Hello!
2019 has officially taken off, and there is lots happening all throughout Lee District and Fairfax County.
The Board of Supervisors is preparing for the budget season. Despite all the chaos in Richmond over the past few weeks, we are continuing to work with our colleagues in Richmond throughout the duration of the General Assembly session to ensure Fairfax County's legislative priorities are heard and accomplished. While we are disappointed in our state's leadership, the good work of the County continues. If nothing else, local government stability is more important than ever.
The Board has approved several other items, including extending the list of commonly accepted pets, authorizing grant funding for mental health services, and expanding our Green initiatives and efforts.
More on all this below, including information about the unfortunate Government Shutdown, the 2020 Census, a new countywide strategic plan initiative, Prescription Take-Back Boxes, and upcoming events and opportunities in Lee District and Fairfax County.
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Scroll Inside this issue
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Board of Supervisors Recap
Government Shutdown
2020 Census
Countywide Strategic Plan
Honoring Gerry Hyland
Prescription Drug Boxes
Help Wanted
Events and Public Meetings
Community Spotlight
Constituent Services
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Board of Supervisors Recap
Even though we are still in the beginning of 2019, the Board has been busy making sure Fairfax County is off to a great start in this year! Below is a summary of what the Board has been up to so far this year. If you'd like to access full summaries of all Board Meetings click
here
.
- At our January 22 Board meeting, the Board legalized hedgehogs and lifted a rule requiring a permit to keep hermit crabs and chinchillas. All three animals have been added to the list of commonly accepted pets.
- The Board authorized the reallocation of 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 and will keep our momentum in Springfield going.
- The Board authorized the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board to accept $105,736 in grant funding for direct peer support services to paroled, jail inmates who have mental health and substance abuse disorders. The County continues to lead the country in helping people with mental health get treatment instead of incarceration.
- The Board approved two Comprehensive Plan amendments to remove a planned minor paved trail and a shared-use path through Huntley Meadows Park. These unbuilt trails (as drawn on the Huntley Meadows Park Master Plan), would have caused irreparable damage to our crown jewel park, Huntley Meadows. I called for a follow on motion to seek alternatives for better bike and pedestrian connectivity, outside of Huntley Meadows Park, which was unanimously approved as well. Staff will immediately look at these alternatives.
- Supervisor Dan Storck, Supervisor John Foust, and myself got approval of our Fairfax Green Initiatives Board Matter. This is a sweeping call to action for the County to consider additional actions to dramatically increase efforts to address climate change and environmental sustainability. The Board approved of this unanimously.
- Supervisor John Foust and I motioned to fund universal representation for our immigrant community by providing $200,000 to nonprofits like CASA and CAIR Coalition that help immigrants in deportation proceedings.
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Throughout December 2018 and into the new year, our country unfortunately experienced the longest government shutdown in history. It lasted 35 days and it left many individuals and families in our community hurting. The effects are still lingering. Because of this, I sent a memo to the County Executive requesting he identify ways that Fairfax County could help federal employees and contractors who live in our community who were affected by the government shutdown. In response to that, I’m pleased to say that the County immediately began rolling out initiatives to assist individuals and their families. This consisted of
additional food bank drives, Assistance with Child Care and Free Connector Bus Rides for furloughed federal workers (among other things).
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I was pleased to see so many members of our community step up and help out folks as well.
29 Diner partnered with many of our great local labor unions to offer free meals to those affected by the shutdown. I was glad to stop by, contribute, and say thanks when they did this. This is just one example of how local small businesses, local government, and community members came together for the greater good.
If you or your family are still reeling from the shutdown, please contact Fairfax County Government's Coordinated Services Planning. CSP
connects Fairfax County residents to county and community-based services and resources.
Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711 or click
here
to get help.
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Census 2020 and Complete Count Committee
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Every 10 years, the United States Constitution mandates a complete count of the country’s population. Census counts impact many different aspects of our lives and are extremely important for funding. On the local level, Fairfax County’s population count drives how much funding it receives from the federal government and helps the County plan for future needs.
In addition to a proper count, the data will lead to necessary federal funding for some of our most important programs and services such as public education, the National School Lunch Program, Housing Choice Vouchers, transportation projects, and infrastructure improvements. It is important that all residents participate in the U.S. Census because a low count could mean less federal investment in areas that need it most.
Because of the importance of the Census, Fairfax County started a 2020 Census Complete Count Committee. Last month, the committee had its first meeting. I and longtime Fairfax County resident and volunteer Tilly Blanding co-chair the Committee. The group of 26 community leaders, advocates, and County staff is tasked with ensuring the participation of everyone living in Fairfax County through education and public outreach; making sure all residents feel welcomed and understand the importance of the Census.
The Complete Count Committee will meet regularly as part of the upcoming 2020 Census and I look forward to continuing our work throughout this year and readying ourselves for a successful 2020 Census. More information
here
.
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Countywide Strategic Plan
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Fairfax County Government has started working on a strategic plan to set priorities for 2020 and beyond, and we want to hear from everyone in our community:
Getting involved is easy:
1. Take our short online survey
here
.
2. Consider sharing your thoughts in person at a community conversation.
3. Share the survey with friends, neighbors and co-workers!
This process will help us set unified goals across the county moving forward in 2020. Become part of this effort to shape the future together. Visit here for more information.
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South County Govt. Center to be Renamed
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At the Board's January 22 Board Meeting, we unanimously
approved the renaming of South County Government Center in honor of former Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland. I
cannot think of a better way to honor my long-time friend than to rename this important building after him. We worked alongside each other for many years, and together we were able to accomplish many great things for South County. Thank you for your service to our community, Gerry, and congratulations!
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Prescription Drug Boxes are Permanent!
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In October last year, Fairfax County hosted the Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout. Because of its huge success, as part the County's Drug Take-Back Program, Fairfax County Police Department now offers permanent drop off boxes for your unused or expired medications.
Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe way to dispose of your medications!
They have designated, labeled boxes at each local police station like the one pictured at Franconia Governmental Center. Stop by a police station nearest you! Click
here
for more information.
Drug take back programs are important because they are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies.
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Help Wanted!
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. Candidates should have experience in the public safety field (police, first responders, etc).
Health Care Advisory Board
Purpose: The Board assists
in the development of health policy and advises on health and health related issues that may impact the county’s health.
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Giving Back and Lending your Voice!
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There are a several opportunities for all of us to give back to the community and lend our voices! See the list and links below for all events and information.
Hyperthermia Prevention Program
Remember those who may be exposed to the elements during the winter months. Find out how you can help
here
.
February 15: Fairfax County's 25th Annual Black History Celebration
Join community members and government officials to celebrate Black History Month!
6:00 PM
Fairfax County Government Center Forum
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
February 16: Stuff the Bus
Help those in need get the food they need! Stop by Manchester Lakes Shoppers to donate food to benefit the Koinonia Foundation!
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Manchester Lakes Shoppers
7005 Manchester Blvd., Alexandria
February 26: ZMOD Public Hearing
Interested in learning more about Agriculture and Commercial Land Uses? Come out to the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project Public Meeting!
7:00 PM
Fairfax County Government Center
Rooms 4 & 5
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
February 27: Leadership Fairfax
Virtual Webinar 12 pm - 1 pm
Leadership Fairfax inspires, connects, develops and engages leaders to impact issues facing Fairfax County and the region. Learn more about their programs at one of these free information sessions. RSVP
here
.
March 4 & 7: Fairfax County Tax Relief Workshop
There will be a free tax relief workshop for older adults and people with disabilities at Franconia Governmental Center. Stop by to learn more.
10 AM to 1 PM
Franconia Governmental Center
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria
March 7: GrandInvolve Workshop
Interested in learning more about volunteering to help students in our community? Come out to GrandInvolve's "The Match Game" workshop!
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
John Marshall Library
6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria
March 8: Consumer Information Booth
Want to learn more about protecting yourself from fraud, scams, and identity theft? Stop by to speak with Consumer Affairs, as part of National Consumer Protection Week!
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
John Marshall Library
6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria
2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Richard Byrd Library
7520 Commerce Street, Springfield
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Community Spotlight
Meet Dr. Elizabeth Payne
. Dr. Payne is the
Director of Fairfax County Public Schools Family Life Education. She
authored the Fairfax County Public Schools anti-human trafficking education curriculum, which reaches over 100,000 Fairfax County students in grades 6-12. This curriculum educates our youth on the dangers of Human Trafficking and highlights resources and preventative measures to keep our youth safe. Her
dedication and work towards ending and preventing Human Trafficking across our region is greatly appreciated and has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, Liz, for your work!
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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 and throughout the County.
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.
Sincerely,
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Jeffrey C. McKay
Lee District Supervisor
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
703-971-6262
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