Smart Development

“The economic vitality of our region is directly tied to our ability to deliver high quality development projects. However, development for the sake of development isn’t enough, we must have a long-term vision for how we plan and build our community.” - Rodney Lusk

Rodney’s development philosophy is informed by his four years as then Providence District Supervisor Gerry Connolly’s Land Use Aide, six years on the Fairfax County Planning Commission and a 20 year career at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA). While at the EDA, Rodney helped some of the largest employers in the region’s largest employers both locate and expand their operations in the County—a large part of that being supporting them through the land use and development process. Rodney understands first-hand what it takes to plan and build a community, having guided the planning of Merrifield and the Mosaic District. As a Board member, Rodney has overseen a significant and diverse development portfolio in Lee District, not only focusing on growing our commercial tax base but also ensuring that those who currently live in our community benefit from development in our community.

In his first term, Rodney delivered on a $100,000 investment to conduct a market rate study in the Springfield area that will redefine our planning goals for that community and jump-start its revitalization.

  • After an over 20 year career with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Rodney understands exactly what it takes to attract employers to our region and district. Rodney has worked directly to expand and support businesses both large and small in our district to expand or get established. Rodney successfully negotiated the development of the largest data center project in our district’s history. Since being in office, he has consistently moved with urgency to fill vacant commercial properties and incentivize owners to activate properties that are contributing to our commercial tax base.

  • Rodney is committed to ensuring that the people who live in our community are not displaced by development, but rather directly benefit from it. In partnership with Supervisor Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill), Rodney has established the county’s first equity proffer standards. Under Rodney’s leadership, the land use and development process in Lee District now contains a requirement that developers of major projects make commitments to support current district residents in terms of workforce development and upskilling. This means making commitments to providing opportunities for local contractors to bid on construction projects, providing Rodney’s office with data on the profile of jobs that will be available when the project is completed, the skills and certifications necessary to fill those jobs, as well as potential philanthropic and programmatic support for the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.).

  • Rodney recognizes that sometimes economic projections are not perfect and that we need to adapt. to changing landscapes. That’s why he led the budget request that resulted in the Board investing in a market rate assessment of the Springfield area. Based on the results of this study, we will be able to re-assess the comprehensive plan for Springfield and map out a path to revitalization that is achievable within future market conditions. Unlike other similar studies, Rodney has ensured that the report will not only contain a market assessment and recommendations, but also a road map for how to implement those recommendations.