Hi {name}-

This is my Council Report where I recap important updates and actions from the previous month. 

Watch the video below or scroll down for highlights from Summer 2025.

Despite the summer recess, the work of serving our community has not stopped. This summer has brought significant challenges—ranging from the DC takeover to ICE raids, to threats against our transgender youth. It has been a hard season, but we continue to fight for a stronger, more inclusive Alexandria. Below are some of the ways I’ve been working to keep our city moving forward over the summer.

• Scenario Planning for Budget Risks. As we prepare for budget deliberations, Council has asked staff to create a framework for action if state or federal funding is reduced or lost. Alexandria receives more than $50 million in direct federal funding, most of which supports our Department of Community and Human Services. By planning now, we can be proactive and data-driven in protecting critical social service programs.
• Monitoring the Impacts of Federal Actions in DC. City staff have been meeting regularly with the DC Government, the Council of Governments, Northern Virginia Human Service Organizations, and the Community Resource and Resilience Group. Our homeless outreach team continues to engage daily, with plans to add a temporary staff member for evenings and weekends. At this time, we have not observed an increase in unhoused residents; however, we remain prepared to respond collaboratively if the situation changes.
• Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. In July, I joined 47 mayors from 17 countries in an intensive four-day program focused on shifting government culture, improving accountability, and driving strategic change. This initiative equips mayors and senior municipal leaders with tools to solve local challenges and strengthen communities. Each mayor has to propose a project. Since 20-25% of the region is expected to leave in response to this federal administration’s policies, my project will focus on how we keep and leverage our local talent to power city hall.
• Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project. Our waterfront is a beloved part of Alexandria, and I take concerns about potential impacts to it very seriously. Over the summer, I have been taking the time to learn as much as I can about this project, meeting with residents and local businesses to listen to your thoughts. I’m continuing to work with staff to explore options and carefully consider the best path forward.

As we look to September, the City will begin relocating City services and employee offices in August to prepare for major renovations to City Hall and Market Square. Relocations will continue through the end of 2025, with renovations beginning in January 2026.  Additionally, the City’s new Short-Term Rental Ordinance takes effect on September 1, 2025.  The new Ordinance provides for better control of common concerns, including noise, large parties/events, trash, and parking while also providing property owner flexibility in operating short-term rentals.

On September 9th, the Council will return to the dais to tackle a number of pressing issues, including small business funding, changes to procurement rules to allow greater speed and flexibility for design and construction projects, and the consideration of closure of the 200 block of King Street. New this year, I will ask the City Manager to provide an update on the state of our economy at the first legislative meeting of each month. We will also convene for a capital planning work session in advance of the November budget retreat.

This Summer, I participated in over 40 constituent meetings and community events and issued 8 proclamations. Here are a few highlights.

Alexandria’s 276th Birthday Party
From music to cannons to cupcakes to fireworks, Alexandria knows how to throw a birthday extravaganza.

251st Birthday of Friendship Firehouse
Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria.

Visit to the City’s Adult Day Services Center
The ADSC offers services to seniors 55 years and older who may need assistance and who may not want or cannot stay at home alone during the day.

National Night Out (NNO) 2025
Over 54 locations participated in NNO to strengthen police-community partnerships.

Visit to Lee Fendall Museum
I stopped by for “Under the Same Roof,” a new, guided-tour highlighting the lives of slaves and servants who built the house and labored under generations of families.

Summer Youth Employment Program Graduation
Hosted by the Workforce Development Center, this event is a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of our youth participants and highlight meaningful partnerships.

Diversity in Business Expo
This Expo, sponsored by the Social Responsibility Group (SRG), provided a platform for small and minority-owned businesses, with an emphasis on veteran-owned enterprises and high school entrepreneurs, to connect.

Chinquapin Organic Gardens Annual Summer Picnic and Tomato Contest
This picnic celebrates gardening season and community pride. Chinquapin Gardens contributes fresh produce every week to a local Alexandria charity.

3rd Annual Mayor Gaskins’ Back to School Hair Salon
Every young person deserves to look and feel their best on the first day of school. I was proud to partner with ARHA for the third year to ensure nearly 20 young girls were ready for their first day!

10th Annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit
As the title suggests, the summit brings together local regional electeds for a panel discussion on timely issues facing the region such as transportation, housing, and federal workers.

Upcoming Events:

• September 9. Mayoral Interfaith Council. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please reach out to my executive aide, Christine Macey, at [email protected]. 
• September 20. My Resident Roundtable series resumes at 10!am at Patrick Henry Recreation Center. 
• September 25 – September 28.  Friends of the Duncan Library will hold their annual Fall Book Sale. 
• September 27. Mayoral Youth Forum. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please reach out to my executive aide, Christine Macey, at [email protected].

Thank you again for reading my council report. Don’t forget to watch and share the video. And, if you know someone who would benefit from the content in this newsletter, please encourage them to sign up here.

With gratitude,

Mayor Alyia Gaskins