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Development
Rising Dominion Bills, Windy Knoll Farm and AI Boom Fuel Virginia Energy Debate
Beginning July 1, a typical Dominion residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month saw bills increase by about $8 because of higher fuel costs. Combined with an earlier approved base-rate increase of $8.51 per month, average monthly bills are expected to rise by nearly $19, or about 14%, in 2026.
Real story behind the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee “recommendation” Op-Ed by Kate Doyle Feingold
This year the Democratic Party of VA told county and city party committees they couldn’t endorse candidates without a primary. The City of Fairfax dem committee decided to “recommend” instead. The practical difference is probably nothing, but there are some key points to note. The city dem committee had a questionnaire on their website for individuals interested in party endorsement or support, and a handful of candidates responded to that questionnaire: Anthony Amos, Sandra Slappey Brown, Maria Padmore, and Kelly O’Brien. They all ended up on the recommendation list - along with Kirsten Lockhart. Everyone who asked for endorsement or recommendation from the city dem committee received it. The endorsement committee for the city dems is tiny (4 people including the chair & chair’s husband).
Three Constitutional Amendments to Appear on Virginia Ballot This November
Fairfax, VA - When Virginians head to the polls this November, they will vote not only for candidates seeking federal, state, and local office, but also on three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. The measures address reproductive freedom, marriage rights, and voting rights for individuals with felony convictions.
In Memoriam: Janet Howell, a Force for Northern Virginia
Former State Senator Janet Howell was a force to be reckoned with. For 32 years in the Virginia Senate, the Reston Democrat fought against injustice, championed Northern Virginia and helped shape policies affecting residents across the Commonwealth
City
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.
America
How a Massive Data Center Proposal Collapsed in Court
For several years, Prince William County sat at the center of one of the most consequential land-use debates in Virginia’s recent history. At stake was the proposed Digital Gateway, a large-scale data center project planned near Manassas National Battlefield Park that would have included dozens of buildings spread across more than 2,000 acres.
Community
Fairfax Students Share Vision for Northfax and Courthouse Plaza Development
City of Fairfax, VA - At the March 9 City of Fairfax Planning Commission meeting, a group of creative and ambitious students from Katherine Johnson Middle School stepped forward to share their ideas for the future of two key areas in the city: Northfax and Courthouse Plaza. Their presentation, which was part of a public meeting, gave young residents a rare opportunity to speak directly to city planners, local officials, and community members about how they want their city to evolve.
Development
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center Discussions
Residents in Fairfax City have been hearing a lot about the proposed Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center (WSHCC) project discussed at recent meetings, and one number in particular keeps coming up: an estimated $1.7 million annual operating cost to the city once the project is fully implemented. While the proposal’s goals include improving services and responding to community needs, many residents are understandably asking what that figure could mean for their own property tax bills and for the city’s long-term finances. This is especially important because the WSHCC is only one of four projects with the potential to increase real estate taxes substantially.
City
The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center: A Nice-to-Have Project?
After the Council’s vote to increase the real estate tax rate to $1.055 last spring, many residents are taking a more critical look at which recommended capital improvements are “nice-to-have” projects, such as the extensive recreational component of the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, and which are “must-have” projects, such as replacing the high school roof and renovating the elementary schools.
Opinion
The Neighborhood Renaissance Program – a Win-Win for Fairfax City
Fairfax City is a special place to live and prides itself on a long history of neighbors
helping neighbors. A great example of this is the Neighborhood Renaissance Program
administered by the Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corporation (FRHC). This creative program
adds incredible value to residents, neighborhoods and Fairfax City. It is essential that this
unique home improvement and neighborhood revitalization program be funded by the City
Council.
