December McKay Messenger

December 2018

Hello!

It is hard to believe 2018 is coming to a close. It has certainly been another busy year in Fairfax County. Since January, we have successfully completed additional pedestrian and road improvements in the Route One Corridor, increased our momentum with the Embark Comprehensive Plan Amendment, continued the revitalization of Springfield and worked towards ensuring that every person in Fairfax County has an equitable opportunity to succeed thanks to an increased presence of One Fairfax and my work on the Successful Children and Youth Policy Team ( SCYPT ).

This is one of the happiest times of the year; a time to spread holiday cheer and joy. It's a time to spend with loved ones, and I hope as 2018 comes to a close, you all are doing just that. I know my family and I are getting into the holiday spirit and as I reflect on our successes of 2018, I am even more excited to build upon them in 2019! From my family to yours, we wish you all a very Happy Holiday and joyous New Year!

Scroll Inside this issue :

BOS Meeting Recap

Legislative Update

VACO

EQAC

Equal Rights Act

Call to Serve

Hypothermia Prevention

Open House

Community Spotlight

Constituent Services :

· Animal Shelter

· Health Clinic

· Library Resources

· Mental Health Support

· Park Classes

· Pay Services

· Real Estate Values

· Register/Apply

· Recycling and Trash

· Report

· Volunteering

Board of Supervisors

Meeting Summary

Since my last newsletter, the Board of Supervisors has held a number of committee and full Board meetings. Here are a few highlights from our two board meetings:

The Board approved Urban Design Guidelines for its revitalization districts, including Route One and Springfield. These guidelines will complement each area’s comprehensive plan and provide guidance rather than regulatory “one size fits all” requirements. It’s important to be flexible and area-specific.

The Board adopted its 2019 Legislative Program for the Virginia General Assembly, which highlights the County's legislative priorities (more on that below).

The Board advertised a public hearing to reallocate unused proffer dollars received from a prior project to a Springfield branding project. This comes as part of our revitalization work and will provide money for new "Welcome to Springfield" gateway signs.

Legislative Update: 2019 Priorities

At the December 4 Board of Supervisor's meeting, we adopted our 2019 Legislative Program, setting our priorities for working with the state government for the upcoming 2019 General Assembly session.

Included in the package was a request for legislation to allow for increased funding for transportation projects, including restoring dollars taken from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) to address our gridlock challenges. We also advocated for more state K-12 education spending for our students. While we are seen as a wealthy jurisdiction, we have approximately 55,000 students on free or reduced lunch (FRM). Only four school divisions in the entire Commonwealth have more total students than just that number of free and reduced price meals (FRM). Most of our state delegation get this, but it’s something we’re committed to magnifying statewide.

The Board is also focused on funding more human service initiatives, like supporting sustainable state funding for public safety and mental health services that connect non-violent offenders experiencing mental health crises to treatment instead of the criminal justice system. We've seen much success in the way of Diversion First since its implementation in 2016 and more than 1,000 people people have been diverted from potential arrest. We hope to continue this momentum in the upcoming year.

The Board will also continue to work with the legislature and Governor Northam to push for more flexibility on how localities can generate revenue and maintain local authority and land use control. More fiscal freedom would allow us to move away from reliance on regressive real estate taxes.

The full Legislative Package is available online here .

Virginia Association of Counties

Last month, I was appointed the First Vice President of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) Executive Committee on the Board of Directors.

VACo is an association comprised of local government leaders from every county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This conference serves as an opportunity for local government officials to connect and discuss ways that we as leaders can effectively represent, promote and protect the interests of counties and better serve the people of Virginia.

At this year's conference, we focused on a wide array of subjects like the state budget, transportation, the environment, schools, and security. I was also proud to add language to VACo's Legislative Program that called for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy and removing the barriers to solar.

I look forward to further representing the people of Fairfax County on the VACo Executive Committee, and building relationships with other jurisdictions all across the Commonwealth. I believe it is so important and vital to our success to foster these relationships because it strengthens our bond with other counties, helps us work together to achieve unified legislative policies, and builds a better Virginia that works for everyone.

Environment Quality Advisory Council

Every year, the Department of Planning and Zoning's Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) releases an annual report.

This report guides Board members and county agencies; assessing environmental programs, projects, and concerns. It also serves to inform residents about this year's environmental issues and topics.

This year's 2018 Annual EQAC Report was presented to the Board at our November 20 meeting and contains key elements such as: land use, transportation, water, waste management, parks and ecological resources, and climate and energy.

To read the report in full, click here .

The Time to Act is Now!

In 1972, Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment. To this day, only 37 states have ratified that act. Virginia is not yet one of them. This must change.

I was proud to join eight of my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors on a resolution calling for the Virginia General Assembly to take action this coming session. This will ensure all residents, men and women, have equal rights under the Constitution and protection from discrimination on the basis of gender.

But, there is still more work to be done! Virginia is poised to be the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Act! With only a month left, its time to speak up let your elected state officials know why it is important to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

If you'd like to learn more about this, or how you can get involved, click here .

Boards, Authorities, and Commissions

Local government is the form of government that's closest to the people. It's where we make important decisions that impact our everyday lives and where resident input is vital to its success. That is why citizen participation is critical.

My office is currently looking to fill one vacancy, described first below, and soliciting resumes on the second item for future appointments. If you're interested in serving, please contact Brittany Choi in my office at Brittany.Choi@fairfaxcounty.gov .

Athletic Council

Purpose: The Council assists the County on the allocation, use, and management and future planning of County athletic resources.

Police Civilian Review Panel

Purpose: The Panel works to build, maintain, and enhance public trust and transparency between the Police Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the community.

Hypothermia Prevention Program

This time of year is a time for reflection, joy, and coming together as a community. As we reflect on our blessings, its also important to remember those who are less fortunate. Fairfax County's Hypothermia Prevention Program is a collaborative effort by the Fairfax County Government, faith organizations, businesses, and volunteers to serve the critical needs of those experiencing homelessness when they are subjected to the danger of cold weather. All Fairfax County emergency shelters have a "no-turn-away" policy from December 1-March 31. Click here to find out how you can help!

Annual Lee District Open House

My annual Open House will be on January 12 2019, in the Helen G. Wilson Community Room at the Franconia Governmental Center from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. I invite all residents to join myself and my staff for a chance to talk Lee District for a few hours. The Springfield Art Guild will have their artwork on display and refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend!

Community Spotlight:

Joseph W. Blackwell Jr.

Joseph W. Blackwell Jr., a long-time Fairfax County resident, has served on the Fairfax County Board of Equalization (BOE) for 13 years, most recently as its chairman since 2007.

Prior to Joe's service to Fairfax County, he served in the U.S. Army for 28 years and after his retirement from military service he began his second career with Fairfax County Government.

Throughout his time here, Joe has held several roles, including serving in the Office of Finance and the Department of Tax Administration in the Division of Personal Property and State Income and Licensing as the Assistant Director.

While it is sad to see him step away from the BOE, I know his retirement is well-deserved, and he has left us in good hands.

Thank you for subscribing to my monthly e-newsletter. I hope these updates will keep you in the loop with some of the major events in our District.

If you'd like to learn more about something in the newsletter or have an idea for a future edition, please don't hesitate to contact me or my staff.

Wishing each and everyone of you a very happy holiday and joyous new year!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey C. McKay

Lee District Supervisor

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

703-971-6262