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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.
Celebrate
Inauguration of the 75th Governor
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - The Inauguration of the 75th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
City
City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election
On January 13, 2026, City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read announced that she will not seek re-election this year, ending her bid for a third term. The announcement came abruptly at the end of a public hearing which cancelled the continuance of the George Snyder Trail by a 4 - 2 vote by council members related to the funding of the trail.
Community
Fairfax Federation Crisis Escalates Amid Conflicting Claims of Authority, Discrimination, and Bylaw Compliance
A leadership dispute within the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations (“Federation”) has escalated into a significant governance controversy, marked by contested board actions, emergency special meetings, disputed communications, and sharply conflicting accounts regarding the legality and legitimacy of the removal of the Federation’s President.
Latest
Our Libraries Need Our Voices and Support
One-time infusions of money are no longer sufficient. To bring FCPL’s collection budget in line with comparable library systems, FCPL is requesting an increase of $8–$11 million over the next five years to permanently raise the base budget. This investment would benefit students, job seekers, families, seniors, and lifelong learners throughout Fairfax County.
Council
City Council Cancels George Snyder Trail in 4–2 Vote
The Fairfax City Council voted 4–2 to cancel the proposed George Snyder Trail, ending plans for the long-debated shared-use path. Supporters of the project said the trail would have improved pedestrian and bicycle access and strengthened connections between neighborhoods. Opponents raised concerns about cost, environmental impact, and tree loss along the proposed route.
Election
Gretchen Bulova Wins 11th Goes To Richmond
Gretchen Bulova was elected on January 13, 2026 to represent the 11th House District in the Virginia General Assembly. She secured 68.79% of the vote against Republican Adam Wise. Wise previously ran against Delegate David Bulova in the November 4, 2025 General Election but did not win by over 15,000 votes.