Kathleen Murphy

EXCLUSIVE: Spurred by Tysons casino fight, new advocacy group wants to put money behind local voices

Published June 2, 2026 at 10:00AM | Updated June 2, 2026 at 11:18AM

A Fairfax County flag flies slightly higher than Virginia and U.S. flags outside the Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The now-annual battle over whether Fairfax County should have a casino is over for 2026, but as some local elected officials and community leaders see it, a larger tug-of-war with the state for control over development decisions has begun.

Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, former state Del. Kathleen Murphy, and other Fairfax County advocates have launched a nonprofit called Communities First VA that’s dedicated to protecting the authority of local government and giving residents “a stronger voice in decisions that shape their communities,” according to a press release shared first with FFXnow.

Fairfax County’s 2023 delegate races hint at battles between Democratic incumbents

By Matt Blitz

Published December 22, 2022 at 3:00PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 12:31PM

The Virginia State Capitol building (file photo)

Seven incumbent delegates have confirmed to FFXnow that they are gearing up to run in 2023, the first election since redistricting.

With all 100 Virginia House of Delegate seats up for a vote next November, a number of incumbents representing parts of Fairfax County — all Democrats — have started making plans to run for reelection in the recently redrawn districts, including:

McLean residents affected by I-495 widening push for possible legislative action

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 21, 2022 at 3:00PM

Trees along Live Oak Drive in McLean have been cut down so the Beltway can be widened (photo by April Georgelas)

The project to extend the I-495 Express Lanes north toward the American Legion Bridge has been under construction for half a year now, but some McLean residents remain as determined as ever to fight the Beltway’s encroachment into their neighborhoods.

Residents along Live Oak Drive in particular have consistently argued that they will face the most disruptions from the I-495 Northern Extension (495 NEXT) without getting the congestion relief benefits touted by the Virginia Department of Transportation.