Joint Board Matter with Supervisor McKay
February 2, 2016
Establishing a Neighborhood Infrastructure Fund

Madam Chairman:

Our Infrastructure Financing Committee took a close look at public infrastructure, that is, buildings and facilities owned by Fairfax County, the Parks, and Fairfax County Public Schools. But we did not review the underlining infrastructure needs of our neighborhoods – street lights, sidewalk connections, storm drains, etc. This infrastructure is required when neighborhoods are built new.

However, many of our communities were built before the County required these amenities as part of the development process. In older neighborhoods that are undergoing revitalization, they can be rebuilt or added through redevelopment proffers. Large projects such as sidewalks along arterial roads can be built through transportation improvement projects, but that still leaves unmet needs – small projects in older, stable neighborhoods not expected to undergo any significant revitalization. These needs include adding street lights for safety as requested by neighborhood leaders, connecting sidewalks in residential areas not connected during the original development, and stormwater improvements required due to subsequent development.

Therefore, we move that the Board direct the County Executive to develop a plan for a neighborhood infrastructure fund that would be available to provide continuing funding for such projects. The plan should include a description of the types of projects that would be eligible for funding and selection criteria. The County Executive should recommend proper roles for County staff and the district Supervisors in project selection.  Criteria should be considered for community matching of county funding, whether through cash matches or sweat equity, and whether such matching should be required or provide a preference in selection criteria.  Furthermore, the County Executive should recommend funding avenues that do not involve the general fund. Such funding could include carryover funding or funds left over when transportation or public works projects are completed below estimated costs. 

The County Executive is directed to make the recommendations requested herein within 120 days.