
Arts in the Parks in Strawberry Park on Sunday.
{{first_name | Neighbor }},
We’ve been experiencing record-breaking heat over the last few weeks across the County and the region. The County has a number of strategies to support those facing the brunt of this weather, including cooling shelters, and I was happy to see that the Jim Scott Community Center was opened as a 24/7 cooling center over the 4th of July weekend. I encourage anyone without access to air conditioning or a cool place to stay to check out the County’s comprehensive list of resources here.
Even with this weather, it’s still important to take time to gather as a community, and we have several outdoor concert series in the Providence District that I’ve outlined below. If a cool indoor event is more your speed, then we have the Providence Perspectives: Tysons 150th Premiere on July 29th at The Boro.
Stay cool and I hope to see you there!

PROVIDENCE PERSPECTIVES PREMIERE
Tysons 150th

Join us for the premiere of a special edition of Providence Perspectives, highlighting the transformation of Tysons over 150 years.
In this next installment of Providence Perspectives, you’ll hear from those who have been developing Tysons for the last half century, including former County officials and staff, as well as business executives shaping the Tysons landscape of today.
Happy Hour: 6-7pm
Film Screening: 7-8pm
Thank you to The Boro and the Tysons Community Alliance for partnering with us for this event!
BOARD UPDATES
Admin & Action Items to Note

Designating June 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in Fairfax County.
Action:
Approval of Plain Language Explanations for the 2026 Bond Referenda for Parks and Park Facilities, and Community Health and Human Services Facilities
The Board finalized 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.
Informational:
Chairman McKay moved, and the Board adopted, a motion directing staff to provide an update on implementation of Fairfax County's pilot program for automated enforcement of excessive vehicle noise using noise monitoring systems.
The motion requests a timeline for procurement and deployment of the systems by mid-Fall 2026 and directs that implementation be discussed at a future Safety and Security Committee meeting.
Admin:
Board Approval to Utilize Funding from the Opioid Settlement Direct Distribution Funds for Initiatives Supporting Opioid Abatement Activities
$2 million will be made available to community organizations through the Fairfax Opioid and Abatement RFP.
$97K will serve as the County’s local match for the regional Recover Out Loud anti stigma campaign.
Community Updates
🏘️ The County is assessing a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment related to accessory living units (ALUs). There is a virtual meeting on July 20 to receive community feedback. More information 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.
🚗 To support Fairfax County’s goal and commitment to become carbon neutral by 2040, the Government Center has begun installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for public and fleet vehicles. Learn more here.
AN UPDATE FROM DTA
Real Estate Tax Bills

Fairfax County has mailed first‑installment real estate tax bills. If you haven’t received yours, you can view your 2026 assessment and pay online through your MyFairfax account or iCare, or request a copy by emailing [email protected].
If your mortgage company pays from escrow, you will not receive a mailed bill. To avoid late payment penalties, please review your bill and pay by the deadline. Online payments (including free e‑checks) can be made at:
Residents without mortgage escrows are encouraged to enroll in the Automated Payment Plan (EFT) for real estate and vehicle taxes. Monthly, quarterly, or lump‑sum options are available. Questions can be sent to [email protected] or (703) 222‑8234.
Some residents may receive bills while their tax relief applications are still being processed. For questions, email [email protected].
A GRANT TO GET RID OF INVASIVES
Rescue Your Trees

Funds to help remove invasive plants are available for community associations and faith communities in Fairfax and Falls Church. It’s rare for grants to be available for this purpose, so if you have trees that need rescuing or Callery Pear or Tree-of-Heaven that need removal, you might want to jump on this, since it’s first come/first serve.
FRESH FOOD FOR SENIORS
Virginia Senior FMNP
To help residents access fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, FRESHFARM collaborates with the Virginia Dept. for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (VA DARS) to provide residents who are 60 years or older with benefits through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (VA Senior FMNP).
FRESHFARM is responsible for serving residents in Fairfax County (including City of Falls Church, City of Fairfax).
What is VA Senior FMNP?
Program participants receive a one-time benefit of $50 on the Healthy Together app or via a physical benefit card. This one-time benefit can be used to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs with participating farmers at local farmers’ markets from June 1 – November 30.
A MARVELOUS MYRIAD OF MUSIC
Summer Concerts Around Providence District
Nottoway Nights is at Nottoway Park on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30pm, until August 20
Arts in the Parks is at Strawberry Park at Mosaic District Sunday mornings from 10:00am to 10:45am, until August 9

Mosaic Summer Music Series is at Strawberry Park at Mosaic District Saturday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00pm, until August 15

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.