Thomas D. “Tom” Peterson's Community Update | August 2026
Dear Fairfax Voters, Residents, and Friends:
I hope you and your family are enjoying the final weeks of summer and looking forward to another exciting school year.
Although City Council is on its annual August recess, City staff continue advancing important initiatives while Council prepares for what promises to be a busy September. We'll soon return to discussions on planning, schools, ethics, economic development, and other issues that will help shape Fairfax's future.
I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few recent Council actions, preview what's ahead this fall, recognize a valued Fairfax business, and conclude with a personal reflection that I hope you'll enjoy.
Sincerely,
Council Member Tom Peterson
Melissa and I enjoyed an evening event at PJ Skidoos last week.
Around Council
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units
One of Council's most significant actions this summer was approving a new policy allowing Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) in appropriate areas of the City.
I supported the policy because I believe it expands housing choices for families, caregivers, older adults, and homeowners while preserving neighborhood character through thoughtful design standards.
I voted in favor of the policy after receiving the City Manager's commitment to carefully monitor implementation, listen to community feedback, and recommend adjustments if experience shows they are warranted.
➡ Learn more about the DADU program on the City's website.
City Council Meeting discussion on Detached Accessory Dwelling Units.
Looking Ahead
September will bring several important discussions that will help shape Fairfax's future.
Among them are upcoming Small Area Plans and redevelopment proposals in Fairfax Circle, Old Town Fairfax, Main Street and other areas as well as continued conversations about financing future school modernization, and consideration of the City's first comprehensive Code of Ethics for the Mayor, City Council, and our boards and commissions.
These discussions will influence Fairfax for years to come.
No where will this be more important than on land use and development issues.
For instance, the proposed Circle Gateway project in Fairfax Circle will be discussed at the September 1 Council Meeting and is one of several pending and possible new proposals to add 4700 high density housing units to the city through Small Area Plans.
Fairfax Together
Thank You, Ornery Beer Company
I recently had the opportunity to speak with owner Randy Barnette about the challenges facing independent restaurants and small businesses (I was the last customer on Ornery’s final night). While every business has its own story, many face similar issues—from rising operating costs to changing customer patterns and the continuing evolution of Old Town.
Local businesses are an important part of what makes Fairfax special. They create jobs, support community life, and contribute to the unique character of our City. I appreciate Randy's willingness to share his experience, and I believe we can learn from stories like his as we continue strengthening Fairfax's small business community.
Ornery Beer Company in Old Town Fairfax (2018–2026)
Community Calendar
August is a wonderful time to enjoy Fairfax.
I encourage you to take advantage of Rock the Block, our Farmers Market, concerts, parks, recreation programs, community meetings, and many other community events taking place throughout the month.
➡ View the complete City calendar online.
Speaking at the County Club Hills Homeowners Association annual meeting.
Fairfax Reflections
When the Sky Wasn't Blue
Many of us looked outside this summer and immediately noticed something was different. Smoke from Canadian wildfires turned our familiar blue skies gray.
Those days reminded us that events occurring far beyond our community can still affect our daily lives here in Fairfax. They also reminded me how fortunate we are to live in a community that values stewardship, resilience, and caring for one another.
During one of those smoky mornings, my wife, Melissa, wrote the poem below. I thought it beautifully captured both the uncertainty many of us felt and the hope that comes from working together to care for the places we call home.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
I'd Love to Hear From You
One of the greatest privileges of serving on City Council is hearing directly from residents.
Over the coming months, I'll continue visiting neighborhoods, meeting with community organizations, and hosting informal conversations throughout Fairfax. If your neighborhood, homeowners’ association, or civic group would like to host a discussion, I would be delighted to join you.
As I continue my campaign for Mayor, I also welcome volunteers and supporters who would like to help build an even stronger Fairfax. You can learn more at Tom4Fairfax.org.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to read this update.
As summer gives way to autumn and Council returns from recess, I look forward to continuing our conversations about Fairfax's future. Together, I believe we can continue building a community that remains welcoming, safe, financially responsible, and an exceptional place to live.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Tom Peterson
City Council Member
For you, Fairfax.
P.S. September promises to be an active month for City Council. I look forward to sharing updates and hearing your thoughts as we continue working together for Fairfax.
Paid for and authorized by Thomas D. Peterson for Mayor, Treasurer Ellie Schmidt