OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Alexandria City Council Special Budget Adoption Meeting - April 29, 2026

Public MeetingsWednesday, April 29, 2026
BodyAlexandria, Virginia
SessionPublic Meetings
DateWednesday, April 29, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
2:47

Okay, good evening, everyone.

2:49

It is six oh three.

2:50

We are now going to call our budget adoption meeting to order.

2:54

Madam Clerk, please call the role.

2:55

Mayor Gaskins.

2:56

Here.

2:57

Vice Mayor Bagley.

2:58

Councilman Geary.

2:59

Here.

2:59

Councilman Chapman.

3:00

Councilman El Newby.

3:01

Here.

3:02

Councilwoman Green.

3:03

Here.

3:04

Okay.

3:04

Um, with that, we are going to get started and dive right in.

3:07

Madam Clerk, next item.

3:09

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain Section Five-93 parking meters hours and days of operation.

3:18

Maximum time limit rates.

3:21

Okay, Councilman Aguary.

3:22

Madam Mayor, I move to disapprove the ordinance to add Sunday parking meter operations.

3:26

Okay, is there a second?

3:28

There has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman Chapman.

3:32

Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote.

3:34

Please call the roll.

3:35

Councilman Aguary.

3:37

Councilman Chapman.

3:40

Councilman Newby.

3:47

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance on the proposed real and personal property tax rates and proposed effective rate tax rate increase for calendar year twenty twenty-six fiscal year twenty twenty-seven.

4:00

Okay, Vice Mayor Bagley.

4:06

Madam Mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance to set the city's calendar year twenty twenty-six blended real property tax rate at one dollar and thirteen and one half cents on each a hundred dollar of assessed value.

5:00

The total blended real property tax rate for the city and calendar year 2026 will be $1.13 and one half cents.

5:05

The calendar year 2026 personal property tax rates contain the following.

6:24

Second.

6:25

Okay.

6:26

There has I won't repeat all of it.

6:28

I'll just say uh there has been a motion and a second to approve item three.

6:32

Uh Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote.

6:35

Please call the roll.

6:36

Vice Mayor Bagley.

6:37

Aye.

6:37

Councilwoman Green.

6:38

Aye.

6:39

Mayor Gaskins.

6:39

Aye.

6:40

Councilman Ageary.

6:41

Aye.

6:41

Councilman Chapman.

6:42

Aye.

6:42

Councilman El Nubi.

6:43

Aye.

6:44

All right, Madam Clerk, next item.

6:46

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain section three-two-three five four of Article S, payment contest and enforcement of parking citations.

6:57

Okay, Councilman Aguirre.

6:59

Madam Mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance sending the penalty for parking citation violations in the city code sections outlined in the document memo to $55.

7:07

Okay.

7:07

Is there a second?

7:09

Second.

7:09

All right.

7:10

There has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman El Nuby.

7:14

Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote.

7:16

Please call the rule.

7:17

Councilman Aguirre.

7:18

Aye.

7:18

Councilman El Newby.

7:19

Aye.

7:20

Mayor Gaskins.

7:20

Aye.

7:21

Vice Mayor Bagley.

7:22

Councilman Chapman.

7:23

Aye.

7:23

Councilwoman Green.

7:25

Aye.

7:26

Okay, Madam Clerk, next item.

7:28

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain section five-six-233 stormwater utility fee.

7:37

I promise there are other people who will read these, but I just realize it's a back and forth.

7:41

So Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley.

7:43

All right.

7:43

Madam Mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance to increase the stormwater utility fee as set forth in the stormwater utility ordinance.

7:50

Second.

7:50

All right.

7:51

There has been a motion by Vice Mayor Bagley and a second by Councilman Chapman.

7:55

Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote.

7:56

Please call the roll.

7:57

Vice Mayor Bagley.

7:58

Aye.

7:59

Councilman Chapman.

8:00

Mayor Gaskins.

8:01

Aye.

8:01

Councilman Aguirre.

8:05

Councilman El Newby.

8:07

Councilwoman Green.

8:09

Aye.

8:10

Madam Clerk, next item.

8:11

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend Section 4-2-21 changes in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

8:20

Councilwoman Green.

8:22

Madam Mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance to increase the fire prevention permit initial inspection fee and the fire protection and detection testing and retesting fee as set forth in the ordinance.

8:34

Second.

8:35

All right.

8:36

There has been a motion by Councilman Green and a second by Councilman Chapman.

8:40

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

8:41

Councilwoman Green.

8:42

Aye.

8:43

Councilman Chapman.

8:44

Aye.

8:44

Mayor Gaskins.

8:45

Aye.

8:45

Vice Mayor Bagley.

8:46

Councilman Aguirre.

8:47

Aye.

8:48

Councilman El Newby.

8:49

Great.

8:49

The eyes have it.

8:50

Madam Clerk, next item.

8:52

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain Section 9-1-7 1.

8:59

Financial services of Article C non-regulatory licenses.

9:06

Councilman El Nubi.

9:09

Madam Mayor moved the final passage of an ordinance to increase the business professional and occupational license people tax rate for the financial services businesses.

9:17

As set forth in the ordinance.

9:27

Councilman El Newby.

9:29

Aye.

9:29

Councilman Aguirre.

9:31

Aye.

9:31

Mayor Gaskins.

9:32

Aye.

9:33

Vice Mayor Bagley.

9:34

Aye.

9:34

Councilman Chapman.

9:35

Aye.

9:36

Councilwoman Green.

9:37

Aye.

9:38

Okay.

9:38

We will now we've completed the ordinances, so we'll keep going and now we'll move into resolutions.

9:43

Madam Clerk, next item.

9:45

Consideration of a resolution to adopt fee changes for the Office of Historic Alexander for FY 2027.

9:52

Councilman Aguirre.

9:53

Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the resolution to update the Office of Historic Alexander's fee schedule for FY2027 as set forth in the resolution.

10:01

Okay, is there a second?

10:03

Second.

10:04

Um there has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman El Nubi.

10:08

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

10:10

Councilman Ageary.

10:11

Aye.

10:12

Councilman El Nubi.

10:13

Aye.

10:13

Mayor Gaskins.

10:14

Aye.

10:14

Vice Mayor Bagley.

10:15

Aye.

10:16

Councilman Chapman.

10:17

Councilwoman Green.

10:18

Aye.

10:19

Okay.

10:19

Madam Clerk, next item.

10:20

Consideration of a resolution to adopt a Department of Planning and Zoning fee increase for development and historic preservation fees under the Department of Planning and Zoning's FY 2027 fee schedule.

10:33

Councilwoman Green.

10:35

Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the resolution amending the Department of Planning and Zoning's FY 2027 fee schedule to increase development and historic preservation fees and to establish a new historic preservation fee for minor sign amendments as set forth in the resolution.

10:53

Okay, is there a second?

10:56

Second.

10:57

Madam Clerk, there has been a motion by Councilwoman Green and a second by Vice Mayor Bagley.

11:04

Please call the roll.

11:05

Councilwoman Green.

11:07

Aye.

11:07

Vice Mayor Bagley.

11:10

Councilman Ageary.

11:10

Aye.

11:11

Councilman Chapman.

11:12

Councilman El Nubi.

11:14

Okay, Madam Clerk, next item.

11:15

Consideration of a resolution to adopt fee changes to increase cost recovery for the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Programs for FY 2027.

11:26

Okay, Councilman El Nubi.

11:28

Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the resolution to establish and to increase fee rates for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Program for the FY 2027 as set forth in the resolution.

11:42

Okay.

11:42

There has been a motion by Councilman Al Nubi and a second by Councilwoman Green.

11:46

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

11:48

Councilman El Nubi.

11:49

Aye.

11:49

Councilwoman Green.

11:50

Aye.

11:51

Mayor Gaskins.

11:52

Aye.

11:52

Vice Mayor Bagley.

11:53

Councilman Agiri.

11:54

Aye.

11:54

Councilman Chapman.

11:55

Aye.

11:56

Okay, Madam Clerk, next item.

11:58

Consideration of a resolution to increase the parking meter and pay by phone rates.

12:03

All right, Councilman Al Nubi.

12:05

Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the resolution to increase the parking meter and pay by phone rates for FY 2027 as set forth in the resolution.

12:14

All right.

12:14

There has been a motion by Councilman Al Nuby.

12:16

Is there a second?

12:17

Second.

12:17

And a second by Vice Mayor Bagley.

12:19

Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote.

12:21

Please call the roll.

12:22

Councilman El Nubi.

12:23

Aye.

12:23

Vice Mayor Bagley.

12:24

Mayor Gaskins.

12:25

Aye.

12:25

Councilman Aguirre.

12:26

Aye.

12:27

Councilman Chapman.

12:28

Aye.

12:28

Councilwoman Green.

12:29

Aye.

12:30

All right.

12:30

The ayes have it.

12:31

Um before we move to item 12.

12:34

I need to give two of my colleagues space to read disclosure statements.

12:39

I'm going to start with Councilman Chapman and then I'll go to Councilman Al Nuby.

12:42

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

12:43

Uh, due to my ownership of Manu Mission Tour Company and its membership in Visit Alexandria, I have a personal interest in the approval of the FY 2027 annual operating budget because it includes funding for visit Alexandria.

12:55

However, after discussing the matter with the city attorney, I have determined that I am able to participate in and vote on this docket item due to an applicable legal exception, which allows members of a business, profession, occupation, or a group of three or more persons, the members of which are affected by the transaction to participate in the transaction despite having a personal interest.

13:16

Thank you, Councilman.

13:18

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

13:20

Madam Mayor, due to my employment with Womatta, I have a personal interest in the approval of the FY 2027 annual operating budget because it includes funding for Womata.

13:28

However, after discussing the matter with the city attorney, I have determined that I am able to participate in and vote on this docket item due to an applicable legal exception, which allows members of a business profession, occupation, or group of three or more persons, the members of which are affected by the transaction to participate in the transaction despite having a personal interest.

13:49

Thank you, Councilman Alnuby.

13:51

Madam Clerk, can you please call the final item?

13:53

Consideration of the proposed annual operating budget for FY 2027, including schools in the proposed capital improvement program for FY 2027 to FY 2036, including schools CIP and adoption of a resolution.

14:10

Okay, Vice Mayor Bagley Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the budget resolution, which includes an annual general fund operating budget for FY 2027 of 979 million sixty-three thousand six hundred and eighty-one dollars and the FY2027 to FY 2036 capital improvement program of 2,020,217,368 in total, including 244 million five hundred and fifty-six thousand seven hundred and eight dollars in total for FY 2027.

14:42

Okay.

14:43

Is there a second?

14:44

Second.

14:45

All right, there has been a motion by Vice Mayor Bagley and a second by Councilman Al Nubi.

14:50

Given that this is our final option, a final action and the official approval of the budget.

14:56

I want to invite my colleagues to use this time and space for discussion if you have comments on the budget.

15:01

Is there anyone who would like to begin?

15:07

Or you don't have to give uh councilman Al Nuby.

15:11

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

15:13

Um before we approve the the budget, I want to express my deep gratitude for our city manager for our city staff for your hard work and creativity that gave us a balanced budget.

15:25

One that preserved the critical services and support without a property tax increase.

15:30

Even as we face a slowing uh as we face slowing revenue growth.

15:35

You all put in many months of work behind the scenes that the public doesn't get to see, and the results speak for themselves.

15:44

Tonight we are adopting a budget that funds the services our community relies on and reflects our values.

15:51

The budget aims to improve quality of life for our residents and provide support for those who need it most.

15:58

From funding our schools, which is one of the again, largest line item in the budget and the biggest share of the new spending to expanding transit and rental assistance to a more inclusive after school program to looking at long-term efficiencies through a jail study to economic development, affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure, and more.

16:20

I thank staff for being so consistently available, especially during ad delete and answering our questions and helping as I was putting my athletes together.

16:31

I appreciate the flexibility on the Sunday parking and how staff quickly shifted in response to council's direction.

16:39

To our department heads, department staff, and partners who found efficiencies and worked within the city manager's guidance.

16:45

Thank you.

16:46

Your professionalism and your responsible approach are exactly what build a fiscally strong and more sustainable city.

16:55

Our job as council is to be stewards of the whole city's fiscal health.

16:59

And that sometimes means hard conversations and decisions that not every partner, not every partner always welcomes.

17:08

That isn't a lack of commitment to the services they provide.

17:12

Actually, it reflects exactly that commitment.

17:16

And my door will remain open to anyone ready to work with us in good faith.

17:22

I thank my colleagues on the collaboration that went in during ad delete.

17:26

I think a lot of the public don't see all the phone calls and the missed calls and the phone tags and the emails going back and forth as we try to put together the ad deletes.

17:37

I also thank all the advocates that came and made the verses heard.

17:43

That also helped us put together a good budget.

17:49

With that, Madam Mayor, I thank you, and I yield my own.

17:55

Okay.

17:56

Thank you, Councilman Al Nubi.

17:57

Are there other comments?

17:59

Vice Mayor Bagley.

18:01

Um I won't repeat all the thank yous, but know that I joined my colleague and the thank you to staff who provide support year-round that lead into I think lots of the budget questions that you only see asked in the budget process, but there are questions being asked year-round.

18:18

Um, one area that I I didn't hear my colleague mention that I want to lift up is our boards and commissions as well, who also provided a lot of really valuable feedback in our budget process, and I thank all of them for their service on those boards and commissions, um, our budget advisory commission who brought us a lot of questions.

18:35

Um I also just wanted to highlight and encourage the continued use of 311 in our community.

18:40

Um it has a really profound impact actually on the budget process because 311 um pulls together what are the people, what are the things people are really asking the most about?

18:51

What are the things that people are having the most problems with?

18:54

And in this particular budget, um, it it highlighted an area that I don't know that we would have been aware of um in terms of a uh staffing challenge we were having that we addressed in this budget in terms of a compensation issue.

19:06

So I want to thank people who are using 311, encourage you to keep doing it and know that it um informs our budget books.

19:13

We see in within our budget books, we see what goes up, what gone down, response times, and so um just wanted to use this moment to lift up 311.

19:22

Um the the last thing I want to just add and and encourage my colleagues and everyone in the community who participated this time and who might not have is I would really love for us to to see this budget process become something more year-round.

19:37

And by that, what I mean is a conversation about what what do we want to contribute in terms of taxes as a city?

19:44

What do we want to invest in moving forward?

19:47

What sort of innovative funding techniques like what we saw last night with the TIFF proposal?

19:52

Um, we don't have to confine these conversations to the very intense two-month period that we um that we do the budget, and we can be having conversations from our advocates about the tax rate, you know, six months from now, before we start the next budget.

20:00

And we can be having conversations from our advocates about the tax rate, you know, six months from now, before we start the next budget, we can be talking about things like Sunday parking.

20:13

But I hope it's a conversation that continues.

20:15

Let's let's analyze moving forward.

20:17

Um, you know, what is turnover like on Sundays?

20:20

What would be the long-term impacts of evaluating that policy?

20:24

Um so I just like my colleague said, uh I'm continuing to open to conversation with the community, but um I would love it if we had more checkpoint opportunities, perhaps at our town halls, you know, opportunities at just regular public hearings, to sort of hear from the community broadly on things like the tax rate.

20:42

Um Alexandria was hardest hit, I think, in the country in terms of federal job loss and impacts, and yet we didn't have to raise taxes here, and and that's pretty significant an accomplishment, I think, for our staff.

20:56

But we may not be so lucky next year.

20:58

And so I'm hoping we can start a dialogue sooner and um go into our next budget cycle with some feedback and with an active dialogue about how we want to think about um taxing and spending in our community.

21:11

But thank you to my colleagues.

21:12

This was a really um, I think collaborative and productive process.

21:16

Thank you, Vice Mayor Bagley.

21:17

Councilman Chapman.

21:20

Uh thank you, Madam Mayor.

21:21

And um first, of course, kudos to our amazing staff uh that continues to work with us and members of the community uh to not only talk about the work that they do and why it's important to fund it, um, but how do we creatively fund it, how do we creatively look at it as uh the economics change uh in our region.

21:41

Um I appreciate certainly the our communication staff and how they've communicated the budget and asked for uh individuals and organizations within our community uh to provide their perspective and feedback uh into the budget process and uh the budget outcomes that we uh discuss uh as we uh move towards uh providing a good budget.

22:04

Thank you to the city manager and senior leadership uh for bringing us another good budget.

22:09

Um I I certainly appreciate that uh uh a tax rate increase was not necessarily recommended, um, but I do see things a little bit differently around um celebrating uh no and taxing no tax increase.

22:24

I think with uh the opportunities that we've looked at, I think over the past couple of years, as we've not raised um kind of property taxes, uh we've raised a lot of fees.

22:35

Uh and I don't I don't think that should go un understated.

22:38

Um there are going to be segments of our community that are going to find uh what they do, their regular business that they've done with the city a little bit less affordable because we've changed those fees uh directly for um the purposes of trying to fill holes in our budget.

22:55

Um I don't think that's sustainable.

22:57

I've said that in the past, I'll continue to say that.

22:59

Uh and hopefully um council gets to a place in our discussions when uh we are looking at programs and services and making sure there is a sustainable um amount of money uh that is going to fund that.

23:12

Um in the past few budgets, we've looked at uh some different opportunities that aren't necessarily sustainable, and I think we know that.

23:19

Um, but we need to be very honest and frank with the community about addressing that.

23:24

Um so as we look forward to the next few years of budgets, um I think we need to continue to talk, and I would agree with the vice mayor, uh, not just talking uh to folks about how we fund the government during budget season, but talking to folks around uh year-round or even after our budget retreat uh in the fall uh about how we do that and what what is sustainable funding look like in this community uh in a way that we can try to make it remain or try to compete with affordability.

23:57

Um I think I do think we probably need to take a uh another look at kind of our ad-delete process uh and what that is a number of years ago.

24:10

Um I was on a task force with uh Councilman Smedberg around modernizing our budget and what that would look like.

24:18

Um I certainly think uh we could take another stab of that, particularly around an ad and delete process.

24:23

Um we've modernized it to allow additional input from the community and hopefully helping the community understand some of these quote unquote last minute changes that we make.

24:35

Um but I think more work can be done uh in that um in that vein.

24:40

I do think also uh council can definitely make it a little bit more public around uh as my colleague uh councilman uh Alnubi said um probably as a different level of transparency around uh the different opportunities of ad deletes that come out.

24:56

Um for example, there was uh, even though that was reported there wasn't, uh, there was a potential ad and delete for funding of schools.

25:03

It did not get the necessary support, uh, but it wasn't that no one on council put up an ad delete, a potential ad delete for that.

25:10

Uh and so maybe there is a level of transparency that needs to be uh addressed around what is what is making the cut, what is not making the cut uh as well.

25:19

Um and so I think there are still some things in our process that we can take a look at.

25:24

Um but I think the one thing that I have no problem uh don't even have to worry about looking at uh is the quality of work that our staff do in bringing this budget together, uh whether it's at the department level, uh whether it's at the senior leadership level.

25:38

Uh I continue to be pleased around the decisions our staff uh staff are making at uh how do we get to um the type of budget that council has uh kind of laid out uh and so I appreciate the work that has been done uh by our staff and by the community and the engagement uh you've done with council.

25:56

Thank you.

25:57

Thank you, Councilman Chapman.

25:59

Councilwoman Green.

26:01

Thank you, Madam Mayor, and again, thank you so much to our city manager who works uh extremely hard each and every day for our city, and you are well appreciated, particularly in the budget season.

26:12

And to our amazing budget staff, their team, our team, the best in the business.

26:17

We thank you.

26:17

It gets better and better each and every year.

26:20

Um, this was this was a difficult budget year, I think a little bit more difficult than last year, at least for me.

26:27

Um, but we always end up with a solid outcome.

26:32

And that speaks highly to our staff.

26:34

So I thank you for that.

26:35

I thank you to my colleagues uh for your collaboration.

26:38

Um we all were able to add something that we are passionate about, and um that uh truly is amazing um in in tough budget times.

26:47

So I'm appreciative of that.

26:49

And to the residents, um our residents, you come through, you work hard, you probably dissect the budget just as much as we do.

26:56

We appreciate you for that.

26:58

And we we always welcome um you know collaboration and communication, even when we're not in budget season.

27:06

So I do offer that up to our residents as well.

27:09

So just thank you for the entire process.

27:12

Um I really enjoy budget season.

27:15

Not so much the extra meetings, but um just the fact that you it's truly the meat and potatoes of what we do as a city council.

27:23

It's where you learn the ins and outs of everything that goes on in our city to be able to move our city forward.

27:29

So thank you.

27:31

Thank you, Councilwoman Green.

27:32

Councilman Aguirre.

27:34

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

27:36

Excuse me.

27:38

Um the nice thing about going semi-last is that most everything's already been said.

27:43

Uh but uh again, I do want to uh echo the thanks and gratitude uh to OMB, Director Route, um, but also all of the folks in all the other departments within the city that are working on the budget.

27:56

And um as the vice mayor was saying, you know, oh, maybe we could start a little bit earlier, six months out.

28:02

Well, I know OMB is gonna get started, you know, in a week or two.

28:06

Um but uh yeah, it was definitely a difficult budget year.

28:11

Uh appreciate the city manager greatly for for bringing this forward um and still having some room for the council to make some uh priority adjustments.

28:19

And I think, you know, when I when I first ran for council I ran on a platform of housing education and health, and I feel that uh we were definitely addressing those three priorities.

28:29

Um housing with uh the additional funding that we put into rental assistance uh to make sure that people stay in their homes and stay here in Alexandria education.

28:38

You know, we asked all of our departments to take a one percent cut except for uh ACPS, and then on top of that, we gave them pretty much all of the growth that we were getting as a city.

28:48

Uh so we were definitely showing that we still prioritize education as it's the largest portion of our budget.

28:54

Um thank you to Councilman Green for Healthy Homes uh ad.

28:59

So we're definitely not only trying to keep people in their home, but make sure that they're healthy when they're in their homes and that they uh can live with some pride within their homes.

29:08

Um communication and engagement.

29:10

I think about what we're doing with RPCA and secret shoppers uh in different languages, so making sure that we're really trying to engage the community as much as possible and getting as much feedback that we can so that we can improve things as we move forward.

29:23

Uh staff retention, I think the vice mayor mentioned this one.

29:25

Uh we didn't know about a whole, and now we're filling that, and then also through some of the conversations around rental assistance, uh speaking with Director Garvey, uh we see you know maybe we could do a little bit more work downstream, and I think that's a conversation that we could start for for next year's budget, not tomorrow, but you know, maybe in a week or two.

29:43

Um then with transportation, right?

29:46

Um another big priority for me, and the fact that we're able to not only uh maintain service but expand service on Dash is very very important.

30:00

And so the fact that um even though it was a rough difficult budget, um, we're still able to find some some really great actions that we've been able to take that will benefit the entire community.

30:05

Uh so kudos all around and thank you to everyone once again.

30:09

Thank you, Councilman Aguirre.

30:12

Um okay.

30:13

I guess what I would say um as I've been reflecting on this budget, I'll take us back to the fall.

30:18

Last fall, we started a new series at the start of every one of our council meetings, the state of the economy.

30:25

And I asked the manager specifically to start giving those updates because I think every one of us could see that every time you turned on the news, every time you opened Alex Now or Alex Times or any other publication, that there was some other big headline about what was happening nationally, locally, or across the region.

30:42

And so as a council, I think we started then beginning to understand that this was going to be a difficult context in which we were preparing a budget.

30:50

And we were faced with how do you continue to invest in all of the things that have been named up here that are critically important to our community while maintaining the affordability of our city.

31:01

And I think that despite all of those tough choices, I'm proud to be a part of a council where we didn't shy away from asking tough questions and really trying to figure out how do we balance those important needs, how do we keep um investing in the prosperity of our city?

31:16

How do we make sure that our investments are aligned with our priorities and protecting and supporting the most vulnerable of our residents who may not come to every meeting and conversation, but whose needs, whose perspectives, and whose potential are so important to the city that we are.

31:32

And so I'm really proud of the budget that we have.

31:34

I'm proud of the way that we approached it.

31:36

I think as been said here, you know, it was tough this year, and it's probably gonna be tough next year, but I think we've shown that as a community we can wrestle with those tough choices and we can produce something that will benefit everyone in in this community.

31:50

I will echo what folks said about the gratitude and appreciation for staff.

31:54

I do want to say a few names because uh this is this is a lot of work, and sometimes we only see these people during budget time, but as has been said, they're working year year round.

32:04

So, first to the manager, thank you for your leadership and stewardship of this budget.

32:09

Um it is a lot to balance not only the community's um priorities, the department needs, but also the vision of seven different council members six different council members.

32:20

And so uh thank you for your patience with this process, but your leadership and stewardship throughout it.

32:25

Two people who I don't think always get recognized in the budget process.

32:28

I want to recognize Madam Clerk and Madam City Attorney.

32:31

I know we threw a lot of things your way.

32:34

Everything that is put here has to be, it has to go through legal review, it has to be recorded in an appropriate way, it has to be stored and documented and just thank you for your time, your patience, and your commitment to this process as well.

32:47

To our budget staff, to Morgan, Amanda, Art, I see many other uh leaders on the team.

32:52

Thank you.

32:53

I'm sure you probably approach every budget season thinking you've seen it all, and then we give you something new.

32:59

Uh and so I thank you for your guidance throughout this.

33:03

I think you first and foremost from your vision, because we wouldn't have a budget to react to if it wasn't for the time and commitment that you put in to get us to this point and to work so closely to understand each and every one of our our departments.

33:16

And so we appreciate the thankless nights.

33:18

We forgive you for all the pizza.

33:20

I mean next next year, hopefully we'll get something else on the menu.

33:24

Um that we it's just it's really great to have such an awesome team to work with.

33:29

To all of the department heads and our deputy city managers who are here and in the audience now.

33:34

Um we don't get to this point without the engagement that you have with every single person on your team.

33:40

It is because of your passion for our city, but also your recognition that even though we do a lot of things well, we can constantly do things better.

33:48

That we are finding ways to produce budgets that invest in things that you know are necessary for our community to thrive.

33:55

And so I thank you.

33:56

I know it is not an easy process, and I know there's a lot of negotiation, and there's also probably a lot of frustration.

34:02

But I hope you know that we are committed to finding ways to invest in you, in the people that you represent and that you serve, and in the teams that you lead, because we know how important your work is.

34:12

And so we're gonna keep having these tough conversations so that we can continue to invest and that the conversation doesn't always have to be what are we cutting or what are we taking away?

34:20

Because I think all of us recognize you're doing a lot more with less.

34:24

And we're grateful, we appreciate it, and I hope you feel valued, not just during budget season, but all year round.

34:29

And lastly, I would just end with to the community.

34:32

I echo what my colleagues said.

34:33

This should be conversations we're having every single day.

34:36

At the end of the day, this is the most important thing we do.

34:39

We can't do the big ideas, we can't invest in your vision if we don't have the resources to do it.

34:44

And so let's give Morgan and the team a couple weeks off.

34:47

I don't know, I don't know.

34:48

I'll look at the manager, see if he'll approve that.

34:51

Um, but we'll give you guys uh a little bit of time, and then I sincerely hope that folks will start reaching out to us with how we should engage in these conversations, how we start now, how we start to think about if we're gonna engage in new processes or we're gonna make changes, how do we do the leg work and research to do that?

35:07

So thank you all.

35:09

Um with that, there has been a motion and a second, and if I remember correctly, it was Vice Mayor Bagley and Councilman El Nubi.

35:18

And so, Madam.

35:19

It was it was you.

35:23

We're gonna give you we're gonna give you that one.

35:25

And I'm gonna ask for Madam Clerk to please call the role.

35:29

Vice Mayor Bagley.

35:30

Hi.

35:30

Councilman El Nuby.

35:31

Hi.

35:33

Councilman Aguirre.

35:34

Hi.

35:34

Councilman Chapman, Councilwoman Green.

35:36

Aye.

35:37

The eyes have it, and with that, we have officially adopted our FY27 budget and capital improvement program.

35:50

Is there a motion to adjourn?

35:52

So moved.

35:53

There has been a motion by Vice Mayor Bagley and a second by Councilwoman Green to adjourn tonight's meeting.

35:58

All those in favor say aye.

36:00

Aye, any opposed.

36:02

Alright, the eyes have it.

36:03

Meeting adjournment.

36:22

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.

36:33

Alex 311 connecting you to City Services, I show respect to people by considering their feelings.

37:17

I respect others by being kind.

37:28

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

37:35

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

37:49

Oh, I end up I respect my friend Blake for being such an honest and caring man.

37:55

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

37:59

I show respect by being polite to others.

38:01

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

38:03

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

38:07

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

38:11

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.

38:29

Everyone's so supportive that detectives are like if there's anything you need, help writing a search warrant, you want to learn how to do something new, reach out to me, I'll help you do it.

38:39

Transition good.

38:46

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.

38:52

I feel supported in this department by not only like my shift peers, but by my sergeants.

38:57

And any time where I'm going through a difficult situation, whether it's at home or on a case.

39:05

So I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

39:23

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

39:27

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

39:40

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

39:44

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.

39:53

So I'm being in shang tamo on the shishy.

40:00

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.

40:04

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

42:24

The answer is through the city's budget.

42:27

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

42:32

The city's budget has two main parts.

42:35

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

43:00

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

43:09

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

43:15

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.gov slash budget, respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

45:00

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

45:02

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

45:08

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities.

45:16

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

45:21

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

45:35

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

45:38

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

45:43

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

46:00

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

46:03

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

46:08

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

46:15

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

46:19

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

46:26

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

46:31

Latrobe from 1817.

46:34

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

46:36

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

46:44

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

46:48

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

46:54

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

47:02

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.

47:41

Something that is important to me is my family.

47:54

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

47:59

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

48:06

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

48:24

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

48:32

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

48:36

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

48:41

It's a great help, really.

48:47

Um physics uh wakputin.

48:53

My religion is really important to me because it keeps me happy and it keeps me grounded.

48:57

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.

49:03

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

49:19

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

49:28

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

49:35

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

49:39

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

49:46

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

49:50

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

49:56

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.

50:03

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

50:07

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

51:05

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

51:35

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

51:40

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

51:47

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

52:06

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

53:35

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.

53:48

Alex 311 connecting you to City Services.

54:29

Because they got my back at all times.

55:04

Oh, and that kid makes I respect my friend Blake for being such an honest and caring man.

55:10

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

55:13

I show respect by being polite to others.

55:15

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

55:18

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

55:22

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

55:47

Help writing a search warrant, you want to learn how to do something new, reach out to me, I'll help you do it.

55:54

Transition.

56:03

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

58:01

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

59:39

The answer is through the city's budget.

59:42

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

1:00:00

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

1:00:07

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

1:00:15

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

1:00:24

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

1:00:30

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

1:00:36

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.

1:00:48

The community also plays a big role.

1:00:51

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

1:00:58

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

1:02:13

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

1:02:31

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

1:02:36

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

1:02:50

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

1:02:53

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

1:03:15

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

1:03:18

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

1:03:30

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

1:03:34

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

1:03:41

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

1:03:46

Latrobe from 1817.

1:03:49

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

1:03:51

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

1:03:59

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.

1:04:08

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

1:04:17

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

1:04:25

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

1:04:34

If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit up Alexandria.gov slash city hall.

1:04:56

Something that is important to me is my family.

1:05:01

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

1:05:09

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

1:05:14

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

1:05:21

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

1:05:39

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

1:05:47

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

1:05:51

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

1:05:56

It's a great help, really.

1:06:11

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.

1:06:18

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

1:06:34

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

1:06:42

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

1:06:50

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

1:06:54

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

1:07:01

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

1:07:05

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

1:07:10

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.

1:07:18

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

1:07:21

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

1:08:20

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

1:08:27

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

1:08:55

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

1:09:01

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

1:09:21

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

1:10:03

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

1:10:10

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.

1:10:22

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

1:10:28

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

1:10:35

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

1:10:42

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

1:10:49

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

1:10:55

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

1:16:54

The answer is through the city's budget.

1:16:57

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

1:17:02

The city's budget has two main parts.

1:17:04

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

1:17:11

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

1:17:30

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

1:17:38

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

1:17:45

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

1:17:51

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.

1:18:13

After gathering input, city council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.gov slash budget.

1:19:28

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

1:19:46

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

1:20:05

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

1:20:08

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

1:20:13

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

1:20:30

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

1:20:33

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

1:20:45

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

1:20:49

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

1:20:56

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

1:21:01

Latrobe from 1817.

1:21:04

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

1:21:06

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

1:21:14

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

1:21:23

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

1:21:32

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.

1:22:11

Something that is important to me is my family.

1:23:00

You know, treating myself nice.

1:23:02

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

1:23:06

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

1:23:11

It's a great help, really.

1:24:32

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

1:24:36

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

1:24:43

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.

1:25:23

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

1:25:32

So you in shant woman does.

1:25:35

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

1:26:10

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

1:26:16

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

1:26:47

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

1:27:25

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.

1:27:50

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

1:27:57

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

1:28:04

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.

1:28:59

Because they got my back at all times.

1:34:44

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

1:34:53

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

1:35:00

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

1:35:06

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.

1:35:18

The community also plays a big role.

1:35:20

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

1:35:28

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

1:35:50

Keeping Alexandria moving forward.gov slash budget.

1:36:26

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

1:36:43

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

1:36:46

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

1:37:01

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

1:37:05

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

1:37:20

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

1:37:23

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

1:37:27

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

1:37:45

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

1:37:48

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

1:37:53

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

1:38:00

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

1:38:11

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

1:38:16

Latrobe from 1817.

1:38:19

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

1:38:29

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.

1:38:38

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

1:38:47

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

1:38:55

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

1:39:04

If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit up Alexandria VA.gov slash city hall.

1:39:26

Something that is important to me is my family.

1:39:31

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

1:39:43

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

1:39:50

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

1:40:09

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

1:40:17

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.

1:40:26

It's a great help, really.

1:40:37

My religion is really important to me because it keeps me happy and it keeps me grounded.

1:40:41

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.

1:40:48

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

1:41:04

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

1:41:12

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

1:41:20

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

1:41:23

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

1:41:31

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

1:41:35

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

1:41:40

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.

1:41:47

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

1:41:51

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

1:41:58

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.

1:42:38

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

1:42:47

So you're in shant woman the such.

1:45:00

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

1:45:12

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

1:45:19

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

1:45:25

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

1:51:24

The answer is through the city's budget.

1:51:26

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

1:51:32

The city's budget has two main parts.

1:51:34

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

1:51:59

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

1:52:08

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

1:52:15

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

1:52:21

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.

1:52:33

The community also plays a big role.

1:52:35

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

1:52:43

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

1:53:58

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

1:54:11

Not that respect means like you only like stick with somebody through thinking thin.

1:54:16

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

1:54:34

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

1:54:38

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

1:55:00

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

1:55:03

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

1:55:08

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

1:55:15

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

1:55:19

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

1:55:26

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

1:55:31

Latrobe from 1817.

1:55:33

Over the years, City Hall has evolved.

1:55:44

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.

1:55:53

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

1:56:01

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.

1:57:36

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

1:57:40

It's a great help, really.

2:00:04

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

2:00:40

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

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Fiscal Sustainability███████████████████████████████31%
Historic Preservation█████████████████17%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Procedural███████████11%
Substance Abuse████████8%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Economic Development███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Engineering And Infrastructure███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Alexandria City Council Special Budget Adoption Meeting - April 29, 2026

On April 29, 2026, the Alexandria City Council held a special budget adoption meeting from 6:00 PM to 6:38 PM in the Council Chamber at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. Mayor Gaskins presided, and all council members were present. The meeting adopted the FY 2027 operating budget and capital improvement program, along with several related ordinances and resolutions. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

  • All items were considered individually on roll-call votes; no consent calendar was used.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comments or testimony were recorded during this meeting.

Discussion Items

  • Item 2 (Parking Meters Ordinance): Councilman Aguirre moved to disapprove the ordinance that would have added Sunday parking meter operations. The motion carried on a roll-call vote, so Sunday parking meters will not be implemented.
  • Items 3-7 (Ordinances): The council adopted ordinances setting the calendar year 2026 blended real property tax rate at $1.135 per $100 of assessed value (no change from 2025), with 2.2 cents reserved for the Transportation Improvement Fund and 1 cent dedicated for affordable housing. Personal property tax rates remained unchanged. Parking citation penalties were set at $55. The stormwater utility fee, fire prevention permit fees, and BPOL tax rate for financial services were all increased.
  • Items 8-11 (Resolutions): The council adopted fee schedule updates for the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Department of Planning & Zoning (including a new fee for minor sign amendments), the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA), and parking meter and pay-by-phone rates.
  • Item 12 (Budget Adoption): Before the vote, Councilman Chapman and Councilman El Nuby disclosed personal interests due to organizations receiving budget funding (Visit Alexandria and Womata) but stated they could vote under a legal exception. Council members then delivered remarks: Councilman El Nuby thanked staff and highlighted priorities including schools, transit, rental assistance, and affordable housing. Vice Mayor Bagley praised the 311 system and encouraged year-round budget conversations. Councilman Chapman noted concerns about the sustainability of fee increases and called for more transparent ad-delete discussions. Councilwoman Green and Councilman Aguirre also thanked staff and cited priorities such as housing, education, and transportation. Mayor Gaskins reflected on the challenging fiscal context and expressed pride in the balanced budget without a property tax increase.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 2 (26-0941): Motion to disapprove the ordinance adding Sunday parking meter operations passed (roll-call vote).
  • Item 3 (26-0938): Ordinance setting real and personal property tax rates for calendar year 2026 (FY 2027) adopted. Blended real property tax rate: $1.135 per $100, unchanged from 2025. (Ord. No. 5629)
  • Item 4 (26-0939): Ordinance setting parking citation penalty at $55 adopted. (Ord. No. 5630)
  • Item 5 (26-0940): Ordinance to increase the Stormwater Utility Fee adopted. (Ord. No. 5631)
  • Item 6 (26-0942): Ordinance to increase Fire Prevention Permit Initial Inspection Fee and Fire Protection and Detection Testing and Retesting fee adopted. (Ord. No. 5632)
  • Item 7 (26-0943): Ordinance to increase the BPOL tax rate for financial services businesses adopted. (Ord. No. 5633)
  • Item 8 (26-0817): Resolution to adopt fee changes for the Office of Historic Alexandria for FY 2027 adopted. (Res. No. 3377)
  • Item 9 (26-0820): Resolution to adopt Department of Planning & Zoning fee increases for FY 2027 adopted. (Res. No. 3378)
  • Item 10 (26-0828): Resolution to adopt fee changes for RPCA programs for FY 2027 adopted. (Res. No. 3379)
  • Item 11 (26-0867): Resolution to increase parking meter and pay-by-phone rates for FY 2027 adopted. (Res. No. 3380)
  • Item 12 (26-0918): Resolution adopting the FY 2027 Annual Operating Budget and FY 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) adopted. The general fund operating budget is $979,063,681; the ten-year CIP totals $2,020,217,368, with $244,556,708 planned for FY 2027. (Res. No. 3381)

Meeting Transcript

Okay, good evening, everyone. It is six oh three. We are now going to call our budget adoption meeting to order. Madam Clerk, please call the role. Mayor Gaskins. Here. Vice Mayor Bagley. Councilman Geary. Here. Councilman Chapman. Councilman El Newby. Here. Councilwoman Green. Here. Okay. Um, with that, we are going to get started and dive right in. Madam Clerk, next item. Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain Section Five-93 parking meters hours and days of operation. Maximum time limit rates. Okay, Councilman Aguary. Madam Mayor, I move to disapprove the ordinance to add Sunday parking meter operations. Okay, is there a second? There has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman Chapman. Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote. Please call the roll. Councilman Aguary. Councilman Chapman. Councilman Newby. Second reading and final passage of an ordinance on the proposed real and personal property tax rates and proposed effective rate tax rate increase for calendar year twenty twenty-six fiscal year twenty twenty-seven. Okay, Vice Mayor Bagley. Madam Mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance to set the city's calendar year twenty twenty-six blended real property tax rate at one dollar and thirteen and one half cents on each a hundred dollar of assessed value. The total blended real property tax rate for the city and calendar year 2026 will be $1.13 and one half cents. The calendar year 2026 personal property tax rates contain the following. Second. Okay. There has I won't repeat all of it. I'll just say uh there has been a motion and a second to approve item three. Uh Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote. Please call the roll. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilwoman Green. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Councilman Ageary. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Aye. Councilman El Nubi.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com