Community Action Advisory Board (CAAB)

The Community Action Advisory Board (CAAB) is an advisory body to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The CAAB advises the Board on the needs, concerns and aspirations of low-income persons and recommends policies that promote meaningful change.

The CAAB has oversight responsibility for federal and state Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds which are awarded to nonprofit organizations for services to low-income Fairfax County residents.

The structure of the CAAB is mandated in Federal law. It is a tripartite board consisting of equal parts of local private sector, public sector, and low-income community representatives. The Fairfax County CAAB is composed of 30 members; 10 are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, 10 are elected by low-income residents of the County, and 10 represent business, civic and community organizations with an interest in serving individuals and families living in poverty.

At the Federal level, community action is located in the Office of Community Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In Virginia, community action is housed in the Office of Community Services in the Virginia Department of Social Services. In Fairfax County, the Department of Family Services (DFS) provides administrative support to the CAAB.