Transcript: NewsCenter Podcast

April 30

Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about the Small Business Forum, our Operational Energy Strategy, the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, Sustain Fairfax Challenge and Foster Care Month. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

Join us at Fairfax County’s highly acclaimed Small Business Forum. Take advantage of learning from business experts and connect with county procurement representatives. Bring your entrepreneurial spirit and learn how to grow your business opportunities. The Small Business Forum is a free annual event hosted by Fairfax County created to provide a forum for small businesses to interact directly with county procurement representatives. Hosted in conjunction with the Fairfax County Small Business Commission, the Small Business Forum provides an intimate and interactive setting for suppliers to:

• Network with Fairfax County departments and business support organizations
• Discover marketing and business fundamentals that can help grow your company
• Explore alternative options for funding your business
• Learn how to properly and effectively pursue work with Fairfax County

Register online at ffxsmallbizforum.eventbrite.com. You can also learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov/procurement/2025-small-business-forum.

 

Fairfax County recently reached a sun-sational achievement of its own! The county's solar arrays have generated over 1 million kilowatt-hours of energy. That's enough to power 172 homes for a full year. The county is committed to the use of renewable energy for a substantial portion of its electricity use, as part of its Operational Energy Strategy. By switching to renewable forms of energy like solar, Fairfax County reduces the impact of county government operations on the environment and lowers county operating costs. Learn more about the county's efforts to switch to solar to power its buildings. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov and search for "Operational Energy Strategy."

 

Fairfax County has joined the National Wildlife Federation’s 2025 Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, committing to actions that support monarch butterflies and native habitats.

We have already implemented key actions, such as developing pollinator gardens at county sites, expanding no-mow zones and removing invasive species.

Residents can get involved by planting pollinator gardens, visiting seed libraries, and participating in parks and library events and programs. NewsCenter has more on the story; fairfaxcounty.gov/news.

 

Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge and see how your everyday actions can make a big difference on the environment, your bank account and your community’s well-being.  With the Sustain Fairfax Challenge you can:

• Explore activities tailored to your household.
• Track your impact and progress over time.
• Find a variety of resources such as rebates and how-to guides, including programs and resources available to Fairfax County residents.

You can even invite friends, groups and other communities to join you in adopting changes and celebrating successes. Getting started is easy. Visit sustainchallenge.fairfaxcounty.gov, create an account, and start exploring all the Sustain Fairfax Challenge resources. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable Fairfax County.

 

According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, in February, there were 5,482 children in foster care in the Commonwealth of Virginia, 247 of whom were in Fairfax County. These children need the caring support of our community to overcome their challenges. Foster parents play an unmatched role in providing loving, temporary homes for children, while supporting their biological parents and other relatives in their efforts to enhance and stabilize their family relationships until children reach permanency. May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness of the issues of foster care. In Fairfax County, we believe that strengthening and preserving families while focusing on their wellbeing is vital to building strong communities. During National Foster Care Month in May, we recognize the important role that members from all parts of child welfare play in supporting children, youth, and their biological families.  This year’s theme, “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities,” recognizes the important role that people from all parts of child welfare play in supporting children, youth, and families. The theme also highlights the impact that strong supportive relationships have on improving long-term well-being for children and youth in foster care and the importance of providing concrete supports, appropriate interventions, and opportunities for youth. Learn more. Search “Foster Care Month” on fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.

 

That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.