Project Background:

In 2022, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to consider updating its long-range plans for the Government Center Campus, specifically focusing on:

  • Repurposing surface parking lots for other public and community-serving uses, with needed surface parking replaced by structured parking

  • Expanding the breadth of services to better address the County’s strategic priorities, such as maintaining the public nature of the campus, community health and wellness, affordable housing, pedestrian and biking connectivity, and a healthy and sustainable environment.

  • Planning for the broader Fairfax Center Area, which is transforming from traditional suburban development into a more mixed-use, walkable, and semi-urbanized area.

Following an analysis of existing conditions and opportunities, and guided by the public outreach conducted last year, County staff and its consultant prepared a potential framework for the campus and three ideas for future development:

  1. An Enhanced Government Center, which would provide expanded access to public services, open spaces, and recreational opportunities, but retain much of the same governmental character as is present today.

  2. A Government and Civic Center, which would build on the Government Center’s existing functions to introduce elements such as the arts, culture, education, recreation, and health opportunities.

  3. A Transit-Ready Mixed Use Government Center that would be a true mixed-use destination with a greater emphasis on housing, retail, and public uses within a compact, walkable form. This center would supplement, rather than compete with existing development in the area.

The final product of Government Center Visioning would include elements from the three scenarios and provide a general, flexible framework to inform land use decisions over the next 20-30 years. It is not intended to be a strict development plan.

Question title

Optional: Sign-up to stay informed! The Government Center Visioning project is part of a larger Fairfax Center Area planning study, which is considering land use changes to the broader area. Provide your email address below if you'd like to receive updates about this project and the Fairfax Center Area planning study in your inbox.

Question title

Survey Questions:

1. Please share your connection to the Government Center. Select all that apply.

Click to view results

Question title

2. How often do you visit the Government Center campus?

Click to view results

Question title

A draft vision statement for the campus is:
The Fairfax County Government Center is to be a new model for mixed-use government function and design, delivering efficient and equitable access to services, and opportunities within an integrated, mixed-use setting. Maximizing the potential of the campus, it embodies the County's ideals for services, planning, development, transportation, and the environment. An improved public realm with walkable streets and paths connects the campus with surrounding neighborhood destinations.

3. How well does this draft vision align with your needs and desires for the Government Center?

Loading question...

Question title

4. Tell us your thoughts about the drafted vision. Include things you like or dislike, and any changes you would make.