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Government
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.
News
Real Estate Taxes are Going Up This Year
Real Estate taxes are going up. The City Manager’s proposed budget increases the real estate tax rate by $0.095 to $1.125 per $100 of assessed value. For CY 2025, the average City resident’s (assessed value of $694,503) annual real estate tax bill would raise the average annual bill by $1,126.
City
Popular Annual Financial Report
The City of Fairfax published its very first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which provides a snapshot of the city’s financial activities during fiscal...
News
Governor’s pardon of Tyson’s shooter
On Feb. 22 2023, police sergeant Wesley Shifflett shot and killed Timothy McCree Johnson in an incident that has since sparked extensive controversy and debate around the use of deadly force by law enforcement. Johnson had reportedly fled after being caught shoplifting two pairs of sunglasses from the Nordstrom inside Tysons Corner Center. Police confronted him in a poorly-lit wooded area following a short foot pursuit. After issuing two commands to get on the ground, Shifflett fired two rounds at Johnson, striking him in the chest. He was pronounced dead 44 minutes later at Fairfax Hospital.
News
Sign the Petition: Havabite’s Last Cry for Help
Havabite Eatery, a cherished family-owned restaurant in Old Town Fairfax will be closing its doors at 10416 Main Street on March 31, 2025, after 47 years of serving the community. Havabite Eatery is a staple in the Old Town Fairfax, offering homemade Greek, Italian, and American cuisines.
Government
Governor Youngkin’s 2025 Legislative Actions
Governor Glenn Youngkin has concluded his actions on the 916 bills sent to him during the 2025 General Assembly session, a process marked by both cooperation and conflict. He signed 599 bills into law, amended 159, and vetoed 157, also returning the budget with numerous amendments and item vetoes.
Community
3033 Chain Bridge Road: Fairfax BOS Approved
On March 18, 2025, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow mixed-use development on the 33-acre former AT&T site at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and Jermantown Road. The proposal includes demolishing the early-1980s office building and constructing 854 housing units along with 110,850 square feet of retail and service space.
