City & town

Fairfax City Council

Vote for: 6
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 11
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The six-member city council, elected at large, sets the City of Fairfax's budget, tax rates and ordinances and appoints the city manager.

Candidates Compare by issue

Sandi W. Slappey Brown

No party listed

Social work manager, Fairfax County Department of Family Services

The gist

Supports more commercial activity to ease real estate taxes.
Supports Parks Foundation fundraising for park infrastructure.
Supports clearer expectations and a faster development review process.
Supports market-rate, attainable and affordable housing options.
Supports the city's detached accessory dwelling unit ordinance.
Pledges transparent decisions with explained rationale.

More about Sandi

View sources (1)

Supports more commercial activity to ease real estate taxes.
Sandi Slappey Brown Sees Taxes, City Services As Key In Fairfax City Council Race
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Increased commercial tax revenue will help lessen the burden on real estate tax revenue.”
Supports Parks Foundation fundraising for park infrastructure.
Sandi Slappey Brown Sees Taxes, City Services As Key In Fairfax City Council Race
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“the Fairfax City Parks Foundation which will be able to raise money for parks and recreation infrastructure”
Supports clearer expectations and a faster development review process.
Sandi Slappey Brown Sees Taxes, City Services As Key In Fairfax City Council Race
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I am interested in how we can be clearer up front about what we’re looking for, and in how we can streamline this process”
Supports market-rate, attainable and affordable housing options.
Sandi Slappey Brown Sees Taxes, City Services As Key In Fairfax City Council Race
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“seek diverse types of housing that will welcome in new residents – including market-rate, attainable, and affordable housing”
Supports the city's detached accessory dwelling unit ordinance.
Sandi Slappey Brown Sees Taxes, City Services As Key In Fairfax City Council Race
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I appreciate creative approaches such as the new ordinance for detached Accessory Dwelling Units”
Pledges transparent decisions with explained rationale.
Sandi Slappey Brown Sees Taxes, City Services As Key In Fairfax City Council Race
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I commit to transparent decision-making and sharing my rationale so that others can understand the factors considered.”

Kelly M. O'Brien

No party listed

Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning, Town of Vienna

The gist

Supports aligning zoning with the city's adopted Small Area Plans.
Supports implementing the city's Affordable Housing Strategic Plan.
Supports allowing ADUs, townhomes and apartments in suitable locations.
Supports keeping the CUE bus fare-free.
Proposes a prioritized inventory of sidewalk gaps.
Pledges to review spending before raising taxes or cutting services.
Supports flood reduction and expanded tree canopy.

More about Kelly

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Supports aligning zoning with the city's adopted Small Area Plans.
Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax · kellyobrienforfairfax.com
“Kelly supports aligning the zoning ordinance with Fairfax’s adopted Small Area Plans so expectations are clear and predictable.”
Supports implementing the city's Affordable Housing Strategic Plan.
Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax · kellyobrienforfairfax.com
“Kelly supports implementing the City’s Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, preserving attainable housing, exploring targeted homebuyer assistance”
Supports allowing ADUs, townhomes and apartments in suitable locations.
Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax · kellyobrienforfairfax.com
“allowing options such as ADUs, townhomes, condominiums, and apartments in appropriate locations”
Supports keeping the CUE bus fare-free.
Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax · kellyobrienforfairfax.com
“Kelly supports keeping CUE fare-free while monitoring ridership, routes, frequency, and costs.”
Proposes a prioritized inventory of sidewalk gaps.
Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax · kellyobrienforfairfax.com
“a clear inventory and prioritization process for sidewalk gaps”
Pledges to review spending before raising taxes or cutting services.
Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax · kellyobrienforfairfax.com
“Before raising taxes or cutting core services, she would review new initiatives, lower-priority capital projects, discretionary programs, vacancies, and contracts”
Supports flood reduction and expanded tree canopy.
Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Kelly O’Brien for Fairfax · kellyobrienforfairfax.com
“reduce flooding, maintain drainage infrastructure, protect and expand tree canopy, and improve resilience”

Russell A. Jones

No party listed

Retired government worker; remodeling contractor

The gist

Pledges budget transparency and lower property taxes.
Supports cutting frivolous spending and staying within budget.
Supports a cautious approach to new development.
Supports preserving the city's small-town character.

More about Russell

View sources (2)

Pledges budget transparency and lower property taxes.
Russell Jones for city council
Campaign website · Russell Jones · jones4fairfax.com
“Transparency on spending and the budget is my first priority … getting taxes reduced after continuously increasing bi-yearly over the last 6 years is my personal agenda”
Supports cutting frivolous spending and staying within budget.
Russell Jones Puts Tax Increases At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Frivolous spending needs to reigned in, and staying within the budget”
Supports a cautious approach to new development.
Russell Jones Puts Tax Increases At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Should be cautious about jumping in too quick without weighing out the possible future issues”
Supports preserving the city's small-town character.
Russell Jones Puts Tax Increases At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I'm interested in the future of the city and keeping it's small town persona”

Stephen S. Kim

No party listed

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Stephen

Susan Hartley Kuiler

No party listed

Information technology project and program manager

The gist

Proposes town halls on the pace and scale of growth.
Supports targeted redevelopment, streamlined approvals and small-business support.
Supports engaging residents before city decisions are made.
Opposes political party committee influence in city elections.
Supports protecting the city's parks, trails and green space.
Supports efficient budgeting and long-term financial planning.

More about Susan

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Proposes town halls on the pace and scale of growth.
Susan Hartley Kuiler Targets Growth, Small-Town Character In Fairfax Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“holding town halls and neighborhood meetings where residents, businesses, and Council members can openly discuss how much and how quickly our city should grow”
Supports targeted redevelopment, streamlined approvals and small-business support.
Susan Hartley Kuiler Targets Growth, Small-Town Character In Fairfax Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“leveraging the City's location and limited land as advantages through targeted redevelopment, streamlined approvals, flexible mixed-use policies, small-business support”
Supports engaging residents before city decisions are made.
Susan Hartley Kuiler Targets Growth, Small-Town Character In Fairfax Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I believe City government should engage residents early, clearly, and consistently—not simply after decisions have effectively been made.”
Opposes political party committee influence in city elections.
Susan Hartley Kuiler Targets Growth, Small-Town Character In Fairfax Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Machine politics have no place in our City government.”
Supports protecting the city's parks, trails and green space.
Susan Hartley Kuiler Targets Growth, Small-Town Character In Fairfax Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I would tout the City’s parks, trails, and protection and preservation of green spaces”
Supports efficient budgeting and long-term financial planning.
Susan Hartley Kuiler - For Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Susan Hartley Kuiler for Fairfax City Council · kuiler4fairfax.com
“Thoughtful budgeting, efficient use of resources, and planning for long-term financial health.”

María José Padmore

No party listed

The gist

No documented position found.

More about María

Steve S Chang

No party listed

Retired pastor and former jewelry store owner

The gist

Pledges greater fiscal discipline and budget transparency.
Supports seeking efficiencies before raising taxes or fees.
Opposes projects conflicting with the Comprehensive Plan or overwhelming roads.
Opposes approving projects solely to add housing or tax base.
Supports scaled redevelopment of underused commercial properties.
Opposes projects that diminish parks, green space or historic sites.

More about Steve

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Pledges greater fiscal discipline and budget transparency.
Fairfax City Council Candidate Steve Chang Calls For Greater Fiscal Discipline
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I will advocate for greater fiscal discipline and transparency in the city’s budgeting process.”
Supports seeking efficiencies before raising taxes or fees.
Fairfax City Council Candidate Steve Chang Calls For Greater Fiscal Discipline
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“seek opportunities to improve efficiency before increasing taxes or fees”
Opposes projects conflicting with the Comprehensive Plan or overwhelming roads.
Fairfax City Council Candidate Steve Chang Calls For Greater Fiscal Discipline
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I would oppose projects that are inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan, overwhelm existing roads or infrastructure”
Opposes approving projects solely to add housing or tax base.
Fairfax City Council Candidate Steve Chang Calls For Greater Fiscal Discipline
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Housing affordability is important, but adding housing or increasing the tax base should not by itself justify a project.”
Supports scaled redevelopment of underused commercial properties.
Fairfax City Council Candidate Steve Chang Calls For Greater Fiscal Discipline
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I would support appropriately scaled redevelopment of underused commercial properties and mixed-use projects in suitable locations.”
Opposes projects that diminish parks, green space or historic sites.
Fairfax City Council Candidate Steve Chang Calls For Greater Fiscal Discipline
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I would also oppose projects that unnecessarily diminish historic resources, parks, green space, or neighborhood character without a compelling public benefit.”

Jessica L. Lough

No party listed

Strategy and global operations leader

The gist

Proposes a 10-year city plan with accountability metrics.
Supports growing the commercial tax base to ease homeowner taxes.
Supports piloting measures to raise Old Town foot traffic.
Supports phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers.
Supports a binding City Council code of ethics.
Supports middle-income housing and small businesses.
Supports bringing residents into decisions early.

More about Jessica

View sources (2)

Proposes a 10-year city plan with accountability metrics.
Jessica Lough Targets Fiscal Management In Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“building a 10-year plan with metrics to drive accountability”
Supports growing the commercial tax base to ease homeowner taxes.
Jessica Lough Targets Fiscal Management In Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“We also need to grow our commercial tax base so homeowners are not asked to contribute more every year.”
Supports piloting measures to raise Old Town foot traffic.
Jessica Lough Targets Fiscal Management In Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“evaluating why some commercial areas like Old Town aren't seeing the level of foot traffic businesses would like”
Supports phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers.
Jessica For Fairfax
Campaign website · Lough for Fairfax · jessicaforfairfax.com
“phasing out gas powered leaf blowers and reducing their harmful impacts to people, pets, and the environment”
Supports a binding City Council code of ethics.
Jessica For Fairfax
Campaign website · Lough for Fairfax · jessicaforfairfax.com
“supporting a binding City Council Code of ethics”
Supports middle-income housing and small businesses.
Jessica For Fairfax
Campaign website · Lough for Fairfax · jessicaforfairfax.com
“actively advocating for middle-income housing, supporting our small businesses, and championing diverse perspectives across our community”
Supports bringing residents into decisions early.
Jessica Lough Targets Fiscal Management In Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“residents should be part of the decision-making process early enough for their input to actually shape the outcome”

Stacy R. Hall

No party listedIncumbent

Fairfax City Council member; corporate controller

The gist

Voted against raising the meals tax to 4.5%.
Opposed by-right detached ADUs, favoring special use permits.
Voted to cancel the George Snyder Trail project.
Opposed early Willard-Sherwood approvals; later voted for construction.
Supports more police resources and full staffing.
Supports limiting gas-powered leaf blower hours and offering rebates.
Supports considering schools-only use of sales tax revenue.

More about Stacy

View sources (5)

Voted against raising the meals tax to 4.5%.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Amos and Peterson voted yes; Hall and McQuillen voted no.”
Opposed by-right detached ADUs, favoring special use permits.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Amos and Peterson supported the ordinance; Hall and McQuillen opposed it.”
Fairfax City Council approves detached accessory dwelling units
News coverage · FFXnow · ffxnow.com
“Why are we so afraid of doing this by special use permit?”
Voted to cancel the George Snyder Trail project.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Hall, McQuillen and Peterson then joined Billy Bates in voting to cancel the project.”
Opposed early Willard-Sherwood approvals; later voted for construction.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Hall and Peterson opposed all six”
Stacy Hall Puts Affordability At Center Of Fairfax City Council Reelection Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Once the plan improved, I voted to move the project forward.”
Supports more police resources and full staffing.
Stacy R. Hall for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Stacy Hall for Fairfax · stacyforfairfax.com
“providing additional resources to our police and public safety officers, ensuring our police department is fully staffed”
Supports limiting gas-powered leaf blower hours and offering rebates.
Stacy R. Hall for Fairfax City Council
Campaign website · Stacy Hall for Fairfax · stacyforfairfax.com
“I support moving away from gas-powered leaf blowers by restricting their hours, proposing bans on Sundays and federal holidays”
Supports considering schools-only use of sales tax revenue.
Fairfax City seeks voter referendum on sales tax to fund school improvements
News coverage · FFXnow · ffxnow.com
“that would allow us to only use it for schools for, let’s say, the first 10 years”

Rachel M McQuillen

No party listedIncumbent

Fairfax City Council member; small business owner

The gist

Voted against raising the meals tax.
Introduced motion for a citywide efficiency audit.
Opposed the Davies development over scale and design.
Supports down-payment assistance and workforce housing.
Voted against by-right detached accessory dwelling units.
Voted to cancel the George Snyder Trail project.
Supported Willard-Sherwood center after its tax impact was cut.
Supports streamlined permitting for family day homes.

More about Rachel

View sources (2)

Voted against raising the meals tax.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Amos and Peterson voted yes; Hall and McQuillen voted no.”
Rachel McQuillen Puts Growth, Rising Costs At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I voted against raising the meals tax”
Introduced motion for a citywide efficiency audit.
Rachel McQuillen Puts Growth, Rising Costs At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I introduced the motion for a citywide efficiency audit”
Opposed the Davies development over scale and design.
Rachel McQuillen Puts Growth, Rising Costs At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I opposed the Davies development because I did not believe its scale, design, and impacts were appropriate for the location.”
Supports down-payment assistance and workforce housing.
Rachel McQuillen Puts Growth, Rising Costs At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Pursue down-payment assistance, workforce housing, supportive housing, and other solutions designed for Fairfax City.”
Voted against by-right detached accessory dwelling units.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Amos and Peterson supported the ordinance; Hall and McQuillen opposed it.”
Voted to cancel the George Snyder Trail project.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Hall, McQuillen and Peterson then joined Billy Bates in voting to cancel the project.”
Supported Willard-Sherwood center after its tax impact was cut.
Rachel McQuillen Puts Growth, Rising Costs At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I supported the Willard-Sherwood Community Center only after stronger financial planning helped reduce its projected real-estate-tax impact from 9.7 cents to 4.33 cents.”
Supports streamlined permitting for family day homes.
Rachel McQuillen Puts Growth, Rising Costs At Center Of Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Streamline permitting for family day homes while maintaining strong safety standards and supporting the childcare workforce.”

Anthony T. Amos

No party listedIncumbent

Fairfax City Council member; affordable housing development (The Michaels Organization)

The gist

Supports dedicated revenue for the city's housing trust fund.
Supports case-by-case review of development proposals.
Supports public-private partnerships for public infrastructure.
Voted to raise the meals tax from 4% to 4.5%.
Voted for by-right detached accessory dwelling units.
Voted to fund George Snyder Trail and against cancelling it.
Voted for all Willard-Sherwood center land-use approvals.

More about Anthony

View sources (2)

Supports dedicated revenue for the city's housing trust fund.
Anthony Amos Favors Case-By-Case Development Reviews In Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“Dedicated revenue for our housing trust fund to support affordable housing and workforce housing for our educators and public safety officials”
Supports case-by-case review of development proposals.
Anthony Amos Favors Case-By-Case Development Reviews In Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“each project should be evaluated for its own merits and drawbacks”
Supports public-private partnerships for public infrastructure.
Anthony Amos Favors Case-By-Case Development Reviews In Fairfax City Council Bid
Candidate questionnaire · Patch · patch.com
“I continue to advocate and encourage the city to take advantage of Public-Private investment opportunities.”
Voted to raise the meals tax from 4% to 4.5%.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Amos and Peterson voted yes; Hall and McQuillen voted no.”
Voted for by-right detached accessory dwelling units.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“Amos opposed delay. … Amos and Peterson supported the ordinance; Hall and McQuillen opposed it.”
Voted to fund George Snyder Trail and against cancelling it.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“On Jan. 13, 2026, Amos supported the additional funding; Hall, McQuillen and Peterson opposed it.”
Voted for all Willard-Sherwood center land-use approvals.
How Four Fairfax Candidates Voted On Taxes, Trails, Housing And Willard-Sherwood
News coverage · Patch · patch.com
“In October 2025, Amos supported all six land-use and design approvals for the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 9 issues covered in this race.