The SFDC has three standing committees.  Each meets on a monthly basis and assists staff in accomplishing the mission of revitalizing Richmond Highway.  The SFDC's accomplishments and ongoing work go beyond the visible construction projects.  Committee initiatives include the following: 

 

Organization - The Organization Committee is led by the President of the Board, Richard F. Neel, Jr.   

 

In 2009 and 2010, the committee is focusing its attention on fundraising.  The SFDC is funded solely by Fairfax County, and its annual appropriation is $192,968 (FY 2010).  In order for the SFDC to continue to provide outstanding services to the broker, development and business community, the Board and staff will have to be proactive in fundraising.

 

Design - The Design Committee is led by Roger Reutershan.  The committee is focused on three key initiatives:

 

1.  Richmond Highway Wayfinding Sign Plan: In 2005, the SFDC received a federal Economic Development Initiative grant to complete a public improvement project in the Penn Daw Town Center area of the corridor. These funds allowed the SFDC to issue a Request for Proposal to vendors seeking information on how to improve signage along Richmond Highway. RMJM Hillier, the selected consultant, will work primarily with the committee to create a master plan to improve signage for motorists and pedestrians and coordinate that plan with a gateway sign program.  

 

2.  Vision Plan: In order to leverage the investment that has been made in the Hybla Valley commercial node, the SFDC has begun to look at ways to incorporate improve the appearance of the area.  Pedestrian connections, public art, and additional land assemblage are all being looked at as part of a visioning exercise led by the Fairfax County Housing and Community Development (HCD), Director of Planning and Development.  After completion of an initial rendering, the committee drafted a Request for Proposals for further design work and is looking at various funding strategies to accomplish this project. 

 

3.  Facade Improvement Program: Since its inception in the early 2000s, the program has significantly improved the aesthetic appeal of buildings along Richmond Highway.  The SFDC is responsible for administering the programs, which have resulted in with six completed projects and over a half million dollars in private investment. Eligible participants must own or rent a structure that fronts on Richmond Highway. 

 

Marketing - The Marketing Committee is led by Tom Shaw.  The committee has been hard at work promoting success stories and creating a positive, consistent and identifiable image of the Richmond Highway corridor. 

 

1. Stakeholder and Media Relations - Using press releases and outreach, events and educational programing, the SFDC maintains and open dialogue with all stakeholders, as well as local and regional media outlets. 

2. Publications - each month the Executive Director issues an update to the Board of Directors on the Status of Projects.  This update is posted monthly.  In addition, a Current Projects map is updated quarterly and industry-specific brochures and pamphlets are available by contacting SFDC.

3. Grass Roots Marketing  - The SFDC is committed to providing up-to-date information on developments and projects to members of our business community to promote an accurate and positive image of Richmond Highway. 

 

Economic Development - The Economic Development Committee, led by Vernon Lee Jr.,  has been actively looking at the recruitment and retention of both retail and office tenants.  The committee has been working on several initiatives:

 

1.  Business Retention - Focused mainly on the office market, SFDC staff and colleagues from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, have met regularly with office users on the corridor to understand their business plans and needs. 

 

2.  Business Recruitment - SFDC staff  regularly attends industry-focused events to help recruit new tenants and continues to reach out to desirable retail and office tenants for the highway.

 

3.  Incentives - The committee has examined ways to fund infrastructure improvements other than seeking county dollars. Funding structures such as Business Improvement Districts and Tax Increment Financing have been used successfully throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere to encourage revitalization.