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Great Falls, Virginia · Community Advocacy

Your Voice for a Stronger, Better Great Falls

Citizens for Great Falls is a nonpartisan, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the character, natural beauty, and quality of life in our community.

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1
Year
Celebrating Our
First Anniversary
One year of advocacy,
community, and civic action
100%
Volunteer driven
22066
Proudly rooted in Great Falls

Happy First Anniversary, Citizens for Great Falls!

One year ago, a group of passionate neighbors came together with a shared vision — to make Great Falls an even better place to live. Thank you for your support, your voices, and your commitment to our community.

Our mission: To advocate for responsible land use, environmental stewardship, and transparent local governance — keeping Great Falls the exceptional community it is for generations to come.

What we do
Our Focus Areas

We engage on the issues that matter most to Great Falls residents.

Environmental Protection

Safeguarding the Potomac River corridor, green spaces, and natural resources that define our community.

Land Use & Planning

Monitoring development proposals and advocating for responsible zoning that reflects community values.

Civic Advocacy

Engaging county officials, attending public meetings, and amplifying resident voices on local decisions.

Transportation & Safety

Working toward safer roads, pedestrian paths, and thoughtful traffic solutions for our rural character.

Education & Schools

Supporting excellence in local education and keeping schools at the heart of the community.

Community Events

Bringing neighbors together through forums, cleanups, and events that strengthen local bonds.

News / Articles

County Issues Draft Policy Plan

Peter Falcone | Published on 9/19/2025
On Sept. 17, Citizens For Great Falls submitted a request to the Planning Commission postpone the October 15 public hearing on the draft County-wide Policy Plan Amendment. CFG President John Halacy wrote that this postponement would provide Fairfax County residents with adequate time to review the proposed amendment and engage in substantive public participation throughout all community segments.  He offered several other justifications: 

•The Draft Policy Plan Amendment was released on September 10, 2025. When a significant policy change is published, our organization, together with peer community groups, is committed to ensuring that both our members and the communities we serve are informed about the essential elements of the proposed public policy changes and their direct implications for residents of Fairfax County.

•This County-wide Policy Plan, upon adoption, will have lasting effects on the community and guide future decisions related to land use, infrastructure, transportation, environmental issues, and more. The comprehensive nature of this 370-page draft publication poses a unique challenge for community organizations—particularly volunteer-based groups like CFGF that do not employ paid staff or retain consultants (such as Clarion, which has assisted the county)—in thoroughly reviewing and understanding every substantive change, including those that may appear subtle.

•Now that the draft is available, CFGF intends to engage with our members, provide information, and ask for feedback from the broader community. Insights gathered will be communicated to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to ensure meaningful input from community stakeholders.

•Our preliminary review indicates notable changes in land use policy, transportation, and points raised within the environmental policies.

•Scheduling the Policy Plan Public Hearing on the Policy Plan concurrently with multiple other draft amendments in October does not allow adequate time for community organizations to comprehensively review, discuss, and collaborate on aspects that may need clarification or further attention.

Given the scope of the county-wide Policy Plan revision, it is important that all interested parties, including homeowners who may be affected by proposed policy interpretation, have the opportunity to participate fully.  CFGF asked to consider its request that the October 15, 2025, Public Hearing be postponed to first calendar quarter 2026 to allow for a comprehensive review and evaluation of the proposed amendment's implications.

Click this link to view the Draft Amendment:  http://%20https//www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/sites/planning-development/files/Assets/Documents/compplanamend/policy-plan-update/2022-CW-2CP-Staff-Report.pdf

To request a link to the Sept. 29 7:00 pm CFGF ZOOM Meeting:  email CitizensforGreatFalls@gmail.com


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