OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting – April 14, 2026

Public MeetingsTuesday, April 14, 2026
BodyAlexandria, Virginia
SessionPublic Meetings
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:19

Yeah, she's she won't be in that.

0:21

Oh, she's presenting in Harvard.

0:29

Oh, sure.

0:46

Um, so it's actually that's like that.

1:39

Okay.

1:40

Uh, good evening, everybody.

1:41

Welcome to the April 14th uh council meeting.

1:44

Uh, we will begin with a motion from do we need to take attendance first?

1:47

Can we do a roll call?

1:49

Mayor Gaskins.

1:50

Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:51

Here.

1:52

Councilman Gary.

1:53

Councilman Chapman.

1:54

Councilman El Newby.

1:55

Councilman Green.

1:58

All right, we've confirmed the quorum.

2:01

And then we're going to um uh I take a motion for electronic participation of Mayor Gaskins, who will be joining us.

2:08

Second.

2:08

All right.

2:09

There's a motion and a second on the floor.

2:10

Any discussion about the electronic resolution uh motion?

2:14

Hearing none, all those in favor of approving.

2:16

Oh, it's a roll call.

2:17

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

2:18

The roll call vote, please.

2:19

Councilman Aguirre.

2:20

Aye.

2:20

Councilman Green.

2:21

Hi.

2:27

Aye.

2:27

Okay.

2:28

The electronic uh participation is approved, and we will see Mayor Gaskins at seven o'clock when we uh return.

2:34

Uh, if I could turn to Councilman Aguirre.

2:52

Second.

2:54

There's been a motion and a second.

2:55

Any further discussion on the motion?

2:57

Hearing none, is this a roll call vote, Madam Clerk?

3:01

Councilman Ageary.

3:03

Councilman McGreen.

3:05

Vice Mayor Bagley.

3:06

Aye.

3:06

Councilman Chapman.

3:08

Councilman L.

3:09

Newby.

3:10

Aye.

3:10

All right.

3:11

The motion is approved.

3:12

We will enter closed session and we will return here at seven PM.

3:15

Thank you, everybody.

51:29

Madam Vice Mayor move to uh reconvene in open session.

51:33

There's been a motion and a second from uh Councilwoman uh uh Green.

51:37

Um any discussion on the motion?

51:39

Uh hearing none.

51:40

Is that a roll call, Madam Clerk?

51:42

No?

51:42

All right, all those in favor?

51:44

Aye.

51:44

Any opposed?

51:45

All right, the motion passes.

51:47

Councilman Aguirre.

51:48

Madam Vice Mayor, I move that city council adopt the resolution regarding the closed executive session that was previously circulated to the council.

51:56

There's been a motion and a second.

51:57

Any discussion.

51:59

Hearing none, all those in favor of the colour.

52:01

Oh, that was a roll call.

52:02

All right.

52:03

Councilman Akeary.

52:06

Vice Mayor Bagley.

52:07

Hi.

52:08

Councilman Al Nuby.

52:09

Councilwoman Green.

52:11

All right.

52:12

The motion passes.

52:13

We are now back to open session.

52:15

Welcome everybody to the Welcome everybody to the uh Tuesday, April 14th legislative meeting of the Alexandria City Council.

52:25

Um we will be joined um by our mayor remotely uh when she is able, and I will do my best to acknowledge when she has joined us, but thank you all for being here tonight with us.

52:35

Um our first uh action tonight is a moment of silence and a pledge of allegiance.

52:41

Um before we observe our moment of silence, I would ask that um we all um pause and consider former delegate uh Maryam Van Landingham, who passed away.

52:50

Um I was reviewing again her uh Living Legends um entry um in preparation for tonight, and um I think any of us would be um honored to have uh uh a tenth of the of the accomplishments that she had in her lifetime.

53:04

But I just wanted to, you know, remind everybody and ask us to to remember um that uh not only did she found the torpedo factory, which was a highly disruptive act in its time, and I think we forget that now because we go there and we you know drink coffee and look at art, but um that was really a a uh punk rock kind of act at the time, and I think it's very cool that it that it's persists in its 50th year.

53:29

Um she also represented the forty-fifth district in the Virginia House of Delegates for twenty-four years from nineteen eighty-two to in two thousand six.

53:37

Um just had a lasting impact on our community in so many ways.

53:40

So when we rise tonight for a moment of silence, I would ask you all to um reflect on that legacy.

53:45

And with that, we will rise and say the pledge if you are able to.

55:00

Whereas Volunteer Alexandria has brought together residents, nonprofits, businesses, schools, faith communities, and local government for more than four decades to strengthen our city through service.

55:07

And whereas each year, thousands of Alexandrias demonstrate that this is a community where people give generously of their time and talents.

55:19

Through its leadership, Volunteer Alexandria inspires, mobilizes, and connects individuals to causes that improve the quality of life for all.

55:29

And whereas, for more than 45 years, Volunteer Alexandria has mobilized thousands of residents to address critical and ongoing community needs, partnering with local nonprofits, businesses, schools, and government agencies to build a stronger and more resilient city.

55:50

And whereas the city of Alexandria is home to a vibrant network of nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers to expand their reach, deliver essential services, and support neighbors in areas such as education, food security, housing, health, arts, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

56:13

And whereas, during National Volunteer Month, Volunteer Alexandria proudly recognizes and celebrates the thousands of individuals who generously donate their time, talent, skills, and compassion to strengthen our community and uplift those in need.

56:30

Now, therefore, I Abdel Al Nubi, on behalf of Aliyah Gaskins, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexander City Council, do we hereby proclaim April 2026 to be Volunteers are the heart of Alexandria in the city of Alexandria?

56:48

And I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

56:53

It went in witness thereof, I have hereon to set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Alexandria to be affixed this 14th day of April 2026.

57:05

And with that, we'll pass the mic, just introduce yourself real quick, and then we'll pass the proclamation.

57:11

Thank you.

57:11

Hi, I'm Katie Nearsbach with Volunteer Alexandria, and I'm the new program manager of the organization, and we have here Brooke, who actually was our award winner for our Marion Van Landingham Award that we give each year.

57:25

And as well as we have Ellen here from Alive.

57:29

And these are our volunteers who are honored this year.

57:32

And it's uh poignant that you mentioned um Marion because she was the first executive director of Volunteer Alexandria, and she has really grown the organization, and now we are thriving across Alexandria serving the city.

57:45

No, you're good?

57:46

Okay.

57:47

You grabbed that one.

57:48

All right.

57:49

Well, thank you so much.

57:50

Thank you for all the work that you do for Alexandria.

57:53

And with that, Madam Vice Mayor, I make a motion to approve the proclamation.

57:59

We'll do it right after we do this.

58:01

So there's been a motion.

58:03

Is there a second?

58:04

All right.

58:05

Uh we'll give that second to Councilman Chapman.

58:07

Um there's been a motion and a second.

58:09

Any further uh conversation on this proclamation?

58:12

Uh hearing none, I actually just want to add that I was at the event, the Volunteers at the Heart of Alexandria event where you all were honored, and it's a wonderful event, and it was a beautiful opportunity to acknowledge the thousands and thousands of hours and value that you all bring to our city and also to each other.

58:28

There was so much beautiful camaraderie that night and and the relationships that are built through volunteering with the beneficiaries and just between amongst the volunteers.

58:37

So thank you so much.

58:38

Welcome to the organization.

58:39

Um as I said, I I mentioned probably just a quarter of the things Ms.

58:43

Landingham did in our city, so I'm glad that you were here tonight to add that um to the occasion.

58:48

So uh hearing no other comment, there is a motion and a second.

58:51

All those in favor.

58:54

Any opposed?

58:56

All right.

58:56

The motion carries the proclamation is adopted.

59:30

Madam Clerk, if you could call the next item.

59:34

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month.

59:40

I've asked Councilwoman Green to present this proclamation and all those who are here to um receive it, if you could step forward and join Ms.

59:47

Green here at the presentation space.

59:51

Hello to my friend Alex.

59:53

Hello.

59:58

That is okay.

59:58

It's good to have you here.

1:00:00

I will read the proclamation and I'll get you to introduce yourself, okay.

1:00:05

Whereas the autism spectrum is a neurological difference, which can cause significant social communication and behavioral challenges.

1:00:14

And whereas early identification and the resulting appropriate education and intervention are vital to the future growth and development of persons living with conditions emanating from this complex developmental condition.

1:00:28

And whereas the United Nations has designated April 2nd as World Autism Acceptance Day, and whereas the annual observance of autism acceptance month in the United States promotes the rights and education of all autistic individuals while helping families, professionals, and the general public to understand their unique challenges.

1:00:50

Now, therefore, I, Jacinta Green, on behalf of Mayor Aliyah Gaskins and the Alexandria City Council do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 to be autism acceptance month throughout the city, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens, and I encourage all Alexandrians to work together to ensure that autistic individuals enjoy equal access to vital programs and services and are also able to share the quality of life we seek for all residents and witness hereof whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Alexandria to be affixed this 14th day of April 2026.

1:01:35

Well, thank you very much, Councilwoman.

1:01:39

I'm very glad that uh City of Alexandria is continuing this uh because on a year like this, there hasn't been a lot of good news for the autism community from uh just city level inconveniences to all the way up to the federal level, like RFK Jr.

1:01:58

and ICE using all sorts of things to torture neurodivergent detainees.

1:02:05

Um then there's of course the personal level.

1:02:09

Um we're starting to lose uh job access.

1:02:14

Um our union is losing.

1:02:19

And uh then there's of course friends or so I or so we thought that don't understand us for who we are.

1:02:28

This has to end.

1:02:30

And I'm confident that with a proclamation like this, um, that we can work things out and that we can continue to educate those around the country, around the world, even about who we really are and what we need.

1:02:45

And let's uh just continue this work to strengthen the ADA to get the word out and to get autistic people in that are in the shadows the light that they need and the things they deserve.

1:02:59

Thank you.

1:03:04

Well, Alex, I just want you to know that you are an amazing advocate for people with autism.

1:03:10

We uh respect you, we respect all people with um with autism, and we want you to live a vibrant um life here in Alexandria, and we're going to make sure that that that is possible.

1:03:22

So thank you for your advocacy, not only at the local level, but at the state level, you uh you you know you're tireless in your work for the autism community, and we thank you.

1:03:32

And with that, we I am going to ask for adoption of the proclamation.

1:03:36

All right, there's been a motion by Councilman Green and a second by Councilman Al Nubi.

1:03:40

Any further discussion on the proclamation.

1:03:43

Um seeing none, I just want to Alex, I don't think I could speak any more eloquently than you did on the topic.

1:03:48

So thank you for the call to action and for the call for us to see people for who they are.

1:03:53

Thank you for being here today and bringing this forward.

1:03:56

Um with that, there's a motion and a second.

1:03:58

All those in favor.

1:03:59

Aye.

1:04:00

Any opposed?

1:04:02

Aye.

1:04:02

Oh.

1:04:03

There we heard we got the mayor in.

1:04:05

Um there is no opposition.

1:04:07

The uh proclamation is adopted unanimously.

1:04:10

Thank you.

1:04:23

Madam Clerk, if you could call the next item.

1:04:25

All reports from members of City Council and Boards, Commissions, and Committees, Council of Governments, Board of Directors, Mayor Gaskins.

1:04:33

Mayor Gaskins, uh Cog.

1:04:37

Okay.

1:04:38

Thank you.

1:04:39

Um the COG met last week.

1:04:41

A big part of our conversation was the discussion of the regional commuter survey.

1:04:47

It was an opportunity for us to look at trends pre-COVID, during COVID, and then now that we are a few years out.

1:05:00

I think one of the things that we all know intuitively, but it was helpful to see in the data, was that the way people are moving throughout our region is changing.

1:05:05

And that due to many organizations still doing telework policies or hybrid work schedules, the days when most people are going into the office are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

1:05:16

And so we had a big discussion about what might that mean for WAMATA.

1:05:20

What does that mean for how we think about our bus schedules?

1:05:23

What does it look like for the frequency and types of service that we want to be able to provide in the region?

1:05:30

We also spent some time um talking about the fact that more and more people are driving alone.

1:05:37

And so some discussions about kind of what's the role of each of our localities and helping continue.

1:05:43

Many of us have programs already, but sort of continuing to invest in and support programs that ensure that people are aware of all of the different transit options that are available within their locality.

1:05:54

The news survey is out, and so that is done through a randomized sample.

1:05:59

But about a hundred and seventy thousand residents across the region will get that survey.

1:06:03

So I would just encourage our residents that if you get one, um, please fill it out because the data is really helpful in driving how the region makes decisions about our transit policy.

1:06:14

And that is it for my report of the COG.

1:06:19

Thank you.

1:06:19

If you could call the next item.

1:06:21

Council of Government's Food and Agriculture Regional Member Policy Committee, Councilman McGreen.

1:06:29

Thank you very much.

1:06:30

Um yes, we met um this last uh Friday.

1:06:35

Um very extensive meeting on the complexities going on from a food perspective here and did a lot of brainstorming, breaking out into small groups to see how we pretty much can um think about how things can be better um and what we could do as a committee, a CO committee, to make sure that we're doing the best we can do from a food security um perspective.

1:07:00

And um we basically we will be reconvening um not until September, but um just wanted to update that um that you know this is a a serious issue uh that they are pulling data and there'll be more to come um in September with more action.

1:07:18

Thank you.

1:07:20

Thank you, Councilwoman Green.

1:07:21

Next item.

1:07:22

Council Commission on Aging, Councilman Age.

1:07:27

Uh so the Commission on Aging met last week on Thursday and uh the Commission on Aging also sends their thank yous to the council for uh passing the age-friendly plan.

1:07:37

Everyone was very happy about that, and uh there's also a conversation about what the next steps are because now that we have a plan, we have to follow through with it and um make sure that we're uh hitting some of the performance marks.

1:07:48

Uh we also had a presentation from Toby Edelman from the Center for Medicare Advocacy, excuse me, as well as uh a report from the DAAS, which was uh important for everybody to hear.

1:08:01

And the last bit of uh big conversation was basically around uh new officers, which we'll be looking at and uh setting a committee uh to gain interest from from the membership and see who's willing to be an officer.

1:08:17

And that's my report on aging.

1:08:20

Thank you, Councilman Aguirre.

1:08:21

Is can everybody hear me okay?

1:08:23

I just want to make sure I'm streaming okay.

1:08:26

Um if the clerk could call the next item.

1:08:29

City Council General Updates.

1:08:32

Okay, I'm looking to my right.

1:08:34

I see Councilman Aguirre, and then I will go to Mayor Gaskins.

1:08:37

And if anybody else has reports, we'll go to Mr.

1:08:39

Councilman Chapman after that.

1:08:41

Councilman Aguirre.

1:08:42

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

1:08:43

Uh so back on March 26th and 27th and 28th, well, you know, the whole week, uh, we were celebrating uh the 50th anniversary of Metro.

1:08:52

And uh we had several different events with WAMATA, uh reenacting the inaugural train ride from Metro Center to somewhere on the red line.

1:09:02

I'm blanking, uh shoot, phone a friend.

1:09:04

I'll come back.

1:09:05

Um greeting uh Metro Writers at Metro Center, uh passing all penance and uh fun little giveaways to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

1:09:14

And it was also really nice uh at the board meeting uh on the 26th, uh invited past board members and uh CEOs to come celebrate the anniversary.

1:09:25

Uh we had the second longest tenured uh WAMATA board member present, and I believe she had served for 24, 26 years.

1:09:34

Uh the longest tenure member was in the 32-year range.

1:09:38

Uh but a lot of uh exciting things from Metro over the last 50 years.

1:09:42

So I wanted to mention that.

1:09:44

Uh on the 28th, I was able to stop by uh the grand opening of Mexican Corner or Mexic Corner.

1:09:50

Uh they have great food for breakfast.

1:09:52

Councilman Chapman was also able to stop by.

1:09:54

Uh Breakfast Burrito was on point, I believe.

1:10:00

On the 31st, uh wanted to give recognition to a history maker, ceiling breaker, glass ceiling breaker, uh, the honorable judge Sonia Sachs, uh, who is stepping down from the bench.

1:10:11

Uh, but uh she accomplished a lot being the uh first black female on the bench in Alexandria, and so wanted to give her uh her flowers for her accomplishments.

1:10:22

Uh on April 1st, I crossed the line out into Fairfax County for another Wamada event, but it was for Autism Acceptance Month.

1:10:29

Uh and throughout the month, you at different stations you'll actually be able to hear individuals that have autism reading out the announcements and reading out the train station.

1:10:39

So it's a lot of fun, a lot of great recognition, and again, uh making sure that we are accepting of all uh the members of our society.

1:10:46

Uh later on that day I stopped by a couple blocks from the existing city hall that's under construction at uh to DC Decanter, which is a new wine boutique.

1:10:57

Um had a really nice time.

1:10:59

Uh my mom decided that I should buy a couple of bottles of wine, and then I can say no to my mom.

1:11:03

Uh so welcome DC Decanter to Old Town Alexandria.

1:11:07

Looking forward to having you be a part of the community.

1:11:10

On the second, uh, I was able to stop by the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, their legislative reception, able to talk with uh our state legislators from across Northern Virginia, but as well as uh our local counterparts and other realtors, uh, Councilman Chapman and Councilman El Noob we were both able to attend on the sixth, uh stopped by with the mayor at the Dash facility for the unveiling of the young child young child first year bus.

1:11:35

Uh it's a really really cool bus rap that they have trying to highlight the importance of early education and how important those first years are for our youth.

1:11:45

Um and the inside of the bus is also decorated.

1:11:48

So if you get a chance to check that bus out in the community, take a picture, hop on, take a look at what's going on inside, uh, a lot of really cool things.

1:11:57

Uh on the eighth, I stopped by John Adams for Career Day.

1:12:00

Uh they stuck me with kindergartners, which was very interesting.

1:12:03

So I took a lot of props with me.

1:12:06

They didn't always understand what I was saying, but I think uh we communicated back and forth fairly well.

1:12:11

So hopefully they enjoyed it.

1:12:12

But thank you, John Adams for the invitation.

1:12:14

Uh looking forward to coming back in the future as well.

1:12:17

Um later that day, uh our poet laureate, uh Christy Denoso, uh, had a creative pathways poetry panel at um Nova Alexandria campus, which I thought was really cool because each poet that was on the panel not only had a different path on how they got into poetry, but also their involvement with poetry because someone was like an editor for a poetry journal, another person helps to put together poetry slams, another person was kind of just classical writing putting into um into books and stuff like that.

1:12:50

So it was a wide array.

1:12:51

Uh so if you were into poetry, it was it was pretty cool.

1:12:54

Um on the ninth, just want to give a quick shout out to the English Empowerment Center uh for their taste of literacy.

1:13:00

Hope it was a great event.

1:13:01

Uh also had an opportunity to stop by uh Hank's Oyster Bar for uh Weebah's monthly networking event.

1:13:08

Uh just the other day, stopped by ANOVA LANMA with Vice Mayor Bagley, Councilmember O'Nuby, State Delegate McPike, and State Senator Bennett Parker for the beam topping off ceremony.

1:13:26

Uh it was funny because the beam went up, but then it started coming back around.

1:13:29

We thought it was gonna come back down, but they eventually got it up there.

1:13:32

So congratulations to Nova, uh, big step forward.

1:13:36

We can't wait uh to do the ribbon cutting for Nova Landmark and for the rest of uh that site.

1:13:42

And uh lastly, uh today I had the opportunity to be a celebrity scooper for CFNC, uh Child and Family Network Centers at Ben and Jerry's Free Conde.

1:13:54

Uh we were scooping it up.

1:13:55

I was there with uh the clerk of court, uh Greg Parks, as well as the Vice Mayor.

1:13:59

Uh I would say I think I scooped more than anybody else though.

1:14:03

Just toot toot.

1:14:05

Just saying.

1:14:06

Uh and with that, Madam Vice Mayor, that is my report.

1:14:09

Thank you, man.

1:14:10

Councilman and Aguirre.

1:14:11

You did scoop the most, but uh I'd like to think I raised the most with my you know efforts at the door.

1:14:18

Um I will now hand it over to Mayor Gaskins for her orals.

1:14:23

Thank you, Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:14:24

I will say you're only getting this title, Councilman A Gary, because I'm not there.

1:14:28

That's usually like my favorite event, um, especially as a former ice cream scooper.

1:14:33

I had three quick updates.

1:14:35

The first, uh, Councilman Ageary mentioned the kids' first year partnership and collaboration with the Dash Bus.

1:14:42

I just wanted to say to the community, part of the fun is that the bus is going to be taking different routes all across our city so that young people and their families have an opportunity to engage with some of the content.

1:15:00

And if you follow kids' first years, they're going to be doing a social media campaign where you can let us know when you see the bus and any interesting things that young people in your family or on the bus with you learned or talked about.

1:15:07

And so just encourage you to follow along and help share pictures and really be a part of celebrating this collaboration in our community.

1:15:15

The second thing I wanted to share is the reason why I'm I'm not there.

1:15:19

I think many of you know I shared with the community last year that I had an opportunity to be accepted to the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

1:15:28

It's an opportunity for mayors from around the world to come together to exchange ideas, to learn about how we better use data to talk about the challenges facing each of our communities, and then also to explore opportunities for collaboration as well as resources to be able to bring back to our city.

1:15:48

And so just wanted to share, it's been a really great opportunity.

1:15:52

As part of the network, there's also a number of free offerings to our staff and to our residents.

1:15:58

And so just wanted to, I won't name everyone individually, but what I've heard from folks here that have interacted with our staff in the data track and the innovation track and heard about some of the ideas that we are doing in smart mobility, ideas that we're doing related to workforce development.

1:16:16

There were a lot of conversations where people were lifting up Alexandria as a model.

1:16:20

So just another reminder, I'm really grateful to serve with each of you, but I'm also really inspired and grateful for our staff that is now giving and sharing ideas around the world.

1:16:31

And then lastly, I had an opportunity to attend the youth job fair.

1:16:36

And so just wanted to give another thank you to our team at the workforce development center, particularly the director Kate Ashmore, but also Director Garvey, and just say it was a huge turnout.

1:16:49

It was really a standing room only, and there were so many young people that often there was a wait at the various tables in there.

1:16:56

And so if you are an employer in our community who is interested in providing more opportunities for young people in our city, would just encourage you to reach out to the Workforce Development Center.

1:17:08

We're still looking for employers for our summer youth employment program, but also there are a number of other programs.

1:17:15

We're going to be launching sort of a workforce uh series where we're going to be really intentional about connecting our young people with employers, and we would love to partner with you.

1:17:25

With that, I'll turn it back over to Madam Vice Mayor.

1:17:28

Thank you, Mayor Gaskins, and congratulations on completing the program tonight.

1:17:33

Um Councilman Chapman.

1:17:35

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

1:17:37

Uh, let me pull out my notes really quickly.

1:17:39

Um I wanted to start out I did not add um for North Virginia Regional Commission, uh, but this is related uh to that.

1:17:48

Uh I was disappointed as the commission's representative to the Go Virginia Board for Region 9.

1:17:56

Uh that is uh a board that looks at um different economic development projects uh within our region and tries to promote those for funding to the state.

1:18:06

Um VRC uh had uh Rodney Lusk, a supervisor from Fairfax that had been uh the regional representative, and I'm taking his place.

1:18:17

Um so uh as I bring forward um NVRC reports in the future, I'm I will probably sprinkle in uh some of Go Virginia stuff in there as well.

1:18:27

Um next is I'm sorry.

1:18:33

Um yesterday I had the opportunity to go to um a meeting about uh a very critical subject in certain circles, um, a field allocation policy meeting uh for the recreation department.

1:18:47

Um staff did an amazing job.

1:18:51

Um if you've ever uh been to any of those meetings or been into some of those uh sports team circles, uh you can imagine in a small city like Alexandria, uh, a number of folks are fighting uh for space uh for practices in games and clinics and such.

1:19:07

Uh and so we had a room full of uh the various uh sports uh and sports teams and representatives from uh those affiliates uh talking about the future of our policy uh and opportunities for uh even some of the smallest sports like women's field hockey to have a competitive opportunity to have space.

1:19:27

Uh we also talked about kind of what space looks like in the city uh and um how we can improve it.

1:19:34

Uh obviously we don't have a lot of opportunities to grow field space, but uh in those that exist.

1:19:40

I think we are um we will be talking even in this budget about uh the future of uh open space and fields in particular in Chinquepin, but was as noted at the uh at the meeting, um, there are probably some opportunities in talking with National Park Service as well.

1:19:56

Um back in the day uh we had soccer and back in the 90s.

1:20:00

Uh we had soccer at Jones Point.

1:20:02

Uh and so uh that is an opportunity that uh we might have to revisit as we look to kind of reorient opportunities uh for sports teams.

1:20:10

Uh one of the big things that came out of this meeting is that um staff is of course taking information and perspectives from the affiliates uh with the understanding that we are going to be looking at uh field allocation policy in the fall as well as um looking at um some other policies in particular around uh cost and um some of uh the allocation policy for uh the recreation department.

1:20:35

Uh and so that was a fruitful meeting uh and I just wanted to bring that up to say again staff did very well with uh a group of uh affiliates and uh sports teams that are you know raring to grow, uh raring to go, raring to grow.

1:20:50

Um and uh in a small city like ours, it's going to be very interesting where this goes.

1:20:55

Um and then last but not least, uh my seat mate to the right.

1:21:00

Um you thought you were gonna get away with that, didn't you?

1:21:04

Um my seat mate to the right uh joined a Greek uh black Greek sorority not too long ago.

1:21:12

Uh so I wanted to point that out and congratulate her.

1:21:17

Um and um for those who don't know, she is I think the fourth councilperson that is uh Greek affiliated, um, including uh Ludwig Gaines, who's a member of Capital Alpha Psy, uh, and um former councilwoman Alicia Hughes, uh who is a member of um AKA.

1:21:38

Um I'm just gonna yeah.

1:21:41

Uh and I know you're gonna be mad, Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated.

1:21:46

Sorority incorporated, okay.

1:21:48

Um with her, I know.

1:21:52

Uh I'm gonna leave you to say it because you just you need to.

1:21:56

Um but anyway.

1:21:58

Um of the things I wanted to mention about that is it's um it's an honor within the the community.

1:22:05

Um it is not an easy thing, whether you're a uh going into a graduate chapter or you're doing this in college uh to uh join uh fraternity or sorority.

1:22:17

Um and we have been blessed in this community by uh leaders, not just elected, but uh folks who have risen up in our our communities as well that are Greek affiliated.

1:22:28

Um and so uh again, welcome uh to uh Greetham uh and congratulations.

1:22:34

Thank you.

1:22:36

That's it for me.

1:22:37

Um uh I I wish I knew the proper Greek referential to refer to you as Councilwoman Green.

1:22:45

Thank you, Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:22:47

And um I thank you, Councilman Chapman, for that.

1:22:50

It's not an easy um endeavor to pledge uh sorority or fraternity um uh at the graduate level or any level, but um I am quite honored to be um one of the newest uh members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

1:23:04

Thank you.

1:23:05

I appreciate that.

1:23:06

Um but I did I did want to um to acknowledge that we lost a pioneer in a very um strong force in our community recently in Susan Callum, um not only in politics but advocacy and uh women's rights as well.

1:23:24

I met Susan on the first day that I moved to Alexandria and um attended my uh my first um Alexandria Democratic Committee meeting.

1:23:34

And she was just someone that that took you in, that um was a mentor, was the the best friend that you could ever have and did so much for our community, and she will be dearly missed.

1:23:48

And I just want to make sure that uh we acknowledge how she truly made Alexandria a better place.

1:23:54

So thank you, Susan Kellum.

1:23:57

Thank you so much for that, and um for that um acknowledgement, Councilwoman Green.

1:24:02

Um I I'll just uh close by noting there is 21 minutes left to get your free cone if you happen to be in the vicinity of a Ben and Jerry's in Alexandria.

1:24:11

The uh the event goes till eight o'clock.

1:24:13

And um my last uh contribution to um oral updates is uh today there was um uh a beautiful ceremony in the reading garden behind Beatley Library for the days of remembrance, um, which is an acknowledgement of the six million Jews and 11 million people lost in the Holocaust.

1:24:30

And I wanted to um express my appreciation to the volunteer committee that puts that event together every year and to all the city staff that um made it happen in its new location um this year, which was actually a little hot but quite beautiful, um, and to express my appreciation to Dr.

1:24:47

White, who um uh uh gave an impressive and I thought fascinating um speech about um yet another hero of of that era and who saved many lives.

1:25:00

And so I would encourage you all to check out The Counterfeit Countess is the book that she wrote and that she spoke about today and told the story of.

1:25:07

But thank you to everybody who participated and attended.

1:25:10

It was a lovely event.

1:25:11

With that, Madam Clerk, if you could call uh item nine.

1:25:16

City managers oral report state of the economy.

1:26:20

Thank you.

1:26:21

There we go.

1:26:24

She is most recently she worked in the DC government as the director of downtown innovation.

1:26:32

She before that, she served as the director of the City of Portland, Oregon's Bureau of Transportation, where she led an agency of 900 plus employees and positioned Portland as a national leader in transportation policy and urban mobility.

1:26:49

Prior to that, she served as the managing deputy commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation.

1:26:56

And she's had a long and experienced career in both operations and in transportation.

1:27:03

And we're really excited about having her join us.

1:27:06

She's been here about two weeks and already has experienced Alexandria at its finest.

1:27:16

So I want to shift to our monthly state of the economy.

1:27:27

But information in regard to the national economic indicators, and I want to then pivot into some of the local indicators.

1:27:59

This slide in front of you shows that our unemployment rate continues to be higher than the norm, while it drops slightly in March to 4.3%.

1:28:12

If you recall, we're normally much lower than that in the in the economy.

1:28:23

However, our inflation increased to 3.3% in March as well.

1:28:31

This slide really just shows that unemployment is still remaining high.

1:28:37

Instead of a spike that you might see occasionally, what we're finding is that sort of the normal state right now appears to be a higher level of unemployment in the in the region.

1:28:51

This is just another way to take a look at in terms of job growth.

1:28:55

178,000 jobs were created in March.

1:29:01

I think this next slide is really indicative of really not a positive pattern clearly with the inflation growing at 3.3%.

1:29:12

We were early 2026, the inflation had stabilized.

1:29:18

And now I think with the global global conflict, we we are seeing some changes with inflation, particularly as it drives up into over 3%.

1:29:31

What that means is that the cost for our services, cost for goods, costs of our everyday living for our residents will remain high.

1:29:42

This is just one simple example, but I think we've all experienced this.

1:30:03

You know, it's it definitely ranges much higher than it's been in a long, long time.

1:30:09

Some of that is certainly due to uh the conflict that is occurring right now, the war.

1:30:17

So on the national side, what you see is uh still high unemployment.

1:30:23

You see inflationary pressures that are increasing, and you see our cost pressures, particularly in some of the areas that provide us with everyday need, uh whether it's gasoline or groceries and things like that.

1:30:38

Um those are all unfortunately increasing.

1:30:42

On the local side, um you can see on the first essentially bullet is the uh this is as it relates to real estate.

1:30:52

A real estate still remains strong in Alexandria.

1:30:55

This is still a very good place.

1:30:58

Uh and people want to be here, they want to live here, they want to buy homes here, uh, they want to rent here.

1:31:04

Uh but what it is showing is that the market is is just maybe a teeny bit softer than we've seen in the past, um, particularly as it relates to some of the real estate sales that are down.

1:31:16

The average listings are up.

1:31:18

Uh the average days on the market has slightly increased to from 28 days last year to 44 days.

1:31:25

Um that is still a very strong market.

1:31:28

Uh so don't take this slide to mean that our real estate is poor.

1:31:32

In fact, our real estate is still very strong, but you know these are these are indicators of maybe some softening.

1:31:40

And then the average sales price to the original sales price has dropped from 99 percent to about 97 percent, still very strong.

1:31:50

Um the local economic indicators related to consumption taxes, which would be sales tax, meals tax, and transient lodging.

1:31:58

You'll notice that in the meal sacks and transient lodging, we're as far as the tracking uh year to date in FY26, we are at a negative, not a positive.

1:32:10

We are hopeful that that will change.

1:32:11

Uh but again that's indicative of some of the cost structures.

1:32:15

It's indicative of some of the uh geopolitical actions that are really driving down less business travel as well as less international travel, uh, and then some tightening on uh household incomes where people are less inclined to uh use disposable income for uh shopping and um meals and things like that.

1:32:42

We are hopeful that that trend will change, but again you can see the pattern.

1:32:50

And so nationally uncertain certainty, uh the war certainly is creating more of that.

1:32:58

Um a local side, very strong positive on the real estate still, but a little bit of softening.

1:33:04

And then finally uh some of our consumption taxes are showing some weakening.

1:33:11

And if you'll notice that we have seen some of this over the past few months, but it's a little bit more acute since uh uh the conflict in uh with Iran.

1:33:23

So Vice Mayor, Mayor, uh Council, um that's uh a quick snapshot of our local economy this month.

1:33:32

Any questions for the city manager?

1:33:35

All right, thank you, sir for that.

1:33:38

Well, I don't know if I thank you.

1:33:40

Appreciate the update.

1:33:41

No, it's it's it's important information, particularly as we uh move to end our budget process.

1:33:46

Uh if the clerk could call uh roll call the next item on the docket.

1:33:52

Action docket roll call consent items 10 through 21.

1:33:56

Madam Vice Mayor.

1:33:57

Uh Councilman Aguirre.

1:33:58

Uh I would like to move the roll call consent but pulls items 16, 17, and 20.

1:34:09

All right.

1:34:10

There's been a request to pull items 16, 17, and 20.

1:34:13

Is there are there any other items people would like to pull?

1:34:17

Okay.

1:34:18

So there's been a motion, is there a second?

1:34:20

Okay.

1:34:21

Um, so procedurally, and again, I'm uh, you know, getting through my first time here.

1:34:27

We need a motion then to approve the items that have not been pulled from roll call consent.

1:34:31

So, Madam Vice Mayor.

1:34:33

Second.

1:34:34

All right.

1:34:34

So that would be a motion to approve items 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 21.

1:34:45

Okay.

1:34:46

So there's been a motion and a second.

1:34:48

Any discussion about those items?

1:34:55

Can I make the motion and then you second?

1:35:00

And then you second for the holding for the package to the case.

1:35:05

Yeah.

1:35:06

Right.

1:35:07

Yeah.

1:35:07

So we are moving to approve the items listed while we're moving 1617 and 20.

1:35:12

Yes.

1:35:13

Okay.

1:35:13

So any discussion on the items we are about to move to approve.

1:35:18

Okay.

1:35:18

Hearing none, this is a roll call vote.

1:35:20

Councilman Aguirre.

1:35:21

Aye.

1:35:21

Councilman Chapman.

1:35:22

Aye.

1:35:23

Mayor Gaskins.

1:35:26

Aye.

1:35:27

Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:35:28

Aye.

1:35:28

Councilman Elmuby.

1:35:30

Aye.

1:35:30

Councilwoman Green.

1:35:31

Aye.

1:35:32

Okay.

1:35:32

Those items are approved.

1:35:33

Madam Clerk, if you could call item 16.

1:35:37

Introduction and first reading consideration of passage on first reading of an ordinance to amend and reordain Section 3-2-3-5-4 of Article S of Chapter 2 of Title III and Section 10-4-14.

1:35:54

Excuse me, dash 48 of Article 4 of Title 10 of the Code of the City of Alexander, Virginia 1981.

1:36:03

Councilman Aguirre.

1:36:05

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

1:36:06

So I I pulled these items first of all, I'm in favor of passing them tonight because it is the first reading.

1:36:13

It's not final passage of any of these items.

1:36:15

But just for a little bit of clarity for the public, because we've been discussing Sunday parking a little bit last minute.

1:36:38

So by approving these items today, but knowing that there is flexibility to give changes to 1617 and 20 before final passage of the budget.

1:36:56

The 29th?

1:36:58

And the final adoption of the ordinances.

1:38:09

So this is just to give the public an idea of the different things that we're looking at.

1:38:13

But I am looking at the city manager to potentially provide some additional guidance to us for when we have our uh initial ad delete session, which will be next Tuesday.

1:38:24

This also gives the public an opportunity to give their input on Saturday and then you know take that all into consideration as we're trying to make uh final decisions here.

1:38:34

Uh but I I want to leave it open to my colleagues for questions.

1:38:38

Um but right now I would make a motion to uh uh approve item 16.

1:38:44

Okay.

1:38:44

So there's a motion um to approve.

1:38:46

Is there a second?

1:38:46

We can obviously have further discussion.

1:38:49

Okay, there's been a second by Councilman Alnubi.

1:38:51

I'm gonna pause there because uh what I heard in Councilman Aguirre's sort of comments was also a question to the city manager.

1:38:57

So I don't know if you want to have any kind of uh response or feedback on to the direction about coming back for discussion during the work session.

1:39:05

Sure.

1:39:05

So if I could just summarize what I believe I'm hearing.

1:39:10

Um the first three of the items that the council may take action favorably on tonight.

1:39:19

The intent would be to look at additional ways in which and flexibility that the council may be able to adjust within those three ordinances, particularly as it relates to fees or implementation to adjust, particularly if you don't want to do one of them, such as the Sunday parking, and that would give you some options available to you in your ad delete session on the 21st with a recommendation that I would provide per our budget resolution guidance that you passed previously.

1:39:54

Do I said any other comments or questions for my colleagues?

1:40:02

So what I want to note is the motion on the floor is with regard to simple 16 at the moment, though the conversation here applies, I think across the board to 16, 17 and 20, which were each enacting ordinances relevant to Sunday parking fines and the proposed change to B poll.

1:40:19

But we will have to act separately on 16, 17, and 20.

1:40:23

So there's a motion pending on the floor uh with regard to approving on first reading with the intending and expectation to discuss further at our ad delete hearing.

1:40:32

Um any further discussion.

1:40:36

Okay, seeing none, uh is this a roll call vote, Madam Clerk?

1:40:39

Okay.

1:40:40

You could please call the roll.

1:40:42

Councilman Ageary.

1:40:43

Aye.

1:40:44

Councilman Al Nuby.

1:40:45

Aye.

1:40:46

Mayor Gaskins.

1:40:48

Aye.

1:40:49

Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:40:50

Aye.

1:40:50

Councilman Chapman.

1:40:51

All right.

1:40:52

Councilwoman Green.

1:40:53

Aye.

1:40:54

Madam Clerk, if you could call item 17.

1:40:56

Introduction and first reading consideration of passage on first reading of an ordinance to amend and reordain Section 5-8-9-3 of Article G of Chapter 8 of Title V of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia 1981 as amended.

1:41:13

Councilman Aguirre.

1:41:21

Is there a second?

1:41:25

As a second by Councilman Alnubi.

1:41:27

Any further discussion?

1:41:29

Councilman Chapman.

1:41:30

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

1:41:41

But I do want to just kind of be clear on my position on this and another item we'll be discussing a little later.

1:41:49

I don't necessarily think it's you know, one of the avenues I was going to try to do was go ahead and make an amendment to the article, but I I would prefer that, you know, I think this will pass and move forward to a public hearing.

1:42:05

Um and then hopefully we'll have an opportunity to really uh take on the ordinance.

1:42:09

But I I do not feel comfortable in just passing it along uh just with uh uh a unanimous vote.

1:42:19

Um I I think the community certainly is going to understand that this is uh concerning um and uh particularly for members of the business community uh that have uh spoken up about this particular one.

1:42:32

Thank you, Councilman Chapman.

1:42:34

Mayor Gaskins.

1:42:36

Uh thank you, Vice Mayor.

1:42:38

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

1:42:39

Um I guess what I would just want to lift up, I have comments maybe similar or or from a similar space as Councilman Chapman.

1:42:47

I agree with Councilman Aguirre about sort of thinking through the opportunities we have for more discussion and options.

1:42:54

I've also been thinking through how I feel about this particular option, and would I ultimately support it?

1:43:00

And I think as I've been having conversations as I've been thinking about the larger budget, and even as I've looked again now and reflected on some of the ad deletes that have been proposed.

1:43:10

I think that there's additional funding to be able to close the gap through things that we might move around.

1:43:15

And so because this is an option that I would not ultimately support, I too will be voting uh no on on this item.

1:43:21

And just wanted to share that transparently with my colleagues.

1:43:25

Okay, there is a motion.

1:43:27

Oh, excuse me.

1:43:27

Um Councilman Green.

1:43:29

Thank you, Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:43:31

I I share similar concerns with the mayor and councilman Chapman.

1:43:35

Um I will uh vote to move it forward, but I do have serious um, you know, serious thoughts on you know why I would not support it, but to move the discussion to the next meeting, I will vote for it.

1:43:48

Thank you.

1:43:49

No, I I appreciate that, and I think um I appreciate the opportunity this will our action tonight will provide to have a more robust community conversation.

1:43:58

I know that conversation has already started.

1:44:00

Many of us have begun meeting with with business community, with members of the faith community, and um by having an additional week to sort of have a full robust public conversation will benefit ultimately, I think the best outcome for everybody with the most robust conversation and inputs.

1:44:16

So with that, uh Councilman El Nubi.

1:44:20

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

1:44:21

Um I would I would just you know, for the city manager for me where I'm leaning right now on the Sunday parking piece specifically, I don't know if I would support removing uh or adding the Sunday parking.

1:44:34

So of the list list of menus that you're looking at, I personally, my preference um is to find ways to fill that 700,000 um dollar gap because I'm not at this point at least until we have further conversations comfortable with um after I've also heard from businesses and residents and community members.

1:44:52

Um don't feel comfortable supporting the Sunday um parking um thank you.

1:45:07

What I think is going to happen here is a motion to approve and move this forward, but um bear in mind this is just a first reading.

1:45:13

There is going to be a week-long opportunity and a public hearing on Saturday, and then we will have an ad-de-lead session next Tuesday that will uh uh fully and finally address this item.

1:45:23

So uh regardless of any approval action that happens momentarily, uh please know there is a week more of dialogue and ultimate decision making on this item.

1:45:32

With that, this is a roll call vote.

1:45:34

Madam Clerk.

1:45:35

Councilman Aguirre Councilman Al Nuby.

1:45:39

Aye.

1:45:40

Mayor Gaskins.

1:45:42

Yes, Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:45:44

Aye.

1:45:44

Councilman Chapman.

1:45:45

Aye.

1:45:45

Councilwoman Green.

1:45:47

Aye.

1:45:49

Uh Madam Clerk, if you could call item 20.

1:45:51

Introduction and first reading consideration of passage on first reading of an ordinance to amend and reordain section nine-one-seven one point one of chapter one of Title IX of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981 as amended.

1:46:09

Madam Reyes Mayer.

1:46:10

Councilman Aguirre.

1:46:11

Move approval of item 20.

1:46:12

Is there a second?

1:46:13

Second.

1:46:14

Uh there's been a second by Councilwoman Green.

1:46:16

Any further discussion?

1:46:18

Councilman Aguirre.

1:46:19

Just for the record and for the public's knowledge, this was pulled for the same reason as the previous two items.

1:46:25

Any other discussion on this item?

1:46:28

This will be heard again.

1:46:29

Um we will take public comment on Saturday, and we will move uh we'll discuss it potentially at our ad delete session on Tuesday, and it would be ultimately approved at our final budget approval process that follows that session.

1:46:42

With that, this is a roll call vote.

1:46:43

Madam Clerk.

1:46:44

Councilman Ageary.

1:46:46

Councilman El Nubi.

1:46:49

Oh, it was Green.

1:46:50

It was Green.

1:46:50

Oh, Green, I'm sorry.

1:46:51

Aye.

1:46:53

Mayor Gaskins.

1:46:55

Aye.

1:46:56

Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:46:57

Aye.

1:46:57

Councilman Chapman.

1:46:59

Councilman El Nubi.

1:47:00

Aye.

1:47:04

Uh Madam Clerk.

1:47:05

Uh the next item, please.

1:47:11

Okay.

1:47:12

I'm gonna ask for my colleagues and um everyone uh participating tonight to bear with me here as I move through the process.

1:47:20

But before I do so, I would call for a motion if there is one on item 28.

1:47:28

Oh, so defer all your own.

1:47:31

Okay, there's been a okay.

1:47:32

There's been a motion to defer item 28 by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman Chapman.

1:47:38

Um discussion on that motion.

1:47:43

Okay.

1:47:43

Hearing none, uh this is not are these are these roll call votes as well then?

1:47:48

Okay.

1:47:49

So this is a roll call vote on item 28 only.

1:47:52

Councilman Ageary.

1:47:53

Aye.

1:47:54

Councilman Chapman.

1:47:55

All right.

1:47:55

Mayor Gaskins.

1:47:57

Aye.

1:47:58

Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:48:00

Aye.

1:48:00

Councilman El Nuby.

1:48:02

Aye.

1:48:02

Councilwoman Green.

1:48:04

Aye.

1:48:05

Okay.

1:48:06

Item 28 has been deferred, and uh Madam Clerk will be reposted.

1:48:10

Yes.

1:48:11

Okay, thank you.

1:48:12

I will move forward with the other appointments.

1:48:15

Um I will read all candidates for each contested appointment that received votes, and then I will acknowledge the majority vote getter.

1:48:23

At the end, I will ask for a motion approving all of the majority vote getters from my colleagues.

1:48:28

With that, the Alexandria Affordable Housing Affordability Advisory Committee uh was seeking one member.

1:48:35

Sean Zeilenbach received all six votes of the council.

1:48:39

The beautification commission was seeking one citizen member.

1:48:43

Laura Norfolk received all six votes of the council.

1:48:46

Children, youth and families collaborative commission was seeking one member with expertise in children, youth and family issues, public safety, medical health profession, or nonprofit experience.

1:48:55

Nicole Davi received all six votes of the council.

1:48:59

The Commission for the Arts was seeking two members with expertise in the arts.

1:49:03

Harris Amad Amadzai received one vote from Mayor Gaskins.

1:49:08

Jason Longfellow received all six votes of the council, and Lauren Miller received five votes from Baglia Ghirray Chapman Green and Al Nube.

1:49:17

Mr.

1:49:17

Longfellow and Miss Miller will oh or the majority vote getters.

1:49:22

The Commission for Women, Elizabeth Hardin received a vote.

1:49:27

Sharon Yvette Prince received four votes, and Maya Wiseman received a vote.

1:49:32

Sharon Evet Prince was the majority vote getter on the Commission for Women.

1:49:36

The Environmental Policy Commission was seeking one member.

1:49:39

Christopher Redding received a vote.

1:49:41

Joshua Roth received a vote, and Olu Smoke received four votes.

1:49:45

Olu Smoke was the majority vote getter.

1:49:47

The Public Health Advisory Commission was seeking one citizen member.

1:49:51

Sylvia A.

1:49:52

Jones received all six votes of the council.

1:49:54

The traffic and parking board was seeking one citizen member.

1:49:57

Jacqueline Kittredge received two votes.

1:50:00

Rosemary Spano received four votes.

1:50:02

Rosemary Spano is their majority vote getter.

1:50:05

The Waterfront Commission was seeking one at large citizen representative.

1:50:09

Mark Villinger received five votes.

1:50:12

Tiffany Wagner received one vote.

1:50:14

Mark Villinger is the majority vote getter.

1:50:16

With that, I'd seek a motion approving the majority vote getters.

1:50:20

Ice move.

1:50:21

All right.

1:50:21

There's been a motion by Councilwoman Green, a second by Councilman Chapman.

1:50:25

Any discussion?

1:50:26

Hearing none, this is a roll call.

1:50:28

Madam Clerk.

1:50:29

Councilwoman Green.

1:50:31

Councilman Chapman.

1:50:34

Vice Mayor Bagley.

1:50:35

Councilman McGear.

1:50:37

Councilman El Newby.

1:50:39

Aye.

1:50:41

All right, with that, the uh congratulations to the majority vote getters.

1:50:45

Um, Madam Clerk, if you could call the next item.

1:50:48

Consideration of City Council schedule.

1:50:50

I'd entertain a motion to approve that schedule.

1:50:53

Second.

1:50:54

Uh motion from Councilman Chapman, uh, second by Councilwoman Green.

1:50:58

Any discussion as to the schedule.

1:51:01

Hearing none, um, this is not a roll call vote.

1:51:04

All right.

1:51:05

All those in favor say aye.

1:51:06

Aye.

1:51:07

Aye.

1:51:07

Any opposed?

1:51:08

All right.

1:51:09

The schedule is adopted.

1:51:10

I'd entertain a motion to adjourn.

1:51:12

So move uh there's been a motion and second.

1:51:15

All those in favor?

1:51:16

All right, we are adjourned as of 806.

1:51:20

Look how meetings go with you in the charge.

1:51:25

The mayor was a great evening, everybody.

1:51:29

We got a new record by the for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

1:51:48

Substance abuse could make you fall short on the goals you got for yourself.

1:51:52

Substance abuse can affect us or a school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

1:52:00

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

1:53:32

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety?

1:53:39

The answer is through the city's budget.

1:53:42

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

1:53:47

The city's budget has two main parts.

1:53:49

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

1:53:56

The capital improvement plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

1:54:07

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual city council budget retreat.

1:54:14

Here they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

1:54:23

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

1:54:30

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

1:54:36

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget, and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

1:54:48

The community also plays a big role.

1:54:50

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

1:55:00

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

1:55:04

This process is called Ad Delete, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds.

1:55:20

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.

1:55:29

For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit Alexandria VA.gov slash budget, respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

1:56:13

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

1:56:23

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities.

1:56:50

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

1:56:53

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

1:57:15

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square in City Hall.

1:57:18

I'm Danley, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

1:57:23

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when Alexander was founded back in 1749.

1:57:30

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

1:57:34

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Kluse.

1:57:41

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

1:57:46

Latrobe from 1817.

1:57:49

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

1:57:51

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

1:57:59

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

1:58:08

And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

1:58:17

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

1:58:25

The City Hall Renovation Project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well.

1:58:34

If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project, we're providing input on the future design of Market Square.

1:58:41

Visit AlexandriaVA.gov slash city hall.

1:58:56

Something that is important to me is my family.

1:59:01

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

1:59:08

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

1:59:13

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

1:59:20

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

1:59:39

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

1:59:47

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac.

1:59:51

I do like it, and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

1:59:56

It's a great help, really.

2:00:11

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

2:00:18

Therefore I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

2:00:42

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

2:00:50

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

2:00:53

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

2:01:01

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

2:01:05

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

2:01:10

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

2:01:17

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

2:01:21

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

2:03:20

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

2:10:46

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety?

2:10:54

The answer is through the city's budget.

2:10:56

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

2:11:02

The city's budget has two main parts.

2:11:04

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

2:11:11

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger, long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

2:11:22

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual City Council budget retreat.

2:11:29

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

2:11:38

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

2:11:44

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

2:11:51

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

2:12:03

The community also plays a big role.

2:12:05

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

2:12:13

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

2:14:37

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

2:14:45

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

2:14:49

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

2:14:56

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

2:15:01

Latrobe from 1817.

2:15:03

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

2:15:14

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike.

2:15:17

Come to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

2:15:23

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

2:15:31

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

2:15:45

Staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well.

2:15:49

If you are interested in learning more about the reservation project, we're providing input on the future design of Market Square.

2:15:55

Visit AlexandriaVA.gov slash city hall.

2:16:11

Something that is important to me is my family.

2:16:16

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

2:17:00

You know, treating myself nice.

2:17:01

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomnia.

2:17:05

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

2:17:10

It's a great help, really.

2:18:32

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

2:18:36

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

2:19:34

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

2:19:41

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

2:20:10

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

2:20:16

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

2:20:35

The City of Alexandria provides Alex311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

2:21:57

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

2:22:04

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

2:22:10

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

2:22:59

Because they got my back at all times.

2:24:47

They've always been very eager to help me.

2:24:49

So I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

2:25:07

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

2:28:11

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

2:28:16

The city's budget has two main parts.

2:28:19

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employees' salaries, supplies, and equipment.

2:28:26

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger, long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

2:28:37

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead of their annual city council budget retreat.

2:28:44

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

2:28:53

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

2:28:59

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

2:29:06

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

2:29:20

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

2:29:28

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

2:30:00

For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit Alexandriava.gov slash budget.

2:30:25

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

2:30:42

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

2:30:46

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

2:31:19

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

2:31:22

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

2:31:27

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you want to be treated.

2:31:44

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square in City Hall.

2:31:48

I'm Dan Lee, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

2:31:52

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

2:32:00

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

2:32:04

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

2:32:11

The tower you see behind you is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect Benjamin H.

2:32:16

LaTrobe from 1817.

2:32:18

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

2:32:28

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and it is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

2:32:38

And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

2:32:46

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

2:32:55

The City Hall Renovation Project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well.

2:33:04

If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project, we're providing input on the future design of Market Square.

2:33:10

Visit up Alexandria.gov slash city hall.

2:33:26

Something that is important to me is my family.

2:33:31

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

2:33:38

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

2:33:43

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

2:33:50

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

2:34:08

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know, treating myself nice.

2:34:16

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac.

2:34:20

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

2:34:25

It's a great help, really.

2:34:41

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

2:34:48

Therefore, I am helping but a non-profit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

2:35:03

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

2:35:12

The 100 block of North Royal Street from Pink Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

2:35:19

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

2:35:23

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

2:35:30

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

2:35:34

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

2:35:40

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

2:35:47

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

2:35:51

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

2:35:58

We want to make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

2:36:49

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

2:37:19

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

2:37:25

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

2:37:31

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

2:37:50

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

2:38:32

City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

2:38:39

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex 311 and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous.

2:39:05

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

2:39:12

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

2:39:19

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

2:39:25

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

2:40:01

I show respect to others by considering their unique opinions.

2:40:04

I respect my friend Cooper because we both have respect for each other and I trust him a lot.

2:40:09

I respect my dad because he's really nice and successful.

2:40:11

I respect my friends because they got my back at all times.

2:40:16

I respect others by being kind.

2:45:16

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety?

2:45:23

The answer is through the city's budget.

2:45:26

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

2:45:31

The city's budget has two main parts.

2:45:34

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

2:45:41

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger, long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

2:45:52

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead of their annual City Council budget retreat.

2:45:59

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

2:46:08

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

2:46:14

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

2:46:20

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

2:46:33

The community also plays a big role.

2:46:35

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

2:46:43

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

2:47:57

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

2:48:15

I define respect as acknowledges someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

2:49:07

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

2:49:14

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

2:49:18

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

2:49:26

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

2:49:30

Latrobe from 1817.

2:49:33

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

2:49:36

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government?

2:49:43

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

2:49:53

And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

2:50:01

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

2:50:15

Staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well.

2:50:19

If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project, we're providing input on the future design of Market Square.

2:50:25

Visit up Alexandria.gov slash City Hall.

2:50:40

Something that is important to me is my family.

2:50:53

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

2:50:58

Football is important to me because it brings uh a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

2:51:05

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

2:51:23

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

2:51:31

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac.

2:51:35

I do like it, and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

2:51:40

It's a great help, really.

2:51:56

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

2:52:02

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

2:52:18

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

2:52:27

The 100 block of North Royal Street from Pink Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

2:52:34

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

2:52:38

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

2:52:45

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

2:52:49

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

2:52:55

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

2:53:02

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

2:53:06

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

2:54:04

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

2:54:34

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

2:54:39

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

2:54:46

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

2:55:05

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

2:55:16

The Alex 311 Mobile Lab and website allow you to attach photos and specify the location of service requests.

2:55:34

When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and a request number to track progress on the mobile appropriate.

2:55:54

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex311 and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous.

2:56:07

We will be professional by delivering competent and high quality service even under pressure.

2:56:12

We will be accountable by providing accurate and reliable information, keeping you informed and honoring our service commitments.

2:56:19

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

2:56:27

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

2:56:34

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

2:56:40

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

2:59:02

A lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity.

3:00:00

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

3:00:12

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

3:00:18

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

3:02:38

The answer is through the city's budget.

3:02:41

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

3:02:46

The city's budget has two main parts.

3:02:49

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

3:03:14

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

3:03:23

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

3:03:29

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.gov slash budget.

3:05:00

I define respect as treating everyone with positive regard, no matter their opinions, their race, their culture.

3:05:12

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

3:05:16

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

3:05:22

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities, not that respect means like you want to be like stick with somebody through thick and thin.

3:05:30

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

3:05:35

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

3:05:49

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

3:05:52

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

3:05:57

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you want to be treated.

3:06:14

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall.

3:06:17

I'm Dan Lee, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

3:06:22

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

3:06:29

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

3:06:33

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

3:06:40

The tower you see behind you is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect Benjamin H.

3:06:45

Latrobe from 1817.

3:06:48

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

3:06:50

Once housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police and fire stations, it now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

3:06:58

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and it is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

3:07:08

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

3:07:16

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

3:07:24

The City Hall Renovation Project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well.

3:07:33

If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project, we're providing input on the future design of Market Square.

3:07:40

Visit up AlexandriaVA.gov slash city hall.

3:07:55

Something that is important to me is my family.

3:08:00

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

3:08:44

You know, treating myself nice.

3:08:46

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomnia.

3:08:50

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep, like at the right time.

3:08:55

It's a great help, really.

3:10:00

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

3:10:04

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

3:10:10

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

3:10:17

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

3:10:21

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

3:11:19

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

3:11:49

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

3:11:54

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

3:12:01

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

3:12:20

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

3:13:48

Alex 311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests from streets and sites to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

3:14:02

Alex 311 connecting you to city services.

3:14:43

Because they got my back at all times.

3:15:00

Someone I respect is my mother because throughout all my hiccups, you know, she was still there to make sure that I came up in front.

3:15:04

You know, trying to accomplish everything that I wanted to do.

3:15:20

I respect my friend Blake for being such an honest and caring man.

3:15:23

I respect my friend Caesar because he always tries his best for his family.

3:15:27

I show respect by being polite to others.

3:15:29

I show respect to my parents because they provide for me.

3:15:32

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

3:15:36

I show respect by listening to others when they need it.

3:16:07

Transition.

3:16:51

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

3:20:01

The city's budget has two main parts.

3:20:04

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

3:20:10

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger, long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

3:20:21

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead up their annual city council budget retreat.

3:20:29

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

3:20:37

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

3:20:44

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

3:20:50

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

3:21:02

The community also plays a big role.

3:21:05

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

3:21:12

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

3:21:34

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.

3:21:43

For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit Alexandria VA.gov slash budget.

3:22:27

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

3:22:31

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

3:22:45

I define respect as acknowledges someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

3:23:04

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

3:23:07

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

3:23:29

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall.

3:23:32

I'm Dan Lee, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

3:23:37

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

3:23:44

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

3:23:48

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouth.

3:23:55

The tower you see behind you is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

3:24:00

Latrobe from 1817.

3:24:03

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

3:24:05

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

3:24:13

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

3:24:22

And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

3:24:31

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

3:25:10

Something that is important to me is my family.

3:25:15

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

3:26:05

I do like it, and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

3:26:10

It's a great help, really.

3:27:32

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

3:27:35

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

3:28:34

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

3:29:03

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

3:29:09

Substance abuse affects my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

3:30:04

When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and a request number to track progress on the mobile app or website.

3:30:17

City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

3:30:24

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex 311 and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous.

3:30:36

We will be professional by delivering competent and high quality service even under pressure.

3:30:42

We will be accountable by providing accurate and reliable information, keeping you informed, and honoring our service commitments.

3:30:49

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

3:30:56

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

3:31:03

Alex 311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

3:31:09

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

3:35:29

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

3:37:08

The answer is through the city's budget.

3:37:11

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

3:37:16

The city's budget has two main parts.

3:37:18

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

3:37:43

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

3:37:52

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

3:37:59

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

3:38:05

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

3:38:17

The community also plays a big role.

3:38:19

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

3:38:27

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

3:38:49

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.

3:38:58

For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit Alexandria VA.gov slash budget.

3:39:42

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

3:40:19

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

3:40:22

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

3:40:26

I define respect as caring for the people in place around you and treating people the way you want to be treated.

3:40:44

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall.

3:40:47

I'm Dan Lee, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

3:40:52

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

3:40:59

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

3:41:03

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

3:41:10

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

3:41:15

Latrobe from 1817.

3:41:18

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

3:41:20

Once housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police and fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

3:41:28

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

3:41:37

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

3:41:46

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

3:42:25

Something that is important to me is my family.

3:43:20

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep, like at the right time.

3:43:25

It's a great help, really.

3:45:49

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

3:45:56

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

3:46:18

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

3:46:24

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

3:46:30

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

3:46:49

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

3:48:04

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

3:48:11

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

3:48:18

Alex 311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests from streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

3:48:31

Alex 311 connecting you to city services.

3:50:00

I show respect to my parents because they provide for me.

3:50:02

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

3:50:05

I show respect by listening to others when they need it.

3:50:09

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

3:51:56

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

3:52:03

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

3:54:26

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

3:54:31

The city's budget has two main parts.

3:54:33

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

3:54:40

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

3:55:00

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

3:55:07

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

3:55:14

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

3:55:20

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget, and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

3:55:32

The community also plays a big role.

3:55:34

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

3:55:42

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

3:56:04

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.gov slash budget.

3:56:39

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

3:56:57

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

3:57:00

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

3:57:15

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

3:57:19

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

3:57:34

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

3:57:37

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

3:57:41

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you want to be treated.

3:57:58

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall.

3:58:02

I'm Danley, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

3:58:07

City Hall was built on this site, designated for Market and Town Hall when Alexander was founded back in 1749.

3:58:14

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

3:58:18

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Cluse.

3:58:25

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

3:58:30

Latrobe from 1817.

3:58:32

Over the years, City Hall has evolved, what's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

3:58:43

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

3:58:52

And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

3:59:00

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

3:59:40

Something that is important to me is my family.

3:59:45

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

3:59:52

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

4:00:00

Football is important to me because it brings uh a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

4:00:04

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

4:00:22

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

4:00:31

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac.

4:00:35

I do like it, and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

4:00:40

It's a great help, really.

4:00:55

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

4:01:02

Therefore, I am helping but a non-profit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

4:01:18

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

4:01:26

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

4:01:34

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

4:01:37

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

4:01:44

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

4:01:48

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

4:01:54

We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

4:02:01

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

4:02:05

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

4:03:03

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

4:03:33

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

4:04:33

When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and the request number to track progress on the mobile app or website.

4:04:54

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex 311 and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous.

4:05:06

We will be professional by delivering competent and high quality service even under pressure.

4:05:11

We will be accountable by providing accurate and reliable information, keeping you informed, and honoring our service commitments.

4:05:19

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

4:05:26

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

4:05:33

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

4:05:39

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

4:10:00

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

4:11:38

The answer is through the city's budget.

4:11:40

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

4:11:46

The city's budget has two main parts.

4:11:48

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

4:11:55

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

4:12:22

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

4:12:28

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

4:12:35

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

4:12:57

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

4:13:19

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.

4:13:28

For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit Alexandria VA.gov slash budget.

4:14:11

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

4:14:30

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

4:14:48

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

4:14:52

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

4:15:00

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you want to be treated.

4:15:13

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall.

4:15:17

I'm Dan Lee, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

4:15:21

City Hall was built on this site, designated for Market and Town Hall when Yalexandra was founded back in 1749.

4:15:29

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

4:15:33

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

4:15:40

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

4:15:45

Latrobe from 1817.

4:15:47

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

4:15:58

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

4:16:07

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

4:16:15

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

4:16:55

Something that is important to me is my family.

4:17:00

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

4:17:44

You know, treating myself nice.

4:17:45

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomnia.

4:17:49

I do like it, and what I just can fall asleep, like at the right time.

4:17:54

It's a great help, really.

4:18:32

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

4:18:41

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

4:18:48

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

4:18:52

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

4:18:59

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

4:19:03

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

4:19:09

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

4:19:16

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

4:19:20

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

4:20:00

Substance use impacts our school environment because it creates a unsafe and unwelcoming learning environment here.

4:20:07

Substance abuse negatively impacts the health and safety of my community.

4:20:18

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

4:20:42

Abuso de droga will impact ill escuela mucho y la salud mental.

4:20:48

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

4:20:54

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

4:21:00

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

4:21:19

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

4:22:41

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

4:22:48

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests from streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

4:23:01

Alex311, connecting you to city services.

4:23:43

Because they got my back at all times.

4:25:14

I've worked my own cases, I've learned a lot, a lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity.

4:26:12

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

4:26:26

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

4:26:32

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

4:28:52

The answer is through the city's budget.

4:28:55

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

4:29:00

The city's budget has two main parts.

4:29:03

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

4:29:10

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

4:29:28

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

4:29:37

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

4:29:43

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

4:29:50

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

4:30:02

The community also plays a big role.

4:30:04

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

4:30:12

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

4:30:18

This process is called Ad Delete, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds.

4:30:30

The new budget goes into effect on July 1st, keeping Alexandria moving forward.

4:30:36

And that's how Alexandria creates and manages its budget to support the services we rely on every day.

4:30:43

For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit Alexandria VA.gov slash budget, respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

4:31:26

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

4:31:30

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

4:31:44

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

4:31:49

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

4:32:03

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

4:32:06

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

4:32:28

Welcome to the Heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall.

4:32:32

I'm Danley, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

4:32:36

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when Alexander was founded back in 1749.

4:32:44

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

4:32:48

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

4:32:55

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

4:33:00

Latrobe from 1817.

4:33:02

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

4:33:05

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

4:33:12

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike.

4:33:16

Come to farmers markets, public events, and it is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

4:33:22

And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

4:33:30

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

4:34:10

Something that is important to me is my family.

4:34:15

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

4:34:52

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know, treating myself nice.

4:35:00

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac I do like it and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

4:35:09

It's a great help, really.

4:35:25

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

4:35:32

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

4:35:47

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

4:35:56

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

4:36:03

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is gonna be located.

4:36:07

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

4:36:14

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

4:36:18

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

4:36:24

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

4:36:31

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

4:36:35

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

4:38:08

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

4:38:15

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

4:38:34

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

4:38:45

The Alex311 mobile app and website allow you to attach photos and specify the location of service requests.

4:39:03

When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and a request number to track progress on the mobile app or website.

4:39:23

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex 311 and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous.

4:39:49

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

4:39:56

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

4:40:03

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

4:40:09

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

4:46:00

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety?

4:46:07

The answer is through the city's budget.

4:46:10

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

4:46:15

The city's budget has two main parts.

4:46:18

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employees' salaries, supplies, and equipment.

4:46:25

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

4:46:36

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual City Council budget retreat.

4:46:43

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

4:46:52

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

4:46:58

Then, city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

4:47:04

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

4:47:19

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

4:47:27

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

4:47:48

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.gov slash budget.

4:48:59

I define respect as acknowledges someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

4:49:18

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

4:49:51

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

4:50:00

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

4:50:02

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Please.

4:50:09

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

4:50:14

Latrobe from 1817.

4:50:17

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

4:50:20

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police and fire stations and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

4:50:27

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike.

4:50:31

Come to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

4:50:37

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

4:50:45

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

4:50:59

Yeah.

4:51:00

Alexandria residents and visitors as well.gov slash city hall.

4:51:24

Something that is important to me is my family.

4:51:29

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

4:51:37

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

4:51:42

Football is important to me because it brings uh a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

4:51:49

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

4:52:07

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

4:52:15

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomnia.

4:52:19

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

4:52:24

It's a great help, really.

4:53:22

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

4:53:29

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

4:53:33

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

4:53:39

We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

4:53:46

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

4:53:50

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

4:54:48

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

4:54:55

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

4:55:18

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

4:55:23

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

4:55:30

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

4:55:49

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

4:57:11

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

4:57:18

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

4:57:24

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

4:58:13

Because they got my back at all times.

5:00:01

They've always been very eager to help me, so I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

5:00:21

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

5:00:24

I define respect as acknowledges someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

5:00:42

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

5:00:56

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

5:01:02

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

5:01:07

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood.

5:03:22

The answer is through the city's budget.

5:03:25

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

5:03:30

The city's budget has two main parts.

5:03:33

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

5:03:40

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

5:03:50

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead of their annual city council budget retreat.

5:03:58

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

5:04:07

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

5:04:13

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

5:04:19

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget, and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

5:04:34

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

5:04:42

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

5:05:00

The new budget goes into effect on July 1st, keeping Alexandria moving forward.

5:05:06

And that's how Alexandria creates and manages its budget to support the services we rely on every day.

5:05:12

For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit Alexandria VA.gov slash budget.

5:05:39

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

5:05:56

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

5:06:00

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

5:06:14

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

5:06:19

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

5:06:33

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

5:06:36

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

5:06:41

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you want to be treated.

5:06:58

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square in City Hall.

5:07:01

I'm Dan Lee and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

5:07:06

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

5:07:13

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

5:07:17

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

5:07:24

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

5:07:29

Latrobe from 1817.

5:07:32

Over the years, City Hall has evolved, was housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

5:07:42

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

5:07:51

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

5:08:00

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

5:08:39

Something that is important to me is my family.

5:08:44

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

5:09:39

It's a great help, really.

5:09:55

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

5:10:01

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

5:10:17

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

5:10:26

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

5:10:33

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is gonna be located.

5:10:37

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

5:10:44

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

5:10:48

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

5:10:54

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

5:11:01

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

5:11:05

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market but the vendors themselves.

5:11:11

We want to make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

5:11:51

Substance abuse negatively impacts the health and safety of my community.

5:12:03

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

5:12:10

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

5:12:32

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

5:12:38

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

5:12:44

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

5:13:04

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

5:13:46

City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

5:13:53

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex 311 and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous.

5:14:18

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

5:14:25

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

5:14:32

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests from streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

5:14:46

Alex311 connecting you to city services.

5:15:27

Because they got my back at all times.

5:16:13

I show respect to my parents because they provide for me.

5:16:45

Help writing a search warrant, you want to learn how to do something new, reach out to me, I'll help you do it.

5:18:58

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

5:20:30

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety?

5:20:37

The answer is through the city's budget.

5:20:40

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

5:20:45

The city's budget has two main parts.

5:20:47

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

5:20:54

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger, long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

5:21:05

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead up their annual city council budget retreat.

5:21:12

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

5:21:21

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

5:21:28

Then, city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

5:21:34

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

5:21:46

The community also plays a big role.

5:21:48

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

5:21:56

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

5:23:11

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

5:23:24

Nothing respect means like you when we like stick with somebody through thinking thing.

5:24:28

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

5:24:32

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

5:24:39

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

5:24:44

Latrobe from 1817.

5:24:47

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

5:24:49

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government?

5:25:00

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and it is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

5:25:06

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

5:25:15

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

5:25:29

Staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well.

5:25:32

If you are interested in learning more about the reservation project, we're providing input on the future design of Market Square.

5:25:39

Visit up AlexandriaVA.gov slash City Hall.

5:25:54

Something that is important to me is my family.

5:26:07

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

5:26:11

Football is important to me because it brings uh a lot of friendship and brotherhood to each other.

5:26:18

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

5:26:37

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

5:26:45

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac.

5:26:49

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

5:26:54

It's a great help, really.

5:27:40

The 100 block of North Royal Street from Pink Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

5:27:48

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

5:27:51

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

5:27:59

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

5:28:03

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

5:28:08

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

5:28:15

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

5:28:19

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

5:29:18

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

5:29:25

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

5:29:47

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

5:30:00

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

5:30:30

The Alex 311 mobile app and website allow you to attach photos and specify the location of service requests.

5:30:48

When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and the request number to track progress on the mobile app or website.

5:31:01

City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

5:31:08

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex311 and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous.

5:31:33

We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time.

5:31:40

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

5:31:47

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

5:31:53

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

5:32:00

Alex 311, connecting you to city services.

5:33:38

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

5:34:09

Good.

5:34:13

I've worked my own cases, I've learned a lot, a lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity.

5:34:33

So I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

5:34:50

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

5:35:25

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

5:35:32

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

5:37:55

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

5:38:00

The city's budget has two main parts.

5:38:02

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

5:38:27

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

5:38:36

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

5:38:43

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

5:38:49

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and 10-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

5:39:03

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

5:39:11

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

5:40:08

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

5:40:26

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

5:40:29

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

5:40:44

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

5:40:48

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

5:41:03

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

5:41:06

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

5:41:28

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square in City Hall.

5:41:31

I'm Dan Lee, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

5:41:36

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

5:41:43

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

5:41:47

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouth.

5:41:54

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

5:41:59

Latrobe from 1817.

5:42:02

Over the years, City Hall has evolved, once housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police and fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

5:42:15

Coming to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

5:42:21

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

5:42:29

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

5:43:09

Something that is important to me is my family.

5:43:21

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

5:43:26

Football is important to me because it brings uh a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

5:43:33

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

5:43:52

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

5:44:00

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac.

5:44:04

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

5:44:09

It's a great help, really.

5:46:17

The answer is through the city's budget.

5:46:20

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

5:46:25

The city's budget has two main parts.

5:46:28

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

5:46:35

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

5:46:53

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

5:47:02

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

5:47:08

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

5:47:14

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

5:47:29

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

5:47:37

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

5:47:58

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.gov slash budget.

5:48:51

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

5:49:09

I define respect as acknowledges someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

5:49:14

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

5:49:28

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

5:49:31

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

5:49:53

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall.

5:49:56

I'm Dan Lee, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

5:50:01

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when Alexander was founded back in 1749.

5:50:08

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

5:50:19

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

5:50:24

Latrobe from 1817.

5:50:27

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

5:50:41

Come to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

5:50:46

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

5:50:55

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall, something that is important to me is my family.

5:51:47

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

5:51:52

Football is important to me because it brings uh a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

5:51:59

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

5:52:17

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

5:52:25

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomnia.

5:52:29

I do like it and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

5:52:34

It's a great help, really.

5:52:50

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

5:52:56

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

5:53:12

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

5:53:21

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

5:53:28

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

5:53:32

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

5:53:39

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

5:53:43

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

5:53:49

We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

5:53:56

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

5:54:00

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

5:55:00

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

5:55:05

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

5:55:28

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

5:55:33

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

5:55:40

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

5:55:59

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

5:58:22

Because they got my back at all times.

6:00:00

I feel supported in this department by not only like my shift peers, but by my sergeants at any time where I'm going through a difficult situation, whether it's at home or on a case, they've always been very easy to help me.

6:00:13

So I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

6:00:30

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

6:05:00

This process is called Add the Leap, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds.

6:05:13

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.gov slash budget.

6:05:49

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

6:06:06

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

6:06:10

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

6:06:24

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

6:06:29

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

6:06:43

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

6:06:46

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

6:07:08

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square in City Hall.

6:07:11

I'm Danley, and today I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site.

6:07:16

City Hall was built on this site designated for market and town hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

6:07:23

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

6:07:27

The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Clouse.

6:07:34

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

6:07:39

Latrobe from 1817.

6:07:42

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

6:07:44

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police of fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

6:07:52

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, coming to farmers markets, public events, and it is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

6:08:01

And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

6:08:10

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

6:08:18

The City Hall Renovation Project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well.

6:08:27

If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project, we're providing input on the future design of Market Square.

6:08:34

Visit AlexandriaVA.gov slash city hall.

6:08:49

Something that is important to me is my family.

6:09:02

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always uh cool to talk to.

6:09:07

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

6:09:14

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never um saying bad things to myself.

6:09:32

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of you know treating myself nice.

6:09:40

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac.

6:09:44

I do like it, and what I just can fall asleep like at the right time.

6:09:49

It's a great help, really.

6:10:04

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

6:10:11

Therefore I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

6:10:27

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

6:10:35

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

6:10:43

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

6:10:46

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

6:10:54

What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

6:10:58

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

6:11:03

We will have parking available at Tavern Square, as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

6:11:11

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

6:11:14

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market but the vendors themselves.

6:11:21

We want to make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

6:12:13

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

6:12:20

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

6:12:42

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

6:12:48

Substance abuse affects uh my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

6:12:54

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

6:13:14

The City of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways.

6:14:35

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

6:14:42

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests from streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

6:14:56

Alex311 connecting you to city services.

6:20:40

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety?

6:20:47

The answer is through the city's budget.

6:20:50

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

6:20:55

The city's budget has two main parts.

6:20:57

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employees' salaries, supplies, and equipment.

6:21:04

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

6:21:15

Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual City Council budget retreat.

6:21:22

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

6:21:31

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

6:21:38

Then, city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

6:21:44

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

6:21:58

Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring.

6:22:06

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

6:23:21

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

6:23:39

I define respect as acknowledges someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

6:24:31

City Hall was built on this site designated for Market and Town Hall when the Alexandria was founded back in 1749.

6:24:38

From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life.

6:24:42

The original building burned down in 1871, but to paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today, designed by Adolf Cluse.

6:24:49

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect, Benjamin H.

6:24:54

Latrobe from 1817.

6:24:57

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

6:25:00

What's housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police and fire stations and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government.

6:25:07

Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike.

6:25:10

Come to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history.

6:25:16

And now City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

6:25:25

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.gov slash city hall.

6:26:04

Something that is important to me is my family.

6:26:09

My family's important to me because they help me through times when I'm down.

6:27:04

It's a great help, really.

6:27:19

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

6:27:26

Therefore, I am helping but a non-profit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

6:27:42

Part of the City Hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the old town farmers market.

6:27:50

The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street, as well as Tavern Square or Yard.

6:27:58

There's no way a customer could miss where the market is going to be located.

6:28:01

Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last 270 years.

6:28:09

What they'll see is a different arrangement but the same vendors.

6:28:13

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there.

6:28:18

We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street.

6:28:26

So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square.

6:28:29

We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves.

6:28:36

We want to make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

6:29:28

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their school work.

6:29:35

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

6:29:51

Abuso de droga will impact mental.

6:30:00

Substance use impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

6:30:03

Substance abuse affects my school community because it gives bad habits to school students.

6:30:09

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

6:31:50

And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

6:31:57

Alex311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests.

6:32:03

From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more.

6:32:52

Because they got my back at all times.

6:35:00

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

6:35:04

I define respect as acknowledges someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

6:35:22

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

6:35:35

Something that is important to me is helping uh students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language.

6:35:42

Therefore, I am helping but a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

6:38:02

The answer is through the city's budget.

6:38:05

This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating.

6:38:10

The city's budget has two main parts.

6:38:12

The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

6:38:19

The Capital Improvement Plan focuses on larger long-term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields.

6:38:37

Here, they project the city's income and expenses, including things like property taxes and personnel costs.

6:38:46

Next, City Council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget.

6:38:53

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

6:38:59

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten-year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider.

6:39:21

After gathering input, City Council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████████20%
Budget Equity Analysis███████████████████19%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Substance Abuse████████████████16%
Historic Preservation███████████████15%
Community Engagement████4%
Parking Management███3%
Economic Development██2%
Disability Rights1%
Summary of Proceedings

Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting – April 14, 2026

The Alexandria City Council held a legislative meeting on April 14, 2026, at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. The meeting began with a closed executive session at 6:15 PM to discuss investment of public funds, reconvened in open session at 7:05 PM, and adjourned at 8:06 PM. Council approved several ordinances on first reading, received the monthly financial report, adopted proclamations, and made appointments to boards and commissions. Key discussion centered on proposed parking citation increases, Sunday parking meter enforcement, and a BPOL tax rate increase, with several council members signaling potential opposition.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of meetings from January 13, January 24, February 10, February 21, and February 24, 2026.
  • Accepted resignations from Lynn Jorden (Public Record Advisory Commission) and Robert L. Montague (Waterfront Commission).
  • Made uncontested appointments to seven boards and commissions.
  • Received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending February 28, 2026.
  • Adopted a resolution approving the City's participation in a settlement of opioid-related claims against six regional distributor/dispenser defendants.
  • Passed on first reading: Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance for FY2026, Stormwater Utility Fee ordinance, Fire Prevention Code amendments, House Numbering ordinance, and an ordinance amending financial services licensing. These were scheduled for public hearing on April 18, 2026.

Proclamations and Recognitions

  • Council recognized April 2026 as "Volunteers Are the Heart of Alexandria" month and presented a proclamation to Volunteer Alexandria.
  • Council recognized April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month. Alex, a community advocate, spoke about challenges faced by the autistic community and called for continued support.

Reports and Updates

  • Mayor Gaskins reported on the COG meeting, noting a regional commuter survey and changing transit patterns.
  • Councilwoman Greene reported on the COG Food and Agriculture Regional Member (FARM) Policy Committee meeting, which focused on food security.
  • Councilman Aguirre reported on the Commission on Aging meeting, including thanks for the age-friendly plan and next steps.
  • Councilman Aguirre also gave general updates on Metro's 50th anniversary, local business openings, and community events.
  • Councilman Chapman reported on the NVRC Go Virginia board, a field allocation policy meeting for recreation, and congratulated Councilwoman Greene on her sorority induction.
  • Councilwoman Greene acknowledged the passing of community leader Susan Callum.
  • Vice Mayor Bagley noted a Days of Remembrance ceremony for Holocaust victims.
  • City Manager presented the State of the Economy, reporting unemployment at 4.3%, inflation at 3.3%, real estate market softening slightly, and consumption taxes (meals and lodging) declining year-to-date.

Discussion Items

  • Parking Citation Increase (Item 16): Council approved first reading of an ordinance to increase parking citation fines, with the understanding that further discussion and potential adjustments would occur at the April 21 budget ad-delete session.
  • Parking Meter Changes (Item 17): This ordinance included proposed Sunday parking enforcement. Several council members (Chapman, Mayor Gaskins, Greene, Al Nubi) expressed concerns or opposition to Sunday parking. Council passed first reading to allow public hearing and further debate.
  • BPOL Rate Increase (Item 20): Ordinance to amend business license tax rates. Passed first reading for public hearing, with similar intent to revisit.
  • Contested Appointments: Council made appointments to 10 boards/commissions, including reappointing Sean Zielenbach to the Housing Affordability Advisory Committee. The appointment to the Independent Community Policing Review Board was deferred and will be readvertised.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent agenda items approved unanimously (docket items 10-21, with items 16, 17, 20 voted separately).
  • First reading of ordinances for parking citations, parking meters, BPOL rates, stormwater fee, fire code, and house numbering passed. Public hearings scheduled for April 18, 2026; final passage for most on April 29, 2026.
  • City Council schedule approved, including upcoming events: We Are Eco-City Alexandria (April 25), Ellen Pickering Award (April 26), City Council Town Hall (May 19), Environmental Policy Commission Retreat (May 2), and unveiling of City Memorial for Potomac Mid-Air Collision victims (June 1).
  • Meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Yeah, she's she won't be in that. Oh, she's presenting in Harvard. Oh, sure. Um, so it's actually that's like that. Okay. Uh, good evening, everybody. Welcome to the April 14th uh council meeting. Uh, we will begin with a motion from do we need to take attendance first? Can we do a roll call? Mayor Gaskins. Vice Mayor Bagley. Here. Councilman Gary. Councilman Chapman. Councilman El Newby. Councilman Green. All right, we've confirmed the quorum. And then we're going to um uh I take a motion for electronic participation of Mayor Gaskins, who will be joining us. Second. All right. There's a motion and a second on the floor. Any discussion about the electronic resolution uh motion? Hearing none, all those in favor of approving. Oh, it's a roll call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. The roll call vote, please. Councilman Aguirre. Aye. Councilman Green. Hi. Aye. Okay. The electronic uh participation is approved, and we will see Mayor Gaskins at seven o'clock when we uh return. Uh, if I could turn to Councilman Aguirre. Second. There's been a motion and a second. Any further discussion on the motion? Hearing none, is this a roll call vote, Madam Clerk? Councilman Ageary. Councilman McGreen. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Councilman L. Newby. Aye. All right. The motion is approved. We will enter closed session and we will return here at seven PM. Thank you, everybody.

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