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Community
Fairfax Residents Raise Concerns Over $67 Billion Dominion-NextEra Merger
A proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy drew residents, elected officials, business representatives and energy advocates to the Fairfax County Government Center on October 9, as Virginia regulators gathered public testimony on a transaction that could reshape the state's electricity industry. At a rally before the hearing, the Stop NextEra Coalition argued that the merger is driven by control over AI data center connections. With 70,000 megawatts in data center requests pending with Dominion, the coalition warned that an out-of-state entity like NextEra could dictate grid access and dismantle Virginia's ratepayer protections.
County Involvement In City Elections
At this time when the county Democratic party is actively engaging in our election it's time to look at what being an independent city really means During the early 50 and 60s Northern Virginia was involved in a scramble for territory. Alexandria and Falls Church were attempting to take land from Fairfax County. Fairfax county’s plan was to turn the entire county into a massive city. This would have frozen the counties borders and stopped any attempt by other jurisdictions too claim county territory. John C Wood had grave concerns about the future of the Town of Fairfax.
Jessica L. Lough: Candidate for City Council
I'm running for City Council because I believe Fairfax deserves Council members who will listen to them, work respectfully with others, and make decisions based on facts. My goal is to protect what makes Fairfax special while preparing us for a strong and sustainable future. I bring a mix of executive leadership, financial discipline, and a pragmatic approach to solving problems. Whether we are discussing development, transportation, housing, or the city budget, my approach is simple: look at the facts, talk with residents and business owners early, and focus on outcomes that benefit our community. Listening is only step one. The valuable work is taking what you hear, pairing it with real data, and integrating it to make win-win solutions. Public input can often feel like a box-checking exercise after a decision is already made- I want residents to know their feedback shapes the final outcome.
Development
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center Discussions https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/willard-sherwood-health-and-community-center-discussions/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/comment-on-willard-sherwood-project/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/affordable-housing-is-a-frequent-rallying-cry-among-our-leaders/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/public-hearing-on-willard-sherwood-sept-30th/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/the-willard-sherwood-health-and-community-center-a-nice-to-have-project/
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.
Development
Comment on Willard-Sherwood project
I was so excited to learn the details of the new Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting. When I was on the Green Acres Feasibility Study Committee in 2015, I never thought it would be possible to have a comprehensive community center at the Willard site on Blenheim Boulevard, which is near Old Town Fairfax, the public library, Van Dyck Park, the police station, three schools, and, most importantly, public transportation.
Government
Virginia General Assembly Advances Cannabis Retail Framework
The Virginia General Assembly has taken a major step toward establishing a regulated adult-use cannabis marketplace, passing companion bills that outline how legal retail sales would operate across the Commonwealth.
Sports
TJHSST Makes History in Virginia Athletics
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is kicking off the 2026 season with a groundbreaking milestone — one that will echo far beyond the scoreboard. For the first time in Virginia history, a school has appointed female head coaches to lead both its varsity football and varsity baseball programs. TJHSST isn’t just competing — it’s changing the game.
