BoS seeks review of Trump proposals that would harm Fairfax County

The Board of Supervisors on Nov. 19 directed County Executive Bryan Hill to review options the board could take to prepare for and respond to actions by the Trump administration “that will have a negative impact on Fairfax County residents.”

The resolution, sponsored by Board Chair Jeffrey McKay and Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw, chair of the board’s Legislative Committee, calls for Hill to bring those options to the committee “for potential action through the county’s legislative program.”

“The president-elect has recommitted to his goal of ‘dismantling government bureaucracy,’” the resolution states. Proposals for “a drastic reduction in the federal workforce and replacement of nonpartisan civil servants with those deemed loyal” could result in the relocation of up to 100,000 workers from the region. Many more would be reclassified and terminated.

That could have a “devastating impact on the regional economy,” according to the resolution. Fairfax County is home to more than 50,000 federal employees. Businesses located in the county receive over $38 billion in federal contracts.

Related story: McKay says the Trump administration would devastate the local economy

“Any reduction in the federal presence in our county will cause a major impact on the commercial real estate market on which we rely heavily to fund our world-class public schools and other county services,” the resolution states.

“Any attack on the federal workforce is an attack on Fairfax County. It is so central to our economy and to our way of life here,” McKay said. “The immediate economic risk here is significant.”

The incoming administration would also reverse the steps Fairfax County has taken to address the impact of climate change by rolling back federal environmental regulations, the resolution states.

“Fairfax County has a long history of supporting our most vulnerable residents,” it continues. “These include low-income families, seniors, children, recent immigrants, people with disabilities, and members of marginalized communities like LGBTQ individuals.”

“These residents often face barriers to accessing resources and opportunities,” the resolution says. “A reduction in federal employees would no doubt have a significant impact on their ability to get needed services.” That would be in addition to the broader threat to cut funding for federal entitlement programs.

The resolution also highlights the detrimental effect of mass deportations on Fairfax County. “While immigration enforcement targeting the small number of dangerous criminals is sensible, indiscriminate and widespread enforcement will in fact harm public safety through a reduction of cooperation with local law enforcement.”

Undocumented immigrants in Virginia pay approximately $690 million in state and local taxes. And with about 42,500 job vacancies in Fairfax County, “we cannot afford to lose such an important component of our workforce,” McKay said.

All of the board members approved the resolution except Pat Herrity (Springfield), the lone Republican on the board.

The Board of Supervisors’ Legislative Committee will discuss the county’s federal legislative program at its next meeting on Nov. 26.