Help Reverse Cognitive Decline with
Bredesen Protocol Alzheimers Treatment in McLean, VA
There's no way around it: Getting diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can be both scary and disheartening for patients and their loved ones. The cognitive impairment, memory loss, and eventual cognitive decline can seem like a grim prognosis. Unfortunately, the standard reductionist approach seeking to identify a single silver bullet cure doesn't account for the multifactorial nature of Alzheimer's disease.
That's why treating Alzheimer's disease requires a multifaceted response from functional medicine. While there is no single drug that can cure Alzheimer's, protocols addressing the nuanced factors contributing to the disease can make a difference. That's where Proactive Wellness Centers and Bredesen protocol treatment in McLean, VA comes into play.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to Brain Health
At Proactive Wellness, we firmly believe that brain health is an essential part of your overall well-being. However, despite the emergence of new research, there has been limited understanding of how to promote brain health effectively. This includes reducing the risk of dementia/Alzheimer's and stabilizing cognitive decline in patients with early symptoms. Dr. Lawson, an esteemed Bredesen Protocol practitioner and ReCode 2.0 Certified with 17 years of experience in functional medicine can identify and address the root cause of cognitive decline in you or your loved one.
Dr. Lawson's goal isn't to replace the role of family physicians. Rather, we collaborate with primary care physicians, internists, and other medical professionals to provide a comprehensive approach to care. We believe that every individual is unique from a physiological perspective, and therefore, we avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for men and women who have dementia.
Our programs have a strong emphasis on slowing down and reversing the aging process, preventing diseases, and treating chronically ill patients. To achieve this, we employ a three-pronged approach:
- We empower patients with the knowledge they need to manage their health and attain optimal well-being.
- We prioritize disease prevention by conducting a thorough evaluation with the help of comprehensive diagnostics and the patient's health history form.
- We collaborate with patients to implement a rejuvenation program that includes various science-based treatments, like our Brain Health Optimization Program (BHOP) for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's
One of the most popular and effective programs we offer includes Bredesen protocol treatment in McLean VA. This revolutionary approach to dementia has provided hope and improved cognitive function for countless people in the US. But to understand the importance of the Bredesen protocol, it's important that you first understand dementia, Alzheimer's, and its effect on people across the world.
The Wide-Reaching Effects of
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
There are currently more than 5.8 million individuals in the United States who are living with Alzheimer's disease. It is predicted that the number of individuals with Alzheimer's disease will more than double by 2050.
Dementia is a type of cognitive decline that affects mental abilities. There are many different causes and complex layers involved. Cognitive impairment is characterized by abnormal results on tests measuring memory, speech, critical thinking, and other cognitive abilities, but individuals with this diagnosis are still capable of performing daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Without proper treatment, Alzheimer's disease is likely to follow within a few years. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, and it is diagnosed through neuro-imaging and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.
In the past, being diagnosed with Alzheimer's was often worse than receiving a death sentence. It was dehumanizing and stripped individuals of their memories, thinking abilities, and independence. However, after three decades of research, we now have a greater understanding of this devastating illness and even solutions like Bredesen protocol treatment in McLean, VA that can help patients deal with dementia.
What Causes Dementia? 
Dementia is caused by a normal and healthy brain process that malfunctions due to a toxic environment, inflammation, and a lack of necessary nutrients and hormones. The brain's defense mechanism produces amyloid plaques, which serve as a protective helmet around the brain. Unfortunately, these plaques destroy connections between nerve cells, ultimately affecting comprehension, recollection, and clarity.
Dementia by the Numbers 
It's important to understand the impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) around the world. According to the CDC, AD is present in 50% of patients in nursing homes and causes more than 110,000 deaths annually in the US. It was the 6th leading cause of death in 2015. More than 5 million people in the US are affected by AD, and recent data indicates that the problem is getting worse.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47 million people around the world are currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 75 million by 2030 and 132 million by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases.
While reading those statistics can be disheartening, there's reason to be hopeful. New therapies and treatments offered at Proactive Wellness - like Bredesen protocol treatment - can help patients deal with dementia and cognitive decline.
The Power of
Bredesen Protocol Treatment in McLean, VA
The Bredesen Protocol is a highly personalized treatment program that aims to reverse cognitive decline and improve brain function in patients. Dr. Bredesen has designed the protocol to be adaptable and customizable, tailored to the specific symptoms and needs of each patient.
The program is centered around lifestyle changes, medication, and nutritional adjustments, all of which are tailored to address the unique symptoms and environmental factors that may be contributing to cognitive decline. This approach, referred to as ReCODE, helps patients to combat brain fog and prevent the onset of dementia.
It has also helped patients improve cognitive function significantly, reverse symptoms, and even return to work. The ReCODE program comprises lifestyle interventions, therapeutic diets, and targeted nutrients. Proactive Wellness Centers is thrilled to offer this promising treatment modality for Alzheimer's disease to benefit our patients.
It all starts with a baseline Bredesen evaluation at our wellness clinic in McLean, VA.
Baseline Bredesen Evaluation from
Proactive Wellness Centers
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we have two ways to help patients who are in search of Bredesen protocol treatment in McLean, VA. The first option is our Baseline Bredesen Evaluation, which is best suited for asymptomatic patients - that is, individuals who do not exhibit any significant cognitive decline beyond what is expected with age. Dr. Bredesen classifies such patients as "PreCode."
This evaluation serves as a starting point for PreCode patients, as well as those who are unsure of their cognitive status and potential risk factors. Our baseline evaluation includes the following:
The first step involves conducting a comprehensive set of baseline labs to evaluate your overall health, closely following the Bredesen protocol. This step goes beyond standard labs that you might have for a physical. It includes tests for magnesium, zinc, and selenium levels, B6, B12, and folate levels, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels.
It also includes
- Pre-Diabetes Evaluation
- Hormone Level Evaluation
- Thyroid Level Evaluation
- Specific Immune Marker Evaluation such as TH1, TH2, IL6, and TNF.
Our goal with this assessment is to establish a starting point and compare your cognitive function against what is typical for your age group. We have chosen to use the CNS Vital Signs cognitive assessment, which is widely recognized as one of the best in the industry. Additionally, we will be conducting the standard MoCA test as part of the evaluation.
A DNA test is performed to identify the specific APOE genotype present in your DNA. APOE e4 has been shown to be associated with an increased chance of late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which occurs after a person is 65 years old.
This step covers your lab results and includes a detailed plan of action to address areas of improvement as identified in your baseline evaluation.
What are the Early Signs of
Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease?
As we grow older, it can be difficult to distinguish between normal changes in our cognitive abilities and the initial signs of dementia. The issue with preventing chronic illnesses is that we often believe we are healthy as long as we don't experience any symptoms, but this is not entirely accurate. Symptoms are typically the last indicator of a disease, meaning it has already progressed by the time they appear.
While it's always best to catch diseases before you notice symptoms, taking proactive measures at the first sign of cognitive changes can greatly impact the aging of your brain and body. It's crucial to act immediately if you're experiencing the following symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment. That way, ,you have a better chance of preventing the development of Alzheimer's.
Roughly 10% of individuals with MCI progress to Alzheimer's annually.
Fortunately, Bredesen protocol treatment in McLean, VA may provide you with a chance to delay or even reverse these symptoms
Memory Issues
You have a hard time remembering events that happened recently, such as appointments or important conversations with loved ones. You may also have trouble remembering important information.
Language Issues
You have trouble finding relevant words when you're talking with other people. You may also have problems following along with complex or complicated discussions.
Difficulty Maintaining Concentration and Attention
You have noticed a reduced ability to focus and stay honed in on most tasks. You may also not be able to multitask effectively, and it may be harder to keep your attention for long periods of time.
Decline in Executive Functions
This symptom involves difficulty with skills like decision-making, planning, problem-solving, and organizing. These difficulties are often most apparent in day-to-day activities.
Problems with Visuospatial Awareness
You may have trouble parking your car, judging distances, reading maps, or completing tasks that necessitate spatial orientation.
Impaired Judgement and Reasoning
This may include problems when making judgments or decisions. Examples may consist of difficulties making financial decisions, managing finances, making reasonable and appropriate social decisions, or thinking through risky situations.
By contrast, some of the most common signs of normal aging can include the following
Experiencing temporary lapses in memory, where recently learned details like names or scheduled events may slip from one's mind but can be remembered later on
- You occasionally make mistakes, but nothing that stands out as significant or unusual.
- You have to ask for help putting together or setting up electronic devices or equipment.
- You sometimes forget what day it is but have the ability to remember the correct date later on.
- Your vision is getting worse, which is caused by cataracts.
- You experience shortness of breath or get tired more often when being active.
- You feel unusual aches and pains, especially during poor weather.
- You get confused sometimes but don't have an inability to make decisions or multitask.
- You have a hard time keeping your body temp regulated.
- You get angry or frustrated when tasks aren't completed in certain ways.
Your Trusted Choice for Bredesen Protocol Treatment in McLean, VA
Maintaining a healthy brain is crucial for one's overall well-being, yet there remains a lack of knowledge when it comes to promoting brain health, reducing the likelihood of dementia, or managing symptoms for those exhibiting early warning signs.
That's why we're excited to offer patients the ReCODE program at Proactive Wellness Centers. Developed by Doctor Bredesen, this treatment has shown remarkable success in improving cognitive function and even reversing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This comprehensive program includes lifestyle changes, dietary interventions, and specialized nutrients, and we are eager to provide this promising treatment option to patients like you.
If you or a loved one are starting to show concerning signs of cognitive decline, contact our office today to learn more about Bredesen protocol therapy. It could be your first step toward reversing mental decline and enjoying life to its fullest.
Latest News Near McLean, VA
Expedited American Legion Bridge Replacement Supported By Fairfax Co.
patch.comhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/fairfax-co-supports-expediting-american-legion-bridge-replacement
Fairfax County leaders support efforts by the Federal Highway Administration to expedite replacement of the American Legion Bridge.FAIRFAX, VA — The Trump administration should expedite the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said this week. The bridge links Fairfax County and Montgomery County, Maryland, two of the region's most populous counties."The bridge plays a vital role in supporting regional mobility, freight movement, economic activity in the Nationa...
Fairfax County leaders support efforts by the Federal Highway Administration to expedite replacement of the American Legion Bridge.
FAIRFAX, VA — The Trump administration should expedite the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said this week. The bridge links Fairfax County and Montgomery County, Maryland, two of the region's most populous counties.
"The bridge plays a vital role in supporting regional mobility, freight movement, economic activity in the National Capital Region," Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville) said, during the board's regular meeting on Tuesday. "Now more than 60 years old, the bridge faces significant capacity, operational and safety challenges. They're expected to intensify as regional travel demands continue to increase."
The Federal Highway Administration recently issued a request for information soliciting public input and proposals on innovative project delivery methods to ensure cost-effective and efficient reconstruction of the bridge. The deadline to comment and submit proposals for the project is Monday, Feb. 9.
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"Replacement of the bridge presents an opportunity to not only bring this critical asset into a state of good repair, but also to improve safety, support new transit connections between Maryland and Virginia, enhance transportation demand management strategies and expand bicycle and pedestrian connectivity across the Potomac River," Bierman said.
The supervisors voted unanimously to support a motion submitted by Bierman, directing Board Chair Jeff McKay (D-At-Large) to send a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation in support of FHWA's efforts to expedite replacement of the bridge. Scroll down to view the letter.
"This one's really important," Bierman said. "We need a new American Legion bridge. We need to figure this out."
In November, state, local and federal officials cut the ribbon on the $660 million 495 Express Lanes Extension project, which connected the existing 14-mile 495 Express lanes just north of Tysons, near the Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Access Road to the George Washington Memorial Parkway prior to the American Legion Bridge into Maryland.
In January, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to discuss the rising costs of the Francis Scott Key Bridge project, which has gone from initial estimates of under $2 billion in 2024 to as much as $5.2 billion, according to Maryland Matters.
During the meeting, Moore said he was open to receiving private funding for the replacement of the American Legion Bridge provided the agreement included expediting replacement of the Baltimore bridge, Maryland Matters reported.
This is the letter the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to send to Duffy.
February 3, 2026The Honorable Sean P. Duffy SecretaryU.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.Washington, DC 20590Reference: FHWA RFI (Docket No. FHWA–2025–0335) – Expediting Delivery of the American Legion Memorial BridgeDear Secretary Duffy:On behalf of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express our support for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) efforts to expedite the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.The 60-year-old American Legion Bridge provides a critical freight and passenger connection between Maryland and Virginia, and its replacement would bring this essential asset into a state of good repair while enhancing safety and mobility. The Board has long recognized that capacityand operational challenges at the American Legion Bridge and other Potomac River crossings are among the region’s most significant transportation priorities. The need to cross the Potomac River creates major transportation challenges in the National Capital Region. As a directconnection between two of the region’s most populous counties, the American Legion Bridge is among the most heavily used and congested crossings. Congestion at the bridge also contributes to cut-through traffic on local roadways, affecting nearby residential neighborhoods during peaktravel times. With traffic volumes expected to continue to increase, the chokepoint created by this bridge requires long-term solutions to help those traveling between Maryland and Virginia.A new bridge would support the implementation of new transit connections between Maryland and Virginia and the enhancement of transportation demand management to reduce singleoccupancy vehicle travel in the corridor. It will also provide the opportunity to include expanded bicycle and pedestrian connections between multimodal facilities in Maryland and Virginia.These expanded transportation options are consistent with improvements and priorities identified by our local governmental partners in the region.Fairfax County appreciates FHWA’s efforts to solicit input on alternative project delivery methods, innovative contracting approaches, and other strategies that could accelerate delivery of a replacement project. Given the bridge’s regional and national significance, exploring flexible and forward-looking options is both appropriate and necessary.We encourage FHWA to continue close coordination with Virginia, Maryland, and regional partners as it evaluates responses to this RFI and advances next steps. Fairfax County will continue to support efforts that advance the timely replacement of this critical structure, a key regional conduit for travel and economic activity between Virginia and Maryland and the continued economic vitality of the Metropolitan Washington region.If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Gregg Steverson, Director, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, at Gregg.Steverson@fairfaxcounty.gov, or 703-877-5600. We remain willing to assist in efforts to advance this important infrastructureproject.Sincerely,Jeffrey C. McKayChairmancc: Members, Fairfax County Board of SupervisorsBryan J. Hill, County ExecutiveJennifer Miller, Deputy County Executive
Northern Virginia Community Changes Hands
Mikayla Sciortinohttps://www.multihousingnews.com/northern-virginia-community-changes-hands/
JLL Income Property Trust has sold Kingston at McClean Crossing, a 319-unit Class A development in McLean, Va. According to Yardi Matrix, the Fairfax County property was previously owned by LCOR, before JLL’s REIT acquired it in 2021.A purchase price was not disclosed. The property has since been rebranded as The Point at McLean, now owned and managed by Pantzer.Kingston at McClean Crossing encompasses more than 500,000 square feet across two 13- and 15-story towers that are connected via a skybridge. LCOR developed the s...
JLL Income Property Trust has sold Kingston at McClean Crossing, a 319-unit Class A development in McLean, Va. According to Yardi Matrix, the Fairfax County property was previously owned by LCOR, before JLL’s REIT acquired it in 2021.
A purchase price was not disclosed. The property has since been rebranded as The Point at McLean, now owned and managed by Pantzer.
Kingston at McClean Crossing encompasses more than 500,000 square feet across two 13- and 15-story towers that are connected via a skybridge. LCOR developed the site in 2018 for $122 million, with layouts ranging from one- to three-bedroom units averaging 874 square feet.
Individual apartments feature in-unit washers and dryers, walk-in closets, dishwashers and stainless-steel appliances. The property is classified as partially affordable, with 63 apartments reserved as affordable housing, Yardi Matrix shows.
Community amenities include a fitness center with a yoga studio, a swimming pool, a children’s playroom, outdoor firepits, a golf simulator and a pet spa.
Kingston at McClean Crossing was the first phase of the larger 21-acre McLean Crossing development, which was first proposed in 2013. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved LCOR’s updated conceptual development plan in early 2025, which includes up to 2.7 million square feet of mixed-use space.
The community was put up for sale in October 2025, according to the Washington Business Journal. Kingston at McLean Crossing was built at 7480 Birdwood Ave., 13 miles outside of Washington, D.C., with access to Interstate 495 and Route 267. McLean subway station and the Tysons Galleria are nearby.
Multifamily activity near DC
Washington, D.C.’s multifamily market fundamentals are still mixed, according to a December 2025 Yardi Matrix metro report. The data showed that average asking rents were down to $2,227, below the U.S. mean, with deliveries 30 basis points below the national figure. Through September, more than 30 properties changed hands in the metro, totaling $1.9 billion in transaction volume.
In August, Bozzuto and Invesco Real Estate acquired Ashton at Dulles Corner, a 454-unit development located in Herndon, Va. The purchase represented the second acquisition of the partnership from their $330 million investment joint venture, which has an overall capacity of approximately $1 billion.
Also in the area, JBG SMITH has received the green light to move forward with a 640-unit project in Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Va. The property will include a mix of market-rate and affordable units.
Fairfax Co. Public Schools Alter Feb. 4 Schedule
Michael O'Connellhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/fairfax-county-public-schools-alters-schedule-feb-3
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Although road conditions continue to improve, Fairfax County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, Feb. 4, Superintendent Michelle C. Reid said in an email sent to FCPS families on Tuesday.With the delay, students will travel during daylight hours, which will be safer, according to Reid."I visited with our transportation and food services teams early this morning as they prepared for everyone’s return," she said. "I also visited several schools where I was exc...
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Although road conditions continue to improve, Fairfax County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, Feb. 4, Superintendent Michelle C. Reid said in an email sent to FCPS families on Tuesday.
With the delay, students will travel during daylight hours, which will be safer, according to Reid.
"I visited with our transportation and food services teams early this morning as they prepared for everyone’s return," she said. "I also visited several schools where I was excited to see our educators and students picking up right where we left off before our snow days. This is a testament to the hard work and flexibility of Team FCPS and all of you to adapt to these challenging winter weather conditions."
These activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled or delayed:
In addition, School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers will open at 8 a.m. Afternoon preschool classes will start on their regular schedule, and Adult and Community Education classes will start on time.
"As you head out in the morning, please be mindful of students who are making their way to school," Reid said. "Nearly 130,000 students will be traveling to bus stops across the county, and 50,000 others will be walking or using kiss-and-ride areas while navigating sidewalks and snow piles. For families who are able to, we encourage you to check that your child’s walking route to school is as safe as possible with the snow and ice, or, if possible, carpool with other families."
FCPS’ Office of Transportation Services will notify families of any changes to bus stops due to road conditions. There may be some delays.
"We ask families to monitor the Bus Delay website to get up-to-date information on the route status," Reid said. "The website will record if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late. Parents will also receive an email if a bus is more than 30 minutes late."
Families that feel staying home is safer are asked to call their child’s school to get an excused absence. Additional updates will be available on the FCPS website and the FCPS mobile app.
Fairfax Co. Public Schools Make Schedule Decision For Feb. 3
Michael O'Connellhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/fairfax-county-public-schools-updates-schedule-tuesday-feb-3
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — All Fairfax County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay for Tuesday, Feb. 3.This means schools will open two hours later than their regular start times. All central and school offices will open on time, according to an email sent Monday by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid."We anticipate that this will also be the case for Wednesday, February 4. We will provide a community update tomorrow afternoon," Reid said.These activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled or de...
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — All Fairfax County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay for Tuesday, Feb. 3.
This means schools will open two hours later than their regular start times. All central and school offices will open on time, according to an email sent Monday by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.
"We anticipate that this will also be the case for Wednesday, February 4. We will provide a community update tomorrow afternoon," Reid said.
These activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled or delayed:
Reid's office added:
School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers will open at 8 a.m. Afternoon preschool classes will start on their regular schedule, and Adult and Community Education classes will start on time.
"I want to thank all of our incredible staff who have worked tirelessly over the last eight days to clear snow and ice, and make sure our schools are safe for students and staff to return. We could not open without the ongoing hard work of our custodial, facilities, and transportation teams as well as VDOT and our county partners," Reid said.
"Fairfax County is approximately 400 square miles. Each day, 130,000 students walk to 45,000 bus stops across the county. An additional 50,000 students walk, drive, or are driven by an adult. As you head out in the morning, please be mindful of students who are making their way to school. For families who are able to, we encourage you to check that your child’s walking route to school is as safe as possible with the snow and ice, or, if possible, carpool with other families.
"FCPS’ Office of Transportation Services will notify families of any changes to bus stops due to road conditions. In addition, please know that there may be some delays. We ask families to monitor the Bus Delay website to get up-to-date information on the route status. The website will record if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late. Parents will also receive an email if a bus is more than 30 minutes late.
"If you feel that your child is still safest staying home, please make sure to call your child’s school to get an excused absence.
Additional updates will be available on the FCPS website and the FCPS mobile app.
"Thank you for your patience and collaboration as we work to clear out the snow and ice from last week’s storm. We will continue to provide updates to you regarding weather conditions and any potential changes for the remainder of the week."
Unions, NoVA Chamber Still Strongly Support Tysons Casino Bill
Michael O'Connellhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/unions-nova-chamber-still-strongly-support-tysons-casino-bill
TYSONS, VA — Despite opposition from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and a majority of county residents, union leaders and business advocates continue to support legislation in the Virginia General Assembly that would pave the way for a casino to be built in Tysons.For the second year in a row, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) has introduced legislation seeking to give the board of supervisors the authority to put a referendum on a future ballot."Our unions feel very strongly that this p...
TYSONS, VA — Despite opposition from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and a majority of county residents, union leaders and business advocates continue to support legislation in the Virginia General Assembly that would pave the way for a casino to be built in Tysons.
For the second year in a row, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) has introduced legislation seeking to give the board of supervisors the authority to put a referendum on a future ballot.
"Our unions feel very strongly that this proposal to have an entertainment district at Tysons Corner should not be taken off the table, but rather should be explored and should be studied, and that it should be the basis for a referendum where all the people of Fairfax County can have a vote on whether to approve it or not," said Virginia Diamond, president of the Northern Virginia Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, during an exclusive interview with Patch.
Diamond was one of the supporters of Senate Bill 756 who spoke during the Jan. 23 Senate Subcommittee on Gaming hearing. Subcommittee members voted 5 to 3 to recommend the bill for a vote of the full Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology.
Julie Coons, the president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber, testified before the same subcommittee last year that the chamber supported the casino referendum bill, calling it an important driver for the diversification of Northern Virginia's tax base.
"The creation of a mixed use, transit-oriented entertainment district that would include not only a casino, but a state of the art conference facility and performing arts venue, is estimated to contribute an additional $140 million in annual revenue to the county," she said in 2025. "In addition to hundreds of millions of dollars for the Commonwealth. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, a development of this nature would diversify and broaden tax revenue for Fairfax County."
Although no one from the chamber spoke during the Jan. 23 subcommittee meeting, NVC still strongly supports the project that Comstock Holding Companies has proposed.
"NVC supports an entertainment district, including a casino, in Northern Virginia," an NVC spokesman said in an email to Patch. "NVC's NOVA Roadmap, our vision for the economic future of our region, calls for 'bold ideas for new initiatives and facilities that diversify revenue to reduce local reliance on real estate and personal property taxes' and this project can provide a new stream of revenue that the County currently does not have."
In spite of the union and chamber's support, the Tysons casino project has garnered a great deal of opposition in Fairfax County since it was first proposed.
In October, the Freedom Virginia Political Action Committee released the results of a survey showing that 75 percent of Fairfax County residents opposed a casino being built in Tysons.
Two months later, the Board of Supervisors voted 5 to 4 to include the following language in the legislative program it sent to Richmond this year:
"Oppose legislation in the General Assembly that authorizes a casino in Fairfax County without any request for such legislation from the Board of Supervisors, without implementation of a statewide Gaming Commission, and without a tax revenue split that substantially benefits Fairfax County as opposed to the Commonwealth. The designation and location of a casino is inherently a major land use decision and General Assembly intervention in Fairfax County’s land use processes would undermine decades of community consensus and economic success."
If the General Assembly passes SB756 this session and Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signs it into law, it's unclear whether the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would exercise its new authority and put a casino referendum on a future ballot.
"We're still trying to make the case to the Fairfax County Board, as well as to the General Assembly, that they should be open to considering this opportunity," Diamond said. "They should be negotiating over licensing fees. They should be negotiating over the revenue split with the state and the county, and they should be studying it to see whether or not you know what the pros and cons are."
Diamond's union has an agreement with Comstock Holding Companies, the Reston developer that has spent more than $2.5 million on campaign contributions and lobbyists in support of the proposed casino.
The project would create 5,000 union jobs, according to the agreement, both in construction and with the retail and commercial businesses that would operate in the 4-million-square-foot entertainment district once it was completed.
"We look at this as as an incredible opportunity to really transform the fabric of Fairfax County society for working class people," Diamond said. "That's why you want to give everybody a vote, because we want to be able to lay out the pros and cons. We have this Silver Line that's underutilized. You have a real budget problem in Fairfax County. To just give up possible revenue for turning this into an entertainment district destination, simply because there's going to be a gaming floor in a luxury hotel, which is going to be unlike the other casinos around the state, I think we just like to have that all taken into account."
Read Patch's reporting on Comstock Companies' plan to build a casino on Metro's Silver Line in Fairfax County at Silver Line Casino.
On Wednesday, the General Laws and Technology Committee voted 11 to 4 to advance SB756 to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, which is the final stop before the full Senate votes on the bill.
The Finance and Appropriations Committee next meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The meeting can be viewed via the Senate of Virginia's YouTube channel.
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