Countywide

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff last Tuesday (Sept. 9) to take a six-month-long deep dive into current housing policies, hoping to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles hampering the creation of more affordable units across the community.

“This is absolutely an essential part of our economic strategy,” said Board Chairman Jeff McKay, who proposed the action. “It comes up in every conversation with the public.”


Countywide

On-time Metrobus performance declined in fiscal year 2025 from the previous two years, leading transit leaders to plan more aggressive moves to keep the buses on schedule.

“We’ll be focusing on things in our direct control,” said Jordan Holt, senior director of performance, benchmarking and customer service at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) at the Sept. 11 meeting of WMATA’s safety and operations committee.


Countywide

Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) officials see a way to avoid considering any serious budget cuts for nearly a decade, but it hinges on a big gamble: construction projects starting on schedule.

For fiscal year 2027, which will begin on July 1, 2026, the public library system is seeking its current funding of $36.5 million after the county directed all agencies stick to their existing service levels, according to a memo submitted by FCPL Director Eric Carzon to Fairfax County Department of Management and Budget Director Phil Hagen on Friday (Sept. 12).


Countywide

The number of days on the market for homes that sold across Fairfax County in August was up 50% from a year before, according to new data.

The average of 24 days between listing and ratified sales contract — up from 16 in August 2024 — is a more modest jump than what D.C.’s closer-in suburbs have seen, but it still suggests prospective buyers are taking their time.


Countywide

Ikea Considering Full-Service Restaurant in Chantilly— “The Swedish home goods retailer recently filed an application to open a full-service facility in Northern Virginia, reports say.” [Patch]

Traffic Shift for Route 29 Widening — “On Tue 9/16, 9:30a-7p, NB Rt 29 from Clifton Rd/Stringfellow Rd to Hampton Forest Way/Meadow Estates Dr will have lane closures to implement a traffic shift as part of the Route 29 Widening Project. #VaTraffic” [VDOT]


Countywide

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Sept. 9) adopted a package of new guidelines for relocating tenants when affordable apartments are slated for redevelopment, acquisition or condominium conversion.

“The overarching goal is to assist displaced tenants in moving to safe and affordable replacement housing convenient to their employment or school, while facilitating tenants’ return to preserved affordable units to the greatest extent possible,” county staff said in the report’s overview.


Around Town

For two days next month, Capital One Center in Tysons will give the arts precedence over traffic.

The mixed-use development will close its streets on Oct. 4-5 for the first-ever Celebration of the Arts, a free outdoor festival that will offer exhibits, workshops, live music, food vendors and more.


In need of pants hemming, alterations for evening wear or a quick fix on a ripped garment? Tailors across Fairfax are ready to help.

Here are the nominees for “Best Tailor in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite place below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26.

Voting for the Best Hiking Spot in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Ramen Restaurant in Fairfax. The results are now official:

  1. JINYA Ramen Bar
  2. Umai Ramen & Rice Bowl
  3. Marumen

News

Some Fairfax County School Board members hope closer collaboration with their Board of Supervisors’ counterparts will make for smoother future budget processes than was experienced earlier this year.

Fairfax County Public Schools needs to convince local elected officials and the broader community that “we are being as strategic as possible with every dollar,” Mason District School Board member Ricardy Anderson said during a school board work session on Tuesday (Sept. 9) about budget planning and communications strategies.


Around Town

While McLean awaits the arrival of a permanent downtown arts center, residents will be treated to a temporary showcase of local artists at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center.

The McLean Art Gallery is set to open behind Starbucks at 6224B Old Dominion Drive on Sept. 17, the McLean Art Society announced Monday (Sept. 8).


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