To Fairfax County’s credit, they have collectively recognized the structural shifts that have and are occurring in the commercial office market. In 2016, the County seated a diverse “Workgroup” to study the issue. The Workgroup included elected officials (thanks to Supervisor Cook), senior County staff, and industry professionals, including McGuireWoods. On December 27th, the County published a forward looking report that identifies a number of innovative policy objectives that are aimed at adding flexibility and efficiency to approvals process so as to give otherwise challenged office and commercial properties new and additional options to be put to productive use in a way that benefits landowners and the County. These options are potentially wide ranging and include residential and live/work options. We expect ongoing evolution of these Policies in 2017.
