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City
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.
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.
City
The Path Forward is Clearer for the City (Op-Ed by Judy Fraser)
As the dust settles after the January 13 City Council vote that brought the long running George Snyder Trail controversy to a swift conclusion, it is hitting me what a long journey this has been. For those who are interested I thought I’d share a brief summary of its history.
Opinion
What the Customer Wanted: George Snyder Trail – Perspective from City of Fairfax Council Member Thomas D. “Tom” Peterson
As many of you know, the Fairfax City Council held two important votes Tuesday evening of this week on the disposition of the proposed George Snyder Trail. 1️⃣ The first was to proceed with a supplemental appropriation to fund the construction contract (3-3 vote with nays by Hall, McQuillen, and Peterson; motion by Hardy Chandler, FAILED). 2️⃣ The second, with City Attorney guidance, was to cancel the project (4-2 vote in favor of cancellation by Bates, Hall, McQuillen, and Peterson; motion by Peterson, PASSED).
taniah -
Opinion
I want to clarify my position regarding trails, the community survey, and the George Snyder Trail – Perspective from City of Fairfax Council Member...
Our community survey clearly showed that residents continue to want trails. I agree with that. I took the survey myself and indicated that trails are a high priority for me as well. I strongly support trails, walkability, and safe options for biking and transportation.
taniah -
Opinion
Listening, Reflecting, and Serving Fairfax City: My Vote on the George Snyder Trail Project – Perspective from City of Fairfax Council Member Rachel McQuillen
I know the decision to cancel the George Snyder Trail project has stirred strong feelings, and I want to share why I voted as I did. My decision was guided by a careful review of the project’s full history, extensive public outreach, and consideration of long-term impacts. Throughout the process, concerns from residents, particularly those living closest to the site, remained unresolved. Public feedback was overwhelmingly opposed to the project.
