Quick Takeaways
🎆 The Fairfax County Fourth of July celebration (with a drone light show!) is this weekend at Lake Fairfax.
🥾 Start reporting sightings and stomping lanternflies to prevent their impact on our native ecosystems.
🏥 Last week, the Board discussed expansion of the Beyond the Bell program and examined the local effects of federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
Neighbors,
Every year the Fourth of July comes around with cookouts, parades, and the thunder of fireworks after dark. This year it carries some extra significance with it being 250 years since the birth of our nation.
I have a soft spot for this particular holiday—I share a birthday with America, so I’ve spent most of my life celebrating alongside the country. As someone whose family came here from Argentina at a young age, I’ve never taken its meaning for granted. A day honoring the place we call home, a country constantly striving to improve, one that still believes that people from different places and backgrounds can build something together.
Two and a half centuries in, these are the ideals that I’ll think about when the sky lights up over Providence District.
Wherever you’re celebrating—Oakton, Merrifield, Tysons, Fairfax, Falls Church—I hope you feel what I feel every Fourth: lucky to be here, and proud of the community we’re building together.
Happy 250th and Happy (early) Fourth!
GETTING INVOLVED
Current Boards, Authorities, and Commissions (BACS) Vacancies
Interested in serving on a Board, Authority, or Commission? Providence District has the following vacancies (click the link for each to learn more):
Reach out to Magali Ceballos if interested or with any questions.
INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT
Lanternflies Making a Comeback
The spotted lanternfly is back and it's currently in its nymph stage—glossy with white dots, about the size of a pea. In the coming weeks, they'll grow larger and develop red coloring and by mid-end of the summer they'll have wings.
Here's how you can help protect our trees and plants from this invasive species:
✅ Log sightings using the iNaturalist app.
✅ Stomp or vacuum the nymphs and flies—it's the most effective way to slow the spread without pesticides.
✅ Scrape egg masses off trees, fencing, outdoor furniture, and vehicles.
The spotted lanternfly doesn't bite or sting people or pets—but it's a real threat to our trees and native habitats.
BOARD UPDATES
Admin & Action Items to Note
Recognizing and celebrating the Fairfax County Public Schools 2026 Spring Sports Team and Individual VHSL Champions.
Action: The Board approved Fall 2026 Bond Referenda for Parks and Park Facilities and Community Health and Human Services Facilities
This approval allows for two bond referenda totaling $255 million on the November 3, 2026 ballot: $180 million for Parks and Park Facilities and $75 million for Community Health and Human Services Facilities.
The Parks Bond would fund improvements to existing park infrastructure, including rec center renovations, accessibility improvements, park development, and land acquisition/open-space preservation. The goal is to modernize facilities, address aging infrastructure, and improve public access.
The Community Health and Human Services Bond ($75M) would support major facility investments, including modernization of the Public Health Laboratory and renovating the Tim Harmon Campus. There is a rise in need for care, and the bond will allow for 24/7 service provision.
Informational: Update to Tysons Public Facilities Cash Contribution Amount
An increase to the contribution rate from $2.28 to $2.34 per square foot of gross floor area, effective July 1, 2026, for new rezoning applications was presented to the Board. This rate is adjusted to inflation and allows for the development of necessary public facilities in Tysons.
Admin: Public Hearing on Amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Chapter 82, Motor Vehicles and Traffic
A housekeeping measure to align County policy with state law regarding general traffic and motor vehicle ordinances.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Health and Human Services
The Committee discussed changes in Federal policies governing Medicaid and SNAP.
Beginning October 1, 2026, the federal SNAP share reduces from 50% to 25%, resulting in a $6.7M FY27 revenue loss for Fairfax—which the County has already budgeted for.
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, the County must conduct Medicaid eligibility redeterminations every 6 months (previously conducted annually). The Board previously approved 13 positions to support workload increase.
County staff shared a four-phase transition plan that will gradually convert School Age Child Care (SACC) sites to the Beyond the Bell model, aiming to be fully integrated for School Year 2029-30.
To support Phase 1 expansion, NCS plans to request funding through the FY 2026 Carryover Review for 18 additional positions. Staff reported that expansion costs are expected to be fully offset through revenue generated by serving additional children.
Community Updates
🚨 Beware of misinformation about shredding events at County facilities. The County continues to see false advertisements for shredding events at county facilities. Read more here.
🏘️ The County is assessing a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment related to accessory living units (ALUs). There are two virtual meetings on July 15 and July 20 to receive community feedback. More information here.
🚌Fairfax Connector service changes will take effect on June 27. While some routes will see reduced service or be discontinued, many riders will continue to have transit options available through other nearby Fairfax Connector stops and routes to provide Metrorail connections. View adjustments to service here.
🏫 This summer, school blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals (not organized groups) without being scheduled. Learn more here.
AN ECO-FRIENDLY OPPORTUNITY
Pollinator Pathway Initiative
Join the Pollinators Pathway Initiative. The idea is to create 'pathways' of contiguous yards & natural areas (parkland/HOA property) that are insecticide-free & preserve/plant native plants. Plant NOVA Natives is willing to provide these Pollinator Pathway signs to anyone who is working on a pollinator pathway with the intent of trying to make it contiguous, or nearly so, eventually.
Here's a map of some of the pollinator pathways (mainly concentrated in Oakton, Clifton, Arlington & Alexandria). You are not required to add your property to the map but of course we'd love to have as many yards as possible included on the map.
Complete the pledge and form if you'd like a 7.5-inch metal Pollinator Pathway sign.
SUSTAIN FAIRFAX EARTH MONTH YOUTH ART CONTEST
Congratulations to the winners!
Their artwork, inspired by “My Actions, Our Climate,” highlights everyday steps like saving energy, reducing waste, and planting trees. Thank you to all the Fairfax County students who participated and helped show how individual actions add up to big climate progress. View all submissions here.
FOURTH OF JULY AT LAKE FAIRFAX
A Drone Show to Remember
This summer, the sky above Lake Fairfax Park will come alive in a way Fairfax County has never seen before.
As part of Experience Fairfax 250, the Fairfax County Park Authority, in partnership with the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation, will debut its first-ever drone light show during the Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27.
Instead of traditional fireworks, hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the night sky with music, motion and patriotic images that celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Fairfax County’s role in our nation’s story.
Guests can spend the day enjoying everything Lake Fairfax has to offer, from trails, boating and camping to live music, food trucks, family activities and an unforgettable nighttime show.
A MARVELOUS MYRIAD OF MUSIC
Summer Concerts Around Providence District
Nottoway Nights will be at Nottoway Park on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30pm, starting July 2 to August 20
Arts in the Parks will be at Strawberry Park at Mosaic District Sunday mornings from 10:00am to 10:45am, from June 28 to August 9 (skipping July 4th weekend)
Mosaic Summer Music Series will be at Strawberry Park at Mosaic District Saturday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00pm, from June 20 to August 15 (skipping July 4th weekend)
ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MOSAIC
Movies in the Park
Movies in the Strawberry Park returns to Mosaic District for another summer filled with blockbuster hits and family favorites. Film lovers can watch on the larger-than-life outdoor screen, be sure to bring a blanket or chair.
All movies start a 7 PM and are shown rain or shine unless otherwise noted.
GOOD EATS AND GIVING BACK
Culinary Week with Capital One
Today, Capital One Center announced its second annual Culinary Week, July 27-31, 2026, offering unique culinary-centric experiences at each of the destination’s award-winning restaurants all week long. Capital One Center Culinary Week will include seven ticketed culinary events with a mission to raise awareness and funds for World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010 that provides fresh meals at the frontlines in response to crises around the world. Last year, Culinary Week raised more than $10,000 for WCK.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to my office at [email protected] or 703-560-6946.