NEWS
November 15, 2021
Month: November 2021
NEWS
November 10, 2021
Tysons Partnership Board Adopts Resolution Endorsing County’s ‘One Fairfax’ Policy
Adopted November 10, 2021 by the Tysons Partnership Board of Directors
By resolution adopted by its board in November 2021, Tysons Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of Tysons as a transit oriented, high density urban center competitive with other major urban centers. The board declared “inclusive development” to be among the Partnership’s public purpose goals and methods and resolved to work collaboratively with Fairfax County Government toward key objectives.
Fairfax County adopted in November 2017 a “One Fairfax” policy as an explicit framework for incorporating and advancing racial and social equity goals within all County initiatives.
Echoes of One Fairfax appear in regional organizational declarations such as the Greater Washington Partnership’s Preface Report to the Regional Blueprint for Inclusive Growth (September 2021) which includes this key observation:
“Inclusive growth is both a moral and economic imperative. Cities and regions that prioritize inclusivity achieve longer-term growth by becoming a magnet for talent, business and investment.”
Tysons Partnership embraces principles of equity and inclusion as an essential cornerstone of an economically and socially flourishing urban center. Consistent with that orientation and within the context of our collaboration with Fairfax County, Tysons Partnership hereby declares its alignment with and adoption of One Fairfax as a guiding principle of our work to advance Tysons.
To ensure that One Fairfax is appropriately reflected in the Partnership’s work program, the board directs the formation of a task group to initiate and oversee implementation of specific initiatives and activities designed to advance principles of equity and inclusion as an animating force in the development of Tysons. The board authorizes and empowers its executive leadership to take all steps consistent with this direction.
NEWS
November 9, 2021
Tysons Partnership Hosts Walkability Tour with County Officials
County representatives and private industry leaders joined the Tysons Partnership for a mobility and economic development “walkabout” on October 27th at The Boro in Tysons. Led by Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust — our designated “Tysons Walking Ambassador” — the group toured The Boro’s current 7-acre development, experiencing firsthand a significant delivery on a new model for mobility and walkability in Tysons.
Kicking off the walk, Supervisor Foust recalled his experience in the development of The Tysons Comprehensive Plan, which guides the implementation of all new development and transportation infrastructure stating, “There has never been a planning process like what we did for Tysons.”
Supervisor Foust went on to underscore the five-year collaborative effort among public and private stakeholders and members of the surrounding communities. He also recognized the leadership of Supervisor Walter Alcorn, representing the Hunter Mill District, who played an important leadership role in developing the Plan, and Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik. Both supervisors joined for portions of the tour.
Stan Wall, a partner at HR&A, briefed the group on some encouraging trends from the Tysons Partnership Market Study including touting the 39% population growth 2010-2018 [3x the regional rate]. Tysons’ walkability and multi-modal approach to urban design is attracting residents, workers and visitors. The same report noted that 66% of Tysons is benefiting from good transit along with escalated investment in mobility infrastructure, all of which supports the vision of a connected, walkable community. While there are signs of progress, all who joined in the walk recognized there are still challenges ahead to fully realize the vision for Tysons.
We want to give a shout out to Meridian for hosting the tour at the Boro and a special thank you to Caroline Flax, an associate at The Meridian Group, who provided details and insight about the development throughout the morning….as well as a delicious continental breakfast from the Paris Baguette!
Back view of businesswoman sit at desk have video call with multiracial colleagues on laptop, female employee speak talk on webcam conference on computer, brainstorm with coworkers at meeting online
A lively and engaged group of Tysons Partnership members met virtually for an inaugural Employer Forum, led by forum chair, Barbara Steacy from Freddie Mac. The group combined two previously existing groups: 1) The Post-Pandemic Return to Office Group and 2) The Employer Forum (a group that previously predominately discussed wellness and mental health in the workplace) into one.
During the kick-off meeting, members shared unique experiences from their companies about return to office plans and policies, and a look toward 2022. The group agreed to meet bi-monthly with topics to include: policies for COVID-19 in a return to the office, innovative ideas to rebuild the workforce (especially within the hospitality industry), the future of a hybrid workplace, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (One Fairfax).
We look forward to providing Tysons employers and other stakeholders with a safe space to compare notes and share practices on a range of issues. The next meeting is scheduled for December 13. If you’d like to join the group or invite others from your organization to the meetings, please email ellen@tysonspartnership.org.