by Danielle Finley, Associate Director of Political Engagement
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines. In this Issue: In this Issue: 1. Alexandria Mayor discusses federal funding risks, infrastructure projects during monthly ALXnow chat 2. FHA Announces Transition to New Appraisal Reporting in 2026 3. Special election in Va. next week to fill Rep. Connolly’s seat 4. Fairfax supervisors to ‘step up’ economic development efforts while criticizing state leaders 5. Northern Virginia Leaders Address Transportation as Continued Population Growth Expected
By RYAN BELMORE, AlxNow
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins outlined the city’s preparations for potential federal funding cuts and addressed numerous infrastructure concerns during her monthly community conversation Tuesday, emphasizing the need for proactive planning as the City Council prepares to resume meetings Sept. 9.
By KEISHA WILKINSON, The Washington Report
On August 27, the FHA announced (in FHA INFO 2025-42) their intention to transition appraisal reporting to the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 beginning in spring 2026 for early adopters. They will announce a timeline of the transition plan, updated policies, and technical specifications later this year, with a transition period similar to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) to allow for both legacy and UAD 3.6 appraisal reports for a period of time.
By JULIE CAREY, WRC-TV
Voters in Northern Virginia will determine next week who will fill the 11th District congressional seat previously held by Democrat Gerry Connolly, who died from cancer in May. It’s a race being watched closely to see if it offers clues about how Fairfax County voters view President Donald Trump’s policies. An annual Labor Day picnic for union workers Sunday was one stop in a busy holiday weekend of campaigning for Democratic nominee James Walkinshaw. He served as Connolly’s chief of staff for more than a decade before being elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and he says he’s focused on fighting Trump’s agenda.
By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, FFXnow
Fairfax leaders unanimously agreed on Tuesday (Aug. 26) to reinforce existing local economic development work, while criticizing efforts at the state level. “Virginia’s economy is dependent in no small part on Fairfax County’s success,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said. “Now is the time to double down. If Virginia is not going to step up … we will.”
By HANNA PAMPALONI, Loudoun Now
With the region expected to grow by 1.3 million people in the next 25 years, regional leaders are continuing efforts to shore up and expand infrastructure and transportation projects across the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Several of those leaders gathered for a forum hosted by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning. While roadway transportation projects primarily are a state responsibility, Loudoun County has invested significant funding in local infrastructure projects to relieve congestion across the county.