City profile

From its founding as a small crossroads community more than 300 years ago, Falls Church has retained its distinct identity, despite the rapid growth of Northern Virginia. Since 1948, Falls Church has been an independent city (not part of any county), encompassing 2.2 square miles. Falls Church has its own elected local government, taxing authority and school system. Today, the City of Falls Church includes vibrant neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and historic attractions. Falls Church is a partner with neighboring communities in regional activities.

History: Falls Church was first settled around 1700 in Fairfax County. It was incorporated as a town in 1875 and originally extended into Arlington (then known as "Alexandria County"). In 1938, the Arlington portion withdrew from the town. In 1948, Falls Church withdrew from Fairfax County and became an independent city.

NOTE: Most "Falls Church" postal addresses are actually in Fairfax County, not in the City of Falls Church. Also, the "East Falls Church" neighborhood is in Arlington County, not in the City of Falls Church.

Population: 10,000 (2000 census)
Registered voters: 7,600 total; 7,200 active (as of Dec. 2007)
Wards: 5 (see list of polling places)

Falls Church city government

The city is governed by a 7-member City Council, which elects one of its members to serve as Mayor. Council members are elected at-large to staggered 4-year terms. Council elections are held in the spring of even-numbered years; the races are non-partisan.

City Council (see profiles):

• Robin Gardner, Mayor (Next election: May 2012)
• Hal Lippman (Next election: May 2010)
• Dan Maller (Next election: May 2010)
• David Snyder (Next election: May 2010)
• Daniel Sze (Next election: May 2010)
• David Chavern (Term expires: June 2008)
• Lindy Hockenberry (Term expires: June 2008)
• Member-elect: Nader Baroukh (Next election: May 2012)
• Member-elect: Lawrence Webb (Next election: May 2012)

The city also elects:

• Constitutional officers - Sheriff, Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue, elected to 4-year terms. (Next election: Nov. 2009.)
• Clerk of the Circuit Court (jointly with Arlington County) - elected to 8-year term. (Next election: Nov. 2015.)
• Commonwealth's Attorney (jointly with Arlington County) - elected to 4-year term. (Next election: Nov. 2011.)
• School Board - 7 members, elected at-large to staggered 4-year terms. (Next elections: May 2010 and May 2012.)

City Hall: 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046 (corner of Park and Little Falls)
City website: www.FallsChurchVa.gov

Falls Church legislative representation

Virginia House of Delegates: Falls Church is in the 53rd House District, currently represented by Del. Jim Scott (D). (Next election: Nov. 3, 2009.)

Virginia State Senate: Falls Church is in the 31st Senate District, currently reprsented by Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple (D). (Next election: Nov. 8, 2011.)

U.S. House of Representatives: Falls Church is in the 8th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Jim Moran (D). (Next election: Nov. 4, 2008.) See also: MorAntics.com.

U.S. Senate: Virginia is represented by Sen. John Warner (R) (next election: Nov. 4, 2008) and by Sen. Jim Webb (D) (next election: Nov. 2012).