.

City FY2027 Budget: Taxes, BPOL, Meals Tax, and the Cost of Funding Growth 

City of Fairfax, VA - The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for City of Fairfax outlines a broad financial plan that increases funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services while relying on a diversified set of revenue sources. Rather than a single large tax hike, the city spreads revenue adjustments across property taxes, business taxes, meals tax, hotel tax, and utility fees, creating a gradual but noticeable increase in overall costs for residents and businesses.