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Mount Vernon District is entering 2025 with plans for major public projects, new business programs, expanded housing efforts and community celebrations.

The agenda builds on initiatives completed or launched in 2024. Those included an illegal truck parking reporting tool, expanded public communications and new opportunities involving early childhood education and mental health.

The district also welcomed new businesses and introduced the Council for Economic Opportunities business roundtable and Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs initiative. Work advanced on the final phase of the Original Mount Vernon High School redevelopment, while a new concessions and restroom building opened through a partnership with Woodlawn Little League.

Plans for 2025 include celebrating the reopening of the renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center and beginning site planning for a new Mount Vernon Governmental Center. The district also expects to launch a forum serving smaller Mount Vernon businesses.

Other priorities include advancing amendments connected to the Lorton Visioning 2040 plan, increasing housing availability and breaking ground on a new Gunston Fire Station. Construction is also expected to begin on a five-megawatt solar field at the I-95 Complex.

New community events are planned as well, including celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary with Potomac Banks partners and a Mount Vernon District Summer Palooza at the governmental center.

School funding will remain a central concern during the year’s budget debate. A recent state study found that Fairfax County should receive at least $600 million more from Virginia to meet educational needs. According to the district’s account, that additional funding could reduce the average annual property-tax bill by $1,300.

Residents are being encouraged to contact Virginia’s governor, lieutenant governor and state representatives to advocate for increased school funding.

More information about the district’s 2024 accomplishments and 2025 investments is expected in Supervisor Dan Storck’s annual Advisor mailer later this month.