📢 Fairfax City AMA: Ask Me Anything Session
High Side is hosting the first Fairfax City AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Mayor Catherine Read (@csread). This is a platform for you to connect in person with local leaders, city staff, community figures, business owners, and educators.
This is more than a Q&A. It is an opportunity for face to face conversations, learning, and sharing that you cannot get from virtual meetings or endless emails. We are all tired of screens that keep us out of touch.
This AMA will be live at High Side only. No live stream. No recording. It is about real, human connection. Our leaders, city staff, and community members are approachable, relatable, and above all, human.
Space is limited, so not everyone will be able to attend or ask a question. That is what makes this event personal and intimate. The session will be moderated to keep the discussion fair and respectful.
🍴 Complimentary hors d’oeuvres (first come, first served)
🍺 Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase
🔗 Submit your question in advance through our Google Form (
https://forms.gle/X8BcgjgmGoCYfSWYA). If selected, you will ask it directly to the Mayor. You can also attend in person for the chance to ask a walk-in question during the session.
📍 High Side, Monday Sept 22, 2025
🕕 6–7 PM: Happy Hour & Community Mingle (families and youth welcome to ask the Mayor anything)
🕖 7–9 PM: AMA Session
🕘 9–10 PM: Post AMA Mingle
Format of the AMA
Moderated Session: Questions will be pre-submitted and grouped into 4 key topics.
Pre-Submitted Questions: Each person may submit up to two questions through the Google Form. If selected, only one question per person will be used during the session to allow broader participation. You will be notified if your question is chosen and must attend in person to ask it directly to the Mayor. If your question is selected, we will print it out and hand it to you at the event so you can ask the Mayor directly. If you are a no-show, your slot will be released for a walk-in participant.
Walk-In Questions: One walk-in question will be accepted for each topic. If a pre-selected question is forfeited due to no-show, an additional walk-in will be allowed.
Follow-Ups: Each topic will allow one follow-up question for clarification if time remains.
Time per Answer: The Mayor will have up to 5 minutes to respond to each question.
Additional Questions: If time allows, additional questions may be taken, including those outside the 4 listed topics. If a question is personal or beyond the scope of city issues, it will be at the Mayor’s discretion whether to respond.
Closing Segment: At the end of the AMA, The Mayor may address questions or topics she wishes to discuss that were not otherwise asked.
Ground Rules
Respectful Questions Only: No personal attacks, slurs, or disruptive behavior. Questions should be asked in good faith.
Stay on Topic: All questions should relate to Fairfax City issues and community life.
One Question at a Time: To ensure fairness, only one question per person per turn.
Moderator Discretion: Questions may be consolidated, rephrased, or skipped if repetitive or inappropriate.
Civility Rule: Encouragement and applause are welcome. Heckling, shouting down, or interruptions will not be allowed.
Capacity Notice : If the event reaches maximum capacity, High Side reserves the right to refuse entry unless you are pre-selected to ask a question.
High SIde reserves the right to remove any participant who refuses to follow the rules or disrupts the event.
Topics of Discussion
1. Infrastructure & Development
2. Public Safety & Community Services
3. Economic Growth & Education
4. Culture, Arts & Community Life
Let’s put the phones down, meet face to face, and talk about our city together.
Also check out other Arts events in Fairfax.