Board Matter Aug. 25, 2026

Background: John A. Carter has served as the Hunter Mill Planning Commissioner for the past nine years, and last month, he announced his retirement effective August 31.

John’s many contributions are visible to everyone who lives or works in Reston and the Hunter Mill District. He has helped to ensure that development in the district fits within the fabric of our community, meets high standards for design, minimizes impacts on surrounding communities, and promotes public art that’s crucial to our quality of life. And he has been a wonderful listener, teacher, and mentor for many, many residents of the Hunter Mill District as Reston continues to grow and thrive as exemplified by the highest office leasing rates in the DMV. 

Prior to joining the commission in December 2017, he also served on the Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee and the county’s Architectural Review Board.

In addition to his service on the Planning Commission, John spent many years working in architecture, urban planning, and design. For more than 35 years, he was employed with the Montgomery County Planning Department of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. He’s also a licensed architect in Virginia, as well as a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Architects.

His deep knowledge and expertise will be greatly missed, and I invite everyone to come celebrate his many years of service and accomplishments on Tuesday, September 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. Light refreshments will be served. 

Motion: Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I ask without objection that the Office of Public Affairs prepare a proclamation to recognize John Carter on his retirement from the Planning Commission to be presented out of the board room on September 8, 2026.