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 more information on community conversations, constituent services, key votes, and events from September 2025.

This month marked the 25th Anniversary of the Remember the Titans film. Then and now, the Titans continue to highlight what is possible when we see humanity in others and join together in unity.

As a testament to our city's commitment to preserving the history of and telling the stories of African Americans, we stood with the descendants of Colored Rosemont to unveil a Virginia State Historic Marker and celebrated at the 3rd Annual Black Family Reunion. 

Together, we recognized both our oldest and newest Alexandrians—honoring 13 centenarians whose lives reflect a century of wisdom and perseverance, and welcomed 25 new Americans from 17 countries as they took the oath of citizenship on Constitution Day. As we reflected on what it means to be an American, we also paused to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 

At the September Mayoral Youth Forum, over 40 young people joined to share their recommendations with the city’s new Director of Planning and Zoning. And, at the Mayoral Interfaith Council we discussed the City’s housing master plan process and opportunities to partner in addressing homelessness, evictions, and improving housing quality. 

Now as we enter October, the federal government has entered a shutdown. For now, City operations will continue as usual as we serve our community. We recognize many of our neighbors may be affected and have compiled a directory of resources on our website: City of Alexandria Federal Government Shutdown Information and Resources | City of Alexandria, VA. 

In September, I traveled with staff to NYC to share our city’s vision and long term plans with the credit rating agencies. They asked questions about economic development, cybersecurity, flood mitigation, collective bargaining, school funding, and more.

S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Ratings reaffirmed the City’s top bond ratings of ‘AAA’ and ‘Aaa’ respectively. These ratings, seen as the gold standard for creditworthiness, allow the City to continue securing low interest rates when issuing bonds.

This is a snapshot (not a full list) of votes and actions that were taken by the Council in September 2025.

To review all of the Council votes, watch the City Council Legislative Meeting of September 9, 2025 here, the City Council Public Hearing Meeting of September 13, 2025 here, and the City Council Legislative Meeting of September 30, 2025 here.

Legislative Meeting – September 9, 2025

• Extended the term of the Subcommittee for the Review of Standing Committees to April 30, 2026 to continue evaluating workload, staffing, and advisory committee impacts.
• Authorized acceptance and curation of an Alexandria archaeological collection from the Virginia Museum of Natural History (site 44AX202).
• Applied for and accepted (if awarded) $3.79M from DBHDS to construct Permanent Supportive Housing units at Seminary Road.
• Approved participation in revised national opioid settlements with Purdue Pharma/Sackler and authorized execution of required documents; funds dedicated to prevention and treatment.

Public Hearing – September 13, 2025

• Approved a Special Use Permit to redevelop a substandard lot at 51 E. Windsor Avenue.
• Rezoned 3333 Helen Street from R-2-5 to RA to align with the small area plan without increasing density.
• Adopted a zoning text amendment separating murals from the sign code, validating existing murals and encouraging public art.
• Approved the DASH facility expansion for electric charging and maintenance, with stormwater improvements and additional trees.
• Updated Chesapeake Bay Act resiliency provisions to protect Resource Protection Areas and enable added safeguards.
• Repealed the short-term rental registry ordinance, relying on existing STR rules for compliance, neighbor notification, and penalties.
• Aligned procurement rules with state law for design-build and construction management at-risk while maintaining oversight.
• Established an employee bonus program ordinance based on City Manager-approved policies.
• Approved a subdivision ordinance to consolidate three lots into two at 15 & 17 E. Custis Avenue (with demolition prior to new construction or sale).
• Approved a subdivision ordinance to split one lot into two at 1702 Dewitt Avenue in compliance with zoning and subdivision requirements.

Legislative Meeting – September 30, 2025

• Authorized application for a FY 2026 Virginia Emergency Shelter Upgrade Assistance Grant to support backup power and related upgrades.
• Approved state and local performance agreements supporting the expansion of Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc., including new high-paying jobs and community partnerships.
• Adopted the framework for the FY 2027–2029 Alexandria Fund for Human Services grant cycle, informed by the 2025 needs assessment and community engagement.

Grand Reopening of the Old Town Sandwich Shop
The Michael & Son Cares Foundation remodeled this community favorite as a way to give back to the store owners who provided Michael and Son Owner, Basim M. Mansour, with his first contract years ago.

The Scout Guide Mix and Mingle
An excellent opportunity to meet local businesses, including Rescue Media, which created free promotional videos for all attendees. 

Computer CORE’s Computer Donation Distribution Day Event
Computer CORE helps underserved adults in Virginia achieve their career aspirations by providing foundational digital and professional skills.

The Art League’s Open House & Block Party
We officially launched this exciting new chapter for the Art League. They are the first art anchor and catalyst in Old Town North.

Swear in the Student Council at Alexandria Country Day School
Since Mayor Euille, Alexandria mayors have administered the oath of office to Alexandria Country Day School’s Student Council members. I was excited to carry on this tradition.

2025 Together We Bake Empowerment Breakfast
This fantastic event celebrates the strength, resilience, and success of TWB's alumnus and raises funds to build brighter futures and create opportunities for women in the community.

Meet & Greet with Cameron Station Civic Association
I had a wonderful time joining Cameron Station residents for an evening of open conversation and connection. It’s always inspiring to hear your ideas and work together to make our community even stronger.

Visit Alexandria’s Annual Meeting
The City of Alexandria is now a 1 Billion Dollar Tourism Industry and ranks 2nd on the ‘Best Places to Live on the East Coast’ list.

Seminary Road/Cardinal Path - Ribbon Cutting and Open House
Cardinal Path is Alexandria’s first intentionally designed and created mixed-income, mixed-use and mixed-ability community. It is also the first city-sponsored homeownership project in three decades, creating 31 new townhomes affordable to first time homebuyers with incomes of 80% AMI.

Celebrating Labor Day
Grateful to celebrate Labor Day with our incredible workers at the annual NoVA Labor Picnic. Standing together, we’re building a future where every family has opportunity, dignity, and a voice at the table.

• Provide Feedback on Housing 2040 Draft Recommendations for Homeowner Programs and Resources Projects and Revised Draft Principles and Goals.
• Participate in the Mayoral Youth Forum or the Mayoral Interfaith Council. Email Christine Macey at [email protected].

• October 7th: Meet Artist Sandy Williams IV. Sandy was selected for the 2026 Time & Place public art installation celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
• October 11th: Storytime for Little Historians.Dynamic storytellers utilize books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to engage with children aged 5-8.
• October 11th: Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum. This one-hour tour explores various types of poisons, their historical uses at the Apothecary, and what we know about them today.
• October 23rd: Duke Street Land Use Plan Community Meeting #3.  Duke Street Land Use Plan Community Meeting at Patrick Henry Recreation Center and online via Zoom. 
• October 25th: Floating Pumpkin Patch.  Dive in to pick your very own real pumpkin from the pool, then decorate it! Other themed fun will include swimming, a floating obstacle course, an underwater obstacle course, and Halloween treats.

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