Community Petition

Bring Our Farmers Market to the Street

Falls Church deserves a Saturday morning destination — more space for neighbors, kids, local food, and community. Tell City Council and Recreation & Parks to make it happen.

—

signatures

100

250

500

Goal: 500 signatures

Our petition to City Council

We, the undersigned, call on Falls Church City Council, the Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks, and city staff to move forward with closing a portion of Park Avenue and Little Falls Street on Saturday mornings to create an expanded community market experience.

We are not asking to replace what works. The Falls Church Farmers Market is an award-winning community treasure, and its vendors are its backbone. What we're asking for is more room alongside the existing market — space for prepared food vendors, community activities, children's games, live music, and room to gather as neighbors. The kind of Saturday morning that makes people proud to live here.

Today, there is a long waitlist of small businesses and vendors eager to participate in the market but unable to because there simply isn't room. An expanded footprint would finally give these local entrepreneurs a chance to reach the community — growing the market's variety and appeal without displacing a single existing vendor.

We recognize that surrounding businesses on Park Avenue and Little Falls Street are essential partners, not obstacles. Any expansion must be designed in collaboration with those business owners to ensure continued customer access and mutual benefit. Increased foot traffic on Saturday mornings should be a win for everyone.

The additional city resources required for a trial street closure are a small fraction of the overall city budget — and the return in community goodwill, economic activity, and quality of life far outweighs the cost. We ask the city to fund at least one trial closure and evaluate the results before closing the door on this idea.

🤝

Complement, Not Compete

Existing vendors keep their spots. New space is for prepared foods, artisans, and community activities that add to the experience.

📋

Clear the Waitlist

Dozens of small businesses and vendors are waiting for a spot. More space means more local entrepreneurs get their chance.

🏪

Business-Friendly Design

Street closure plans maintain access for Park Ave. and Little Falls St. businesses. More foot traffic means more customers for everyone.

🎪

Community Gathering Space

Picnic tables, games, kids' activities, live music — the kind of Saturday morning that builds a neighborhood.

🍕

Prepared Food & Local Makers

Room for food trucks, ready-to-eat vendors, local artisans, and the makers who can't fit in the parking lot today.

City staff have indicated that a trial street closure requires modest additional public safety and public works support — a small line item in a city budget measured in tens of millions. Staff have said they will not move forward without funding and a formal application. This petition demonstrates the community demand that justifies that investment. Your signature tells City Council this matters.

Add Your Name

Join your neighbors in asking the city to invest in our Saturday mornings.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

City *

State *

Your name, city, and state may be shared publicly with City Council.
Your email will not be shared or used for any other purpose.

🌻

Thank you, !

Your signature has been recorded. The more neighbors who sign, the harder this is for City Council to ignore.

Share this petition:

Common Questions

Would existing vendors lose their spots?

No. The proposal keeps the existing market footprint intact. Street space would be used for additional activities and new vendor categories — not to relocate anyone.

What about the vendor waitlist?

There are small businesses and prepared food vendors waiting for a spot who simply can't fit in the current parking lot. Expanding onto the street would finally give them a chance to participate — more variety for shoppers, more opportunity for local entrepreneurs.

What about the businesses on Park Ave. and Little Falls Street?

Their success is our success. Any street closure must maintain customer access and be developed in partnership with those business owners. Increased Saturday foot traffic should benefit them.

How much would this cost the city?

A trial street closure requires additional public safety and public works staffing — a modest expense relative to the city's overall budget. We're asking the city to fund at least one trial run to test the concept.

Why should the city pay for this?

This is a public investment in community life — the same way the city funds parks, events, and public spaces. The return in resident satisfaction, economic activity, and civic pride far exceeds the cost of a single trial Saturday.

Do other cities do this?

Yes. Alexandria, Bethesda, Reston, Fairfax, and dozens of other communities close streets for their markets and community events. Falls Church is behind its neighbors on this.