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 November 2025.

November was a month of meaningful progress across Alexandria. From significant infrastructure investments to community celebrations, conversations, ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings, we continue to move forward. Amid national uncertainty, I am filled with hope when I witness what is happening in our city. I hope you are too. 

While the federal shutdown has ended, many in our community are still facing financial strain. To help Alexandrians facing these tough choices, ACT for Alexandria is sponsoring an online platform, NeighborShare ALX, that links neighbors impacted by the federal shutdown with neighbors who can step in and help. The platform partners with local nonprofits to make sure urgent needs are met quickly and directly.

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

To review all of the Council votes, watch the City Council Legislative Meeting of November 12, 2025 here, the City Council Public Hearing Meeting of November 15, 2025 here, and the City Council Legislative Meeting of November 25, 2025 here.

Legislative Meeting – November 12, 2025

• Resolution to Establish FY 2027 Budget Guidance
• Budget Resolution Establishing the Process  to be Used to Adopt the FY 2027 Operating Budget and the FY 2027 to FY 2036 Capital Improvement Program
• Resolution to Update the Fares for DOT Paratransit Service
• Ordinance to update regulations and penalties for on-street food truck vending and related parking violations in Alexandria

Public Hearing – November 15, 2025

• Housing Alexandria Financing Request
• FY2026 Supplemental Appropriations
• Master Plan, Text Amendment, and CDD Concept Plan – Potomac Yard

Legislative Meeting – November 25, 2025

• ALX Forward: A Strategic Framework for Economic Growth
• Alex311 Update
• Resolution to Support a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Transportation for the FY 2027 State of Good Repair Program
• Receipt of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

Groundbreaking for Alexandria’s Rail Upgrade
I joined regional partners at the groundbreaking for Alexandria’s upcoming rail improvements. The project will improve safety, increase rail capacity, and modernize the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and/Amtrak station areas. 

Olde Towne School for Dogs Celebrates 50 Years!
Olde Towne School for Dogs was established in 1975 by Carlos and Sandy Mejias. We celebrated this beloved institution that has helped train more than 40,000 dogs and their owners.

Grand Re-Opening of Freedom House
I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of the Freedom House Museum. This milestone celebrated the completion of the museum’s exterior rehabilitation. 

Amazon Housing Accelerator Fellowship
I spoke with the Amazon Housing Accelerator Fellows about the state of affordable housing in the DMV and the unique policy challenges we’re tackling together. 

Samuel Madden Homes Groundbreaking Ceremony
The City, along with development partners, broke ground on the Samuel Madden Homes, which are being redeveloped into a mixed-use community with affordable, workforce, and market-rate apartments.

Morocco Day 2025
I attended the November Small Business Summit, where she officially proclaimed October 31 as Morocco Day to celebrate Alexandria’s ties to the Moroccan-American community.

City of Alexandria Tree-Lighting
We kicked off the holiday season with the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony on November 22nd in Market Square.

50th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot in Del Ray
We celebrated 50 years of the “Turkey Trot”. This annual event also collects food for ALIVE! to distribute to those in need. 

Below is a list of upcoming community meetings. You can view a comprehensive list on the City of Alexandria website.

• Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Board Meeting: December 10,12:30–2:30PM
• Waterfront Commission Meeting: December 16, 7:30–9:30AM
• Transportation Commission December Meeting: December 17, 7–9PM

• Monday, December 8 - Housing Conversation.  Join Mayor Gaskins and Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA) for an evening of conversation exploring what it takes to expand affordable housing access — locally and nationally. Mayor Gaskins will be joined by Yoni Appelbaum, Deputy Executive Editor at The Atlantic, and author of Stuck, a new book tracing the roots of today’s housing shortage and the choices shaping our shared future. Laura Dobbs, HOME of VA’s Policy Director, will moderate the discussion. Free, but registration is required: click here to register.
  
• Thursday, December 18 - AMP ALX.  I’m hosting my annual AMP ALX event and I would love for you to join me! If you’re into good music, good food, and even better company, then you will love this event. Think local bands that bring the vibes and holiday cheer, food that deserves its own fan club, and arcade games ready to reveal your true competitive spirit. Click here to get your ticket.

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