Explore more Articles in
Council
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
Council
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).
Election
An Open Letter to the People of Fairfax
This page contains sponsored content. PetersonTINPAugustEditionAdDownload
Budget
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.
City Fun
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.
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 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.
