Vienna council agrees to reserve a banner week for mental-health organizations, stops short of single-organization 'permanent' slot

Council members discussed Feb. 9 whether to permanently add the Eric Monday Foundation’s banner to Vienna’s Maple Avenue rotation and concluded a single permanent slot for one organization would reduce flexibility for other groups.

Town Manager (staff) explained the existing process: the town reserves weeks for town events and advertises open weeks for community requests. Director of Public Works said permanent slots exist for some town events; outside groups apply for unfilled weeks and most receive what they request.

"What the question for tonight... is do we want to permanently add the Eric Monday Foundation banner to the annual rotation, knowing that it's not a town entity," the town manager said. The council noted Eric Monday Foundation’s work on youth mental-health training, the organization's past partnership with the town and the foundation’s existing banner slot this year.

Several members said they were uncomfortable granting one organization exclusive, perpetual use of a banner week. Councilor Doug proposed reserving the week in May for 'mental-health' organizations broadly so similar groups could apply. Council members favored that compromise: keep the program process but designate one week in Mental Health Awareness Month for mental-health organizations rather than assigning a single group a permanent slot.

Staff will implement the change administratively and coordinate scheduling and communications with Economic Development and Public Works.