Housing, Transit and Diversification Top County Priorities: Fairfax Board Chair Jeff McKay

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said affordable housing, economic development, public safety and school funding remain among the county’s top priorities, while county leaders continue to focus on transportation investment and a broader tax base.

McKay made the remarks during the March 31 episode of the Connect With County Leaders podcast, hosted by County Executive Bryan Hill. The discussion centered on county policy goals, the Richmond Highway corridor, the One Fairfax equity policy and how Fairfax is responding to changes in housing demand and commercial growth.

McKay, who grew up along the Route 1 corridor, said county investment there has accelerated after years of neglect. He pointed to a bus rapid transit project on Richmond Highway as one of the most significant efforts now underway. “This is no longer a hypothetical,” McKay said. He described the project as “a promise that is kept not only to South County, but will benefit the whole county.”

According to McKay, the investment is intended to improve access, pedestrian safety and surrounding development. He said the county’s larger goal is to support every part of Fairfax County. “If we are to be a county that is always on the upswing, which we are, we have to take care of every corner of the county,” McKay said.

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The conversation also returned repeatedly to One Fairfax, the joint county and school system equity policy adopted during McKay’s time on the board. McKay said the policy grew out of discussions about disparities affecting students and residents in different parts of the county, including differences in health outcomes and opportunity. He said the effort was aimed at addressing barriers to access, not shifting resources from one group to another.

On broader county priorities, McKay said public safety, affordable housing, economic development and education remain closely linked. He said affordable housing is not only a moral issue but also an economic one because employers need workers who can afford to live in Fairfax County.

McKay also said Fairfax has had to adapt to changes caused by the pandemic and by reductions in federal spending that have affected office vacancies and contractors. He said the county needs more diversification in its economy and more housing options for seniors and younger residents.

In closing, McKay urged residents to recognize the county’s strengths. “We have all the ingredients that a lot of jurisdictions dream of having,” he said.