R-23-12RESOLUTION NO. R-23-12
CITY COUNCIL VISION AND GOALS
FOR THE 2023-2024 TERM
WHEREAS, the election of a Mayor and City Council creates an opportunity for re-
examination of the direction for the community; and
WHEREAS, voters in the City of Fairfax elect a Mayor and City Council every two years;
and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council for the City of Fairfax, for 2023-2024 wish to set
forth the direction of the city for the next two years;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council establishes as its vision,
strategic goals and priority action items for its 2023-2024 term of office:
VISION
The City of Fairfax has a strong, sustainable economy that supports a vibrant and equitable 21 st
century community.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS FOR 2023-2024 TERM
1. Economic Development
Take actions that result in a more diverse, balanced, and resilient economy through business
attraction, expansion and retention to enable a business environment that supports the quality
of life that our community expects.
What does this mean to the city...
• Continue real estate tax base growth above the Northern Virginia regional average.
• Prioritize community "affordability" for residents, businesses and visitors.
• Continue partnerships in the Northern Virginia region to improve our long term economic
health and leverage the city's competitive advantage and strategic intergovernmental
relationships.
• Improve and streamline the city's processes to provide easy, quick and friendly
experiences when opening and operating a business.
• Enable appropriate, sustainable transportation oriented mixed -use development and
redevelopment that complements our distinctive sense of place.
2. Environmental Sustainability/Stewardship
Preserve, protect and improve our community's natural, cultural and historical resources as
population growth, economic development/redevelopment and climate change create
significant impacts.
What does this mean to the city...
• Prioritize development or redevelopment that embraces sustainable practices, increases
green space, and creates compact and less car centric places.
• Preserve, protect and enhance natural and environmentally sensitive areas.
• Strengthen environmentally sustainable practices in city policies and operations.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnerships including GMU, NVCC,
regional, state, environmental and cultural institutions.
• Undertake initiatives to improve recycling, composting, and other solid waste best
management practices.
3. Community
Strengthen our welcoming and safe community, known for its distinctive quality of life,
through community engagement, connectivity, a safety net for those in need and exceptional
City services.
What does this mean to the city...
• Recognize, value and celebrate the many traditions in our community through honoring
the history of those who established the city and welcome those who will write its future
with their unique contributions.
• Provide a comprehensive community -based range of programs, special events, and
activities.
• Improve access to and availability of health and human services through programs and
partnerships to increase mental and physical health and a sense of safety and individual
well-being for all ages.
Identify existing and new programs that can improve connectivity and access to
community and educational services.
Ensure economic vitality, safety and health, affordable housing choices, sustainability,
education, infrastructure, and cultural and recreation opportunities.
4. Transportation
Create safe and efficient movement of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, commercial vehicles
and transit through the City and region via an intermodal system that is appropriately scaled,
efficient, safe and convenient.
What does this mean to the city...
• Create opportunities for walking, cycling and other transportation options that are safe and
environmentally sustainable.
• Improve access between neighborhoods and parks, schools, activity centers and other
destinations throughout the city.
• Support new approaches for safe more accessible, convenient, and efficient public transit
connections to metro, GMU, and key locations in the community.
• Further efforts to create a street grid to facilitate economic and community development.
• Align efforts with public, private and non-profit partners to identify future transportation
modes and infrastructure needs.
5. Governance
Maintain and strengthen long-term fiscal health through governance distinguished by a high -
performing, innovative and community based system that is founded on open, multi -faceted
communication with residents, businesses, and visitors; demonstrates accountability and
responsiveness and is supported by a professional workforce.
What does this mean to the city...
• Attract and retain employees who will address current and future city needs.
• Improve citizen engagement through new forms of communication with an emphasis on
underserved populations.
• Align organization structure and business processes and practices that result in
outstanding customer service and responsiveness.
• Continue our city's excellent fiscal management practices that include capital investments,
effective borrowing and proactive fund balance management to support city services,
facilities and infrastructure.
• Use technology enhancements and investments to make data -driven decisions, support
transparency in government operations, and deliver accessible and effective city services.
Adopted: February 14, 2023
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Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The vote on the motion to approve was recorded as follows:
VOTE:
Councilmember Bates
Aye
Councilmember Doyle Feingold
Aye
Councilmember Greenfield
Absent
Councilmember Lim
Aye
Councilmember Ross
Aye
Councilmember Stehle
Aye