Candidate Profile: Justine Underhill Runs For Falls Church City Council

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Justine Underhill, a journalist and member of Falls Church's Housing Commission, is running for Falls Church City Council in the Nov. 7, 2023 general election.

There are three City Council seats up for grabs in 2023. Underhill is one of four candidates along with incumbent Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, Tim Stevens and Erin Flynn. Mayor David Tarter and Councilmember Phil Duncan are not running for re-election.

City of Falls Church voters will have three City Council seats on the ballot as well as three Falls Church School Board seats, Virginia Senate 37th District, Virginia House 13th District, Arlington County Commonwealth's Attorney and Arlington County Clerk of Court.

Early voting for the general election begins Friday, Sept. 22. More information on how to vote is available from the City of Falls Church Voter Registration and Office of Elections.

Patch asked candidates for Falls Church City Council to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Underhill's responses:

Name

Justine Underhill

Office Sought

Falls Church City Council

Campaign Website

www.JustineUnderhill.org

Age (as of Nov. 7 election)

34

Education

BA in Economics and Theater & Performing Arts, with a minor in Mathematics from Georgetown University

Occupation

Journalist

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My sister works for the Justice Department.

Previous public office positions or appointments

I was previously elected as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Dupont Circle.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’ve spent most of my life within a 15 minute drive of Falls Church, but through my career as a journalist I’ve had the opportunity to live in over a dozen different cities.

My experience in other cities prompted me to explore key things we can do in Falls Church to improve connectivity, community, and overall happiness. Our daily lives are profoundly shaped by our community design, from our streetscapes, to buildings and parks. I am running for City Council to use evidence-based practices to create a thriving, sustainable Little City.

On City Council, my policy priorities include improving walkable and bikeable areas, with safe routes to school, affordable and diverse housing, broadening our tax base, and environmental programs to ensure we grow sustainably. The Sierra Club has endorsed my candidacy based on the environmental sustainability of my policies.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?

I am running for Falls Church City Council with an energetic, fresh perspective (I would be the youngest Council member, if elected) and as an experienced community advocate. It's no longer a secret that Falls Church is an incredible place to live, learn, work, and grow a business. That's why businesses like Whole Foods want to move here. That's why we're attracting new critically-acclaimed restaurants like Ellie Bird. Understandably, there are some differences in how Council candidates want to handle this growth. I've seen clear examples from around the country as to how to grow sustainably – with practices that support the environment, schools, and city services (and limit the tax burden on residents and businesses), maintain aesthetics, limit traffic, contain rent and housing cost increases, and promote community businesses. I would advocate for these sustainable practices to make smart choices about Falls Church's growth.

What do you see as the top issues facing (your city), and how do you address them in your campaign platform?

My policies are rooted in community planning and economic development, which if we get right, can bring surprising benefits to the city:

● Transportation: Networks of walking, biking and public transit mean that everyone, including children and seniors, can get around safely. This also boosts independence and reduces congestion and pollution.

● Public Space: More pocket parks, outdoor dining, and tree-shaded public spaces can bolster community and improve public safety.

● Tax base & Housing: Sustainable, attractive housing along transit corridors, where people can live car-free, has co-benefits of tempering soaring housing costs, lowering overall tax rates, supporting local businesses, and providing financial support for schools and programs.

I would also prioritize adequate city staffing to meet our community's evolving needs (we currently have a 10% vacancy in city staff). Vacancies not only slow down city goals, but they also place an increased burden on our existing employees. I would aim to address this with competitive compensation, technology to streamline city processes (to help staff achieve more with less stress), and ensuring our staff can afford to live in or near Falls Church.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In addition to previously serving as an elected official in Dupont Circle, my work as a journalist has positioned me well for this role– I've honed skills to research the intricate layers and implications of city policies. And my time serving on the Falls Church Housing Commission has given me a solid understanding of the city's housing policies and the challenges that come with them.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am deeply involved in community organizing and currently volunteering for a number of organizations in Falls Church including Falls Church Forward, where I’ve hosted community speaking events and potlucks, Bike Falls Church, where I helped organize Bike and Walk Everywhere Weekend, and Falls Church Climate Action Network, where I co-organized Electrify Falls Church to help people learn about solar and electric household items.