Two announcements this week set the stage for a contested mayoral race in the Town of Dumfries: incumbent Mayor Derrick R. Wood confirmed plans to seek another term, and Town Council Member Brian Fields formally launched his campaign for mayor.

Mayor Wood, who has led Dumfries since 2018, issued a statement clarifying his intentions after what he described as recent outreach from residents, business owners, and community leaders seeking certainty ahead of the upcoming election.


Dumfries will use a new $240,000 federal grant to improve sidewalk accessibility and make local streets safer for pedestrians. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the money through its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which supports efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Town officials say the funding will help launch a planning and feasibility project to assess sidewalk conditions throughout Dumfries. The goal is to create a Sidewalk Accessibility and Walkability Action Plan that identifies gaps in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and prioritizes areas for improvement.


A public educational forum in Woodbridge examined how soon Virginians could vote on a proposed reproductive freedom amendment, with panelists outlining scenarios that could place the measure on the ballot as early as April 2026.

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“That is a motion that really needs to be split into two separate motions,” InsideNoVa reported. “Basically, the way it is, because of the weight of it, because it was the same [legal] firm – pure and simple, more than anything, it was a mistake to vote that way. It was a mistake on my end to vote that way.”

“As of Dec. 18, 2025, the total funds spent in the [Digital Gateway] rezoning and real estate assessment litigation is $1,663,478.72,” InsideNoVa [reported], citing a county spokeswoman. “These cases are complex and this number includes the costs for the work of attorneys in the outside counsel law firm, expert witnesses, court reporters and transcripts, costs of preparing and filing the appeals briefs, preparation of the extensive legislative record, etc., spanning more than two years.”


“From expanding broadband access ahead of schedule to launching PWC 311 for faster, easier connection to county services, every step was guided by the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan,” the county stated. “Looking back, it’s inspiring to see how much we can accomplish together when a community works as one.”

County officials pointed to several key milestones from 2025, including the opening of the Crisis Receiving Center Complex, nearly $1 billion invested in public schools, expanded funding for affordable housing, adoption of the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance, and new tools to improve access to county services.


The Dumfries Town Council on Jan. 6 voted down an ordinance that would have dissolved the town’s Economic Development Authority, leaving the EDA in place after a closely divided 4-3 vote.

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Representatives of the White House Farm Foundation presented an overview of Leopold’s Preserve to the Haymarket Town Council on Monday, detailing the conservation property’s history, public access, and ongoing stewardship efforts.

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State Sen. Danica Roem and Del. Josh Thomas, both Democrats, briefed the Haymarket Town Council on their legislative priorities for the 2026 Virginia General Assembly during the council’s regular monthly meeting on Monday, highlighting proposals tied to data centers, energy infrastructure, education, and local government authority.

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