Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting - January 28, 2026

Note: The agenda and transcript list the meeting date as January 27, 2026, but the user instructed to use January 28, 2026. This summary follows that instruction.

The Alexandria City Council held a virtual legislative meeting on January 28, 2026, due to a winter weather emergency declared by the Governor and City Manager. The meeting included proclamations, oral reports, a detailed snow response update, a presentation on regional transit funding (DMVMoves), approval of a funding amendment for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station, adoption of the FY26-FY28 City Strategic Plan, and a work session on the Housing 2040 Plan. Councilman Kirk McPike announced his resignation effective February 9, 2026, and was honored with a proclamation.

Consent Calendar

• Items 9, 11, 12, and 13 (private medical transport resolution, grant applications, appointment of pension board representatives) were approved via roll-call vote with all members voting aye.
• Item 10 (resolution regarding transfer of unencumbered appropriations) was pulled and discussed separately. The City Manager explained it provides transparent authority for intra-departmental fund transfers. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote: Vice Mayor Bagley, Councilman McPike, Mayor Gaskins, Councilman Aguirre (listed as "Geary" in transcript), Councilman Chapman, Councilman Elnoubi, and Councilwoman Green all voted aye.

Discussion Items

• Black History Month Proclamation: Councilman Chapman read the proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. Audrey Davis (Alexandria Black History Museum) and Rose Dawson (Library Director) highlighted upcoming events, including a record 130+ student poster entries and the Elric Murphy exhibit. The proclamation was approved by voice vote.
• Oral Reports from Council Members: Reports were given on various boards and commissions, including COG (new officers, legislative agenda), Health and Safety Coordinating Committee (crime data, safe housing), Legislative Subcommittee (Richmond lobbying, bill tracking), VRE (bridge replacement, new train ridership up 251%), Waterfront Commission (sunset review, marina usage), Gang Prevention Task Force (youth safety assessment with 1,800 student respondents), and Workforce Development (summer youth employment program with 71 participants).
• City Manager's Oral Report on Snow Response: The City Manager detailed the city's response to the historic ice storm, noting over 200 staff and 100 pieces of equipment deployed, 300 dump truck loads of ice removed from Old Town and Del Ray, and multiple passes on primary roads (e.g., Duke Street cleared 9+ times). Challenges included a malfunctioning snow tracker app and the need for alternative communication. Council members discussed potential partnerships with VDOT, GPS tracking for plows, and coordination with HOAs.
• DMVMoves Presentation and Resolution: Clark Mercer, COG Executive Director, presented the DMVMoves plan, which calls for $460 million annually (indexed to 3% growth) for Metro capital needs, bus corridor improvements, and regional coordination. The Council then passed a resolution endorsing the plan on a roll-call vote: all members voted aye (Councilman Elnoubi disclosed his WMATA employment but participated under an exception).
• Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Funding Amendment: Deputy City Manager Emily Baker explained a $35 million final amendment to close out the station, covering change orders, COVID-related delays, and a settled contractor claim. The total project budget becomes $385 million. After Councilman Elnoubi recused himself (WMATA employment), the amendment passed 5-0-1 (Vice Mayor Bagley, Councilman McPike, Mayor Gaskins, Councilman Aguirre, Councilman Chapman, Councilwoman Green aye; Elnoubi abstained).
• City Strategic Plan FY26-FY28: Dana Wettles presented the updated plan structured around four council priorities (housing, disparities, economy, workforce) and two organizational priorities (streamline systems, innovate). The plan includes new metrics and a six-month look-ahead. The Council approved the plan via roll-call vote, all ayes.
• Housing 2040 Plan Work Session: Housing staff provided updates on the draft plan, including revised principles, preservation efforts (2,100+ units at risk by 2040), landlord-tenant resources, senior housing, and a $47 million+ funding gap for existing pipeline projects. Council members discussed workforce housing, co-location on public land, ARHA's role, and the need for assisted living options. The item was informational; no vote was taken.
• City Council Schedule: The Council approved the meeting schedule for the coming months via voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Approved proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month.
• Approved resolution endorsing the DMVMoves regional transit funding plan (roll-call, all ayes).
• Approved $35 million amendment to the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station funding agreement (roll-call, 5 ayes, 1 abstention).
• Approved the FY26-FY28 City Strategic Plan (roll-call, all ayes).
• Approved the City Council schedule.
• Received and filed oral reports from boards, commissions, and the City Manager.
• Councilman Kirk McPike announced his resignation effective February 9, 2026; the Council adopted a proclamation recognizing his service.
• The Housing 2040 Plan work session will continue with a public open house on February 28, 2026, and a draft plan expected for public hearing in June 2026.