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Savi Mamgain
Budget
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.
Budget
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.
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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.
Community
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
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.
School
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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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.
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.
Fairfax High School Sophomore steps on the World Stage this Summer
Drum Corps International (DCI), often described as the “Major League of Marching Band,” will welcome Fairfax High School sophomore Mickey Johnson to its World Class ranks this summer. Mickey has been selected to perform as a baritone player with Music City, a DCI World Class corps based in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 season.
A Labor of Love and Legacy: Val Morgan Honors City of Fairfax Veterans
On Memorial Day it isn't only flowers blooming in the City of Fairfax. On that day each year, the city's historic cemetery sprouts hundreds of American flags, each marking the grave of a veteran. Some might think that the city pays someone to place flags, or that...
Fairfax City Budget Hearing Highlights Proposed Tax Increases and Spending Priorities
City officials have introduced a proposed FY2027 budget of approximately $207.5 million, representing about a 4.5% increase over the current year. The proposal is driven largely by rising costs in education, debt service, and employee compensation.
Tigers, Burning Bright at Gandhi Memorial Center, Bethesda
Photographer Kunal Krishan Singh, whose photographic exhibition “Tigers of Ranthambhore” is currently on display at the Gandhi Memorial Center in Bethesda, clearly approaches the tigers which are the focus of his photography from a poetic view.
Commanders Camp for Kids: A Summer of Football, Fun, and Team Spirit
This summer, the Commanders Camp for Kids offers young athletes in the D.C. area an exciting, non-competitive youth football experience inspired by the Washington Commanders. The camp, hosted in the greater D.C. region (including Northern Virginia), is instructional, blending skill development and physical activity with an emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in a supportive, pressure-free environment.
City Ratifies Partnership with County: Approves $127.2M for Willard-Sherwood
FAIRFAX CITY, Va. — In a unanimous vote on April 28, the Fairfax City Council approved a partnership with Fairfax County to advance the long-planned Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, a major joint investment designed to expand access to health services, recreation, and community programming.
Fairfax County Approves FY 2027 Budget: Lower Tax Rate Offers Limited Relief as Costs Rise
Fairfax County, VA — After months of deliberation, public hearings, and revisions, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has officially approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, setting the county’s financial course for the year ahead while highlighting the ongoing tension between rising costs and taxpayer impact. The adopted...
Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call
The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.