F.C. Bulletin: March 25, 2026
1) City Manager Presents Proposed Budget at March 23 Council Meeting
2) City Manager Wyatt Shields Announces Retirement
3) F.C. 'No Kings' Event Planned for March 28
4) Community Workshop to Combat 'Othering,' April 11
5) Falls Church Fitness Challenge, April 1-30
6) Falls Church Arts Named '2026 Nonprofit of the Year'
7) Falls Church Arts Scholarship Applications Due April 30
8) Falls Church's Dr. Dalal Advocates for Permanent Standard Time; Virginia Senate Passes SB 541
9) Virginia Dream FC Advances in U.S. Open Cup with 2nd Straight Win Over Pro Team
City Manager Presents Proposed Budget at March 23 Council Meeting
Opportunities for Public Comment Across Several Meetings in March and April
Following is based on a March 23 City of Falls Church press release:
Monday, March 23, 2026 – During tonight's City Council meeting, Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields proposed a Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget and six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The City Manager was joined by School Board Chair Kathleen Tysse and Superintendent Dr. Terry J. Dade in the budget presentation to the City Council.
The General Government operating budget (not including debt service) for FY2027 provides for operating expenditures of $59.5 million — an increase of 3.4 percent over FY2026. The FY2027 transfer to schools from general tax revenues is $57.8 million — an increase of 4.1 percent over the FY2026 transfer. The total School Division operating budget, including state and federal revenues, is $71.6 million — a 3.4 percent increase over the FY2026 budget.
Due to decreasing use of capital reserves and decreasing debt service, the overall FY2027 General Fund budget, inclusive of Schools, General Government, and Capital Plan, totals $134.3 million, a 0.8 percent increase relative to FY2026.
The budget proposes no change to the real estate tax rate of $1.185 per $100 of assessed value. The median homeowner's real estate tax bill will increase by $611 — or 5 percent, owing to the rising assessed value of homes due to market appreciation.
"The proposed budget seeks to provide Reliable, Responsive, and Resilient City services through investment in people and core infrastructure," said Shields.
The CIP provides a six-year plan for investment in City roadways, schools, parks, and utilities. Transportation projects total $100.6 million, City and School Facilities $7.6 million, Sanitary Sewer $33.5 million, and Stormwater $8.7 million. The CIP is funded with $94.8 million in federal, state, and regional grants, with $90 million of that for transportation projects to improve safety and accessibility on City roadways. There is no new taxpayer-funded debt planned in the CIP until FY2031, when $5 million is planned to replace the roof at the Falls Church Fire Station.
City Budget Information and Comment Opportunities
The meeting was live streamed on the City's website and FCCTV on select cable providers (RCN channel 2 and Verizon channel 35). Video of meeting is available on the City's website and YouTube channel.
The budget meeting schedule is posted on the City's website calendar and the budget webpage. Budget documents and meeting videos will be posted to fallschurchva.gov/Budget as they become available.
The City invites the public to in-person and virtual budget and CIP meetings, including two Budget Town Halls.
FY2027 Budget and CIP Meetings
- City Manager & School Board Budget Proposals - March 23, 2026
- Budget Town Hall #1 – March 26, 2026 (noon)
- Budget Work Session #1 – April 6, 2026
- First Reading and Budget Work Session #2 – April 13, 2026
- Budget and Finance Committee Meeting – April 17, 2026
- Budget Work Session #3 – April 20, 2026
- Public Hearing and Budget Work Session #4 – April 27, 2026
- Budget Town Hall #2 – April 30, 2026
- Budget Work Session #5: Final Mark-Up – May 4, 2026
- Second Reading, Public Hearing, and Adoption of FY2027 Budget Ordinance – May 11, 2026
- School Board Budget Adoption – May 12, 2026
- FY2027 Start – July 1, 2026
How to Contact City Council or Comment on the Budget Development Process
- Public Comment in Person: During the following meetings, the community is invited to offer public comment: March 23 and 26; April 13, 27, and 30; and May 11.
- Send Comments in Writing: Email the City Council with budget questions and comments at Budget@fallschurchva.gov. Emails are provided to City Council and summarized at the next regular City Council meeting during the “Summary of Written Comments” agenda item.
- Speak at Regular Meetings: There is a general public comment period at the beginning of each council meeting. Legally required public hearings are also held at these meetings. The public can comment in person or virtually.
- Sign up here to participate virtually: fallschurchva.gov/PublicComment, or attend the meeting and fill out a speaker slip before the start. Speakers are allowed three minutes to present comments.
- Please Note: There is no public comment during City Council work sessions. Work sessions are always open for the public to watch. While there is no opportunity for public comment, this is where the Council holds detailed discussions about items they will be voting on at Regular Meetings. Work Sessions are held on the first and third Mondays of every month.
City Manager Wyatt Shields Announces Retirement
City Council to Commence Recruitment Process
Following is based on a March 24 City of Falls Church press release:
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - City Manager Wyatt Shields announced today his intention to retire from the City of Falls Church government after 23 years of service, first as assistant city manager and then as city manager starting in 2007.
Since his appointment, Shields has helped guide the City of Falls Church through a period of significant growth and opportunity. Shields worked to strengthen the City’s financial position, advance major economic development initiatives, invest in critical infrastructure, and maintain a high standard of responsive, community-centered government services.
"It has been the honor of my life to serve the City of Falls Church for these past 23 years. I have truly enjoyed the collaboration with our amazing City staff, dedicated community volunteers, and caring and effective City Council,” said Shields. “I am grateful for the trust that has been given to me by this community and proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. The City of Falls Church has a bright future.”
“Wyatt’s leadership has helped shape the City of Falls Church into the vibrant, forward-looking community we are today,” said Mayor Letty Hardi. “He has led with integrity, vision, and a genuine dedication to our community. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
In his announcement, Shields indicated a retirement date of September 4, 2026. Pursuant to the City Charter, the City Council will lay out a schedule and process for the recruitment and appointment of a new city manager. A further announcement will be made in the coming days regarding that process.
F.C. 'No Kings' Event Planned for March 28
Following is based on a March 10 press release from Falls Church Indivisible:
Join Your Neighbors for No Kings: Hands Across Falls Church on March 28
The wait is over! On Saturday, March 28, the Falls Church community will line Broad Street from Haycock Road to Roosevelt Street from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to say, “No Kings in America!” Following successful events in June and October 2025, Falls Church Indivisible is planning a huge Hands Across Falls Church event (https://fallschurchindivisible.org/nk) in the Little City, hoping to double the 2500 participants who turned out on October 18, 2025.
No Kings (https://www.nokings.org/) is a non-violent, people-powered movement to defend democracy from the tyrannical behavior of President Trump, whose administration is arresting and killing Americans, terrorizing immigrants, threatening our elections, starting unauthorized wars, gutting our healthcare, jeopardizing our environment, and protecting pedophiles while enriching themselves. The first No Kings rallies in June 2025 in response to President Trump’s birthday parade in Washington, D.C. drew five million participants across the United States. October 18 was even larger with seven million participants. The Hands Across Falls Church event on March 28 will be part of an expected 12-14 million Americans resisting tyranny and demanding that the people be heard.
A New Feature: Contests
New for this event will be contests for community members of all ages, with prizes donated by local businesses and restaurants for the best costumes for people and dogs, signs, and decorated cars. In addition to the rally on March 28, the group is planning warm-up events on March 21 including sign and button-making workshops at the corner of Little Falls Street and Park Avenue from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and a decorated car parade. More information can be found at https://fallschurchindivisible.org/nk.
City of Falls Church resident, Dick D., attested to the impact Hands Across Falls Church made on him last year saying, "My wife signed us up for 90 minutes on a bridge for the June Hands Across Falls Church. I didn't think I'd want to be there for even 30 minutes, but the people and honking and community made me want to stay. It was the best! I’ll be back."
The Indivisible Project is a registered 501(c)(4) nonprofit. Their mission is to cultivate and lift up a grassroots movement of local groups to defeat the Trump agenda, elect progressive leaders, and realize bold progressive policies. Across the nation, thousands of local groups are using the Indivisible Guide to hold their members of Congress accountable. Falls Church Indivisible started meeting in December 2024 and joined the national network of Indivisible groups in January 2025. Membership includes residents of the City of Falls Church and neighboring jurisdictions.
For more information about Falls Church Indivisible and its grassroots organizing activities and events, go to https://fallschurchindivisible.org/.
Following is based on a March 18 press release from Democracy Falls Church:
No Kings Event Planned in Falls Church
Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Following two successful No Kings events in 2025, Democracy Falls Church will once again join Falls Church Indivisible and other civic-minded organizations throughout the country in a No Kings event, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 28.
Democracy Falls Church has asked participants to assemble at Frady Park, 311 East Broad Street (Rt. 7) in Falls Church City before 10:00 a.m. to receive instructions and safety precautions.
“We were so gratified that so many of our fellow community members joined us last year with signs proclaiming their allegiance to the Constitution and the founding principles of the U.S. government 250 years ago. The rejection of a King is as important today as it was then to the colonists.”
Volunteers from DFC will be stationed as block captains along Broad Street between Washington Street (US 29) and Cherry Street to support the demonstration covering Haycock Rd. to Roosevelt Street. Participants will be asked to refrain from disrupting the daily routines of others.
For more information contact: Ben Allard (952) 465-5883 or Surekha Cohen (571) 334-5856.
Community Workshop to Combat 'Othering,' April 11
Do you know how it feels to be treated differently as the “other”? Want to help change that?
Meridian High School students in Falls Church are tackling those questions impacting people of all ages in an interactive workshop, “Othering: The Danger of ‘US vs THEM’ Thinking.” The program is from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the school, 121 Mustang Alley.
The workshop is sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity, an initiative of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. The committee and foundation work in partnership with the Chi Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Organizers have asked a panel of professionals and a student to examine systemic exclusion based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Speakers will address the impact of exclusion on victims, perpetrators and their communities, as well as strategies to counter othering.
“Our goal is to move beyond conversation by equipping participants with practical, actionable strategies to help create a more inclusive environment,” said sophomore Liya Bejarano, one of the Meridian organizers. “This workshop is for everyone — teenagers and adults alike — because we all play a role in making our community feel like a place where everyone belongs.”
The panel features four speakers:
Dr. Terry J. Dade, an administrator and educator for more than 25 years, was appointed superintendent of Falls Church schools in July. A former assistant superintendent and elementary school principal in Fairfax County Public Schools, and a parent himself, he was selected for his leadership skills, innovation and ability to foster strong school communities. He is expected to share insights on the role schools and the community can play in overcoming systemic exclusion and fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging that transcends differences.
Chlo’e Edwards, a social justice advocate and public policy strategist regarding social trauma, is expected to address how systemic rules and racial inequity can impact emotional health over time, as well as ways to promote healing and empower marginalized voices.
Michelle Goldberg, school counselor at Mount Daniel Elementary School, leads the school’s “No Place for Hate” initiative and is a member of the Falls Church City Public Schools Equity Team. As an educator and administrator in Seattle, her experience working with students and families honed practical perspectives on how othering affects students’ mental health, sense of belonging and well-being. She is expected to offer practical ideas and strategies to address othering behaviors and promote a sense of belonging.
Meridian junior Xavier Smith is president of the school’s Black Student Union. He recently addressed the School Board on the need for Black students to encounter positive environments throughout their elementary and middle school years, as well as in high school. He plans to share ideas about what role schools and parents can play in providing role models, inspiration and protection to students.
In addition, Meridian senior Olivia Pierre will offer a spoken word performance.
Doors will open at noon so participants can meet and enjoy a light lunch around the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden on the school’s fifth floor. Everyone is invited to explore the garden and artworks commemorating Ms. Selby, the first African American student to attend and later graduate from the former segregated George Mason High School.
The afternoon includes childcare with supervised activities, refreshments and free parking. The workshop is free, but registration is requested at https://THHF-SJC-Othering.eventbrite.com. Walk-ins also are welcome.
For our recent story on the opening of the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden at Meridian H.S. see below:
Christopher Jones
For our recent article on a newly-formed F.C. community movement, the "We the Neighbors Initiative," see below:
Christopher Jones
Falls Church Fitness Challenge, April 1-30
This April, the Falls Church Fitness Challenge returns to Falls Church with a full month of programming designed to get people moving and into local businesses.
Free and open to all ages, the challenge builds on Falls Church’s recognition as one of the healthiest communities in the country and turns that into a citywide, highly visible event.
The program is built around key activations:
- Free outdoor fitness pop-ups across the city, including Jazzercise, sound baths, and “Walking Office Hours” with Mayor Letty Hardi
- A community kickoff event called Move Falls Church! on April 11
- A bingo-style Fitness Passport that encourages participants to explore workouts, events, and locations across the city
- Special offers from 25+ local fitness and wellness businesses, plus collaborations with local restaurants
Participants can earn tiered prizes throughout the month, from decals to duffel bags by completing challenges, creating a built-in incentive to keep exploring.
Here's our story on the City of Falls Church being named 'America's Healthiest Community' in 2024:
Christopher Jones
Falls Church Arts Named '2026 Nonprofit of the Year'
Following is based on a March 20 Falls Church Arts press release:
The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce has named Falls Church Arts as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year.
Falls Church Arts is a vibrant, all-volunteer nonprofit that has spent 25+ years growing from a small group of artists into a thriving community of 280+ members reaching over 2,100 people. Through innovative programs — like city-themed plein air events, public art initiatives, classes, camps, and scholarships — they make art accessible to all. Their work strengthens community engagement, supports local talent, and contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Falls Church — making them a standout choice for Nonprofit of the Year.
Falls Church Arts 'Excellence in Arts Scholarship' Applications Due April 30
Falls Church Arts will be accepting applications for the Excellence in Art Scholarship through April 30. The program is designed to recognize and encourage those who display an early dedication to making art. High school seniors who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution and further their artistic pursuits will be eligible to apply. In 2026, Falls Church Arts will offer $1,000 scholarships to a limited number of students.
Criteria:
A student is eligible to apply for this $1,000 scholarship if the student meets all of the following criteria:
- Exhibits excellence and creativity in the visual arts fields of drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, or sculpture;
- Is in the final academic year of their secondary education at a Northern Virginia high school;
- Plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution and further their artistic pursuits there;
- Special consideration will be given to applicants whose art work and activities have benefited other students, their school, or members of the community.
Applicants must provide five images of their work, an artist statement, recommendations from an art instructor and a general recommendation from a non-family adult, and a transcript of their academic record.
Applications, official transcripts, and recommendations must be received by April 30, 2026 at Falls Church Arts, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 6912, Falls Church, Va. 22040-6912.
For information on the application process, go to https://fallschurcharts.org.
For additional information, contact: Maureen Budetti (mrbudetti@gmail.com) 202-288-9291 or Marty Behr (behrmarty29@gmail.com) 703-975-0762.
Falls Church's Dr. Dalal Advocates for Permanent Standard Time; Virginia Senate Passes SB 541
Following is based on a March 12 PMA Health press release:
Northern Virginia — Dr. Ashtaad Dalal of Falls Church, Va., a board-certified sleep medicine physician with PMA Health, virtually testified before the Virginia State Senate in support of SB 541, legislation that would support permanent standard time and help end the twice-yearly clock change.
Dr. Dalal provided lawmakers with a clinical and public health perspective on how time policy affects sleep, circadian rhythms, safety, learning, and long-term wellness. In his testimony, he emphasized that standard time best aligns with human biology because it more closely matches the body’s natural synchronization to sunlight – particularly morning light – which plays a critical role in regulating alertness, mood, and sleep quality.
“Permanent Standard Time naturally aligns our clocks with the sun, which is how human circadian rhythms are biologically set,” explains Dr. Dalal. “Morning light is the most powerful signal for regulating sleep, alertness, mood, and brain function.”
SB 541 passed in the Virginia State Senate, and Dr. Dalal’s testimony was referenced during the opening remarks on the Senate floor by Senator Richard Stewart (28th Dist.)
To continue his support for Permanent Standard Time, Dr. Dalal appeared on WUSA-TV’s morning show on Friday, March 6, to discuss how the time change impacts sleep and overall health.
With regard to the health effects of sound sleep and Permanent Standard Time, Dr. Dalal has said:
- “Permanent Standard Time naturally aligns our clocks with the sun, which is how human circadian rhythms are biologically set...."
- "Morning light is the most powerful signal for regulating sleep, alertness, mood, and brain function. A common concern is that the sun would rise too early in the summer, earlier summer sunrises are not harmful, they're actually biologically beneficial."
- "Morning light is especially critical for children, adolescents, families, and the workforce. Standard time protects access to morning light, supporting learning, attention, mood regulation, and safe early start times for school and work."
- "Research shows standard time improved sleep and downstream outcomes, including lower rates of heart disease, obesity, cancer, and fewer fatal car crashes. It is also associated with improved mental health, including lowering rates of depression and suicide and better educational outcomes, athletic performance, and workforce productivity."
The next steps for adoption of Permanent Standard Time efforts will require passage in the Virginia House and then regional alignment, including coordination with Maryland and Washington, D.C., which advocates say would strengthen momentum for broader adoption.
About PMA Health
PMA Health has served Northern Virginia families for more than six decades and remains committed to practical, evidence-based education that helps the community make informed health decisions, whether in the exam room or in broader public conversations that impact daily life.
Founded in 1959, PMA Health is a multi-specialty medical practice serving Northern Virginia with a patient-centered, team-based approach. PMA Health provides Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Immediate Care, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, Medical Weight Loss, and more across multiple locations in Arlington and Falls Church.
Virginia Dream FC Advances in U.S. Open Cup with 2nd Straight Win Over Pro Team
Following is based on a March 23 Virginia Dream FC press release:
Virginia Dream FC has done it again.
The Falls Church City-based semi-pro soccer club advanced to the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 victory over professional team Carolina Core FC, marking the second consecutive year the team has defeated a professional opponent in the tournament. Here's a five-minute YouTube highlight reel of the match from U.S. Soccer.
After conceding a goal in the 52nd minute, Virginia Dream responded with composure and urgency. Winger Diarra Zoumana equalized in the 58th minute, shifting momentum back to the Dream. Midfielder Mike Akinkoye secured the win with a decisive goal in the 78th minute.
The victory continues to build Virginia Dream FC’s reputation as a rising force in the national soccer landscape, drawing national attention including recent coverage by U.S. Soccer.
“This is what our club is about,” said Paulo Mendes, vice president of Virginia Dream FC. “We are creating opportunities for talented players to compete at the highest level, and moments like this show what is possible when passion, discipline, and belief come together.”
In an interview with the Thecup.us, Virginia Dream Head Coach Charles Taylor said, “Cup magic – amateur teams trying to get themselves tested against these pro teams in the first, second round – And for us last year, we were able to get past another professional team in the first round. So we knew what it was going to take coming back on the road here again down in North Carolina against a very strong Carolina Core team."
"We couldn’t be more proud of the things we’ve been training and things we’ve been working on, coming down here with the mentality to compete and showcase what our club is all about. We are super excited for the second round, and we can’t wait to showcase to the nation what Virginia Dream is about.”
On March 31, Virginia Dream FC will face the winner of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Steel City FC matchup in the second round.
For updates, follow Virginia Dream FC on Instagram at @virginiadreamfc.
Virginia Dream FC is a Falls Church City-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.
Compiled by Christopher Jones
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