Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair, at-large Deshundra Jefferson, is on the mend after having had surgery for Crohn’s disease. This chronic inflammatory bowel condition has affected her health over the past two years.

Now two weeks post-surgery, Jefferson reports feeling “pretty good” and looks forward to resuming her duties full-time, including attending Zoom meetings and tackling a backlog of emails next week. Despite her temporary absence, Jefferson is grateful for her colleagues, especially Supervisor Boddye, who stepped up in her absence, as well as her staff, friends, and supportive 16-year-old son. “These things are kind of frightening until you actually go through them,” she shared, noting the relief of finally addressing symptoms that had worsened over the past few months.

Jefferson’s journey with Crohn’s disease began with a diagnosis in the summer of 2022, followed by a period of remission in 2023, during which she felt “great” and could nearly forget she had the disease. However, her condition resurfaced with abdominal cramping and digestive issues, leading doctors to recommend surgery. “The only way to fix that was to have a colon resection,” Jefferson explained, adding, “When I was feeling good, I wasn’t going to the doctors as often as I should, and that’s a lesson.”

Crohn’s disease, often hereditary, is marked by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms like severe abdominal pain, cramping, and fatigue. The condition has no cure, but treatments like medication and surgery can help manage symptoms.

Jefferson now hopes her experience will encourage others to “listen to your body” and seek medical advice as needed. “I didn’t know how many people were impacted by Crohn’s,” she said, surprised by the community’s response and support.

With her health gradually improving, Jefferson is eager to return to significant county matters, focusing on housing affordability and responsible data center growth. She has advocated shifting the county’s focus from traditional affordable housing to “attainable housing” to support police, fire, rescue, and other essential service workers find homes near their workplaces. “It was affordable to live here; it’s not anymore, and it’s hurting our growth,” she said. She emphasized the need for workforce housing options that promote homeownership, a goal that initially drew her to Prince William County.

Jefferson also aims to address the future of data centers in Prince William, which has generated extensive community debate. Her priority is to hold a work session to evaluate the Data Center Overlay Zone, which encompasses areas with sufficient water and power resources required for server farms. “We need a more holistic view of data center growth within our county,” Jefferson noted, suggesting the possibility of removing specific parcels from the overlay to relieve districts disproportionately affected by the industry’s expansion.

Nearly a year into her four-year term, Jefferson, a full-time supervisor, remains committed to creating a balanced and sustainable future for Prince William County. Driven by her commitment to community issues, she ousted former Chair At-large Ann Wheeler in the June 2023 Democratic Primary.

At the October 15, 2024, meeting of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, the county’s mobile libraries were celebrated for their vital role in delivering educational and health resources to underserved communities. These mobile units, known as the “13th branch” of the Prince William Public Library (PWPL), are helping bridge gaps in access to services and fostering community engagement.

Launched in March 2024, the state-of-the-art Mobile Library was officially introduced at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 21, 2024. County leadership, library staff, and community members gathered to mark the occasion, inviting attendees to tour the new addition to the library system. As part of PWPL’s broader initiative, the mobile library is a critical component of the newly formed Community Outreach Services division. It aims to bring library materials, programs, and technology to areas that need them most.

Since its debut, the mobile library has reached over 7,400 residents through neighborhood visits and community events. Beyond providing books and reading materials, the mobile units serve as a bridge to other essential services. Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Potomac Health Foundation, the mobile libraries now partner with health organizations to offer screenings and educational programs, especially in districts like Occoquan, Neabsco, and Woodbridge.

Library Director Jennifer Patterson emphasized the importance of mobile libraries in addressing gaps in underserved areas. “It is equipped with Wi-Fi, bringing much-needed internet access to communities where it may be unavailable, alongside educational materials,” Patterson said. The mobile library also helps residents with job readiness by offering access to resources like LinkedIn Learning and BrainFuse, empowering them with tools for economic stability.

The mobile library’s ability to reach local senior centers, youth centers, and residents unable to visit traditional library branches makes it a cornerstone of the county’s mission to ensure equitable access to services, she added.

Prince William County is poised to address the community’s mental health needs with the projected 2025 opening of its first Crisis Receiving Center (CRC), which will be located in the old Gander Mountain Store on Worth Avenue in Woodbridge.

Announced during the October 15 Board of County Supervisors meeting, the CRC will offer immediate, short-term care for individuals in mental health crises, following the Crisis Now model designed to reduce unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations and keep law enforcement focused on public safety.

The plan is to have the facility staffed 24/7 by mental health professionals; the CRC will provide urgent care, 23-hour observation beds, and crisis stabilization services for adults and youth. The center is expected to serve as a central hub for addressing mental health emergencies. It will ensure that individuals are connected to ongoing community support services after resolving their immediate crisis.

Georgia Bachmann, Acting Executive Director of Prince William Community Services Board, highlighted the center’s broader impact, stating, “The CRC will help keep more police officers on the streets by diverting mental health cases away from law enforcement. It will also provide a continuum of care for those in need, supporting recovery and stabilization.”

Slated to be the first of its kind in Virginia, the CRC represents a major investment in the region’s mental health infrastructure. It hopes to provide relief to individuals and families struggling with mental health crises. Once operational, the center will alleviate the pressure on hospital emergency departments, which are often not equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies, by offering specialized care in a compassionate environment.

However, the road to the center’s 2025 opening has not been without challenges. Potomac Local News reported in September 2024 that the county is grappling with operational funding hurdles due to Medicaid restrictions. The 79,000-square-foot facility will feature 32 beds—16 for adults and 16 for children—dedicated to urgent mental health care.

The longstanding federal classification of facilities with more than 16 beds that treat mental health or substance abuse patients as Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) complicates the CRC’s ability to receive Medicaid reimbursement, a critical source of funding. This IMD exclusion, part of a policy dating back to 1965, has created an estimated $8 million funding shortfall.

In response, county officials are working closely with state lawmakers and the congressional delegation to seek a waiver from the federal government that would allow Medicaid reimbursement for the CRC. While the waiver process could take six months or more, the county is exploring interim funding options to ensure the center remains on track for its 2025 opening.

At the October 15, 2024, Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, pressing housing issues took center stage as the county faces an unprecedented demand for emergency housing assistance and a growing crisis of affordability for senior citizens.

The county’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program received an overwhelming number of applications in just one week, with over 500 households seeking support. Joan Duckett, Director of the Office of Housing, reported that this surge in applications reflects the mounting challenges faced by low-income and at-risk populations, including those threatened with homelessness. This rapid influx underscores the urgency of the housing crisis in Prince William, where increasing rent prices have made stable housing out of reach for many residents.

Duckett mentioned that while federal funding has helped provide rental assistance, the demand far exceeds available resources. The board discussed the potential for increased local funding to help bridge the gap for families struggling with eviction or foreclosure. Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin highlighted the need for collaboration with state programs to expand access to emergency rental assistance.

“We’re facing a tough situation,” Duckett explained. “Stable housing is essential for the health and well-being of families, but the rising cost of living, particularly for seniors, is forcing many into precarious positions.”

Rising Rents and Affordable Housing for Senior Citizens

The meeting also discussed the rising rent burden on Prince William County’s senior citizens. With a growing elderly population on fixed incomes, many older adults are finding themselves priced out of their homes, unable to meet the rising costs imposed by new management companies and increased rental rates.

The board discussed potential solutions, including developing an Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance and establishing a housing trust fund. These measures could incentivize developers to include affordable housing in new projects and provide additional funding for low-income and senior residents.

Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy raised concerns about the lack of affordable rental units for seniors, emphasizing that many have lived in the same homes for years and find moving difficult, especially with limited housing options that cater to their needs.

Duckett also highlighted the challenges faced by the elderly population in the county’s housing market, noting that “many seniors are living on Social Security, and they simply can’t keep up with the rising rent prices.”

The Board of Supervisors is expected to review the proposed ADU ordinance and housing trust fund in future meetings, focusing on how these measures could alleviate pressure on vulnerable populations, particularly seniors.

In its October 15, 2024, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced a new initiative to improve community engagement and communication regarding panhandling. The board issued a directive to the county’s communications office, asking for a comprehensive plan to address the growing concerns about panhandling across the region.

Panhandling has been an ongoing topic in Prince William County, with residents expressing concerns over safety and the visibility of people asking for money at busy intersections. Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry raised the issue during the meeting, emphasizing the need for a clear communication strategy to educate the public about the county’s response to the problem.

“We are looking to engage the community in meaningful ways,” said Angry. “It’s not just about enforcement but understanding the root causes of why people panhandle and connecting them with services that can help.”

The directive instructs the communications office to work with local law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to develop a plan that includes public education on panhandling laws and available resources for needy individuals. The board is seeking a proactive approach that prioritizes outreach and support rather than solely punitive measures.

The new initiative comes after a controversial plan to pay panhandlers not to panhandle faced criticism from both the board and the public. The proposal, which aimed to offer jobs to panhandlers in exchange for no longer soliciting money on the streets, was deferred by the board in a meeting earlier this month after encountering roadblocks and skepticism over its potential effectiveness.

Deputy County Executive Elijah Johnson highlighted the importance of transparency and clarity in the new communications plan. “We want to ensure that residents know what the county is doing to address panhandling, but also how they can help in positive ways,” said Johnson. “This isn’t just about discouraging panhandling but offering real solutions for individuals struggling with homelessness or other challenges.”

The county’s new communication strategy will include social media campaigns, public service announcements, and partnerships with local nonprofits to provide information on available services such as shelters, food banks, and employment programs. The goal is to create a collaborative effort to reduce panhandling while also addressing its underlying causes.

“We’re trying to shift the narrative,” said Johnson. “We don’t want to treat panhandling as a criminal issue but as a social one. We hope to guide both the public and those in need toward solutions that benefit the entire community.”

As part of the directive, the communications office will provide the board with a detailed layout of its plan in the coming months. Supervisors are expected to review and provide feedback before implementing the initiative across the county.

Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin echoed the sentiment during the meeting, noting that the community wants to see action on the issue. “Our residents are concerned, and rightfully so, but they also want to know that their county is doing everything possible to offer help to those who need it most,” she said. “This plan is about making sure we have a coordinated response that balances public safety with compassion.”

In a meeting on October 8, 2024, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding for new positions in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, addressing the office’s need for additional resources to handle an increasing caseload. The positions include four new attorney roles: paralegal, victim-witness staff, and administrative staff. Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth emphasized the importance of these positions for the efficiency and effectiveness of the county’s criminal justice system.

The new hires come after Ashworth said she would withhold prosecution of certain misdemeanor charges, effective May 1, 2024, if county leaders don’t give her more employees.

During the meeting, Ashworth explained the need for the positions, noting that the Virginia Compensation Board had allocated funding for four attorney positions at $70,000 each, but that amount fell short of what is needed in Northern Virginia. “Obviously, that doesn’t cover what we pay in Northern Virginia for an attorney,” she said. She also worked with the county’s budget office to creatively allocate the funding, ensuring that critical positions would be filled.

Ashworth explained that while the positions were funded for fiscal year 2025, the full costs of the positions will be felt in FY 2026 due to the timing of when the hires are expected to take place. “They’d be active for maybe six or seven months of the remainder of the fiscal year. But in fiscal ’26, they would presumably be hired and filled, and their salaries and benefits would be paid for the entirety of the fiscal year,” she said.

The new positions come after an updated time study from the Supreme Court of Virginia recommended that the Prince William Commonwealth Attorney’s Office be staffed with 61 attorneys, 30 administrative staff, and 15 paralegals. Ashworth pointed out this was an increase from the previous year’s recommendation and highlighted the office’s struggle with understaffing. “We are operating with approximately half of the administrative staff that the time study recommends and approximately half of the paralegals,” she told the board.

Supervisors acknowledged the importance of providing adequate resources to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, particularly in light of the increasing demands on the local criminal justice system. Supervisor Bob Weir expressed concern about the funding shortfalls, asking, “Are we on the hook for the delta between the two amounts?” He pointed out that the revenue provided by the Compensation Board did not fully cover the costs associated with the positions.

Supervisor Yesli Vega, who was previously critical of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, expressed her support for the additional staffing, recognizing the need for more resources. “I do understand that there is a need and that this continues to be an opportunity for myself and the Commonwealth Attorney to work collaboratively to assure that we’re addressing the needs that the office really has,” she said.

One of the most critical roles approved was for a victim-witness staff member, a position Ashworth emphasized as essential to ensuring that victims and witnesses feel safe and supported when coming to court. “There is a lot of reluctance on the part of people to do that, to be involved. People are afraid that there will be retribution,” she said, explaining the importance of the victim-witness role in helping alleviate those fears and ensuring witnesses are kept informed and supported throughout the legal process.

The discussion also highlighted the need for collaboration between local and state governments to ensure that compensation for critical public safety roles is adequate. “We have to make sure that each of these [departments] have adequate resources,” said Supervisor Andrea Bailey. “Quite frankly, we’re going to continue to have these discussions about how the Compensation Board does their part.”

The new positions are set to be fully incorporated into the FY 2026 budget, and discussions are ongoing about how to fund the shortfalls between state-provided compensation and local needs. Ashworth closed the discussion by expressing gratitude for the board’s support and underscoring the importance of providing adequate resources to maintain a functioning and just legal system.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors met on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to discuss a proposal to address the risks associated with street panhandling by offering employment opportunities to those begging on busy streets. The plan, spearheaded by the county's health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability team, sought to provide panhandlers with jobs paying $13 an hour for two days a week, hoping this alternative would reduce their presence on streets and mitigate safety concerns.

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Prince William County is gearing up to address the increasing panhandling issue in its streets.

Coles District Supervisor has urged fellow Board of Supervisors members to pass a resolution to regulate panhandling as the county grapples with public safety concerns and the need for social services. The resolution, listed as item 8A on the agenda, will be discussed during the board’s meeting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

The proposed resolution includes allocating $550,000 from the county’s contingency fund to implement a multifaceted strategy to curb panhandling through public safety, social services, and employment programs. This initiative follows the board’s directive earlier this year to explore legal options and policy recommendations to address panhandling.

A Comprehensive Approach

In response to the board’s directive issued in February 2024, the county’s Process Action Team (PAT) was formed to develop various strategies to reduce panhandling. The team, consisting of representatives from multiple county agencies, identified three critical areas of concern: public safety, the need for social services, and the impact on the community’s image.

According to the county’s staff report, these concerns will be tackled through the implementation of three specific strategies:

1. Coordinated Community Safety Response (CCSR) – This approach will address traffic safety issues, aggressive behavior, and loitering associated with panhandling. It also includes targeted outreach to panhandlers, offering housing and employment assistance services.

2. Public Engagement and Communication – A public awareness campaign called #GiveLocalPWC will encourage residents to donate to local homeless service providers rather than giving directly to panhandlers.

3. Pilot Employment Program—In partnership with Keep Prince William Beautiful, this program will offer panhandlers employment opportunities through litter control services, providing them with an alternative source of income.

Fiscal Impact

The initiative will cost $550,000, including $324,000 for the Coordinated Community Safety Response program, $16,000 for public engagement, and $210,000 for the pilot employment program. The employment program will offer panhandlers opportunities to work in litter control across the county, following a model similar to Fairfax County’s Operation Stream Shield.

The board is expected to vote on the resolution during the upcoming meeting. If approved, it will mark a significant step in the county’s efforts to address the complex issue of panhandling through a mix of enforcement, public education, and support services.

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega emailed constituents to express concerns about the county’s approach, urging the board to prioritize a traffic safety ordinance alongside the financial allocation.

“Despite my proactive efforts, I have encountered substantial resistance in advancing this initiative, even after I proposed a draft ordinance in June to serve as a foundation for our discussions,” Vega stated. “In August, Supervisor (Bob) Weir shared a similar ordinance, with the hope of finding common ground, to facilitate dialogue with the board on this issue. Instead, the county has chosen to allocate $550,000 of your hard-earned tax dollars without making any progress on a county traffic safety ordinance.”

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. to deliberate and vote on a proposed residential development in the Coles Magisterial District. The project, known as Bradley South, seeks to rezone approximately 10.15 acres of land from A-1 (Agricultural) to PMR (Planned Mixed Residential) to allow for the construction of 102 townhomes.

The site is on the east side of Dumfries Road (Route 234), about 115 feet northeast of the intersection with Godwin Drive, near Manassas, near a newly-opened interchange with Prince William Parkway.

The rezoning application proposes a shift in land use for the property, which is currently designated as A-1, Agricultural, in the Comprehensive Plan. If approved, the property would be transformed into a residential neighborhood consistent with the RN-3 (Residential Neighborhood) designation in the county’s plan, which calls for mixed residential development.

The Prince William County Planning Commission previously reviewed the project and recommended approving the rezoning request on July 17, 2024. The Board of County Supervisors will now determine the project’s fate after hearing from interested citizens during the public hearing portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

Stanley Martin Homes, LLC, is the applicant behind the proposal, with plans to build single-family attached townhomes on the property. The development plan also includes various modifications and waivers for building configurations, landscape buffers, and transportation improvements to integrate with the surrounding area.

Residents and stakeholders have had the opportunity to review the plans over the past few months, with county staff ultimately recommending approval based on the project’s alignment with public necessity, general welfare, and zoning principles.

The meeting will occur at 1 County Complex in Woodbridge. Here’s the agenda, and information to view it online.