Police Chiefs: Fairfax Co.
Safest Big County in U.S.
Fairfax County remains the safest jurisdiction of our size in the country. The Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) has released its Year-End Crime Report, and among the 70 large jurisdictions ranked by the MCCA, Fairfax County once again has the lowest rate of violent crimes (homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults.) As Fairfax Board chair Jeff McKay reported this week, “ I’ve said many times, the MCCA relies on data, not anecdotes, which means this distinction is something you can trust.”
Despite a nationwide surge in carjackings, FCPD is proud to say we successfully reduced incidents of carjackings in 2023. This reduction in carjacking incidents is attributable to the department’s effective strategies, including enhanced community engagement, data-informed patrols and initiatives, and strategic communication. In 2023, carjacking incidents decreased from 27 in 2022 to 25 in 2023.
LGBTQ+ Elected ‘Fighting Back’ Vs. Setbacks
While the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. is dire, there is great news, according to the LGBTQ+ Task Force. “LGBTQ+ elected officials are fighting back – and creating safe havens for trans people across the U.S.
“We wanted to thank the leaders that have worked tirelessly to propose and pass legislation protecting our community.
“Minnesota, New York, Maryland, Maine and Hawaii are all taking steps to protect gender-affirming care, while polling indicates Iowans oppose efforts to limit trans rights. Because of the work done by LGBTQ+ elected officials and allies, these states – and more! – leading the way for a safer and healthier future for LGBTQ+ folks.”
“Jury Out” On ‘Missing Middle’ Fight in Arlington
A year after the passage of Arlington’s “Missing Middle” ordinance last March, the jury is out on the long-term implications of the zoning change, according to a report in the Gazette-Leader.
Challenges include a substantial slowdown in Missing Middle applications and continued opposition from some residents. Gone are the days when a wave of construction applications swept through the county in the wake of the Arlington County Board’s approval of Missing Middle on March 22, 2023.
Instead, development applications involving the expanded housing option have slowed to a relative crawl. The county has approved just three “missing middle” applications since the start of this year, according to its EHO Tracker page.
A pending lawsuit may be at the root of the slowdown, housing experts say, adding too much risk for builders that might have otherwise considered EHO projects.
Spring Now Officially In Play Throughput Region
Tuesday marked the official start of spring, which means summer is just around the corner! Now is an excellent time to start making your summer plans. Fairfax County offers a wide variety of summer camps for kids of all ages.
Fairfax County camps provide opportunities for new experiences for kids to grow and develop socially, physically, and cognitively. Those who would like to view a list of all the camps currently being offered, should visit fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/camps.
