Join us for an in-depth, inspiring conversation with Mayor Derrick Wood of the Town of Dumfries, Virginia’s oldest continuously chartered town. Hosted by Uriah Kiser, publisher of Potomac Local News, this live podcast dives deep into the major transformations reshaping the town—making it a destination rather than a drive-through.
đź“Ś Topics We Cover:
🏗️ Major development projects, including the closure and transformation of the landfill into The Rose Gaming Resort
🏞️ The town’s ambitious plans to reclaim and revitalize the Quantico Creek waterfront
🚧 Progress on the Route 1 (Fraley Boulevard) widening project, paving the way for a new Main Street
🍽️ What’s inside The Rose: Restaurants, off-track betting, and Dumfries’ own fine dining 1609 Steakhouse
🏨 Upcoming hotels, convention space, and community growth
🦅 A vision for ecotourism, vocational learning, and reconnecting Dumfries residents with their historic roots
🚀 The economic boom: 500+ jobs, millions in new revenue, and the potential return of iconic establishments like Tim’s Rivershore
✨ Whether you’re a Dumfries resident, local history buff, or someone interested in smart town development, this conversation is a must-watch!
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DUMFRIES, Va. – Mayor Derrick R. Wood outlined a bold and hopeful vision for the future of Dumfries during his annual State of the Town Address on June 5, 2025. From the John Wilmer Porter Municipal Building, Wood highlighted the town’s major milestones and ambitious plans, drawing applause from residents, community leaders, and elected officials in attendance.
Mayor Wood opened his remarks by paying tribute to the late Congressman Gerry Connolly (D), who died late last month, for his longtime support of small towns like Dumfries. He reflected on the town’s founding in 1749, its past decline, and its rebirth, most notably the 1961 election of John Wilmer Porter, Virginia’s first African American municipal official post-Reconstruction. “We hadn’t just lost our port — we lost our purpose,” said Wood, emphasizing how Dumfries has reconnected with its roots while looking ahead.
Wood spotlighted the transformation of a former landfill into the $500 million Rose Gaming Resort. The project has generated $3 million in new revenue and created 500 jobs. “This is not just a cleanup — this is a comeback,” said Wood. Phase Two, which includes a hotel and convention center, is expected to open by 2027.
He also announced the launch of the town’s first Economic Development Authority (EDA). This citizen-led board will help bring new businesses to Dumfries and accelerate projects like the future waterfront district along Quantico Creek, inspired by the National Harbor model.
Dumfries continues to show signs of fiscal strength, with a clean audit and a $7 million unassigned fund balance. The town is up for the prestigious Triple Crown Budget Award and is working toward earning a bond rating.
On public safety, Wood shared that the Dumfries Police Department is fully staffed and has seen a 25% drop in violent crime. The department is also moving toward full accreditation.
Wood highlighted several community initiatives, including the town’s first Youth Council and the ongoing “Move with the Mayor” wellness campaign. He noted a $75,000 grant awarded to the Boys & Girls Club for kitchen upgrades and a new healthy eating and sustainability program for local youth.
Closing his remarks, Wood called on residents to stay involved and help shape what’s next. “This is your table. This is your town. This is your Dumfries,” he said.
Framing his address around the theme of “Progress, Partnerships, and Possibilities,” Mayor Wood offered a roadmap for continued transformation—rooted in history, focused on community, and aiming high.
Mayor Derrick R. Wood has served as Mayor since 2018. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth and families. Under his administration, Dumfries has secured historic investments, including the $500 million Rose Gaming Resort, launched its first Economic Development Authority, and expanded access to community services through new recreational, public safety, and civic engagement initiatives.
Founded in 1749 along Quantico Creek, the Town of Dumfries is a 1.5-square-mile community in Prince William County with a rich colonial heritage and a growing reputation as a gaming and entertainment destination.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Covington-Harper Elementary School marked a special milestone this spring as its very first students returned—this time as high school seniors.
The school, which opened in 2017, welcomed back its original group of students for a celebratory “senior walk.” The event, shared by Prince William County Public Schools on Facebook, gave graduating 12th graders a chance to visit their former elementary teachers and inspire younger students.
Located at 2500 River Heritage Boulevard near Dumfries, Covington-Harper was established to serve the area’s growing population. Since then, it has faced overcrowding. As of 2024, the school was operating at 124% capacity, with 988 students enrolled in a building designed for 796. Eight trailers have been added to accommodate the overflow.
To help ease the strain, two new elementary schools are planned in Prince William County. One near Marumsco Plaza is expected to open in the 2026–27 school year, with another in Potomac Shores following in 2027–28.
Photos: Prince William County Public Schools
According to a press release on May 8, the county's Department of Economic Development and Tourism worked with outside firms Hunden Partners and Convergence Design to better understand the supply and demand in the area, the opportunities available in the corridor and what was needed to revitalize the area to create a Small Area Plan.
"The study notes that heavy traffic on nearby major roadways creates significant visibility for potential retailers, while the growing local population ensures a strong customer base," the release states.
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DUMFRIES, Va. – In the 1984 movie Footloose, a small town famously banned dancing, sparking pushback from teens who just wanted to have fun. This week in Dumfries, a similar debate surfaced over whether the small town is going too far with proposed new rules for music festivals.
During its May 6, 2025, meeting, the Dumfries Town Council held a public hearing on a proposal to revise the town’s Musical and Entertainment Festivals Ordinance. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult at outdoor concerts and festivals.
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DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood invited the community to join him for a workout event just days after the unexpected death of his younger brother, 37-year-old Darron Smith.
Smith passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 2, 2025. In a heartfelt message, Mayor Wood described his brother as someone born for greatness—sharing a birthday with Super Bowl legend Doug Williams—and a constant presence in his life. “We shared so many moments side by side—from family to food trucks to faith,” Wood wrote. “And now my heart is broken.”
Despite the grief, the mayor channeled his pain into purpose, encouraging residents to come together for an event he called Move with the Mayor, held Monday evening at Ginn Memorial Park. Due to severe storms in the area and widespread power outages, the event was moved indoors, but that didn’t stop the community from showing up to support and heal together.
The session featured workouts led by SOS Fit trainers Coach Freddy, Coach B, and Coach D. “Let’s move together. Let’s heal together,” Wood said in his invitation. “Whether you’re coming to sweat, breathe, or simply stand in solidarity—you belong here.”
The event took place at 7 p.m. at 3800 Graham Park Road.
DUMFRIES, Va. – A two-year-old girl was found dead at the Red Roof Inn in Dumfries earlier this month, prompting a homicide investigation that led to the arrest of both of her parents on multiple felony charges, including murder and child neglect.
According to Prince William County Police, officers were called to the hotel at 17113 Dumfries Road on April 16 at 4:29 p.m. after fire and rescue crews reported the child was deceased. Preliminary findings showed no visible signs of trauma or immediate medical issues. A second child, under the age of six, was also in the room and was unharmed. That child has since been placed in the care of trusted parties.
Police found an unsecured firearm inside the hotel room. An autopsy later revealed the toddler had fentanyl in her heart blood, according to toxicology results received on April 29.
The investigation found that while the child’s mother contacted emergency services, the father allegedly removed items from the room before first responders arrived. Authorities worked in coordination with Child Protective Services and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office before issuing arrest warrants.
On May 1, police arrested William Nathaniel Fuller, 28, and Markita Ayanna Williams, 25, both of no fixed address. They were taken into custody in the Dumfries area without incident by detectives and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
Fuller is charged with felony murder, felony child neglect, possession of schedule I/II drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm while in possession of illegal drugs. Williams faces charges of felony murder, felony child neglect, and possession of schedule I/II drugs. Both are being held without bond, and court dates are pending.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Prince William County Police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip at pwcva.gov/policetip.
DUMFRIES, Va. – The Town of Dumfries is one step closer to transforming more than 160 acres of land into a vibrant new district along the Quantico Creek, near the Potomac River.
In a video update shared on Tuesday evening, town leaders toured the newly named Dumfries Waterfront District, formerly known as the Campbell Salvage Yard. The town council purchased the $3.9 million property, located at 17999 Possum Point Road, in January and is currently awaiting final approvals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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DUMFRIES, Va. –Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood recently spoke about the new development underway at the corner of Route 1 and Possum Point Road: the first-ever Wawa gas station in the town. This new business, set to open in late summer or early fall of 2025, promises to bring economic benefits to the area, marking a pivotal moment in the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.
According to Mayor Wood, this development is a key indicator that "Dumfries is open for business." The Wawa will create over 50 jobs for the local community, with wages expected to generate an additional $1-2 million annually. The construction of the station is anticipated to bring in an economic impact of $5 to $7 million, making it a major driver of growth for the region.
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DUMFRIES, Va. — The Town of Dumfries took a significant step toward shaping its economic future on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by voting to establish a new Economic Development Authority (EDA).
The council passed an ordinance to formally establish the authority after holding a public hearing, during which no residents spoke. The EDA is intended to act as a dedicated body focused on attracting businesses, revitalizing community spaces, and investing in local development—tools the town hopes will spur growth in key areas such as Main Street and the waterfront.
