Chairman Sharon Bulova

12/16/2019

Today is a bittersweet day.

The inauguration ceremony for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County constitutional officers and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District directors will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in the forum of the Government Center. The event can be live streamed here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/live-video-stream. It will be the first swearing-in ceremony in over 30 years where I will not be a participant.

At my retirement reception last Monday, there was a moment where I was joined by nearly a dozen past, present and future members of the Board of Supervisors. It was a reminder of where Fairfax County has been, where it is going, and the people who have watched it grow along the way.

I am so thankful for the time I’ve spent as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Over these many years I have seen Fairfax County undergo tremendous changes. We have survived recessions, developed a strong network of public transportation, and seen exciting new mixed-use development in areas like Tysons, the Mosaic at Merrifield and Reston. Fairfax County’s demographics are very different from when I first took office in 1988. We have a larger percentage of older residents. We are much more racially and culturally diverse, something we appreciate and celebrate.

It’s been a long road to today, but I can say with confidence that I am leaving Fairfax County in a good place. I wish the newly elected Board of Supervisors all the best and know that Fairfax County is in great hands.

It has been an honor to serve Fairfax County for these many years. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, your guidance, and your love for our community. I look forward to enjoying Fairfax as a wonderful place to not only live, work and play, but also to retire.

12/16/2019

This week’s edition of the Fairfax Connection features a wonderful article about my retirement reception and career. Read it on page 3 of the online edition:http://connectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/121119/Fairfax.pdf

12/14/2019

Chairman Jeff McKay

It was a pleasure to attend the Crime Solvers Awards Luncheon yesterday! Happy to join our men and women in law enforcement to honor our Criminal Investigation detectives from each of the district police stations across the County. Thank you all for everything you do!

12/13/2019

Chairman's Choice Award

I was honored to be a recipient of the Chairman’s Choice Award at the 2019 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. Named after former Park Authority Board Chairman and member Ellamae Doyle, the awards recognize individuals and organizations who support Fairfax County parks. Visit https://bit.ly/38BcTt2 to learn more about the awards and this year’s recipients.

12/12/2019

The Fairfax Poet Laureate program is off and running! On Tuesday I joined County Executive Bryan Hill and ArtsFairfax to sign an MOU officially launching the program. The Poet Laureate is a two-year position that recognizes a professional poet’s achievements and their demonstrated history of accomplishments. Visit https://artsfairfax.org/artist-grants/ to apply.

12/11/2019

We had a very special guest visit the Government Center yesterday! Every year the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad escorts Santa as he collects donated toys from police departments and elementary schools to give to children in our area hospitals. Thank you to the Fairfax County Police Department for making this wonderful drive possible!

12/11/2019

NOVA Relief Center

There is still time to donate to the 2019 Blanket and Coat Drive! Stop by my office at the Fairfax County Government Center now through Friday to drop off your gently used coats and blankets. Visit www.novareliefcenter.org to learn more about the drive.

12/10/2019

Fairfax County Awards Solar Power Purchase Agreement Contracts, Launches Large-Scale Renewable Energy Initiative | Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Today, Fairfax County announced the largest solar power purchase agreement initiative by a local government in Virginia to date. The launch of this renewable energy initiative could lead to on-site solar installations at more than 100 county buildings and sites in the coming years. Visit http://bit.ly/2PuCsDm to learn more about this major step toward a more sustainable energy future for Fairfax County.

Fairfax County, Virginia - Press release about the Fairfax County solar power purchase agreement initiative

12/09/2019

My farewell retirement reception begins in an hour! Stop by the Fairfax County Government Center Forum from 4 to 6 PM and enjoy catering by the 29 Diner. This reception is not paid for with County funds. I look forward to seeing you there!

12/09/2019

Diversion First Program Leads to Stepping Up Innovator Designation - Fairfax County Government NewsCenter

Thanks to the success of Diversion First, Fairfax County has been named a Stepping Up Innovator County! We are honored to join the growing group of counties offering alternatives to incarceration for people with mental illness or developmental disabilities who encounter the criminal justice system for low-level offenses. Visit https://bit.ly/38mvyZh to learn more about Stepping Up and Fairfax County’s Diversion First program.

Fairfax County has been named a Stepping Up Innovator County for its expertise in collecting baseline data on the number of people in its jail who have mental illnesses. This data is obtained as part of the county’s Diversion First program, an award-winning initiative that offers alternatives to i...

12/06/2019

December Bulova Byline

In February 1988, I mailed out my first newsletter, the Annandale Action Line. Never did I imagine that over 30 years later I would be sending my last.

I am pleased to announce that the final issue of the Bulova Byline is out now! Thank you to everyone who has read and supported my newsletter over these many years. I hope to see many of you at my retirement reception on December 9th.

This month’s Byline features information on regional winter activities and the 2019 Blanket and Coat Drive, as well as a farewell keynote reflecting on my time in office. Read the final issue of the Bulova Byline here!

12/05/2019

‘The Greatest Humanitarian Crisis in the World’

Help provide warmth to Syrian refugees abroad by donating to the 2019 Blanket and Coat Drive, running now through December 15. You can drop off gently used coats and blankets in my office at the Fairfax County Government Center, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visit https://bit.ly/3835VfU to read more about the history of the drive.

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12/04/2019

Photos from my final Board of Supervisors meeting.

12/03/2019

Channel 16 Live Video Stream | Cable and Consumer Services

Today is my final Board Meeting as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. It has truly been an honor to serve you these past 31 years. Watch the meeting live here: https://bit.ly/2rUxk2V.

Fairfax County, Virginia - Channel 16 Live Stream

12/02/2019

The Arc of Northern Virginia

Congratulations to Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova on receiving a 2019 Disability Inclusion Champion Award at The Arc of Northern Virginia's Annual Meeting!!

The Disability Inclusion Champion Awards were created to honor people who have worked tirelessly for people with developmental disabilities and their families for many years, and whose lasting impact will continue to guide our region.
The first award goes to longtime Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Sharon Bulova, who began her work on the Board of Supervisors in 1988 and has spent the last decade as Chair. Under her leadership, Fairfax County has transformed the way it supports and honors its residents with developmental disabilities.

In most of Virginia, graduates with developmental disabilities cling desperately to the hope that their coming high school graduations will finally mean they receive a Medicaid Waiver, providing funding to support their success on the job. In Fairfax County, Chairman Bulova has worked to ensure that Fairfax County Public Schools graduates with developmental disabilities who need a little extra support after graduation get it. She has fought to fund our special education graduates and have this funding be part of the Fairfax County base budget, so families have reasonable assurances that there will be opportunities after graduation.

Under Chairman Bulova’s watch, Fairfax County has invested in Early Intervention services for our littlest residents who need help getting started on the right foot, and in our employees with disabilities who have challenges that require nurses or behavioral support staff to help them at day programs and jobs. Fairfax County has worked to grow the stock of affordable housing, accessible transit, and good jobs. In short, Fairfax County has become a more inclusive community.

Thus, it was perfectly fitting that this summer, Chairman Bulova hosted a Disability Inclusion Conference as the final County-wide conference of her Board of Supervisors career. The event this past June drew more than 400 people with disabilities and their family members to learn about Fairfax County initiatives and how the County can continue to do more in order to include everyone in making Fairfax a great place to call home.

Chairman Bulova has always been responsive to the needs of people with disabilities and their loved ones. Her leadership of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors will be felt for years to come. We are so pleased that her son, Delegate David Bulova, is here to accept this award on her behalf tonight and we look forward to continuing to work with him and the General Assembly to champion these same ideals across Virginia.

12/02/2019

Join me next Monday, December 9th for my farewell retirement reception! The event will be held in the Fairfax County Government Center Forum from 4 to 6 PM and will feature catering by the 29 Diner. I look forward to seeing you there! This reception is not paid for with County funds.

11/27/2019

Library Collects Donations in December for Popular Food for Fines Program | Library

During the month of December, Fairfax County Public Library is partnering with Food for Others to host the Food for Fines program. Community members can support families living with food insecurity by bringing canned goods and other non-perishable items to their nearest library branch. Each item donated will erase $1 from a patron’s overdue fines. Visit https://bit.ly/2R74uY3 to learn more about the program and find your nearest library branch.

11/26/2019

The 2019 Blanket and Coat Drive for Syrian refugees is underway! Stop by my office to donate gently used blankets and coats, now until December 15. For more information on the program, visit www.novareliefcenter.org

11/25/2019

Artist Grants | ARTSFAIRFAX | Arts Grants Opportunities in Fairfax County

ICYMI: ArtsFairfax announced an agreement with Fairfax County to create and implement a Fairfax Poet Laureate Program. The Fairfax Poet Laureate will serve as a poetry ambassador and encourage the writing and reading of poetry and all types of literature, as well as create opportunities for civic engagement around the county through poetry. Applications for the Poet Laureate Program are due January 9, 2020, and the inaugural laureate will be announced in April 2020. For more information on the program, visit https://bit.ly/2OkV3lV

Artist Grants are awarded through a competitive process. Staff review each application to ensure its completeness and the applicant's eligibility. Then, applications are reviewed by panels composed of arts professionals with experience in a variety of disciplines.

11/25/2019

Fairfax Co.’s new glass recycling program shatters expectations | WTOP

Fairfax County’s new glass-recycling program is a success! Over 2.8 million pounds of glass have been dropped off in special collection purple bins. Recycled glass is now being used as bedding for new pipes and backfill for construction projects, as well to create new glass containers. Visit https://bit.ly/2sgjDf7 to find the location of your nearest purple bin.

Since the Virginia county started its “Purple Can Club” in the spring, 1,400 tons have been dropped off in special collection bins, one official said.

11/22/2019

E-Scooter Regulations Approved in Fairfax County | Public Affairs

On November 19, the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that will govern the use of Shared Mobility Devices (SMDs) in Fairfax County. This ordinance establishes a permitting process and operating rules for e-scooters and other SMDs, providing a balance between transportation needs and community concerns. Visit https://bit.ly/2s6mG9v for more information on the ordinance.

11/21/2019

McEachin, Haaland, Dingell, Blumenauer, Tonko & Pingree Introduce 100% Clean Legislation

Supervisor Jeff McKay and I agree: we are experiencing a climate crisis. During our time in office, Fairfax County has endured increasingly severe flooding and other extreme weather events. The climate crisis is not a distant threat; it is here now, and it is threatening our health, security, and economy. The time has come to act. We are proud to join our colleagues in Congress and support the 100% Clean Economy Act, which will put our country on a path to achieving a 100% clean economy by 2050. This ambitious and achievable bill will not only reduce climate pollution but strengthen our economy and protect our families as well. Thank you to Representatives Connolly, Beyer, and Wexton for expressing your support for this important bill. We hope leaders throughout the region, commonwealth and country will voice their support as well. To learn more about the 100% Clean Economy Act, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Xyrqk3 #100by50

11/21/2019

From November 23 to December 15, NOVA Relief Center will hold its annual Blanket and Coat Drive for Syrian refugees. My office and many other locations will serve as donation sites for gently used coats and blankets. Visit www.novareliefcenter.org to find your nearest donation site.

11/21/2019

11/21/2019

NOVA Relief Center

At 11 AM I will be livestreaming the 2019 Blanket and Coat Drive for Syrian refugees press conference. Join me to celebrate the start of this wonderful charity event! Information about the drive can be found at www.novareliefcenter.org

11/20/2019

Photos from the November 19 Board of Supervisors meeting.

11/20/2019

Today I celebrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day by attending the GIS Excellence Awards. Fairfax County’s GIS mapping tools are a valuable resource for both residents and county agencies. Congratulations to the award recipients and thank you to everyone who works hard to make Fairfax County a leader in GIS technology!

11/19/2019

Nova Parks

This morning, the Board of Supervisors celebrated the 60th anniversary of NOVA Parks. Our regional parks are a valuable resource, providing recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities for residents of all ages. Visit www.novaparks.com to learn more about upcoming activities and events, including the development of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial.

NOVA Parks consists of 32 unique destination parks spread throughout Northern Virginia, including water parks, golf courses, family campgrounds, beautiful wedding venues, historic sites and more.

11/19/2019

Northern Virginia Regional Commission

Wonderful to see the Schar School at George Mason University honor Office of Supervisor Marty Nohe, Chairman Sharon Bulova and Cathy Hudgins for their public service to the region.

11/18/2019

Preserving Affordable Housing with Habitat for Humanity - Vet House

Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful example of the kind of partnership that Fairfax County has with nonprofits, especially in the area of human services. Learn more about their mission in this video from Channel 16.

More information at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/affordable-housing ★ FOLLOW FAIRFAX COUNTY★ http://Instagram.com/fairfaxcounty http://Facebook.com/...

11/15/2019

Environment Expo: How YOU Can Act on Climate Change | Board of Supervisors - Mount Vernon

The 2nd Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo will be held tomorrow from 8 a.m. to noon at Walt Whitman Middle School. This free event includes exhibits, workshops, a film screening and more. Discover what YOU can do to act on climate change.

11/15/2019

Glass | Public Works and Environmental Services

Today is National Recycling Day! To celebrate, learn more about Fairfax County’s new glass recycling program, which crushes and reuses glass for various county projects. For information on the program and locations of glass recycling containers, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/glass

11/14/2019

I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking for the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial. Located in Occoquan Regional Park, this national memorial will honor the bravery and enduring legacy of American suffragists. I look forward to visiting the completed memorial next summer!