Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
A public hearing of the Alexandria City Council was held on 2026-10-17, beginning at 9:30 AM and adjourning at 2:26 PM. The agenda included proclamations, a public comment period, action on consent items, and individual hearings on a zoning text amendment, a street vacation, a development special use permit, and an address renumbering appeal.
So, you know how they were drawing. Oh, I think it's asking for asking. Good morning, everyone. We are now going to call to order our October public hearing. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Vice Mayor Bagley. Councilman Geary. Councilman Chapman. Councilman El Newby. Councilwoman Green. All right. Um, Madam Clerk, next item. Presentation of a proclamation recognizing October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Okay, we have two proclamations today. If you are here joining us for um National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we ask that you please come to the front at this time. And I did not get a chance to assign this one in advance. So I'm gonna ask Councilman Al Nubi, as I believe you are on our workforce development. All right, good morning, everyone. I'm gonna read the proclamation, then pass the mic to the folks up here. Whereas October 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of the Nash of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance that began in 1945 as a national week recognizing the contributions of Americans with physical disabilities and was expanded by Congress to a full month in 1988. And whereas the 2025 theme, quote, celebrating value and talent, end quote, affirmed that people with disabilities bring essential skills, unique perspectives, and extraordinary dedication to America's workplace and economy contributions worthy of recognition every day of every year. And whereas nearly one in four adults in the United States lives with a disability. Yet the labor force participation rate for people with disabilities remained disproportionately low at 23% compared to nearly 65% for those without disabilities. And whereas individuals with disabilities have historically driven innovation in workplace accommodations that benefit all workers, from curb cuts to voice to text technology, demonstrating that accessibility and inclusion make our workplaces stronger for everyone. And whereas the City of Alexandria, with invaluable assistance from Alexandra from the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities, is committed to fostering a community where all residents have equitable opportunities to pursue meaningful employment, achieve economic independence, and contribute fully to civic life. And whereas employers who embrace disability inclusion through accessible workplaces, reasonable accommodations, and equitable hiring practices, build stronger, more innovative organizations that reflect the full diversity of the communities they serve, and whereas National Disability Employment Awareness Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of workers with disabilities, honor employers committed to inclusion, and reaffirm our sure our shared responsibility to dismantle barriers and expand opportunity for all. Now, therefore, I Abdel Nubi, on behalf of Alia Gaskins, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexander City Council, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Alexandria and encourage all residents, employers, and organizations to recognize the value and talent that individuals with disabilities bring to our workforce and community. In witness we're off, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Alexandria to be affixed on this 17th day of October 2026. And I will pass the mic. Thank you, Mayor and members of council for uh recognizing National National Disability and Employment Month. I'm Alyssa Williamson, the Chief Human Resources Officer, and joined by my colleague Paul Valenti, our director for the Office of Human Rights. And uh we want to thank you all. This um this year's theme, celebrating value and talent is a great reminder that our responsibility extends beyond uh removing um or avoiding harm for our community and gives us the opportunity to remove barriers and create environments where everyone can thrive in the workplace, and as a result, we all benefit from the value and talent of our full community. So uh thank you again. I'd like to recognize our partners on the Alexandria Commission for Persons with Disabilities as well on behalf of Paul and I, many thanks. All right, thank you.