Celebrate with the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts!
Each year since 2001, the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts has presented the John Mason Arts Achievement Award to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the development of the arts in the city during the previous year. This year’s winner is Josh Alexander, owner of Mackenzie’s Tunes and Tonics.
Alexander opened Mackenzie’s in June 2023 and has contributed more than $100,000 to local artists and musicians. He is a proud graduate of George Mason University and serves as chair of Old Town Business Association, chair of the Police Chief’s Advisory Council, and treasurer of the Independence Day Celebration Committee.
An award ceremony and champagne reception will be held Friday, April 11, at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center following the conclusion of a performance by Bobby J and The Hot Lanes featuring special guest vocalist Kristen Lee Sergeant. The Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series concert begins at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Sherwood Center is located at 3740 Blenheim Blvd.
Another highlight of the evening will be the presentation of awards to the winners of the Language Arts 123 writing competition. This year’s topic was conflict resolution. Writers in four age groups – elementary school, middle school, high school, and adult – submitted essays and short stories about resolving conflicts amicably.
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Council Reporter for the April 8 Meeting
 Pictured from left to right: Mayor Catherine Read and City Councilmembers Anthony Amos, Billy Bates, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, and Thomas Peterson.
The Council Reporter for the April 8 meeting includes video segments linked to agenda items. View the Reporter. A summary is provided below.
Presentations and Proclamations
- Mayor Catherine Read presented a proclamation acknowledging April 6-12 as National Library Week in the City of Fairfax and a proclamation acknowledging the 40th year of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts.
Public Hearings
- The city council approved special use permits to allow the continued use of temporary modular classrooms at Providence Elementary School and Fairfax High School. (Approved unanimously)
- A public hearing on the proposed FY 2026 budget was held. (No council action.)
Consent Agenda
- The city council approved the appointments to the city’s boards and commissions. See the list on page 2.
- The city council approved the introduction of an ordinance amending and readopting Chapter 90 of the City Code, pertaining to property zoned for commercial and industrial purposes, and to establish the 2025 tax rate at $0.125 per $100 of assessed valuation (no change from 2024 tax year). The rate would be applicable to all affected real property as of Jan. 1, 2025. Revenue from which would be used exclusively for transportation purposes that benefit the city. The public hearing will be held April 22.
- The city council approved the introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 102 of the City Code to increase the wastewater utility rate by 6.0% percent for FY 2026. The public hearing will be held April 22. (Opposed: Hall, McQuillen)
- The city council introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 102 of the City Code to set the rate for stormwater utility service furnished by the city at $34.30 per billing unit, a 6% increase. The public hearing will be held April 22. (Opposed: Hall, McQuillen, Peterson)
- The city council approved the introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 90 of the City Code pertaining to the levy and amount of tax on meals. A 2% increase is proposed. The public hearing will be held April 22. (Opposed: Hall, McQuillen, Peterson)
Work Session
- Discussed the proposed FY 2026 budget.
A city council meeting is slated for April 22. View the agenda (subject to change).
Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in City Hall. Watch meetings live on Channel 12 (COX/Verizon) and online, or catch a replay at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Get Your Taxes Done for Free Before April 15
Did your household make less than $67,000 in 2024? You could benefit from free tax preparation services with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, open until April 15.
Visit one of five locations across Fairfax County to get trained volunteer assistance maximizing your return and tax credits. Watch our video chatting with VITA staff and volunteers about how the program supports you this tax season.
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Volunteer to Help Make Bike Month Successful
Join the City of Fairfax in promoting Bike Month! Students and community members are invited to sign up for one or more of the volunteer opportunities below.
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Flexible Days/Times Between April 15 and May 10 -- Bike Month Flyer Distribution. Get the word out about the city’s Bike Month events. Volunteers will be asked to pick up flyers at City Hall and deliver them to local establishments.
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Saturday, May 10, 9:30 a.m. -- Resident Ride at Old Town Square. Help facilitate our community bike ride. Volunteers will make sure no one gets separated from the group.
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Thursday, May 15, 5-10 a.m. -- Bike to Work Day at Old Town Square. Staff our ‘pit stop party’ and help set up tables, sign people in, give away treats, work our helmet exchange table, and break down the tables at the end of the event.
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Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. -- Kids Safety Day Traffic Garden at City Hall. Support our pop-up traffic garden where kids can practice biking and walking safety on a miniature road network.
Sign up HERE or visit the city’s Bike Month page for more information about these events.
For questions regarding any of the event opportunities, email chloe.ritter@fairfaxva.gov.
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Your Best Tree Photo Could Win You A $50 Flex Card
 As part of the Urban Forest Master Plan, the city’s urban forestry team is holding a photo contest through May 31. Categories include “Life in the Urban Forest,” “Beautiful Trees,” “Trees and Wildlife,” and “Treescapes.” Photographers of all skills and ages are encouraged to participate. For full contest rules, photo categories, and to submit your photos, visit fairfaxva.gov/trees.
Participate in the Potomac Watershed Cleanup
The Friends of Accotink Creek is organizing cleanup locations in Fairfax City.
April 19
- 9-11 a.m. Accotink Creek at Pickett Road bridge
May 10
- 9-11 a.m. Accotink Creek at Fairfax Boulevard bridge
- Noon-2 p.m. Accotink Creek at Chain Bridge Road
- 3-5 p.m. Accotink Creek at Blenheim Boulevard bridge
Sign up to help clean up!
Learn About Our City in the 2025 Fact Book
The Community Development and Planning Department has published the 2025 Fact Book. The Fact Book provides users with maps and analyses regarding the city's population, neighborhoods, housing, transportation network, economic vitality, environment and sustainability, and community services.
Explore the Fact Book to learn more about the city!
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