Testimony: Willard-Sherwood Health And Community Center Economic Development Value

The following is the full testimony former Fairfax City Councilmember Janice Miller gave during the public comment period during the April 14, 2026 city council meeting.

Good Evening. Mayor Read, Members of Council, staff, residents and guests. My name is Janice Miller, and I am here to support moving forward with the Willard Sherwood project and I support council members authorizing the EDA to sell revenue bonds to finance the project.

Questions have been raised regarding the economic advantages of this proposed project. Please consider the following:

Willard-Sherwood would be a long-term economic anchor and would strengthen downtown vitality due to its central location.

• It would generate consistent weekday activity that will support downtown retail and services.
• It would increase pedestrian activity in the downtown area.
• It would reinforce Old Town as a hub for daily life and not solely as a spot for dining out, nightlife and special events.

Willard Sherwood would demonstrate capital leverage and fiscal efficiency.

• The capital costs are divided between the County (58%) and City (42%) based on programmatic usage.
• The city avoids land acquisition costs, demolition costs, and site preparation costs.
• The shared infrastructure and parking reduce capital duplication.
• Energy efficient design lowers operating costs.

Willard Sherwood will support workforce and talent competitiveness.

• It will help attract and retain public and private sector employees and professional households.
• It will reinforce the City’s identity as a service-rich community.

• It will enhance the City’s appeal relative to competing jurisdictions.
• Unlike market-driven projects, the Center provides enduring economic value across all business cycles.
• All these factors support office occupancy, mixed use development and economic security.

Willard Sherwood advances the City’s strategic priorities and economic development goals.

• It maximizes limited land resources and preserves green space through joint development.
• It uses external funding to reduce City exposure.
• It strengthens downtown vitality.
• It supports quality of life.
• It builds on past City-County partnerships and establishes a model for future City-County collaboration.

In summation, by providing the opportunity for enhanced business tax income, this project will deliver sustained economic value that will ultimately far exceed its direct fiscal costs.

There are many in the audience who support Willard Sherwood. Would those who support this project, are willing to pay reasonable fees for usage and approve of their tax dollars paying for both capital costs and operating costs, please stand up and show your support!

Members of Council, PLEASE VOTE YES ON APRIL 28! Thank you for your service, time and attention.