F.C. Bulletin: July 13, 2026
1) Falls Church Climate Network to Accept Donations; Expands Board
2) NoVa Transportation Authority Adopts $776 Million Regional Funding Program; F.C. City to Receive $30 Million
3) Real Estate: F.C. City Continues to Have Highest Median Home Sale Prices in Region, Fewest Avg. Days Market
4) Should Police Encrypt Radio Communications? Fairfax Co. Police Say 'Yes.'
5) Comunidad Inspires Future Tech Leaders through Annual Coding Bootcamp
6) Falls Church Arts: All Member (M-Z) Show (Part II) Opens with Meet-the-Artists Reception, July 18
7) Virginia Dream FC Loses 2-1 Against Ristozi FC in July 11 NPSL Conference Final
Falls Church Climate Network to Accept Donations; Expands Board
Following is based on a July 10 FCCAN press release:
On July 10, the Falls Church Climate Action Network (FCCAN) announced an addition to its Board of Directors and approval from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to accept tax deductible donations.
FCCAN is a network of City of Falls Church residents interested in addressing climate change, both individually and as a community. FCCAN’s activities include advocating for full implementation of the City’s adopted climate and energy plans, hosting events to help people learn about clean energy options, and providing information on what actions people can take to save energy and reduce releases of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
Former Falls Church City Vice Mayor and Council member Debbie Schantz-Hiscott has joined the Board, serving with current members Dave Gustafson, Jeff Peterson, Tim Stevens, and Jon Ward. The Board has also selected two youth representatives, Isabella Chavez Sanchez and Emily Johnson, both students at Meridian High School.
“The new recognition by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization gives FCCAN greater capacity to carry out programs, receive grants from governments and other nonprofit organizations, and accept donations that are deductible from taxes,” Board member Peterson said. FCCAN operates on a volunteer basis without staff.
More information about FCCAN is available at https://fccan.net/. Anyone with comments or suggestions on how FCCAN can most effectively help Falls Church address the climate crisis is encouraged to contact FCCAN at: fallschurchclimate@gmail.com. To contribute to and support FCCAN, visit: https://fccan.net/donate.
For two of our recent stories referring to FCCAN's work, see below:
Christopher Jones
Christopher Jones
NoVa Transportation Authority Adopts $776 Million Regional Funding Program, F.C. City to Receive $30 Million
Following is based on a July 10 NVTA press release:
On July 9, The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) adopted the FY2026-2031 Six Year Program (SYP), committing $776 million toward 21 multimodal transportation projects across Northern Virginia. The City of Falls Church was alloted $30 million in funding for the "Annandale Road Multimodal Improvements Project."
“This program represents a significant investment in Northern Virginia’s transportation future,” said NVTA CEO Monica Backmon. “By funding projects across all modes of travel, we are advancing solutions that reduce congestion and support the region’s continued growth and economic competitiveness.”
This significant investment will enhance all modes of transportation, including transit, roadway enhancements, technology, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and intersection/interchange improvements. Together, these projects will reduce congestion, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life for residents, workers and visitors throughout the region.
The adopted program is the result of a year-long evaluation process that included project application review, technical analysis, public engagement and committee consideration. Eight Northern Virginia jurisdictions submitted 27 project applications requesting a combined $1.265 billion in funding. In accordance with the Code of Virginia, all candidate projects are required to be included in TransAction, NVTA’s long-range transportation plan for Northern Virginia.
NVTA staff conducted a detailed evaluation of each project using a series of quantitative and qualitative measures. Next, NVTA opened a 45-day public comment period in April to gather community feedback on the projects under consideration, receiving 702 public comments.
Funding availability for the FY2026-2031 SYP was determined in June 2026 following the Authority’s unanimous adoption of the Regional Revenue Fund FY2030/31 Pay-As-You-Go (PayGo) funding amount of $776 million. The PayGo amount is determined through NVTA’s established 14-step revenue forecasting methodology, which calculates available funding based on projected regional revenues and financial obligations.
Based on project evaluations, public input, and available funding, NVTA staff developed funding recommendations that were presented to the Authority’s committees for review in June. Following committee endorsement, the recommended projects advanced to the Authority for final consideration and adoption.
"The adoption of this funding program reflects our commitment to investing in a stronger transportation network – one that improves quality of life for Northern Virginians,” said Phyllis J. Randall, chair of NVTA and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. “Our goal is for all NVTA-funded projects to help keep Northern Virginia connected, competitive and resilient for years to come.”
NVTA’s adopted funding programs exemplify the leadership and dedication regionally to reducing traffic congestion. The adoption of this funding program marks a major milestone as the eighth in NVTA’s history. Combined, NVTA has committed nearly $4.5 billion toward advancing 153 projects through regional revenue funding.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is a regional transportation organization committed to planning, prioritizing and funding multimodal projects that reduce congestion and enhance connectivity. NVTA develops Northern Virginia’s long-range transportation plan and invests in projects that improve mobility and provide travel options. NVTA has invested more than $5.8 billion toward advancing 400+ multimodal transportation projects across the region.
Visit thenovaauthority.org to learn more.
Real Estate: F.C. City Maintains Highest Median Home Sale Prices in Region, Fewest Days on Market
Metro Home Sales
Bright MLS reported Metro home sales increased year-over-year as of June 2026. "Across the D.C. metro area, sales for the month totaled 5,274, up 4.4% from a year before, according to Bright MLS, the region’s multiple-listing service. The median sales price of $875,000 was up 1.7% from a year ago," AlxNow reported July 13.
"Across the metro area and broader Mid-Atlantic region, both buyers and sellers were active in June, according to data reported July 10. The Mid-Atlantic market continues to be driven by higher-end sales,” Bright MLS chief economist Lisa Sturtevant said. “Higher-income and repeat-buyers are most active, while moderate-income and first-time buyers are often shut out.”
“Even though mortgage rates remain in the 6.5% range, many buyers are acting now, perhaps concerned about higher rates later in the year," Sturtevant continued. "Listing activity has rebounded after a slow start to the year and the higher inventory has been a key factor bringing more homebuyers into the market. The median sold price in June was $460,000, a 2.3% year-over-year increase and a new record high for the Bright MLS service area," AlxNow reported.
According to Zillow, although the number of home sales increased, median home valuations were flat in the Metro area from June 2025 (year-over-year). "The median Zillow valuation of D.C. region homes for the month was $584,571, down 0.1% from June 2025, according to new data. That compares to a median U.S. value of $372,057, up 1.1% from a year before," AlxNow reported.
"Zillow estimates home valuations based on sales price and other factors. According to preliminary Zillow estimates, D.C. area home sales were up 5.8% from last year, in line with a 9.2% national growth rate to 381,125 transactions in June," AlxNow wrote. “The market wrestled with some uncertainty throughout the spring shopping season, but mortgage rates declining from their mid-spring peak has added some extra heat as we head into an already toasty summer,” said Mischa Fisher, chief economist at Zillow.
Falls Church City
Once again, Falls Church City leads the entire region with median home sale prices of $1,055,000. And that's 4.9% down since last year! Notably, homes listed in the Little City also tend to be snatched up almost immediately, with only six "median days on the market" (the same figure as last year.) Loudon Country is a close second with seven days average, and Arlington County third with a median of eight days on the market.
Should Police Encrypt Radio Communications? Fairfax Co. Police Say 'Yes.'
Should local police departments encrypt their radio communications?
On the one hand, some police departments: 1) want to encrypt to prevent bad actors from intercepting police radio communications and interfering with law enforcement activities, and 2) want to protect the privacy of civilians whose information might be revealed on police radio. On the other hand, groups that wish to hold police departments accountable for wrongful abuses of power, want to discourage police radios from going dark and to preserve the public law enforcement record.
City of Fairfax Chooses to Encrypt
Following is based on a July 13 City of Fairfax press release:
Effective July 13, 2026, the Police Department will transition our primary police dispatch radio channel to encrypted communications.
The City of Fairfax Police Department operates on the Fairfax County Public Safety Radio System, which is transitioning its primary police dispatch channels to encrypted communications. This change aligns with similar efforts by law enforcement agencies throughout the National Capital Region.
Encryption helps protect sensitive information that is routinely communicated by radio, such as names, home addresses, dates of birth, medical information, details involving victims, and individuals experiencing a crisis.
Additionally, encryption helps protect the safety of community members and officers by reducing the potential for real-time monitoring and redistribution of sensitive police communications through scanner applications and online streaming services to individuals seeking to misuse the information.
What is changing?
- Effective July 13, 2026, the Department's primary police dispatch radio channel will no longer be available through scanner applications or online radio streaming services.
What is not changing?
- Residents should continue to call 911 for emergencies and the Police Department's non-emergency number, 703-385-7924, for non-emergency assistance.
- Officers will continue to respond to calls for service as they do today.
- The Department will continue to communicate and coordinate with local and regional public safety partners.
- The Department remains committed to providing timely, accurate, and transparent information to the public and the media.
While primary dispatch radio communications will be encrypted, the City of Fairfax Police Department's commitment to transparency remains unchanged. The Department will continue to provide public information through a variety of official communication channels, including:
- Fairfax City Alert (Everbridge): Subscribe to receive emergency notifications and other public safety information. Residents, businesses, and visitors can register or manage their alert preferences by visiting www.fairfaxva.gov/FairfaxCityAlert.
- Police Department Website: Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/police for news releases, community bulletins, crime prevention information, and other public safety resources.
- The Department's official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
- Direct communication with members of the media.
- On-scene or virtual media briefings during significant incidents.
While the method of radio communications is changing, we remain committed to transparency and balancing the responsibility to protect sensitive personal information and the safety of the community.
Inquiries: Captain Andrew Hawkins, Public Information Office, 703-273-2889 or public.information@fairfaxva.gov. City of Fairfax Police Department, 3730 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax.
City of Falls Church Has Unique Police Scanner Environment
According to countypolicescanner.com, the "Falls Church police scanner environment is unique in Virginia because the City of Falls Church is an independent [jurisdiction] that relies heavily on regional public safety systems rather than a fully standalone radio network. As a result, most Falls Church emergency communications are integrated into the broader Northern Virginia communications infrastructure, especially systems shared with neighboring Fairfax County and Arlington County."
Yes to Encryption: 'Is My City Encrypted' Issues "C" Grade to City of Falls Church for Only 40% Encryption
"Public-safety radio in Falls Church, Va. is partially encrypted (40%)," according to Is My City Encrypted. "Falls Church is served by the public-safety radio in Falls Church [City], population 15,034. Its grade reflects that county's agencies and the trunked systems serving the area."
No to Encryption: Where the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Stands
According to The Patch, Virginia, "The ACLU of Nebraska in 2023 said, [R]adio traffic is an important vehicle for understanding what police are doing and where issues exist across our neighborhoods. That’s important for community safety and accountability.… More transparency means better odds of policing that respects our rights.”
Comunidad Inspires Future Tech Leaders through Annual Coding Bootcamp
Following is based on a July 10 Comunidad press release:
Comunidad's annual Coding Bootcamp is empowering local middle and high school students with the skills and confidence to explore careers in technology through a week of hands-on coding, artificial intelligence, and collaborative learning.
Now in its fifth year, the bootcamp introduces students to programming fundamentals, machine learning concepts, and real-world problem-solving through engaging, project-based activities. Throughout the week, students collaborate to develop innovative projects before presenting them to their peers and a panel of judges in a final project showcase.
“Our goal is to empower students to become confident leaders who recognize their potential as future innovators,” said Maralee Gutierrez, founder and executive director of Comunidad. "By providing access to technology and hands-on learning, we're opening doors to opportunities many of our students may not otherwise experience."
The Coding Bootcamp is made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia and the support of volunteers, donors, and other community partners committed to expanding educational opportunities for local youth.
Comunidad's Coding Bootcamp is part of its year-round youth development programming, which includes literacy, mentoring, leadership development, and family support initiatives that equip young people to thrive.
About Comunidad
Comunidad is a nonprofit community development organization based in Falls Church, Virginia, that equips and engages locally rooted community leaders through education, leadership development, and holistic family support. Through partnerships with residents, volunteers, churches, businesses, and community organizations, Comunidad is helping build stronger communities where every person has the opportunity to flourish.
For some of our earlier reporting on Comunidad see below:
Christopher Jones
Christopher Jones
Falls Church Arts: All Member (M-Z) Show (Part II) Opens with Meet-the-Artists Reception, July 18
Falls Church Arts (FCA) "is excited to announce the second installment of the All Member Show featuring artists with last names starting with M-Z," a July 12 gallery press release announced. The "all media" exhibit, running through Aug. 23, "features the best of our members' work."
The opening meet-the-artists reception will be held at FCA's gallery spaces at 700B W. Broad Street from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. The Juror's Choice Award will also be presented at the reception.
Exhibit artworks for this show will be available for purchase from the gallery.
People's Choice Award Goes to Loveless's "A River Runs Through It," in Part I of All Member (M-Z) Show
Participants (M-Z, Second Installment)
Sharon Malley
Russ Mardon
Chase McClough
Catherine McCollum
Anne Meagher-Cook
Jessica Mickey
Alexis Millan
Cynthia Miller
Jon Milstein
Judith Montoya
Marjan Morravej
Nan Morrison
Steve Newman
Nancy Newman
Nolan Noble
Kwaku Ofori-Yirenkyi
Chloe Oh
Barbara Osborne-Harris
Marti Otto
Sandi Parker
Nancy M Patrick
Farrah Prasertwaitaya
Jose Quinonez
Yoshiko Ratliff
Amanda Rayborn
Margaret Raymond
Richard Renfro
Karin Rindal
Renée Nicole Ruggles
Deborah Schindler
Cynthia Schoeppel
Todd Schvaneveldt
Christina Scott
Michele Sheedy
Janet Sifers
Joan Slottow
Vivian Song
Mariah Sotelino
Lynda Spencer
Ann Tannous
Robert Tiemann
Selina Tolosa
Anastasia Travieso-Diaz
Diane Trent
Saba Tseggai
Anna Unigovskaya
John Valenti
Shaun Van Steyn
Aarika Wells
Nina Wells-Prystay
Bob Wentworth
Hana Yang
Andrzej Zmudzki
Virginia Dream FC Loses 2-1 Against Ristozi FC in July 11 NPSL Conference Final
"And with that our 2026 NPSL season comes to an end," Virginia Dream FC posted forlornly to X yesterday July 12. In their National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) championship match at Stevenson University, Saturday, July 11, the Dream lost in a squeeker to Ristozi FC, 2-1.
"Eighteen minutes into the match, Fela Osifesu was taken down on a breakaway by the Ristozi goalkeeper just outside the box," a Virginia Dream press release said. "The resulting free kick was taken by Diarra Zoumana, the team’s leading goal scorer, who placed the shot in the top 90 corner of the goal for the first score of the game."
"Virginia Dream kept the pressure on through the first half but could not add to the score," the press release said. "Two minutes into the first half of extra time and against the run of play, Ristozi FC evened the score. Ristozi took the lead in the 49th minute when a Dream defender Inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. The Dream kept attacking, however, creating many scoring opportunities and denying the opponents any chance to add to their lead. By the end, Virginia Dream was not able to capitalize on their many opportunities."
The match was live-streamed to YouTube and can be watched here:
On Sunday, August 16, Virginia Dream begins its 2026 UPSL Fall Season hosting Hub City FC at Meridian High School's "The Dream" stadium. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m.
Virginia Dream FC is a Falls Church-based semi-professional soccer club founded in 2022 with a mission to remove financial barriers by covering all player costs. Competing at a high level across national leagues, the club blends elite competition with community impact, creativity, and culture. Virginia Dream FC has gained national recognition through its U.S. Open Cup performances and growing digital audience.
For updates and more information, visit: https://www.instagram.com/virginiadreamfc.
By Christopher Jones
Member discussion