Amidst Rising Urban Centers, Burke Tries to Find Space of Its Own

This is the final part of a three part series on the identity of Burke. Part One | Part Two

Burke might be known for its history, and its community, but neigh make it easy to explain exactly what makes Burke… well, Burke.

And for that reason, it can be easy for the area to be forgotten as Fairfax County continues to grow and expand alongside areas like Tysons and Merrifield.

Braddock District Supervisor John Cook says he believes the work his office does helps bring attention to the more important Burke issues. There are nearly 6,000 businesses in the greater Burke area, according to Census data, and Cook says redevelopment initiatives will help attract new shops and help existing ones grow.

“I don’t find it challenging to advocate for my district, I find it enjoyable. We are bringing Burke- and Braddock-centered transportation initiatives to the top of the county list, worked with other supervisors to hold down proposed tax increases, and are working to fund school renovations in a responsible manner,” Cook said.

There’s a lot of pride among residents and the community for the place they call home — even if they can't put a finger on what exactly that is

Decoding the identity of Burke series on Burke Patch:

Part I: Burke: An Oasis Outside the Beltway
Part II: What’s in a Name? A Look at Burke’s Roots
Part III: Amidst Rising Urban Centers, Burke Tries To Find Space of Its Own