See the US Navy Commodores at the Sherwood Center, March 6
The Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, will perform at the free concert at 8 p.m. March 6 at the Sherwood Center. Enjoy big band jazz from some of the finest musicians in the world!
This concert is part of the Bonita Lestina Old Town Performance Series and supported by the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts.
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Thank You for Your Warm Gesture!
Crochet hooks and knitting needles were flying this winter as Fairfax City’s Warm Gesture program lived up to its name.
Crafters of all ages — working individually and in groups — anonymously donated more than 75 bags full of handmade scarves, hats, and mittens for those most in need in our community. These cozy creations have been delivered to Lamb Center guests with a simple, heartfelt message: someone cares.
“Generosity of time and talent knows no bounds in our city,” said Christine Vincent, the city’s acting cultural arts manager. “We are grateful to every donor who shared their time and talent to help keep our vulnerable community members warm during the dark, cold winter months.”
Though donations were anonymous, the excitement was easy to spot. School groups, clubs, and individuals of all ages and experience levels put their hooks and needles to good use. If you noticed someone this winter crocheting or knitting at a meeting, on the CUE Bus, in the library, or in a local café, chances are their handiwork was a warm gesture.
“We will definitely be doing this again,” Vincent said. Next winter, the warmth will return, one stitch at a time.
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Council Reporter for March 3 Work Session
 Pictured from left to right: Mayor Catherine Read and City Councilmembers Anthony Amos, Billy Bates, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, and Thomas Peterson.
The city council held a work session on March 3. View the full Council Reporter with linked videos of the discussions. A summary is provided below.
Work Session
- The City of Fairfax Schools superintendent and school board chair presented the schools proposed FY 2027 budget. View the slide deck.
- Discussed the city’s general fund.
- Discussed historical real estate tax rate trends for the city.
- Discussed setting the maximum real estate tax rate. Council action is scheduled for March 10. In Virginia, local governments are required to advertise a maximum real estate tax rate early in the budget process. Think of it as a “not-to-exceed ceiling.”
Does that mean the city plans to adopt that rate? No. It simply sets the highest rate the council is legally allowed to consider while working through the budget. Why not just advertise the exact number now? Because if the council later needed to go even slightly higher, the law would require starting the public hearing process all over again.
So, the advertised rate just sets the upper limit for the discussion. The final adopted rate can be the same or lower, but never higher.
- Followed up on the Jan. 10 city council retreat and discussed next steps, including whether to engage with third-party consultants to assist with updating the strategic plan and developing performance measures and conducting an efficiency study. The FY 2026 budget includes $200K for this work. View the slide deck.
A city council meeting is scheduled for March 10. View the agenda (subject to change). Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in City Hall. Watch meetings live on Channel 12 (COX/Verizon) and online, or catch a replay at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit the city meetings website.
Review the Proposed FY 2027 Budget, Share Feedback
2026 Real Estate Assessments Increase by 5.9% Overall
Assessments, mailed to property owners Feb. 20,
will be used to calculate 2026 real estate taxes
In 2026, Fairfax City’s overall real property tax base increased by 5.9% from the previous year, driven by ongoing market gains in residential and commercial property values, including added value from new construction.
Total assessed value rose by $425.5M, not including an additional $64.2M from new commercial and residential construction. Residential assessments increased by about 4.6%, and commercial/industrial/multi-family assessments increased by less than 1%.
About 96% of residential properties increased in assessed value by 2-10%, and the remainder were equalized or remained unchanged.
2026 average single-family assessments:
- Existing and newly constructed condominiums: $367,000
- Attached single-family homes: $686,800
- Detached single-family homes: $825,700
- Townhomes: $767,200
The city assesses all real property at 100% of fair market value as of Jan. 1 each year, as required by state law. Click here to look up your 2026 real property assessments.
Learn more about real estate assessments.
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Deadline for Arbor Day Poetry Contest is March 8
Calling all Fairfax City students! Submit an original poem on the theme "Protect the Environment Around You" for your chance to win $50 and be invited to recite your poem at the city's Arbor Day celebration.
The deadline to submit an entry is March 8. For contest details and to submit you poem, visit the city website.
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Register for the Invasive Removal 101 Workshop, March 14
Get hands-on experience tackling invasive plants! Join the city's stewardship coordinator for a free basic training to learn how to identify, monitor, and remove invasive plants commonly found in yards and parks. This event is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon March 14 at the Sherwood Center.
Learn more and register to participate.
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Attend the Sustainability Market, March 15
Learn about Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments, March 26
Help Us Align Zoning with the City's Vision
In 2024, the city began a project to review and update the zoning ordinance to better align with the guidance provided in the small area plans. In 2025, a community meeting was held to gather feedback on proposed options. Input from community members, Planning Commission, and City Council helped guide the development of draft amendments to the zoning ordinance. Now the project team is preparing a draft - and we need your input!
Join us for an open house between 5-8 p.m. March 26 at the Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd. Learn about the draft amendments and provide feedback.
Visit the Engage page to learn more about the project, view relevant documents, and subscribe to the email list for updates. The draft amendments will be available on Engage on March 11.
If you have any questions, please feel free to either post to Engage Fairfax or contact Amy Lynne Denny directly at amylynne.denny@fairfaxva.gov.
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What Does Fairfax City Mean to You? (Quick Survey)
Fairfax City Economic Development is leading the city’s tourism brand design and strategy initiative. The final deliverables will support ongoing efforts to position Fairfax City as a destination to explore, dine, shop, and experience.
Businesses, residents, and visitors are encouraged to share their feedback through the brand and visitor survey.
Please take the survey by March 15.
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