Virginia government

Published April 17, 2026 at 3:45PM

Piney Branch Stream near the Freeman House in Vienna, seen on April 11, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The drought conditions plaguing parts of Virginia, including Fairfax County, since last fall are officially the worst the state has experienced in almost 20 years.

Yesterday (Thursday), the U.S. Drought Monitor classified over 60% of Virginia as being in a severe drought based on data collected through Tuesday (April 14). That’s the most widespread drought seen in the state since October 2007, surpassing levels recorded during previous droughts in 2008, 2010, 2023 and 2024, according to Fairfax County.

Countywide

Drought warning issued for Fairfax County amid dry winter

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 14, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated January 14, 2026 at 1:03PM

Virginia drought indicators, as of Jan. 13, 2026 (via Virginia Department of Environmental Quality)

A drought watch in place across Northern and Central Virginia since November has now escalated into a warning.

With limited rain and snowfall in recent weeks resulting in dry conditions, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a drought warning advisory yesterday (Tuesday) for Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County and Fairfax City, as well as Roanoke River and the Shenandoah region.

Countywide

Residents urge Fairfax’s state legislators to ‘seize the moment’ in 2026 session

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 13, 2026 at 2:45PM

Elizabeth Lower-Basch speaks to legislators (screenshot via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly heads to Richmond this week with plenty of requests from constituents.

Nearly 100 of them descended on the Fairfax County Government Center Saturday morning (Jan. 10) to make their case on issues ranging from social services to economic development.

Countywide

Fairfax Community Services Board head to lead Virginia’s behavioral health department

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 7, 2026 at 10:00AM | Updated January 7, 2026 at 10:37AM

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Executive Director Daryl Washington has been appointed commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (courtesy Fairfax County)

Fairfax County will soon have a void to fill at the agency that provides its behavioral health services.

Daryl Washington, who has led the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) since 2018, has been appointed commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger announced on Monday (Jan. 5).

Countywide

Fairfax resident to lead Virginia’s diversity efforts under Gov.-elect Spanberger

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 31, 2025 at 9:15AM | Updated January 4, 2026 at 11:54PM

Dr. Sesha Joi Moon has been appointed as Virginia's chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion (courtesy Spanberger transition team)

A Fairfax resident who has championed diversity in organizations from Congress to the Girl Scouts will soon apply that experience to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Dr. Sesha Joi Moon has been appointed as Virginia’s next chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion, joining a growing list of local figures enlisted by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger to serve in her cabinet.

News

Del. Mark Sickles to vacate seat for finance post under Gov.-elect Spanberger

By Jared Serre

Published December 23, 2025 at 1:15PM

Mark Sickles (photo via House of Delegates)

Another one of Fairfax County’s veteran state lawmakers is leaving the House of Delegates for a job in the incoming administration of Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

Del. Mark Sickles (D-17), who has represented Franconia, Huntington, Rose Hill and Hayfield in Richmond since 2004, has been appointed as Virginia’s next secretary of finance, Spanberger’s transition team announced today (Tuesday).

Countywide

Youngkin pitches final budget, touts strong revenues as he prepares to leave office

By Markus Schmidt / Virginia Mercury

Published December 18, 2025 at 3:45PM

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin at the 495 NEXT ribbon-cutting on Nov. 21, 2025 in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday rolled out his final two-year budget proposal before a joint meeting of the General Assembly’s money committees, pitching a plan built on what he called Virginia’s strong fiscal footing while using the moment to cement his administration’s legacy as he prepares to leave office next month.

The $72 billion general fund proposal — part of a $212 billion total spending plan — covers the biennium running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. It includes pay raises for teachers, state employees and local public workers, tax relief for individuals and businesses, major increases in Medicaid spending, and a $50 million investment to overhaul Virginia’s child welfare system, one of Youngkin’s final policy priorities.

News

Delegate Bulova to resign, accept appointment by incoming Gov. Spanberger

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 11, 2025 at 11:15AM

David Bulova (courtesy Spanberger Transition)

Some Fairfax voters will soon be faced with yet another special election.

Del. David Bulova (D-11), who represents Oakton, Fairfax City and the Fair Oaks area, will step down from his seat in the General Assembly after accepting an appointment from governor-elect Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s secretary of natural and historic resources.

News

Historic Black neighborhood in Fairfax County joins list of Virginia landmarks

By Scott McCaffrey

Published September 26, 2025 at 10:00AM

Entry to Randall Estates (photo by Marita Ellis, courtesy Virginia Department of Historic Resources)

A Fairfax County residential community built primarily for middle-class African American families in the 1960s and 1970s has been officially recognized by Virginia as a historic property.

William H. Randall Estates is one of 10 new inclusions on the Virginia Landmarks Register approved by members of the Virginia Board of Historic Resources at their Sept. 18 meeting.

Countywide

N. Va. leaders fear potential changes could reduce state funding for region’s transit

By Scott McCaffrey

Published September 9, 2025 at 10:00AM

A Fairfax Connector bus passes Springfield Plaza (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Northern Virginia leaders are hoping changes to statewide transit funding policy don’t hurt the bottom line for local bus systems.

“We’re beginning to understand some of the proposed changes that are being examined,” Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Executive Director Kate Mattice said at the body’s Sept. 4 board meeting.