Hi {name}-

Welcome to my monthly Council Report.

July has been a busy month marked by historic infrastructure milestones, meaningful community walks, rich cultural rededications, and birthday celebrations, despite the start of Council’s annual recess.

Before we dive in - Alexandria's primary election is on August 4. If you haven't already, please make a plan to vote, and visit alexandriava.gov/elections for polling locations, hours, and everything else you need to know.

Read on to learn what the legislative recess means for local government, catch up on July highlights, and get a preview of key community events coming up in August.

Each July and August, the Alexandria City Council enters its annual legislative recess.

• What it is: Formal legislative meetings, public hearings, and City Council votes are paused, giving Council Members and staff time for in-depth policy research, long-range planning, and preparing legislative priorities for the busy fall session ahead
• What stays open and uninterrupted: All municipal services continue, including public safety, trash collection, emergency services, recreation programs, and city facilities remain operational.
• Staying connected: My office and constituent services remain fully open. Recess also offers me a fantastic opportunity to spend even more time in our neighborhoods, attending community walks, visiting small businesses, and having conversations to better understand your priorities.

Typically, the Council would not meet in July. However, the Alexandria City Council convened for a Special Meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Click here to watch)

Why We Met: The Office of the Independent Policing Auditor is appointed by City Council to independently receive and investigate complaints of police misconduct involving members or policies of the Alexandria Police Department. Investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Auditor are reviewed by the Independent Community Police Review Board, and findings are forwarded to City leadership, including the Chief of Police and City Council.

The Office of the Independent Policing Auditor recently released its report on the independent investigation into the in-custody death of Allan F. Tucker II. The Independent Community Police Review Board has requested additional investigation, which requires City Council approval to move forward.

What Was Decided: The Council voted unanimously to grant the Auditor’s request to conduct additional investigation.

Launch of Art in Every Space
Earlier this month, I announced the launch of Art In Every Space, a pilot that places original artwork by Alexandria-area artists in local businesses.

RiverRenew Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
AlexRenew's ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of RiverRenew, an eight-year infrastructure achievement. The system will prevent 120 million gallons of combined sewage from polluting Alexandria's waterways each year.

Finn & Fire Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
This exciting new Peruvian-Nikkei fusion restaurant brings elevated seafood, sushi, an oyster bar, and international grilled specialties to Old Town, marking another fantastic addition to Alexandria's thriving restaurant scene.

Moses Stevens Street Rededication
Joining his living descendants at the Alexandria Black History Museum, I celebrated the rededication of Stevens Street in honor of Moses Stevens, a pioneering Black businessman in post-Civil War Alexandria who founded a successful livery business and helped establish Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church.

Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration
We gathered at Oronoco Bay Park to celebrate Alexandria’s 277th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary, complete with live music, local vendors, cupcakes, and fireworks. I was also honored to recognize the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra as it begins its 83rd season.

Celebrating 50 Years for the Fish Market
The Fish Market was founded in 1976 at 105 King Street by Ray Giovannoni and was purchased by Franco and Noe Landini in 2010. The Landinis renovated the 200-year-old building and have continued to serve exceptional food to the Alexandria community.

Ethiopian Community Business Walk
I joined Ethiopian business leaders for a walk along the West End to visit their local establishments. From restaurants to dental offices to local markets and so much more, I learned a lot about the challenges and opportunities they are facing.

Mayor's Cup Rugby Send-off
At the Fraternal Order of Eagles, I hosted a send-off for the Alexandria Mayor's Cup Rugby Team before their journey to our sister city, Dundee, Scotland, where they will compete for the Mayor's Cup.

Strong Cities Network Convening
I hosted a gathering of the Strong Cities Network, connecting municipal leaders to share best practices for preventing hate, extremism, and polarization in local communities.

2026 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Closing Ceremony
Hosted by the Alexandria Workforce Development Center, we celebrated the achievements, growth, and hard work of our young residents during their summer professional development placements.

Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

📅 National Night Out & Carlyle Commuter Fair
When: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: John Carlyle Square Park
Details: Combines national public safety initiatives with a regional transportation sustainability fair, featuring transit agencies assisting commuters with rail, bus, and micro-mobility pathways.

📅 Pipes & Drums Waterfront Performance
When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM
Where: Waterfront Park / Market Square (1A Prince St)
Details: Live, energetic open-air musical performances filling the waterfront plaza to foster community spirit.

📅 Grown-Up Field Trip: Moss Kendrix Display
When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Where: Alexandria Black History Museum
Details: Part of the City's "grown-up field trip" series, focusing this session on the Moss Kendrix: Reframing the Black Image historical panel display.

📅 Around The World Cultural Food Festival (10th Anniversary)
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: Oronoco Bay Park
Details: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this festival highlights world culture through international food, traditional folk dance, live music, and artisan vendors.

Lastly, pick up a FREE copy of the 2026 Old Town Boutiques Guide. Explore over 50 shops and restaurants. Copies are located at participating boutiques, City Hall, and the Visitor’s Center. 

I hope to see you at one of our community events this August! Follow me on social media for my daily video updates.

Warmly,

Mayor Alyia Gaskins