Local governments like Fairfax County can expect “increased costs, decreased federal support and decreased local autonomy” as the Trump administration works to further implement its agenda in 2026.
That was the analysis of Mark Ritacco, chief government-affairs officer of the National Association of Counties (NACo), who was among those laying out expectations for the coming year to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors yesterday (Tuesday) morning.
Dulles International Airport has emerged as the latest target of President Donald Trump’s bid to remake the architecture of the nation’s capital.
Even as the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) pursues billions of dollars in capital projects, including a new concourse slated to open next fall, the U.S. Department of Transportation began soliciting proposals yesterday (Tuesday) from developers, architects and engineers to redesign airport just outside Fairfax County.
Miyares Sides with Feds in FCPS Funding Lawsuit — “Outgoing Attorney General Jason Miyares and other Republican officials jointly filed a brief last Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education was right to label APS and Fairfax County Public Schools as ‘high risk’ and place restrictions on their funding” based on their policies supporting transgender students. [ARLnow]
Stronger Stance on Casino Proposed — “For the first time since news of the controversial Tysons casino project became public in January 2023, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will consider adding language to its draft 2026 Legislative Program to oppose legislation that would pave the way for the project to move forward.” The amendment will be proposed by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn. [Patch]
Warner Launches Reelection Bid — Virginia Sen. Mark Warner officially announced yesterday (Tuesday) that he’s running for reelection in the 2026 Congressional midterms. In a video announcing his campaign for a fourth term, “Warner shared concerns about artificial intelligence’s potential impact on the job market and general affordability, including grocery prices, housing and energy costs.” [WTOP]
Republican Challenges Beyer — “Luke Nathan Phillips, a freelance tour guide, is running as a Republican against Rep. Don Beyer in Virginia’s 8th congressional district. In launching his campaign on Dec. 1, Phillips said his main priority is protecting the National Park System and other public lands.” He will compete against Vienna resident and former CIA agent Anthony “Tony” Sabio for the GOP nomination in a June primary. [Annandale Today]
Teen Arrested for Stolen Gun — “On November 28, at 6:42 p.m., detectives were alerted to a larceny in the 1900 block of Chain Bridge Road in Tysons. Our officers learned that Loss Prevention officers had observed the suspect concealing items and left the [store] before being apprehended.” The 18-year-old from D.C. has been charged with possessing a gun that was reported stolen from Prince George’s County, larceny and other offenses. [FCPD]
Cause of Kings Park West House Fire Found — “On Monday, December 1, around 5:15 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) responded to reports of a house fire in the 4700 block of Twinbrook Road … Fire investigators with FCFRD’s Office of the Fire Marshal determined the fire originated in the discarded construction material at the rear of the structure. The fire was accidental and caused by improperly discarded smoking material. Damages are estimated at $108,600.” [FCFRD]
CUE Bus Stop Temporarily Moves — “The CUE Bus stop at Fairfax Boulevard and Campbell Avenue (Green 2, stop #8) will be unavailable during construction of the Beacon Landing housing development, which is scheduled to begin the week of Dec. 1. Westbound riders should use the bus stop located at Fairfax Boulevard and Spring Street.” [Fairfax City]
Metrobus Introduces Digital Signage — “Innovation is the name of the game! Check out our new digital bus sign (the first in the nation!) rolling out as part of a new pilot program. For now, you’ll only see this sign on one bus, but it offers a glimpse into the future of external communication & advertising on Metro.” [WMATA/Bluesky]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 42 degrees, with northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph turning light from the west in the afternoon, and gusts possibly reaching 21 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 28 degrees and calm winds. [NWS]
“One account, one experience” is the mantra adopted by Fairfax County government officials who have begun the complicated process of merging a variety of online customer payment portals into a single customer-friendly site.
The ultimate goal is to provide a “seamlessly interactive” experience for county residents and business owners, requiring only a single login password that will span multiple services, from paying vehicle taxes to renewing a dog license.
Long plagued by personnel issues, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is seeing an unsustainable trajectory of staff turnover — one that staff says demands the immediate attention of lawmakers.
Covid-era initiatives that were once expected to be temporary have become permanent, but only out of necessity, three staffers told a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors committee last week.
Fairfax County won’t be able to meet its goal of electrifying its vehicle fleet by 2035.
County officials told the Board of Supervisors’ environmental committee last week (Nov. 25) that the goal is unattainable because fully electric alternatives to all the county’s vehicles aren’t available.
Watch Out for Wintery Weather — “As snow makes its way across Virginia early this week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants drivers to keep their guards up for slick roads and to check road conditions before doing any driving, especially during the Tuesday morning commute.” [Press release]
Sales Tax to Fund School Projects Proposed — “For years a bipartisan coalition at the Virginia legislature has sought to empower localities to offer a new sales tax to cover the cost of local school construction. Governor Glenn Youngkin repeatedly vetoed the effort, but those involved have promised to bring it back and Governor Elect Abigail Spanberger is on board.” [WVTF]
Man Arrested for Displaying Knife — Fairfax City police arrested a man yesterday (Monday) after he reportedly displayed a knife while in a business in the 3900 block of Pickett Road and threatened employees. The man was taken into custody “without incident,” and no injuries were reported. [Fairfax City Police/X]
House Fire Extinguished in Kings Park West — Fairfax County firefighters responded early in the evening yesterday to “a house fire in the 4700 block of Twinbrook Rd in the Kings Park West area. Units arrived to find smoke and fire showing from the rear of the home. The fire is under control. No civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are on scene.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Ghost Kitchen Coming to Reston — “A new takeout restaurant called Roadhouse is headed to Reston and it will specialize in burgers, wings, and greens.” The team behind the concept hopes to begin operating out of the kitchen at Open Road in Reston Town Center on Jan. 5. [The Burn]
Hershey Eyes Tysons Pop-Up — “Something sweet is popping up soon in Tysons Corner Center. Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, an interactive pop-up experience, recently filed permits to open in the mall, Washington Business Journal reports.” Permits suggest that the pop-up, which made its debut in Chicago last year, will be located on the mall’s first floor next to Macy’s. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Volunteers Plant Native Garden in Annandale — “Volunteers spent hours this past weekend creating a native plant garden on Columbia Pike in front of the ACCA Child Development Center. The garden is the first project in the ‘Greening the Greenway’ pilot program, which is aimed at enhancing the Annandale Greenway, a five-mile trail between Annandale Community Park and Green Spring Gardens.” [Annandale Today]
Va. Wildlife at Risk of Reduced Protections — “The Shenandoah salamander, northern long-eared bat and the rusty patch bumble bee are among the many animals on the federal endangered species list that live in Virginia and could be impacted by proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act by the Trump administration.” [Virginia Mercury]
New Legal Notice — Annual 2026-2027 PHA plan available; hearing January 27, 2026. [Public Notices]
It’s Tuesday — Rain mixed with sleet is expected until 2 pm, followed by a chance of rain between 2 pm and 4 pm, with highs near 40°F. Light and variable winds will turn northwest at 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Precipitation is guaranteed, but sleet accumulation will be minimal. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with lows around 28°F and northwest winds at 10 to 13 mph. [NWS]
After months of hearings and study, the legislature’s Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales is poised to roll out a final proposal Tuesday that would launch a legal, regulated adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia — potentially ending five years of economic and legal uncertainty since the commonwealth legalized possession and cultivation in 2021.
The latest version — sponsored by Commission Chair Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, in the House of Delegates and Sens. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, in the Senate — scraps the controversial local-opt-out clause, increases local taxing authority and builds a licensing regime designed to privilege small, independent, Virginia-based businesses over large medical-marijuana operators.
Fairfax County officials say they will be ready when the first installment of the new prepared meals tax comes due in early 2026.
“We are on track — prepared and ready to go,” Robert Barr, division director for revenue systems at the county’s Department of Information Technology, told the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at a Nov. 25 meeting of its Information Technology Committee.
Pedestrians can now walk directly from Merrifield to Fairfax Circle, or vice versa, along Route 50 (Arlington Blvd) without having to cross or step into the busy roadway.
The final piece of a multi-year initiative to improve the pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure on a 1.5-mile stretch of Route 50 between Blake Lane and Prosperity Avenue was completed last month, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation announced.
