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The 2026 battle over a proposed Tysons casino has ended with a gubernatorial veto, but Fairfax County advocates are preparing for the fight to return—and broadening their campaign into a larger defense of local decision-making.
Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, former state Del. Kathleen Murphy and other community leaders have launched Communities First VA, a nonprofit intended to amplify residents’ voices and protect local government authority from state mandates.
The social welfare organization emerged after repeated attempts by Virginia lawmakers, including some representing Fairfax County, to make the county eligible for a casino.
Before the 2026 General Assembly session, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 5-4 to formally oppose legislation authorizing a county casino. The vote marked a stronger position for the board, which had previously expressed skepticism without adopting outright opposition.
Nevertheless, the General Assembly approved SB 756 from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, a Democrat representing the 34th District, on March 14, the final day of the legislative session. The measure limited possible casino locations to Tysons.
The county board sharply criticized Fairfax lawmakers who supported the proposal. Resistance from supervisors, community organizations and an overwhelming majority of the county’s General Assembly delegation ultimately helped persuade Gov. Abigail Spanberger to veto it. Surovell has indicated that he plans to revive the effort next year.
Casino opponents cited concerns ranging from worsening traffic to national security risks. County officials focused primarily on the state-imposed criteria determining where a casino could be built—restrictions not applied to Virginia’s five approved casino host localities—and a gaming-tax formula that would have directed more revenue to the state than to local government.
Lawmakers considered several versions of the legislation. One removed the language restricting a casino to Tysons. A late proposal offered an equal revenue split but would have permitted a temporary casino without voter approval. The measure ultimately sent to Spanberger returned to its original language.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay called the General Assembly’s action “absolutely a direct attack on local government.”
Group plans to fund local advocacy
Communities First VA intends to raise community funding for future lobbying campaigns, including—but not limited to—efforts by established organizations such as the No Fairfax Casino Coalition.
The group argues that the casino legislation reflects a wider pattern of state officials overriding local judgment on land use, housing and community character.
Beyond the casino measure, Communities First VA did not identify specific legislation it opposed. Fairfax leaders have been divided over proposals designed to increase housing production, including bills that would streamline affordable housing construction on religious properties and permit residential projects by right in some commercial areas.
Spanberger also vetoed legislation expanding collective bargaining rights for public employees. Some local governments opposed that measure, although two Fairfax supervisors publicly supported it.
The broader dispute is shaped by Virginia’s status as a Dillon Rule state, which means local governments generally possess only powers granted by the General Assembly. Fairfax officials have long argued that this arrangement limits their ability to diversify tax revenue, advance transportation projects and install solar energy systems.
Communities First VA will receive guidance from a community advisory board whose first members include Bierman, Murphy, former Del. Margi Vanderhye and former Virginia Young Democrats president Matt Royer. Bierman and Murphy both opposed the Fairfax casino legislation.
“We know this fight will continue, and we need to be ready,” Murphy said. She described the Tysons dispute as an example of a community uniting behind a common position yet still struggling to be heard.
Bierman said the board would advocate for residents affected by top-down decisions from Richmond and press for local perspectives to be respected in major economic and development debates.
The organization is inviting interested residents to submit their contact information through its website so an organizer can follow up.