The Alexandria Brief
@alexandriabrief.com
Independent journalism that makes you smarter about Alexandria, Virginia. Deep dives delivered daily, powered by neighbors, free for all. alexandriabrief.com
It’s officially the holiday season in Alexandria!
November 23, 2025 at 12:23 AM
It’s officially the holiday season in Alexandria!
The Alexandria Police Department unveiled its annual holiday crime prevention plan Friday, deploying a comprehensive strategy combining increased patrols, targeted enforcement, and community partnerships to combat seasonal crime spikes through year’s end.
Alexandria police deploy holiday crime prevention plan amid 27% drop in offenses
Plan targets package theft, vehicle break-ins during busy shopping season
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:06 PM
The Alexandria Police Department unveiled its annual holiday crime prevention plan Friday, deploying a comprehensive strategy combining increased patrols, targeted enforcement, and community partnerships to combat seasonal crime spikes through year’s end.
Department of Beer and Wine will open its doors today at a new location two blocks from its former home, marking the neighborhood shop’s return after months of closure.
Department of Beer and Wine reopens today in new Mount Vernon Avenue location
Del Ray specialty shop returns after months-long closure with soft opening
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Department of Beer and Wine will open its doors today at a new location two blocks from its former home, marking the neighborhood shop’s return after months of closure.
From home checks for travelers to tracking devices for people who wander, several no-cost services are available to city residents.
Sheriff's office offers free safety programs many Alexandria residents may not know about
From home checks for travelers to tracking devices for people who wander, several no-cost services are available to city residents.
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:43 PM
From home checks for travelers to tracking devices for people who wander, several no-cost services are available to city residents.
The Old Town Farmers’ Market will temporarily relocate to the 100 block of North Royal Street and Tavern Square courtyard beginning in January 2026 as City Hall and Market Square undergo significant renovations.
Old Town Farmers' Market to move to North Royal Street during City Hall renovations
Historic market will operate across the street for two to three years while $123.6 million project repairs aging infrastructure
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The Old Town Farmers’ Market will temporarily relocate to the 100 block of North Royal Street and Tavern Square courtyard beginning in January 2026 as City Hall and Market Square undergo significant renovations.
The City of Alexandria released a draft strategic plan on Friday to guide economic development over the next five years and beyond — the first comprehensive planning effort since 2007.
Alexandria unveils first economic plan since 2007
Framework targets catalyst sites, business growth as city faces 20% job loss, federal uncertainty
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The City of Alexandria released a draft strategic plan on Friday to guide economic development over the next five years and beyond — the first comprehensive planning effort since 2007.
This story has been updated with a statement received today from School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief.
open.substack.com/pub/alexandr...
open.substack.com/pub/alexandr...
Community group opposes accelerated Jefferson-Houston conversion in capital plan
Save JH calls proposal 'fiscally irresponsible,' cites sufficient capacity after 2031 and recent taxpayer investment in K-8 schools
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:26 PM
This story has been updated with a statement received today from School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief.
open.substack.com/pub/alexandr...
open.substack.com/pub/alexandr...
City's historic ban takes effect next November, but electric alternatives will still create noise.
Alexandria's last fall with gas-powered leaf blowers draws to close
City's historic ban takes effect next November, but electric alternatives will still create noise
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
City's historic ban takes effect next November, but electric alternatives will still create noise.
From debates over civic association representation to controversies over school capacity planning, Alexandria tackled challenging questions this week about how the city makes decisions. Here’s what you need to know for Friday, November 21.
The Alexandria Brief: Friday, November 21
Rosemont bike lane vote raises questions about civic association representation
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:31 AM
From debates over civic association representation to controversies over school capacity planning, Alexandria tackled challenging questions this week about how the city makes decisions. Here’s what you need to know for Friday, November 21.
Tuesday meeting also includes Alex311 milestone update, Del Ray Turkey Trot Day proclamation.
Preview: Alexandria City Council legislative meeting to feature General Assembly work session, economic growth plan
Tuesday meeting also includes Alex311 milestone update, Del Ray Turkey Trot Day proclamation
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Tuesday meeting also includes Alex311 milestone update, Del Ray Turkey Trot Day proclamation.
Do you live in Rosemont? According to the Rosemont Citizens Association, you’re now on record opposing bike lanes on Braddock Road.
Do you live in Rosemont? You're now on record opposing bike lanes on Braddock Road
Citizens association vote by fewer than 100 residents raises questions about neighborhood representation
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Do you live in Rosemont? According to the Rosemont Citizens Association, you’re now on record opposing bike lanes on Braddock Road.
Alexandria’s Multi-Disciplinary Team that responds to child abuse allegations has been named the 2025 MDT of the Year by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia at the Virginia Crimes Against Children Conference.
Alexandria team fighting child abuse wins state honor
Multi-disciplinary group recognized for collaboration during year of transition
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Alexandria’s Multi-Disciplinary Team that responds to child abuse allegations has been named the 2025 MDT of the Year by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia at the Virginia Crimes Against Children Conference.
City places 10th in the nation for using technology to improve services for residents
Alexandria recognized as top digital city in national survey
City places 10th in the nation for using technology to improve services for residents
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 PM
City places 10th in the nation for using technology to improve services for residents
On tap this weekend: Holiday Tree Lighting, Alexandria Cider Festival, Port City Turkey Trot 5k & 10K, and more.
What's happening in Alexandria this weekend: November 21-23
Holiday Tree Lighting, Alexandria Cider Festival, Port City Turkey Trot 5k & 10K, and more.
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:02 PM
On tap this weekend: Holiday Tree Lighting, Alexandria Cider Festival, Port City Turkey Trot 5k & 10K, and more.
Senator tells The Alexandria Brief that GSA must improve transparency following displacement of 1,600 employees.
Warner welcomes NSF staying in Alexandria, calls for better agency relocation process
Senator tells The Alexandria Brief that GSA must improve transparency following displacement of 1,600 employees
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Senator tells The Alexandria Brief that GSA must improve transparency following displacement of 1,600 employees.
A community advocacy group that has opposed eliminating elementary education at Jefferson-Houston School is pushing back against school board members’ efforts to accelerate conversions of the city’s two K-8 schools.
Community group opposes accelerated Jefferson-Houston conversion in capital plan
Save JH calls proposal 'fiscally irresponsible,' cites sufficient capacity after 2031 and recent taxpayer investment in K-8 schools
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:16 PM
A community advocacy group that has opposed eliminating elementary education at Jefferson-Houston School is pushing back against school board members’ efforts to accelerate conversions of the city’s two K-8 schools.
It’s a busy Thursday in Alexandria, from Beaujolais tastings to city commission meetings. Here’s what you need to know for Thursday, November 20.
The Alexandria Brief: Thursday, November 20
BAR mandates chimneys, historic details for City Hall despite city's objections | What's happening today | and more.
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:40 AM
It’s a busy Thursday in Alexandria, from Beaujolais tastings to city commission meetings. Here’s what you need to know for Thursday, November 20.
The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review unanimously approved the City Hall renovation project Wednesday night, with extensive design requirements that the city had explicitly opposed, including mandatory chimneys and arched entrances.
BAR mandates chimneys, historic details for City Hall despite city's objections
Board of Architectural Review unanimously approves renovation with extensive conditions after city attorney says requirements exceed submitted application
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:29 AM
The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review unanimously approved the City Hall renovation project Wednesday night, with extensive design requirements that the city had explicitly opposed, including mandatory chimneys and arched entrances.
Here's a look at what's coming up on Thursday in Alexandria.
What's happening in Alexandria: Thursday, November 20
Your guide to events, meetings, and entertainment in Alexandria
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Here's a look at what's coming up on Thursday in Alexandria.
The City of Alexandria has maintained a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index, marking the sixth consecutive year the city has achieved the distinction.
Alexandria earns perfect score on LGBTQ+ equality index for sixth consecutive year
City joins 132 municipalities nationwide with top rating on Human Rights Campaign's annual assessment
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:34 PM
The City of Alexandria has maintained a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index, marking the sixth consecutive year the city has achieved the distinction.
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced Tuesday that Alexandria will receive $10.9 million in federal funding for its DASH Bus Fleet Replacement & Facility Rehabilitation project.
Alexandria to receive $10.9 million for DASH buses, facility upgrades
Federal grant will support fleet replacement and rehabilitation project
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:04 PM
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced Tuesday that Alexandria will receive $10.9 million in federal funding for its DASH Bus Fleet Replacement & Facility Rehabilitation project.
The Alexandria Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to consider multiple development proposals and zoning amendments.
Alexandria planning commission to review affordable housing projects, zoning amendments Dec. 2
Woodbine nursing home seeks extension, Alfred Street Baptist Church plans 145-unit development
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The Alexandria Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to consider multiple development proposals and zoning amendments.
Alexandria will hold its first community open house for the Duke Street Land Use Plan on Wednesday, December 10, offering residents a chance to shape the future of the corridor stretching from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street.
City seeks community input on Duke Street's future at Dec. 10 open house
18-month planning process aims to update 1992 land use plan for corridor facing development pressures
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Alexandria will hold its first community open house for the Duke Street Land Use Plan on Wednesday, December 10, offering residents a chance to shape the future of the corridor stretching from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street.
Get caught up on all of the latest Alexandria news and information that you need to know about.
Daily Brief: Wednesday, November 19
Alexandria School Board weighs competing capacity needs in $340M capital budget; Firefighters rescue unconscious person from 14th-floor apartment fire on Duke Street
www.alexandriabrief.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Get caught up on all of the latest Alexandria news and information that you need to know about.
Alexandria firefighters rescued an unconscious person and extinguished a 14th-floor apartment fire at 5375 Duke Street late Tuesday night, according to the Alexandria Fire Department.
Firefighters rescue unconscious person from 14th-floor apartment fire on Duke Street
Two-alarm fire breaks out directly across from Station 208; crews locate victim in common hallway
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Alexandria firefighters rescued an unconscious person and extinguished a 14th-floor apartment fire at 5375 Duke Street late Tuesday night, according to the Alexandria Fire Department.