Hi {name}-

Happy Election Day! Make sure you get out and vote. Polls are open until 7pm.

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 October 2025.

As the federal government shutdown continues, City staff continue to monitor community needs and share resources.

Since the start of the shutdown:

• There have been 4,112 views on the Government Shutdown Information Page. 
• We have distributed 464 Key to the City Attraction Passes (Federal employees and DC-area hotel guests can claim these at the Visitor Center) 
• We have negotiated 60 personal property (car tax) payment plans for federal workers.
• Local businesses have created 32 Special Offers available to Federal Employees.

In September 2025, the City of Alexandria had 11,735 SNAP recipients (5,685 households). Governor Glenn Youngkin’s emergency declaration allows the use of state funds to issue Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits in November if the shutdown continues.

What to know:

• VENA will not replace SNAP; it’s a temporary measure.
• VENA benefits will be issued weekly, rather than monthly, to ensure flexibility and ongoing support.
• For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services.

We are watching:

• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): The program serves about 2,064 recipients monthly. Federal officials report tariff revenue is being used temporarily to sustain WIC benefits.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): In September, 1,309 recipients (360 households) received benefits; funding is stable through October but could face shortfalls in November.
• Services to Older Adults: Funding for senior nutrition and case management programs is stable through November, though long-term continuity is uncertain.
• Federal Pay Impacts: Civilian employees received a partial paycheck on October 10; the first missed full paycheck was October 24. Department of Defense and law enforcement personnel continue to receive pay.

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

To review all of the Council votes, watch the City Council Legislative Meeting of October 14, 2025 here, the City Council Public Hearing Meeting of October 18, 2025 here, and the City Council Legislative Meeting of October 28, 2025 here.

Legislative Meeting – October 14, 2025

• Approved a Virginia Flood Preparedness Fund grant for stormwater and flood mitigation projects at Four Mile Run and Hooffs Run.
• Introduced ordinances for mural program, coastal resilience updates, and FOG penalties to be finalized at the next Public Hearing.
• Made multiple board and commission appointments, including Housing Affordability, Environmental Policy, and Policing Review.

Special Legislative Meeting - Changes to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) Board of Commissioners on October 15

• Following the resignation of all nine board members, at the council’s request, six new commissioners were appointed to ensure continuity and accountability.
• Three additional seats will be filled soon, prioritizing residents of ARHA communities.
• City Council outlined expectations for the new board members

Public Hearing – October 18, 2025

• Approved rezoning and special use permits for 601 Wythe Street to convert an office building into residential units.
• Adopted ordinances establishing a citywide mural program and incorporating climate resilience standards into environmental regulations.
• Approved a Development Special Use Permit for WestEnd Block D (6025 Duke Street) for new multi-unit housing.

Legislative Meeting – October 28, 2025

• Supported $7.5M grant application to the Virginia Flood Preparedness Fund for the Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project.
• Approved a $513,000 allocation for the DOT Paratransit Program to maintain transportation services.
• Authorized several grant applications focused on ending childhood hunger and promoting sustainable communities.

In October, I held more than 30 constituent meetings and hosted town halls at Goodwin House, The Landing, and Porto Vecchio.

No Kings Rally
Alexandria was one of more than 2,700 communities nationwide standing together for democratic values, fairness, and responsible leadership.

Episcopal High School Visits City Hall
90 students met city leaders to learn about local government.

AEDP Annual Meeting
Celebrated major wins, including Systems Planning & Analysis adding 500 jobs to the West End.

Neighborhood Favorites: Alexandria King Street
Season 2 of PBS Neighborhood Favorites featured A&R Workshop and Pippin Toy Co.

Pendleton Promenade Grand Opening
Advanced our sustainable waterfront vision through RiverRenew.

VOICE’s Homes for All Gathering
Nearly 1,000 people from 44 congregations joined to discuss the stress of high housing costs, and how faith institutions can help build more housing. 

NVTA’s State of the Region’s Transporation Network
Highlighted Alexandria’s leadership in equitable, multimodal transit. DASH is on track for 5.3M rides this year.

Lights On Afterschool
Celebrated afterschool programs that strengthen families and communities.

DASH Groundbreaking
The new facility expansion supports the city’s transition to zero-emission buses.

• November 17, 6:30-8:45PM (Virtual) - Housing 2040 Community Meeting. Affordable Housing Preservation and Anti-Displacement Recommendations. Click here to register. 
• November 10,  7:00 – 8:30PM (Patrick Henry Recreation Center) - Flood Resilience Plan Community Meeting. Join us for a presentation summarizing feedback from the flood survey, draft flood model results, and the community vulnerability analysis, followed by a Q&A and discussion.  

• November 3rd - City of Alexandria Leaf Collection Program Begins 
• November 5th - APD Walk-In Wednesday Hiring Event. 
• November 5th - Community Health Coalition Mtg: Landmark-Van Dorn. 
• November 8th - Specialty Tour: Hamilton's BFF & Frenemies. 
• November 14th - Tables of Conscience: Banned Books Dinner. 
• November 22nd - 2025 Holiday Tree Lighting.

Thank you for reading this month’s Council Report.

Please watch and share the video above, and stay engaged as we continue to move Alexandria forward—with innovation, accountability, and heart.

Sincerely,

Mayor Alyia Gaskins