Rachel McQuillen - Fairfax City Council

06/08/2026

Comments have been disabled. Civil discourse is welcome, but personal attacks and abusive comments will not be hosted on this page.

Last night, I joined fellow Council members Stacy Hall, Tom Peterson, and Billy Bates, Chief Pedroso and Fairfax City police officers, Moms Demand Action volunteers, and community members as the City of Fairfax recognized Wear Orange Weekend and National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Council Member Billy Bates read the City's proclamation, and afterward we gathered in Old Town Square to watch the fountains glow orange in honor of victims, survivors, and families affected by gun violence. Given the recent violent incidents across Virginia this year and this weekend’s tragic shooting at a community festival in Ohio, the message felt especially timely.

Supporting the right to bear arms comes with a shared responsibility to promote safe storage, education, and responsible ownership. By working together, we can help protect both our freedoms and our families.

🧡

06/07/2026

A strong community makes room for everyone.

Great to see our community come together at Fairfax City's Pride Festival today. Happy Pride!

06/06/2026

06/04/2026

Congratulations Dr. Aye! As the parent of a Fairfax High grad, I'm especially grateful for the positive impact she had on my son's high school experience. This recognition is incredibly well deserved!

06/03/2026

Congratulations, Fairfax High School Class of 2026!

Watching you cross the stage today was a powerful reminder of how quickly time flies. Years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and determination have led to this moment, and your Fairfax City community is so proud of you!

Dream big, work hard, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. The future is yours!

06/01/2026

The rumor is true... Working goats 🐐 🐐 🐐 are coming to Historic Blenheim this month to tackle invasive plants. Here are some dos and don'ts for visitors who want to stop by and see goats at work!

✅ DO: Keep all pets on leash while on the property. It's the law.

✅ DO: Abide by visiting hours. Historic Blenheim is open from sunrise to sunset.

✅ DO: Watch your children closely.

🚫 DON'T: Touch or enter the electric fence area. It's meant to keep the goats protected and on task. We don't want any escape artists!

🚫 DON'T: Pet or feed goats. They're working to eat invasive plants. Violators may be prosecuted.

We thank visitors for following these rules to ensure the well-being of the goats as they temporarily manage vegetation on the property through prescribed grazing. The goats will be monitored 24/7 with camera surveillance and checked on daily.

For questions or concerns, please reach out to Anna Safford, urban forest manager, at [email protected].

05/29/2026

As many in our community know, Fairfax City has several major school renovation projects ahead that voters overwhelmingly supported through a school bond referendum. We are now closely watching the state budget process and the proposed 1% local sales tax authority for school capital projects, which could help offset the costs of these already-approved renovations and future school infrastructure needs.

Timing is critical. As projects move forward, additional funding tools like this could help reduce long-term financial pressure while continuing to invest in safe, modern learning environments for our students and community.

If you support investing in Fairfax City schools, consider reaching out to state leaders and encouraging support for including the 1% school sales tax authority in the final budget and passing the budget without delay.

https://cvillerightnow.com/news/208802-one-cent-sales-tax-referendum-to-be-included-in-virginia-budget/

Send a message to learn more

05/29/2026

Urgent Request for Clothing!!!

🙏 We need your help! TLC is running low on some essential clothing items. If you'd like to donate or purchase directly from our wishlist, here's what we need most right now:

👕 Undershirts (M, XL) — Shop here: https://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Available-Moisture-Wicking-Undershirts-Multipack/dp/B00HVW5HP8/ref=abl_lv_ov_lig?colid=15KBHBOTEHIQZ&coliid=I2PFMUEJ67A52W&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&th=1&psc=1

🩲 Underwear (M, XL) — Shop here: https://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Moisture-Wicking-Underwear-No-Ride-up-Multi-Packs/dp/B086L69KCL/ref=abl_lv_ov_lig?colid=15KBHBOTEHIQZ&coliid=I1QPMQPYUZO5M2&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&th=1&psc=1

🧦 Crew Socks — Shop here: https://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Socks-Pairs-Double-Moisture-Wicking/dp/B0FP43C2FR/ref=abl_lv_ov_lig?colid=15KBHBOTEHIQZ&coliid=I2Q9AZQSOFCGKM&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&th=1&psc=1

🧦 Ankle Socks — Shop here: https://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Socks-Pairs-Double-Moisture-Wicking/dp/B0FP44MSH8/ref=abl_lv_ov_lig?colid=15KBHBOTEHIQZ&coliid=ICNFG8AHAVL4Y&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&th=1&psc=1

👖 Belts — Shop here: https://www.amazon.com/LXMY-Adjustable-Canvas-Fabric-Anywhere/dp/B0C4XWH8YL/ref=abl_lv_ov_lig?colid=15KBHBOTEHIQZ&coliid=I3B9XRDEBDAPXE&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&th=1

Every item makes a real difference. Thank you for your continued generosity! ❤️

05/27/2026

Food insecurity is becoming a growing reality for families across our region, and it’s something communities everywhere are starting to feel. As part of the Food and Agriculture Regional Policy Committee through COG, I’ve been working to help keep our community informed and focused on solutions that strengthen food access and support local families.

This NPR article highlights why these conversations matter now more than ever.

https://www.npr.org/2026/05/27/nx-s1-5836441/food-insecurity-economy-new-york-fed

05/27/2026