George Mason Students Get Inside Look at Solving Real-World “Wicked Problems” in Fairfax City
Students in the Spring 2026 course EVPP 336: Tackling Wicked Problems in Society & the Environment participated in an optional field trip in April, visiting Fairfax City Hall for extra credit. During the visit, students heard from Council member, and George Mason University Department of Environmental Science and Policy Adjunct Professor, Thomas Peterson about the complex “wicked problems” facing the city and how local government approaches addressing them.
Students were also joined in the City Council Chambers by Fairfax City’s new City Manager, Dan Alexander, who began his role in January 2026. Together, Peterson and Alexander discussed how the city navigates challenges such as waste management, urban forestry, flooding, and budgeting amid rising costs, including those associated with education. They emphasized that effective policymaking depends on actively engaging residents to understand community priorities before making decisions.
“Experiences like this help students connect classroom concepts to the real-world challenges communities face every day,” said Environmental Science and Policy Professor K.L. Akerlof. “Hearing directly from local leaders gives them a deeper understanding of how complex problems are addressed in practice.”
The visit also highlighted opportunities for students interested in public service including a Fairfax City college internship program that provides college students and recent graduates work experience in public service while supporting departmental operations.
Both Peterson and Alexander encouraged students to pursue internships as a valuable way to explore potential career paths and gain firsthand experience in local government.
