State of the Town Address 2025

*Progress, Partnerships, and Possibilities*

**Delivered by Mayor Derrick Wood

June 5, 2025

Town of Dumfries**

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*Editor’s Note: The following is the complete transcript of Mayor Derrick Wood’s 2025 State of the Town Address, delivered to a packed audience at Town Hall. The speech outlined Dumfries’ remarkable transformation over the past 13 years and unveiled an ambitious vision for the town’s future. Video of the full address is available here.

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Before we begin tonight’s address, I’d like to ask everyone to join me in a brief moment of silence for a giant in public service—**Congressman Gerry Connolly**.

[*A moment of silence was observed, followed by a video tribute to Congressman Connolly*]

Congressman Gerry Connolly wasn’t just a federal representative—he was a true friend to Dumfries. He showed up for our Black History celebrations, joined us at Christmas parades, supported our growth, cheered for our local elected officials to reflect the community and always answered when we called. He believed in local government. He believed that small towns matter. And most importantly, he believed in *us*.

Tonight, we remember his legacy—not only with gratitude, but with renewed commitment to the values he stood for: accessibility, partnership, and progress. May his example continue to guide us as we move forward together.

Good evening, esteemed residents, honored guests, and friends of the Town of Dumfries.

Tonight, we gather not just to hear a speech, but to reflect on how far we’ve come—and where we’re heading together.

Now before you even ask—yes, I’m still in awe that this community took me from barbecue-making to policy-shaping. [*Laughter*]

And somehow this community convinced me that running a town is just like hosting a really big family dinner—except the family keeps growing, somebody’s always asking for seconds, and someone always has strong opinions about the menu. [*Laughter*]

But God personally called me collect—I reluctantly accepted the charges—and I think I’m still paying the bill. [*Laughter*] And you know what? I’m more than okay with that.

Acknowledging Our Foundation

First, I want to acknowledge my wife, Monique, and our family for their unwavering support.

When you’re walking through the fire of public service, it’s your family who stands closest to the flames. Monique and I have been married over 25 years, raised three children—Dyvine, Derrick II, and Dynasty—and called Dumfries home for nearly two decades.

And to my mom, Mama Wood—who shows up at everything and has cheered for me my whole life—thank you. [*Gesturing to family*] Please give them a round of applause. [*Applause*]

I also want to acknowledge our Town Council—a group of bold, forward-thinking leaders who’ve embraced the responsibility of guiding Dumfries into its next chapter.

This council doesn’t just serve Dumfries locally—they carry our voice nationally. We represent Dumfries on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Virginia Municipal League, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the African American Mayors Association—just to name a few.

This is a council that believes in planning with purpose, leading with partnership, and building with boldness.

And our Town Manager, Mrs. Tangela Innis, has turned that vision into results. She and her team launched new departments, hosted 26+ community events, delivered a clean audit, and put Dumfries on track for the Triple Crown Budget Award—a distinction reserved for the best-run towns in America.

To all of our staff: alone we can do little—together, we’ve done so much.

And finally, to you—the people of Dumfries. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for showing up—to council meetings, ribbon cuttings, concerts, and community gardens.

Because of you, the state of our town is strong. In 2025, we are not just talking about progress—we are living it. We are living our theme: **Progress. Partnerships. Possibilities.** [*Audience participation encouraged*]

But to understand where we’re going, we must remember where we started. Because in Dumfries, our future has always been found in rediscovering our past.

## Our Historic Foundation – The Original Destination

Tonight marks **276 years** since **May 11, 1749**, when the Virginia General Assembly chartered the Town of Dumfries on 60 acres along Quantico Creek—near public warehouses donated by John Graham.

But the story begins even earlier. In the late 1600s, Richard Gibson built a grain mill here. By the 1700s, Scottish merchants had made this a hub for the booming tobacco trade. Quantico Creek wasn’t just a creek. It was our first Main Street—drawing ships instead of cars, but leading to the same idea: Dumfries as a destination.

By the mid-18th century, Dumfries had it all—a courthouse, taverns, schools, theaters, mills, and a ferry to Maryland. We weren’t just a port. We were a premier destination.

Our founders understood what we are rediscovering now: Dumfries was always meant to be a place people come to—not just through.

But even the most vibrant towns can fade when they stop paying attention to what made them thrive.

In the late 1700s, tobacco declined. War disrupted trade. Soil erosion silted up the port. By 1837, Dumfries was described as: “Once bustling, now largely abandoned.”

The Lost Years: When We Forgot Who We Were

Yet the greatest loss wasn’t economic—it was a loss of identity. We hadn’t just lost our port. We had lost our purpose.

From 1887 to 1961, Dumfries had no town government. No leadership. No local control. We existed—but we didn’t govern.

There were moments of life—Civil War activity, the Cabin Branch Mine, the arrival of Marine Corps Base Quantico. But without governance, there was no momentum. We had forgotten who we were.

And that’s the core lesson: Local government matters. Without it, communities drift. With it, communities rediscover their destiny.

The Power of Local Government: The 1961 Rediscovery

Then came the rediscovery. In 1961, citizens came together and said: “Enough.” [*Pause for emphasis*]

Under the leadership of Mayor Edward Frayley, Dumfries reincorporated—and reclaimed its voice. And in 1962, we made history.

With the election of John Wilmer Porter, Dumfries became the first town in Virginia since Reconstruction to elect an African American municipal official. That’s not just history. That’s heritage.

And let’s remember—this happened two years before the Voting Rights Act became law. While most of Virginia was still segregated, Dumfries was already leading conversations in the 1960s about how we can all work together and benefit each other. Dumfries didn’t wait for change—we led it.

John Wilmer Porter believed in this town so deeply… he mortgaged his own home so Dumfries could purchase its very first Town Hall. When it came time to name that building, our first African American Mayor, **Mel Bray**, suggested it bear Porter’s name—not just in honor, but in legacy.

As Mayor, I’ve had the honor of serving with his daughter, **Miss Gwenn Porter Washington**. And I’ve watched the next generation of Dumfries students walk through the doors of Mary Porter Traditional School—named after his wife, Mary Porter, a trailblazing educator whose leadership helped integrate our schools and elevate educational equity across Prince William County.

It is no small thing that in this region, both a Town Hall and a school bear the Porter name—a married couple whose shared commitment to service left an indelible mark on this community. That’s legacy you can touch. That’s rediscovery in action.

Their story reminds us: Local government isn’t just about policy. It’s about *purpose.* It’s how we reclaim who we are.

Modern Rediscovery: 2012 to Present

From 1961 to 2012, Dumfries slowly rebuilt. But let’s be honest: We were still seen as a place people drove *through*—not a place they drove *to.*

Then came 2012—a turning point. A new generation of leadership stepped forward. Not just to manage the town… But to *transform it.* To make Dumfries a place to **live, work, and thrive.**

We laid the groundwork early: In 2013, thanks to the hard work of then Vice Mayor Toney, we opened **Ginn Memorial Park**—a community space that has become one of our most utilized parks, featuring a basketball court, open field, BBQ and horseshoe pits, and community fitness days. We later added a modern fitness court with a free fitness app, continuing to enhance this beloved community gathering place. Following the park’s success, we formed Dumfries’ first Parks and Recreation Commission, with **Councilman Peete** serving as an instrumental partner. His leadership as commissioner created momentum that led to the creation of one of our newest departments to date—the **Recreation and Civic Engagement Department**.

We also created our first-ever community garden, launched a summer concert series celebrating local talent, hosted the first Veterans Resource and Job Fair connecting our heroes to opportunity from 2013–2015, and reintroduced prayer at Council meetings with a written policy rooted in inclusion and respect.

When I became Mayor in 2018, we didn’t just pick up the baton—we raised the bar. We acquired the building that is now our Town Hall—at a smart price, in a strategic location. Had we built a new facility from scratch, it would’ve required land acquisition, construction time, and millions more in costs. Instead, we delivered modern government space faster, more affordably, and with over $8 million in savings to the community.

Our Police Department moved into our old Town Hall, and we have plans in our capital projects to begin planning a new building for our public safety operations. During the pandemic, we purchased the rescue squad building next to Ginn Memorial Park and now have plans to build world-class civic and recreation facilities.

We rebranded the Town’s image with a new logo and a powerful new slogan: **“Don’t Drive Through Dumfries, Drive TO Dumfries.”** We sat down with business owners. We hosted **Business Roundtables** that became launchpads. And we stopped thinking like a small town with small dreams—**We started thinking like the destination we were born to be.**

After 2021, this Council came together to create Dumfries’ first Strategic Plan—grounded in a bold vision: “A vibrant Main Street community with active citizens and a well-managed government.”

That plan wasn’t just talk. It’s already shaping our budget decisions, our infrastructure priorities, and how we measure success.

But we didn’t stop there. Because we believe in planning not just for today—but for the Dumfries we’re building for the next generation—we are just weeks away from finalizing the full rewrite of our **Comprehensive Plan: The 2044 Destination Dumfries Plan.**

This isn’t just a land use document. It’s a declaration of who we want to become over the next 20 years. A thriving town that honors its roots while embracing innovation. A place where economic opportunity meets cultural identity. A destination—not by default, but by design.

Because here’s the truth: **We never stopped being a destination. We just had to rediscover it.**

PROGRESS: From Landfill to Legacy

When I first joined the Town Council in 2012, I remember what I heard most from residents—and frankly, what you couldn’t escape on a hot summer day. That landfill smell that would hit you when you rolled down your car windows. The odor that made people apologize to visitors. The scent that became our unwelcome calling card. It was a punchline. A point of frustration. A symbol of what Dumfries had become.

But the story began long before then. In 1984, a construction landfill was opened in Dumfries—against the wishes of this community. The permits were obtained under false pretenses, and the decision left Dumfries burdened with a site it never asked for.

For years, the landfill was tied up in legal disputes. Despite the community’s objections, it operated for decades. And while we acknowledge the people who showed up to work there every day and the jobs it created—it still wasn’t what this town wanted, nor what it deserved.

In 2014, we reached a milestone: a host and closure agreement was signed to end landfill operations by 2034. For the first time, Dumfries had a finish line. But it was still 20 years away.

That’s when we leaned into vision. When the opportunity to bring a world-class resort to Dumfries came to the table, we did more than imagine—we negotiated.

We partnered with the Colonial Downs Group, now owned by Churchill Downs, who purchased the landfill site as part of the project. That partnership began with an introduction from **Delegate Luke Torian**, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, who represented us before redistricting and has been a champion for Dumfries at every turn. It wasn’t just a business deal. It was a turning point.

Through bold leadership and that strategic agreement, we didn’t just close the landfill. We closed it 10 years early. From a 2034 deadline… to a 2024 celebration. Exactly 40 years after it first opened.

**That’s not just progress. That’s transformation.**

From landfill to legacy—that’s **PROGRESS!**

Grass is growing. A park is coming. And soon—80 acres of repurposed green space will open as Overlook Park. This fall, we anticipate a grand opening that reclaims not just land—but our legacy.

Because now, instead of dumping waste, that space will gather families. Host festivals. Welcome nature walks. That’s not just a cleanup. That’s a comeback.

And right next to it—**The Rose Gaming Resort.** There was no moment bigger this past year than cutting that ribbon.

But it wasn’t just about what we built—It was about who we built it for.

And speaking of new opportunities—this September, we’re welcoming **Wawa** to Dumfries, bringing 50 new jobs and serving as a convenient restaurant and gas station right here in our community. It’s another example of how businesses are choosing Dumfries as a destination for investment and growth.

Progress by the Numbers

While vision leads the way, it’s progress that proves we’re moving. And in Dumfries, that progress is no longer a hope—it’s measurable. It’s visible. It’s real.

Take **Route 1**, for example. The widening project we’ve all been waiting on has now moved into the property acquisition and utility relocation phase, bringing us one step closer to full construction. And when that phase is complete, the Town of Dumfries will assume ownership of Fraley Boulevard—reclaiming what has long been known as Route 1 South, and finally restoring it as our **Main Street.**

We’re also reaching higher. This year, for the first time, we’ve submitted community project funding requests through **Congressman Vindman’s office.** Our two priorities? Continuing the restoration of the **Quantico Creek retaining wall**, and securing funds to **bury the powerlines** along both the north and south ends of Route 1.

Yes—it’s expensive. But we know that a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. That’s why we’ve also brought on our own **federal and state lobbyist**, who is already advocating for Dumfries at every level of government.

On the operational side, we’ve reached a major milestone—**Dumfries earned its first-ever clean audit** this year. That level of financial clarity, along with our nomination for the **Triple Crown Budget Award**, reflects the kind of well-managed government our residents deserve. And by the end of this year, we’re positioned to go to the bond market and become **bond rated for the first time in Dumfries history**—a testament to our fiscal responsibility and long-term planning capabilities.

We’ve been just as focused on public safety. Our **Police Department is now fully staffed**, and I’m proud to share that we have officially applied for **national accreditation**—a process that signals our commitment to best practices and accountability in law enforcement.

All of this is happening because we’re not just chasing goals—we’re following a strategy. Together, we adopted a **three-year Strategic Plan** that lays out a bold but clear vision for Dumfries: To be a well-managed government, To foster a thriving Main Street and Waterfront, And to ensure we are home to engaged and empowered citizens.

Part of that strategic plan includes a comprehensive review of our ordinances and policies over the next few years. We’re working with our legal team to ensure that our regulations aren’t just legally sound—but that they actually work for the people and businesses who call Dumfries home. Because good government means removing barriers to opportunity, not creating them.

**We’re no longer hoping for progress—we’re measuring it.** And every action we take is anchored in making Dumfries a place where success is seen and felt.

Every achievement I’ve shared tonight comes down to three things… [*Gesturing to audience*] **“Progress, Partnerships, Possibilities!”**

PARTNERSHIPS: Progress Takes People

If there’s one truth we’ve learned on this journey—it’s that progress doesn’t happen in isolation. Every mile of road widened… Every audit cleaned up… Every youth empowered, every business recruited, is the result of partnerships.

When I became Mayor in 2018, my number one priority was clear: build the bridges and relationships that our town didn’t have with our county government, state government, federal representatives, and all the regional and national associations. Because I understood that Dumfries couldn’t thrive in isolation—we needed to be connected, engaged, and at every important table.

I think of Nicole, a woman who goes to church with me. Her daughter graduated from the same culinary school I once attended. She had the talent—but she couldn’t imagine landing a fine dining position without leaving the state. Until The Rose opened.

Today, she works full-time at **1609 Steakhouse**—a world-class restaurant inside The Rose featuring a 40oz tomahawk steak finished tableside and my personal favorite, the lobster mac and cheese. But that’s just one of many dining options at The Rose: **The Playbook** sportsbar with live entertainment on weekends, **R’Burger** (voted best burger in the county for the past few years), **Mama Mia’s Italian Kitchen**, **Crab Tastic**, and **Southern Spin Kitchen**. So even if you don’t like gaming, there’s a dining destination for you right here in town. She’s doing what she loves—close to home, with pride in her craft.

And she’s not alone. Every time I walk through The Rose, I see familiar faces—people from this community, earning a living in a place built for them.

We didn’t just bring in a business. We brought in jobs. We brought in opportunity. We brought in policy change.

And the story’s not done. Phase Two is already on the horizon—a second hotel tower, a convention center, and more ways to make Dumfries a true destination.

This was never about vice. It was always about vision. And now—Dumfries is no longer overlooked. **Dumfries is becoming unforgettable.**

Nicole didn’t have to leave Dumfries to find opportunity. **Opportunity came to Dumfries—because we built the partnerships that made it possible.**

We’ve seen what happens when the public and private sectors come together with shared vision and mutual respect. Take our relationship with **Colonial Downs Group**, now under **Churchill Downs**. When others saw an old landfill, they saw potential. And because we had a bold vision for what that space could become—they invested.

It started in 2021 with **Rosie’s Gaming Emporium** in the Triangle Shopping Center—a $5 million investment that brought 150 jobs to our community and remains open today. Then in 2024, **The Rose Gaming Resort** opened Phase 1 with an almost half-billion-dollar investment and the capacity for 500 jobs—one of the most beautiful gaming destinations on the East Coast.

And if we keep this three-year trend going, Phase 2 could open in 2027 with what this area needs most: **convention and banquet space, additional hotel rooms, and more resort amenities**.

Did I mention our town is still only **1.5 square miles**? [*Pause for effect*] That’s the power of strategic partnerships and smart development.

We also strengthened our connections with regional and federal partners. Through our engagement with **Congressman Gerry Connolly**, then **Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger**, and now **Congressman Eugene Vindman**, we’ve submitted strategic federal funding requests that support long-term community needs—like powerline burial and creek restoration.

At the state level, **Delegate Candi King** and **Delegate Luke Torian**, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, have been loud advocates for resources for our town. Delegate Torian helped us secure key funding for Quantico Creek, championed the policy changes that made The Rose possible, and this year made a key appropriations policy change that will **double the town’s gaming tax revenue starting July 1, 2026**. We’ve also continued working closely with **Potomac Supervisor Andrea Bailey’s office**—who serves as Vice Chair of the Board of County Supervisors—along with organizations like the **Northern Virginia Transportation Authority**, where I proudly represent the interests of Dumfries and southern Prince William County. And we’re proud of the partnerships we’ve nurtured with nonprofits like the **Boys & Girls Clubs, ACTS**, and faith-based organizations that help us reach our most vulnerable residents with compassion and dignity.

But partnerships aren’t just about funding or ribbon cuttings. They’re about shared outcomes. And no partnership has meant more to this town than the one we have with our people. The residents. The staff. The community members who show up, speak up, and roll up their sleeves.

Whether you serve on a commission, volunteer at an event, or simply attend a council meeting—you’re not a spectator in Dumfries. You’re a co-creator.

From isolation to collaboration—that’s PARTNERSHIPS!

That’s the kind of partnership that money can’t buy. And it’s the kind that makes transformation possible.

POSSIBILITIES: Your Seat at the Table

If rediscovery is the lens—then possibility is the path forward. And we’re taking bold steps to make sure that Dumfries doesn’t just grow—we grow with direction, with discipline, and with long-term economic strength.

This year, we took a major step forward by creating the **Dumfries Economic Development Authority (EDA)**—a new engine to help drive our vision for redevelopment, revenue, and reinvestment. This is more than just a board. It’s a platform. A tool that allows us to work with private partners, attract new businesses, and unlock funding that towns like ours have historically been excluded from. **We’re actively accepting applications for our Economic Development Authority**—because the best partnerships start with the right people at the table.

With the EDA in place, we’re no longer waiting on permission. We’re building capacity. And we’re putting ourselves in position to bring the **Main Street and Waterfront Districts** to life—projects that are already being funded in our next town budget and shaped by the voices of our residents.

We’re also **actively recruiting for our first-ever Dumfries Youth Council**, representing our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.

Our **DMV Select services** aren’t just about convenience—they’re a **one-stop shop** where you can pay your real estate taxes, get permit applications, and handle other town business. It’s government that works for you.

Dumfries may be the oldest town in Virginia, but our next chapter may be the most exciting one yet.

Imagine a future where: You can launch your boat from our restored waterfront and cruise down Quantico Creek. Where you can dine by the water at restaurants that overlook the same creek that brought Scottish merchants here centuries ago. Work from a co-working space along the waterfront. Learn local history from our preserved port and heritage sites.

Picture a walkable, connected downtown that’s built around people and place—where tree-lined sidewalks connect historic buildings to modern shops, where families can stroll from the waterfront to Main Street without ever needing a car, and where every corner tells the story of both our past and our possibilities.

And attend community events at a state-of-the-art waterfront green where festivals, concerts, and celebrations bring neighbors together under the open sky.

That’s not a fantasy. That’s our plan. And we’ve already started writing it.

The truth is—history teaches us that prosperity requires vigilance. It doesn’t just happen because we hope for it. It happens because we plan for it, fight for it, and invest in it. That’s what this moment is. A declaration that Dumfries is ready—not just to grow, but to thrive.

From dreaming to doing—that’s POSSIBILITIES!

Your Seat at the Table

A thriving Dumfries doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision. It takes partnerships. It takes policy. And it takes people—people like you.

When I started serving in 2012, I remember the calls about the landfill smell, the frustrations about stagnation, and the feeling that Dumfries was being left behind. But today—2025—we’re cutting ribbons, launching plans, and welcoming new energy into a town that finally sees itself as a destination.

The path ahead isn’t perfect, but it is promising. With the right strategy, the right investment, and the right people at the table—Dumfries will thrive.

So tonight, I’m not just giving you a speech. I’m giving you an invitation. An invitation to help us build. An invitation to serve. An invitation to rediscover Dumfries—and to make sure the best chapter of our story is the one we write together.

You know, I told you at the beginning that running this town is like hosting a really big family dinner. Well, after 13 years of service, I can tell you—the family has definitely grown.

The table has expanded. The menu has gotten more exciting. And yes, people still have strong opinions about what we’re serving. [*Smiling*]

But here’s what I’ve learned: **The best family dinners aren’t about the host—they’re about everyone who shows up.** They’re about the stories we share, the dreams we build, and the legacy we leave for the next generation.

Tonight, there’s a seat at this table for everyone. Whether you’re just moving in or you’ve been here for generations. Whether you agree with every decision or you think we can do better. Whether you prefer the appetizer of progress, the main course of partnerships, or you’re ready for dessert—the sweet possibilities ahead.

This is your table. This is your town. This is your Dumfries.

And as we build the future together, let’s never forget what drives us… [*Opening arms, encouraging audience participation*] “Progress, Partnerships, Possibilities!”

Thank you. God bless you. And may God continue to bless the great Town of Dumfries.

[*Standing ovation*]

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