Fairfax City News: April 17

City of Fairfax, Virginia sent this bulletin at 04/17/2025 07:00 PM EDT

City Clips - April 17

Anita Light Named 2025 Woman of Influence

The City of Fairfax Commission for Women awarded the 2025 Women of Influence Award to Anita Light during a ceremony on April 8.

Light is deeply involved in the Fairfax Village in the City, chairing the village’s advisory board and overseeing the establishment of its bylaws and strategic plan. Currently serving on the city’s Human Services Committee and providing volunteer services to village members, she helps plan the annual Home For Life Expo, featuring services and programs to aid in independent living for older adults.

The commission inaugurated the award in 2020 to recognize outstanding Fairfax City women who have significantly impacted the lives of city residents.

Learn more.

Josh Alexander Wins John Mason Arts Achievement Award

Josh Alexander, owner of Mackenzie’s Tunes and Tonics, received the John Mason Arts Achievement Award at a ceremony and champagne reception held April 11 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center.

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.

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.

(Pictured above: Josh Alexander with Yolanda Ortiz, vice chair of the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts)

Spotlight on the Arts Starts April 25

Attend the opening reception “Stage Door Canteen” at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25, at the Sherwood Center. We will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the USO – an organization created to boost morale of service members at home and abroad! Purchase tickets ($50) online.

Deadline to Appeal Assessed Value of Real Estate Extended to May 2

City of Fairfax property owners have an additional 30 days to file an administrative review of their real estate’s assessed value. The new deadline to file an appeal with the City of Fairfax Real Estate Assessment Office is May 2.

Completed applications may be submitted via email to realestate@fairfaxva.gov or delivered to the Office of Real Estate Assessments at 10455 Armstrong St., Room 238, Fairfax.

Find Your Next Star Employee at the Just In Time Job Fair

Are you looking to hire for internship, part-time, or full-time positions? George Mason University’s Career Services is hosting the 2025 Just In Time Job Fair on May 19.

Employers will have access to well-qualified applicants. George Mason students and alumni are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and in-demand technical and transferrable skills. Employers are required to register for the event. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/yu5dz5xc.

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

Make the Switch to Solar with Solarize Virginia

Solarize Virginia makes solar power more accessible and affordable for homeowners across the city. In partnership with the Local Energy Alliance Program, Fairfax City encourages residents to gain the knowledge needed to make the switch to solar.

Solarize Virginia is a key initiative of LEAP to help homeowners lower their energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a cleaner environment. The program has already helped more than 1,533 Virginia homeowners transition to solar energy.

Homeowners and businesses interested in joining Solarize Virginia can sign up for a free solar satellite assessment and access discounted rates until July 15. LEAP offers ongoing support throughout the process to ensure a seamless experience, from the initial consultation to installation.

Residents can participate in an in-person solar satellite assessment at Fairfax HisTree Day, an Earth Day event to be held at Historic Blenheim from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26. Historic Blenheim is located at 3610 Blenheim Blvd.

For more information on how to sign up for Solarize Virginia or to attend one of the free, informative webinars on April 23, May 20, and June 2, please visit the Solarize NOVA webpage on the city website.

Attend Fairfax HisTree Day at Historic Blenheim, April 26

Experience living history and enjoy Earth Day activities.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

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.

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.
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.
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.

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.

For questions regarding any of the event opportunities, email chloe.ritter@fairfaxva.gov.

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 7 p.m. April 22. View the agenda (subject to change). The work session starts at 4:30 p.m.

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.

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.