RACHEL'S TOP RESULTS FOR FAIRFAX CITY
Advanced a Citywide Efficiency Audit
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Supported expanded public engagement around the budget, including the 2025 Budget Open House and FY 2027 budget outreach.
Helped focus public discussion on the real drivers of tax pressure, including school costs, capital projects, utilities, and long-term operating obligations.
The FY 2027 proposed budget totals $302.6 million across all funds, with $207.5 million in General Fund revenues and expenditures.
Focused on School Cost transparency
Continued advocating for a full understanding of the City’s school funding agreement and long-term cost growth.
Supported stronger communication among City Council, the City School Board, City staff, and Fairfax County Public Schools.
The City fully funded the school board tuition request of $71.4 million in FY 2026.
Helped Strengthen City leadership
Participated in hiring a new City Manager after an extensive search process.
Contributed to Council oversight during major leadership transitions, including the Chief of Police and key department leadership.
The City faced significant leadership change in late 2024, including the city manager’s departure, deputy city manager’s departure, and police chief retirement.
Supported Safer Streets and Stronger Mobility Planning
Supported the City’s work through Move Fairfax City, including a citywide safety action plan, Old Town circulation study, and pedestrian master plan.
The effort is funded by a $400,000 federal Safe Streets for All grant and $150,000 in local transportation funding, for a total project cost of $545,300.
Helped broaden the discussion, including pedestrian plaza concepts and safety ideas such as right-turn-on-red review.
Championed the support of Area 2 Farms, bringing innovative urban agriculture to Fairfax City
Helped secure zoning approval to enable local food production and sustainability initiatives
Supported collaboration with FARM COG (Food and Agriculture Regional Member Cooperative) to strengthen regional food systems
Advanced partnerships connecting local food production with schools and the broader community
Protected Taxpayers on Major Capital Projects
Helped push for stronger cost recovery and financial planning on the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center.
The project’s projected tax impact was reduced from 9.7 cents to 4.33 cents on the real estate tax rate, a major improvement in affordability.
Supported the final project only after the financial structure became more responsible for residents.
Worked alongside Council colleagues, including Councilmember Stacy Hall and Councilmember Tom Peterson, whose detailed financial questions also helped strengthen the final outcome.
Supported funding for a $200,000 efficiency audit in the FY 2026 budget.
Pushed for a broad review of staffing, operations, service delivery, organizational structure, and performance measures.
Focused on identifying savings without reducing core services.
Strengthened Budget Transparency
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Championed Innovative Food Access & Sustainability (Area 2 Farms)
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Community Investment & Recognition
Supported the advancement of Beacon Landing, a 54-unit permanent supportive housing project and the region’s largest supportive housing complex, backed by a $33.1 million financing package that included $700,000 from Fairfax City.
Fairfax City ranked 4th among the 2026 Top 5 Small Town Arts Scenes in the nation by USA Today
Recognized nationally as one of the most desirable places to live by HGTV and Southern Living
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Strengthened Public Safety & Gun Safety Measures
Supported and voted to expand firearm restrictions in Fairfax City to include city-permitted events, public spaces, and adjacent rights of way
Backed updates to City code that strengthened penalties, increasing violations from a Class 4 misdemeanor (up to $250 fine) to a Class 1 misdemeanor with potential jail time
Supported a unanimous Council vote to adopt stronger protections and align Fairfax City with regional safety standards
Advocated for faster implementation, helping move the ordinance effective date up to January 1, 2026, approximately six months earlier than originally proposed
Supported additional follow-up measures, including improved enforcement, signage, and data tracking on firearm-related incidents
Paid for by Rachel for Fairfax