Fairfax County received four Virginia Association of Counties 2025 Achievement Awards, recognizing its leading role in advancing community well-being through innovation, collaboration and impact.
The four awarded programs were among 57 initiatives from counties across the state honored by VACo.
“These awards show the power of innovation and partnership in driving results for our community,” County Executive Bryan Hill said. “Our staff, partners and the Board of Supervisors have worked together to deliver measurable impact, advancing the goals of our Countywide Strategic Plan and meeting the needs of residents and businesses. This recognition affirms our momentum and positions Fairfax County as a model for communities nationwide.”
Fairfax County was recognized for the following programs, in categories that span health and human services, economic development, and regional collaboration.
Accelerate Breakfast Series
Fairfax County launched the Accelerate Breakfast Series in 2024 to nurture early-stage technology companies and foster regional economic competitiveness. The program is a collaboration between Fairfax County, Arlington County, Prince William County and George Mason University, connecting promising early-stage technology companies – typically seeking seed-stage capital from $500,000 to $2 million – with investors in the greater Washington D.C. area.
Participating startups have since raised nearly $20 million in funding. The program targets engagement with founders historically underserved by early-stage investment, and participants receive professional pitch coaching and valuable networking at no cost. (Program category: Regional Collaboration)
Fair Ridge Shelter
The county transformed a vacant extended stay hotel into the Fair Ridge Shelter, creating approximately 80 emergency housing units for families experiencing homelessness in just eight months. This reuse of existing infrastructure significantly expanded capacity with efficiency. Located near transit, grocery stores and schools, the new shelter helps families remain connected to essential services as they work toward permanent housing. Fueled by $14.5 million in non-local funding and cross-agency coordination, the shelter project stands out for its speed, impact and cost-efficiency. (Program category: Health and Human Services)
Fire EMS Pharmacy Program
In 2024, Fairfax County launched a centralized, licensed Fire and EMS Pharmacy to modernize how emergency medications are stored, tracked and distributed. The first of its kind in Northern Virginia, the pharmacy uses a hub-and-spoke model anchored at Public Safety Headquarters and is supported by 11 strategically located fire stations that serve as spokes for operational field units.
These sites enable rapid, decentralized access to restock medications and supplies, ensuring coverage for more than 400 square miles and one of Virginia’s largest Fire and EMS agencies. By centralizing procurement and optimizing inventory management, the program has significantly reduced medication waste and leveraged bulk purchasing power—yielding measurable cost savings for the agency while enhancing operational efficiency. The pharmacy also strengthens regional coordination through public health and emergency response partnerships. (Program category: Regional Collaboration)
Talent Up Fairfax Fund
The Talent Up Fairfax Fund connects local businesses with skilled talent. Launched in late 2023, the program offers employers a free, low-risk way to onboard new hires through paid work-based learning, modernizing their hiring strategies and building a stronger workforce. By funding internships in high-demand fields, Talent Up mitigates wage barriers for businesses while providing jobseekers with valuable skills and career opportunities.
The program successfully engaged 189 employers and placed 193 internships with a median wage of $25 per hour, demonstrating its significant impact.With its focus on work-based learning and dedicated business support, Talent Up Fairfax is reducing barriers and setting out a model for public workforce innovation. (Program category: Community Development, Economic Development and Land Use)
More Information
The VACo Achievement Awards, in its 23rd year, recognize local government programs that demonstrate collaboration, efficiency and positive community outcomes. The association received 155 submissions from member counties across the state.
“Every year we receive a record number of submissions. The awards program grows because Fairfax County and others across the state continue to serve their communities well,” VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch said. “These awards reflect their innovative work. Congratulations to Fairfax County staff and leadership for their continued hard work and good decision making.”