Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines from around the Northern Virginia Region, the Commonwealth and on Capitol Hill.
1. Watch the Highlights from After Virginia Votes – sponsored by NVAR
Top advisors to Glenn Youngkin and Terry McAuliffe shared the stage Tuesday, sharing the strategies from their campaigns for Governor. Topics ranged from the issue of parental involvement in education to the modern-day relevancy of yard signs. The program also included commentary from Mark Rozell from George Mason University and Quentin Kidd from Christopher Newport University.
2A. Infrastructure measure has $18 billion for Washington region transportation
The bipartisan infrastructure bill adopted by the House late Friday will almost immediately give transportation agencies in Maryland, Virginia and the District a major boost in funding. The two states will see federal dollars rise by about one-third while D.C.'s allotment will jump by 50 percent in the fiscal year that began last month.
2B. NAR Statement on the Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
NAR is encouraged by the bipartisan support for the infrastructure bill. We supported many elements of this legislation, including significant investment in the power grid, managing climate risks, and repairing and replacing aging roads, bridges, ports, airports, and railways. These improvements will make communities more resilient and sustainable
3. Fairfax Board of Supervisors Consider Expanding Real Estate Tax Relief Program
If ultimately approved, the expanded program would allow people with higher incomes and net worth to qualify, add a new 75% tax relief bracket and offer an option to defer tax payments. The proposed changes are the first to the program’s qualifications since FY 2006.
4. Fairfax County Residents Share Experiences with Flooding
Between June 8 and July 2, 2021, more than 600 Fairfax County residents and stakeholders responded to an online survey designed to support Resilient Fairfax and the development of the county’s first-ever Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan.
- 60 percent of survey respondents said they are concerned about flooding.
- 25 percent have experienced flooding in their current neighborhood.
- 10 percent have experienced flooding in their current home.
- 77 percent of survey respondents do not have flood insurance.
5. Community Input Sought on Site-Specific Plan Amendment Process through Friday, Dec. 10
This fall Fairfax County is evaluating how proposed land use changes to the Comprehensive Plan are evaluated through the Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process. A survey has launched to gather community and stakeholder feedback that the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will utilize as they review the current process and identify appropriate changes.