The SFDC has three standing committees. Each meets on a monthly basis and assists staff in accomplishing the mission of revitalizing Richmond Highway. The SFDC's accomplishments and ongoing work go beyond the visible construction projects. Committee initiatives include the following:
Organization - The Organization Committee is led by the President of the Board, Kyle S. Talente.
In 2009 and 2010, the committee is focusing its attention on fundraising. The SFDC is funded solely by Fairfax County, and its annual appropriation is $192,968 (FY 2011). In order for the SFDC to continue to provide outstanding services to the broker, development and business community, the Board and staff will have to be proactive in fundraising.
Community Appearance, Planning and Transportation - The CAPT committee is led by Bruce Leonard, Managing Principal of Streetsense. The committee is focused on three key initiatives:
1. Richmond Highway Wayfinding Sign Plan: In 2005, the SFDC received a federal Economic Development Initiative grant to complete a public improvement project in the Penn Daw Town Center area of the corridor. These funds allowed the SFDC to issue a Request for Proposal to vendors seeking information on how to improve signage along Richmond Highway. The result was the SFDC Wayfinding Program, which is designed to create a sense of place for the various historical and cultural amenities found around the Richmond Highway Corridor. Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have approved the design concepts for the first phase of construction. Once a contractor is secured, construction and implementation of the signs will begin.
2. Facade Improvement Program: Since its inception in the early 2000s, the program has significantly improved the aesthetic appeal of buildings along Richmond Highway. The SFDC is responsible for administering the programs, which have resulted in with six completed projects and over a half million dollars in private investment. Eligible participants must own or rent a structure that fronts on Richmond Highway.
3. Infrastructure Improvements: This committee has been tasked with identifying new infrastructure and transportation alternatives. The CAPT committee will actively work with state and local officials, community groups and stakeholders to bring economically viable improvements to the Richmond Highway corridor.
Marketing - The Marketing Committee is led by Tom Shaw. The committee has been hard at work promoting success stories and creating a positive, consistent and identifiable image of the Richmond Highway corridor.
1. Stakeholder and Media Relations - Using press releases and outreach, events and educational programing, the SFDC maintains and open dialogue with all stakeholders, as well as local and regional media outlets.
2. Publications - each month the Executive Director issues an update to the Board of Directors on the Status of Projects. This update is posted monthly. In addition, a Current Projects map is updated quarterly and industry-specific brochures and pamphlets are available by contacting SFDC.
3. Grass Roots Marketing - The SFDC is committed to providing up-to-date information on developments and projects to members of our business community to promote an accurate and positive image of Richmond Highway.
Economic Development - The Economic Development Committee, chaired by Katherine Ward has been actively looking at the recruitment and retention of both retail and office tenants. The committee has been working on several initiatives:
1. Business Retention - Focused mainly on the office market, SFDC staff and colleagues from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, have met regularly with office users on the corridor to understand their business plans and needs.
2. Business Recruitment - SFDC staff regularly attends industry-focused events to help recruit new tenants and continues to reach out to desirable retail and office tenants for the highway.
3. Incentives - The committee has examined ways to fund infrastructure improvements other than seeking county dollars. Funding structures such as Business Improvement Districts and Tax Increment Financing have been used successfully throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere to encourage revitalization. The committee is creating interactive tools to provide an interactive look at the opportunities available along Richmond Highway.
