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Falls Church residents are preparing for a major “No Kings” demonstration on March 28, while a Tysons casino proposal awaits action from Gov. Abigail Spanberger and early voting continues for Virginia’s April 21 special election.
“No Kings” Rally Planned Along Broad Street
Falls Church Indivisible and Democracy Falls Church will hold a “Hands Across Falls Church” demonstration from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28.
Organizers plan to line Broad Street from Haycock Road to Roosevelt Street. Democracy Falls Church has asked its participants to gather before 10 a.m. at Frady Park, 311 E. Broad St., for instructions and safety guidance.
Volunteers will serve as block captains between Washington and Cherry streets. Participants will be asked not to interfere with other people’s daily activities.
The event follows demonstrations held in June and October 2025. Organizers said about 2,500 people participated locally on Oct. 18 and hope to double that turnout in March.
This year’s event will include contests for signs, decorated cars, and costumes for people and dogs. Local businesses and restaurants are donating prizes.
Warm-up activities are scheduled for March 21, including sign- and button-making workshops from 10 a.m. to noon at Little Falls Street and Park Avenue, along with a decorated-car parade.
Falls Church Indivisible began meeting in December 2024 and joined the national Indivisible network in January 2025. Its membership includes residents of Falls Church and nearby communities.
Uncertainty Hangs Over the Local Housing Market
Economic concerns surrounding the conflict with Iran are adding uncertainty to the Washington-area spring housing market, even as mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest point in three and a half years.
Falls Church recorded 10 closed home sales in February 2026, a 9.1% decline from February 2025, according to Bright MLS data. The city’s median sale price rose 13% year over year, while the median time homes spent on the market increased by 21 days.
Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS, said buyers and sellers were acting cautiously as the spring market approached. She said a limited conflict could allow housing activity to rebound quickly, while a prolonged conflict could suppress sales.
“If sellers continue to hold back and buyers return, the Washington metro area may begin to tighten, becoming more competitive for buyers who enter the market,” Sturtevant said.
Falls Church also had the region’s highest average sale price per square foot in February, at $570. That figure increased 12.7% from a year earlier. Fairfax County’s comparable average was $376 per square foot.
In Arlington, the average period between listing and a ratified contract increased from 23 days in February 2025 to 35 days in February 2026. The median rose from seven to 11 days.
Tysons Casino Proposal Clears the General Assembly
Legislation that could permit a casino in Tysons passed both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly on March 14.
Senate Bill 756 adds Fairfax County to the list of Virginia localities eligible to host a casino. It limits any proposed Fairfax casino to the Tysons area and requires the site to be part of a coordinated mixed-use development totaling at least 1.5 million square feet.
The measure marks the first time in four years that legislation authorizing a Tysons casino has cleared the General Assembly.
Spanberger has not announced what she will do with the bill. She previously indicated support for casino legislation if Virginia establishes a gaming commission.
Even if the bill becomes law, a casino would still require the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to authorize a voter referendum, followed by voter approval.
Board Chairman Jeff McKay opposes the proposal and has said he does not intend to put it before county voters.
“I am not going to subject my residents to vote on something that we know is a bad deal for them,” McKay said.
Early Voting Underway for April 21 Special Election
Falls Church voters will decide a proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution during a special election on April 21.
The question asks whether the General Assembly should be allowed to adopt temporary congressional districts for upcoming elections before Virginia returns to its standard redistricting process following the 2030 census.
All registered voters may cast an early ballot without providing a reason or submitting a separate application. In-person early voting is available at City Hall, 300 Park Ave., through April 18.
Weekday voting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Hall will also offer voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, April 11 and 18, and will remain open until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16.
Falls Church City Democrats also plan to participate in a redistricting referendum town hall on March 24.
School Fundraiser Set for Sunday
Falls Church City Public Schools students and families are invited to a spring fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St.
Proceeds from food and beverage purchases will support Meridian High School’s Senior Spectacular.