Jeff McKay | FFXnow

Pandemic-inspired ‘Circles of Memory’ memorial unveiled in Fairfax

Published September 24, 2026 at 3:45PM

The new “Circles of Memory” memorial near the Herrity Building. (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Fairfax County marked the installation of its newest public artwork, conceived several years ago as a way to honor local residents lost to COVID-19, with a ceremony attended by a small crowd of people yesterday (Sept. 23).

“Circles of Memory,” located near the county’s Herrity Building and Public Safety Headquarters in Fairfax, was envisioned as a way to memorialize local people lost in the pandemic; in 2024, according to county zoning records, its purpose was expanded to also provide an area of “respite, reflection and remembrance in support of the mental health well-being” of the public and first responders.

Around Town

Reston Multicultural Festival returns this weekend for 25th anniversary

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published September 18, 2026 at 2:45PM

The Reston Multicultural Center (Courtesy Reston Community Center)

Thousands are expected to gather at Reston Town Center this weekend for the Reston Multicultural Festival, which will celebrate its 25th year of making connections across cultures.

The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow (Sept. 19), will include dancing and music at three stages, artisan vendors, and community organizations. Pop-up performances are also planned throughout the day.

News

Fairfax chairman advises neighbor locality to think carefully about governance changes

By Scott McCaffrey

Published September 16, 2026 at 10:00AM

Board Chair Jeff McKay (screenshot via Fairfax County)

Jeff McKay has some neighborly advice for a next-door locality considering changing its governance structure.

“There is no perfect model. There are nuances to every one of these structures,” the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair said at a Sept. 9 forum.

News

On 25th anniversary of 9/11, Fairfax leaders keep memories alive for new generation

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 11, 2026 at 2:45PM

Firefighters fly a flag for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 near the Fairfax County Government Center on Sept. 11, 2026 (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Both the past and the future were on the minds of elected officials and public safety leaders, as they gathered at the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters this morning (Friday) to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

During the approximately 40-minute ceremony, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Deputy Fire Chief Bill Betz led two moments of silence for those lost as a result of the attacks.

Countywide

McKay, other regional leaders say streamlining bureaucracy will boost economic growth

By Scott McCaffrey

Published August 31, 2026 at 1:45PM

Fairfax Board Chair Jeff McKay acknowledges applause at the Elected Leaders Summit (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

The Fairfax County government and others across the region are working to reduce bureaucratic regulations in an effort to help businesses thrive, local leaders said at an Aug. 26 forum.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay used the 11th annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit to say area governments must acknowledge concerns of the business community.

Countywide

N. Va. political leaders scramble to meet evolving public sentiment on data centers

By Scott McCaffrey

Published August 28, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated August 28, 2026 at 9:32AM

An Amazon data center in Sterling, seen from Route 28 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Politicians are scrambling nationally to address growing public concern over data centers, and in Northern Virginia, where many local elected leaders will be on the ballot in 2027, the issue is proving a delicate balancing act.

Fairfax County residents expect “fair rules of engagement” when it comes to addressing the impacts of data centers, Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay said at the 11th annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit, held on Wednesday (Aug. 26) in Arlington.

Countywide

Fairfax County’s discontinuation of high school crossing guards draws criticism

By Mary Stachyra Lopez and Angela Woolsey

Published August 26, 2026 at 10:00AM | Updated September 2, 2026 at 1:03PM

Students from Rocky Run Middle School cross Stringfellow Road in front of Chantilly High School just before the school's dismissal time on the first day of school. (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

As many Fairfax County high school students drive or walk to school this fall, they’re arriving at a building without a dedicated crossing guard — and, only a few days into the new academic year, several elected officials say that absence is already creating problems.

This past spring, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors eliminated funding for crossing guards at all public high schools, a move that was expected to save the county about $1.89 million in police staffing costs.

Countywide

Herrity’s resolution on Christian heritage again rebuffed by Board colleagues

By Scott McCaffrey

Published July 17, 2026 at 1:45PM

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity (screenshot via Fairfax County)

Democratic members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors again blocked efforts on Tuesday (July 14) by Springfield District’s Pat Herrity to designate an autumn day as “Church Heritage Recognition Day.”

Herrity, the 10-member body’s lone Republican, failed to get the necessary seconding motion required to take up consideration of his proposal to recognize Nov. 21 as Fairfax County Church Heritage Recognition Day, which he has unsuccessfully championed for several years.

News

McKay: Route 1 BRT remains on track despite less-than-requested regional funding

By Scott McCaffrey

Published July 14, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated July 14, 2026 at 11:55AM

Residents attend an in-person update on the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project at the Gerry South Hyland Government Center on Jan. 15, 2025 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County will receive less regional funding than desired for its planned Richmond Highway (Route 1) Bus Rapid Transit system, but a top elected official says that won’t derail the nearly billion-dollar effort.

The county government submitted a request for $463 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) to support the proposal.

News

Fairfax County seeks review of strategies for luring conference center to Tysons

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 30, 2026 at 1:45PM

Drivers on I-495 pass the Tysons skyline at night (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County leaders are ready to drill down on what it would take to establish a conference center in Tysons.

At Chairman Jeff McKay’s request, the Board of Supervisors directed County Executive Bryan Hill and his staff on June 23 to work with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Visit Fairfax and other groups “to determine the feasibility of pursuing a conference center in Tysons.”