Controlling the Cost of Living Requires Good Decisions — Not Fewer Choices
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Don’t forget to vote! Early voting is underway, and 4,343 early votes had been cast as of Monday, October 26, 2026 — an extraordinary level of participation in our city.
Every vote counts. Please let me know if you need help getting to the polls or any other assistance with voting.
As I've talked with residents across Fairfax in recent weeks, one concern comes up repeatedly: the rising cost of living and whether our city will remain affordable for the families and businesses who call it home.
I share those concerns. As your neighbor of 24 years and a member of City Council, I understand how important these issues are to our community's future. I want to share what we can do — and what we've already accomplished — to address them.
Before looking at City spending and taxes, two things are worth emphasizing.
First, government cannot stand still. We must invest in essential services, modernize infrastructure, encourage commercial development, and prepare for the future. Failing to invest risks decline. But poorly managed investments can also contribute to rising taxes and declining affordability.
Second, taxes and fees are only part of our cost-of-living challenge. Families and businesses face rising food, energy, housing, and other costs. While many are beyond our direct control, City government can help reduce some of these expenses and has much greater control over the taxes and fees it imposes.
Our challenge is to invest wisely in Fairfax's future while keeping our community affordable.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Consider how City costs have changed over approximately the past four to five years:
Regional inflation: 12%
City General Fund spending: 28%
Annual school payments: 43%
Adopted five-year Capital Improvement Plan: 129%
Meanwhile, the average residential property tax bill increased 31%—from $5,949 to $7,789 annually.
Not every increase is unjustified. But these figures show why we must understand what's driving costs and continually look for better, more affordable alternatives.
What Distinguishes My Approach
Some argue that reconsidering projects to explore lower-cost alternatives means "nothing would ever get done."
I believe the opposite: examining alternatives is how we get important things done better, at lower cost, and with greater value for taxpayers.
The Willard-Sherwood Center illustrates the point. By reconsidering the project's financing, we reduced its projected annual tax impact by more than 55% — from approximately $710 to $316 per household — while moving the project forward.
We didn't abandon the project. We found a better way to accomplish it.
We also demonstrated this approach during two consecutive budget cycles:
FY2026: I worked with Council colleagues to reduce an advertised real estate tax-rate increase of 12 cents to an adopted increase of just 2.5 cents.
FY2027: I helped reduce an advertised increase of 4 cents to an adopted increase of just 1.75 cents.
In both cases, we achieved substantial reductions while protecting essential City services.
These experiences reinforce the need to make efficiency and innovation a way of life, not an occasional exercise. As Fairfax faces major investments in schools, infrastructure, public safety, and redevelopment, we must continually examine alternatives and seek greater value.
During our budget deliberations, I worked with colleagues, City staff, and residents to identify savings without sacrificing essential services. We also secured unanimous Council approval of an independent finance and efficiency audit, now underway.
Ready to Lead on Day One
We cannot control every factor driving higher costs. But we have a responsibility to control what we can — without leaving people behind or turning our backs on the future.
Our next round of budget preparations begins shortly after the November 3 election. Fairfax needs experienced leadership, a clear understanding of City finances, and a commitment to thoughtful, collaborative decision-making.
The Mayor plays an important role in guiding Council decisions that affect City costs, taxes, and services, and may cast key tie-breaking votes on matters such as budget amendments and advertised tax rates. These are significant responsibilities that require high-level experience, sound judgment, and a thorough understanding of City finances.
I bring that experience, a demonstrated record of results, and a commitment to keeping Fairfax affordable while protecting the essential services and investments our community needs.
Keeping Fairfax affordable isn't about doing less. It's about finding better ways to deliver more value for our community.
Thank you for taking the time to consider these issues. I appreciate the many conversations I've had with you and look forward to continuing our work together for Fairfax's future.