By engaging our residents and businesses in the process of addressing these challenging times, protecting investment in our most critical priorities, and by maintaining strong responsible fiscal stewardship, we must ensure the following:
A Quality Educational System
Education is Fairfax County’s highest priority. We will continue the investment needed to protect and enhance this primary community asset. Our children are our greatest resource. Because of our excellent schools, businesses are eager to locate here and our children are able to find good jobs. A well-educated constituency is best able to put back into their community.
Safe Streets and Neighborhoods
Fairfax County is the safest community of our size in the U.S. We will continue to invest in public safety to respond to emergency situations, as well as efforts to prevent and intervene in destructive behaviors, such as gang activity and substance abuse.
A Clean, Sustainable Environment
Fairfax County will continue to protect our drinking water, air quality, stream valleys and tree canopy through responsible environmental regulations and practices. We will continue to take a lead in initiatives to address energy efficiency and sustainability and to preserve and protect open space for our residents to enjoy.
Livable, Caring and Affordable Communities
As Fairfax County continues to grow we will do so in ways that address environmental and mobility challenges. We will encourage housing that is affordable to our children, seniors and members of our workforce. We will provide compassionate and efficient services to members of our community who are in need. We will continue to protect and support our stable lower density neighborhoods. We will encourage and support participation in community organizations and other activities that address community needs and opportunities.
A Vibrant Economy
Fairfax County has a well-earned reputation as a business-friendly community. We will vigorously pursue economic development and revitalization opportunities. We will support the business community and encourage this healthy partnership. We will continue to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of our corporate neighbors in the areas of workforce development and availability, affordable housing, regulation and taxation.
Efficient Transportation Network
Fairfax County makes it a priority to connect people and places. We will continue to plan for and invest in transportation improvements to include comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian initiatives, bus and para transit, road and intersection improvements and expansion of Metrorail and VRE.
Recreational and Cultural Opportunities
A desirable community is one where there is a lot going on that residents can enjoy. Fairfax County will continue to provide for athletic, artistic, intellectual and recreational activities, in our communities, parks, libraries and schools.
Taxes that are Affordable
The property tax is Fairfax County’s primary source of revenue to provide services. We will ensure that taxes are affordable for our residents and businesses, and we will seek ways to diversify County revenues in order to make our tax base more equitable. We will ensure that County programs and services are efficient, effective, cost effective and well run.