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Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday the Board of Supervisors met virtually for the first time, which I think went well (photos below). If you missed it, the meeting will be available to watch on demand here.
 April 14 Board Meeting
Small Business Microloan Fund
The Board authorized the establishment of a $2.5 million microloan fund to support small business recovery. Along with the federal SBA loans and grants, the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund and associated counseling will help our business community with needed relief. Applications will be accepted beginning April 28 and small businesses can apply for loans of up to $20,000 at 0% interest.
Principal repaid to this microloan program will be deposited into a revolving loan fund, which will continue to deliver growth capital to small businesses for the recovery period and beyond. This fund, in addition to the Federal CARES Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), is designed to help businesses weather the current restrictions and be positioned to resume operations in the future.
A crucial component of the Fairfax County microloan program is the associated small business counseling, which is part of the application process and will continue through the life of the loan. Through an existing partnership with the County, the
Community Business Partnership (CBP) will administer the program and provide this counseling. The County chose to work with this nonprofit because it is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Fairfax County and has knowledge and experience making loans to small businesses.
The microloans will be available through the CBP to "for profit" businesses with one or more commercial locations in Fairfax County, including the principal place of business. Applicants must have less than 50 employees, have been in business for 2+ years and possess a valid Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) to qualify. Loans can be used to cover working capital, equipment, rent, debt payments, and other operating expenses.
This program was created by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and is funded from the Economic Opportunity Reserve. The Board created the reserve to stimulate economic growth and make strategic economic investments.
Board of Supervisors Meeting Calendar and Upcoming Meetings
The Board approved the addition of meeting dates on April 28, 29, and 30 dedicated to budget public hearings. The Board also added a regular Board meeting on May 12 to take a final vote on the budget. These meetings will all be conducted virtually.
Developmental Approval Extensions
Both the Board and County staff have received requests from homeowners and professional organizations to extend plan and permit validity already approved by the Department of Land Development Services (LDS). The LDS Director is able to extend approvals on a case-by-case basis, but the Board can streamline this process to extend these approvals. Yesterday the Board did this by approving an ordinance extending the validity
of all expiring Director-approved items until 60 days after the Board ends the declared COVID-19 emergency. This includes director-approved plans, plats, grading permits, parking reductions, and modifications or waivers of Public Facilities Manual standards.
In addition, the County Building Official has extended all building permits expected to expire while the County is still under a state of emergency, without additional approval, until 60 days after the Board ends the declared emergency.
This ordinance and the Building Official action help LDS and its industry partners continue essential services to homeowners and the development community. The ordinance does not address preliminary subdivision plats, which are not subject to extension.
Admissions Tax
The Board held a public hearing to consider the establishment of an Admissions Tax. Following the hearing, the Board voted to reject this tax. As a result, it will not be included in the County's FY 2021 Budget.
Upcoming Virtual School Board Town Hall Meetings with Dranesville School Board Representative Elaine Tholen
Tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, and next Monday, April 20, Dranesville School Board Representative Elaine Tholen will hold open town hall meetings with At-Large Representatives, Karen Keys-Gamarra and Rachna Sizemore Heizer, respectively. Leigh Burden, Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services at FCPS will participate in the April 16 town hall as well. The town halls can be accessed through Blackboard Collaborate or by dialing in anonymously. Details on how to participate are included below.
Town Hall with Elaine Tholen, Karen Keys-Gamarra, and Leigh Burden
Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Click
here to join the session.
Call in anonymously:
- Dial-in: +1-571-392-7650
- PIN: 7886693710
Town Hall with Elaine Tholen and Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Monday, April 20, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Click
here to join the session.
Call in anonymously:
- Dial-in: +1-571-392-7650
- PIN: 5061607274
School Counselors Available
Need to speak with a counselor? Any FCPS parent may schedule a 30-minute phone consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker, for either themselves or their middle or high school student.
Consultations provide an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child's emotional well-being during their time away from school. Student consultations will provide support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions during this unprecedented and challenging time.
Parent consultations are available for all grade levels. Student consultations are only available for middle and high school students. Click here to schedule a phone consultation online.
Health Alert Toolkit
Every household in Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and the towns of Herndon and Vienna, is receiving a COVID-19 toolkit in the mail. Please open, read, and retain this document and use it as a household reference during the COVID-19 pandemic. The toolkit includes actions that each individual can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, including:
- Instructions for what to do if you are sick.
- Actions to take if you are a close contact of someone who is sick.
- Details on how to identify and talk to close contacts who are at risk for illness if you are sick.
In the video below, Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of Health for Fairfax County, explains the toolkit and how residents can use it.
COVID-19 Language Portal and Resources
Fairfax County launched a
Language Portal to highlight COVID-19 content in Fairfax County's most used non-English languages:
Fairfax County is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for coronavirus text alerts and to visit the frequently updated website listed below.
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors and do not hesitate to contact my office if we can be of assistance; email Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-356-0551.
John
John W. Foust
Dranesville District Supervisor
1437 Balls Hill Road
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-356-0551
Fax: 703-821-4275
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