January 1, 2026

A new year has a way of doing two things at once.

It invites reflection — and it demands direction.

As we step into the new year, I’m thinking less about resolutions and more about clarity.

Clear vision. Clear priorities. Clear purpose.

Because clarity changes how you move.

When vision is clear, distractions lose their power.

When purpose is clear, the work — even the hard work — makes sense.

And when leadership is clear, people know where they’re headed together.

Honoring the Journey of Dumfries

Dumfries is not becoming something new.

It is becoming more fully what it has always been meant to be.

A town rooted in history.

A community defined by resilience.

A place willing to do the hard, often unseen work required to build something lasting.

Progress in local government doesn’t happen overnight. It shows up in planning meetings, partnerships, long conversations, and decisions that don’t always make headlines. Over time, those choices compound — and a clearer future begins to take shape.

What This New Year Requires

As we move forward, this year calls for:

• Patience, because meaningful change takes time
• Focus, because not every opportunity deserves our attention
• Collaboration, because no one builds a community alone

Above all, it requires intentional leadership — leadership that listens, learns, and keeps people at the center of every decision.

A Clear Vision for the Year Ahead

The work ahead isn’t about perfection.

It’s about progress with purpose.

It’s about making decisions today that our children and grandchildren will thank us for tomorrow. It’s about growing responsibly, protecting quality of life, and ensuring opportunity reaches every corner of Dumfries.

I’m grateful for the trust, the conversations, the challenges, and the shared commitment that make this work possible.

As we step into this new year, my focus remains the same:

Clear vision. Steady leadership. A future we build together.

Wishing you and your family a healthy, hopeful, and prosperous New Year.

— Derrick R. Wood

Mayor, Town of Dumfries, Virginia