Blog posts are the personal views of Letty Hardi and not official statements or records on behalf of the Falls Church City Council

Dear Friends,

Happy spring! Thanks for the input you shared on snow removal, which hopefully will be a distant memory soon. We all share the importance of sidewalk accessibility all year round. After this week’s discussion, we will be revisiting sidewalk clearing options in a meeting this year based on the current legal authority we have, balanced with practicality and cost, to be prepared for future events.

There are several important things coming up –

• Budget season officially kicks off for City Council next Monday night with the presentation of the annual operating budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP), followed by 2 months of work sessions and town halls ahead of our adoption of the budget in May. Read on for that schedule.
• Virginia Village community meetings – begin today (Saturday)
• Civics Bootcamp on Sunday – learn how local government works and how you can make your voice heard or get involved

Finally, as we approach April – our community Fitness Challenge returns. There are free pop up events all over the city, collaborations with restaurants, and prizes to earn as we all build our physical, mental, and social health this spring. In lieu of my monthly office hours, I’ll have 3 sets of “on the go” office hours in April, so join me for a chat and walk or jog. Schedule below.

Best,
Letty

What Happened This Week:

(1) New park name is…

After reading all the submissions and input from the community and two rounds of efficient voting, we came to consensus and are poised to name the new park on S. Oak (across from Oak St Elementary) at our meeting on Monday. Firefly Forest is targeted to begin construction this summer.

(2) FY27 budget schedule

The City Council part of the annual budget process begins Monday,. Besides the regular Monday night meetings which will mostly be focused on the budget (work sessions and public hearings), note there are additional town halls during the day and evening for the community to hear about the budget, ask questions, and weigh in.

This is one of the most important responsibilities we have every year – our annual budget should reflect the priorities of the entire community, while taking into account continued uncertainty surrounding
our region, long term planning, and fiscal responsibility. Next week, I’ll share the recap of the proposed budget.

Wednesday, March 26, 2026, Noon: Budget Town Hall, Council Chambers and Online
Monday April 6, 2026, 7:30 pm Budget Work Session, Dogwood Room
Monday, April 13, 2026, 7:30 pm, First Reading of Budget, Tax, and Fee Ordinances
Monday April 20, 2026, 7:30 pm, Budget Work Session, Dogwood Room
Monday, April 27, 2026 7:30 pm: Budget Public Hearing, Council Chambers
Thursday, April 30, 2026 7:30 pm: Budget Town Hall #2, Council Chambers & Online
Monday May 4, 2026, 7:30 pm: Budget Work Session
Monday May 11, 2026, 7:30 pm: Budget Public Hearing and Final Consideration
July 1, 2026: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget goes into effect

(3) Police Satellite Office Re-dedication

Building on our commitment to reinvest in the eastern part of the city following our East End Small Area Plan work, City Council joined our police, staff, Eden Center, the Chamber of Commerce in the re-dedication of a small satellite police office in the Eden Center. Public safety works best when it’s rooted in relationships, trust, and everyday interactions and this is a visible way to support the community.

What’s Coming Up:

March 23 – City Council Meeting* (budget presentation)

April 6 – City Council Work Session* (budget)

April 13 – City Council Meeting & Work Session* (budget)

April 20 – City Council Work Session* (budget)

April 27 – City Council Meeting & Work Session* (budget)

*All Mondays (except 5th Mondays and holidays) at 7:30 pm. You can access the agenda and livestream here, including recordings of past meetings

Office Hours:

Letty’s Walking Office Hours – Friday, April 10 (5 pm, Broad St / Howard Herman Trail)

Letty’s Jogging Office Hours – Friday, April 17 (12 pm, Library)

Letty’s Walking Office Hours – Friday, April 24 (5 pm, W&OD / West End Park)