City Council - Regular Meeting

Okay, good evening everyone. It is 603. We are now going to call our budget adoption meeting to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Mayor Gaskins. Here. Vice Mayor Bagley. Here. Councilman Geary. Here. Councilman Chapman. Here. Councilman Al Nuby. Here. Councilwoman Green. Here. Okay.

With that, we are going to get started and dive right in. Madam Clerk, next item.

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain Section five-eight-ninety three, parking meters, hours, and days of operation, maximum time limit rates okay councilman Aguirre

madam mayor I move to disapprove the ordinance to add Sunday parking meter operations

is there a second there has been a motion by councilman Aguirre and a second by councilman Chapman Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote. Please call the roll.

-Councilman Aguirre. -Aye. -Councilman Chapman. -Aye. -Mayor Gaskins. -Aye. -Vice Mayor Bagley. -Aye. -Councilman Alnuby. -Aye. -Councilwoman Green.

-Aye. -Great. The motion passes. Madam Clerk, next item.

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance on the proposed real and personal property tax rates and proposed effective tax rate increase for calendar year 2026, fiscal year 2027.

Okay. Vice Mayor Bagley.

Alright. Hang in there with people. Madam Mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance to set the city's calendar year 2026 blended real property tax rate at $1.13 on each $100 of assessed value. This rate reflects no change from calendar year 2025. The calendar year 2026 real property tax rate contains the following: the sum of 2.2¢ on each 2.2¢ on each $100 of assessed value of the $1.1315 real property tax rate will be collected and reserved for the Transportation Improvement Fund.

The sum of 1¢ on each $100 of assessed value of the $1 and 13 and 1 half cents real property tax rate will be dedicated for affordable housing purposes beginning on 07/01/2026. The sum of 20¢ on each $100 of assessed value to be levied on all real property located in the Tier 1 Potomac Yard Metro Rail Station Special Services District. This rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025. The total blended real property tax rate for the city in calendar year 2026 will be 1.13 and 1 half cents. The calendar year 2026 personal property tax rates contain the following: the sum of $5.33 on each $100 of assessed value of vehicle personal property this rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025 the sum of $4.75 on each $100 of assessed value of tangible business personal property this rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025 The sum of 4.5 on each $100 of assessed value of machinery and tools personal property.

This rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025. The sum of $4.5 on each $100 of assessed value on automobiles, trucks, trailers, and semi trailers with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more, which are used to transport property for hire by a motor carrier engaged in interstate commerce and are owned or held by residents or citizens of the city. This rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025. The sum of $3.55 on each a $100 of assessed value on all automobiles and trucks, which are equipped with specially designed equipment for use by the handicapped and are owned or held by residents or citizens of the city. This rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025.

The sum of 1¢ on each $100 of assessed value would be levied on all privately owned pledger boats and watercraft, which are used for recreational purposes only and are owned or held by residents or citizens of the city. This rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025. The sum of 1.13 on each $100 of assessed value to be levied on mobile homes. This rate remains unchanged from calendar year 2025.

Second. Okay. There has I won't

repeat all of it. I'll just say, there has been a motion and a second to approve item three. Madam clerk, this is a roll call vote. Please call the roll.

Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilwoman Green. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Councilman Accuray. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Aye. Councilman Al Nubey.

Aye.

All right. Madam Clerk, next item.

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain section three dash two dash three five four of article s payment contest and enforcement of parking citations.

Okay. Councilman Aguirre.

Madam mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance sentencing the penalty for parking violation in the city code outlined in the docket memo to $55

Okay. Is there a second? Second. All right. There has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman Al Nube. Madam Clerk, this is a roll call, though. Please call the roll.

Aye. Councilman Al Nube. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilman Chapman.

Aye.

Councilwoman Green. Aye. Okay, Madam Clerk, next item. Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain section five dash six dash two three three storm water utility fee.

I promise there are other people who will read these, but I just realized it's a back and forth. Vice mayor Sarah Bagley.

Alright. Madam mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance to increase the storm water utility fee as set forth in the storm water utility ordinance.

Second.

Alright. There has been a motion by vice mayor Bagley and a second by councilman Chapman. Madam clerk, this is a roll call vote. Please call the roll.

Vice mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Councilman Aguirre. Aye. Councilman Al Newby. Aye. Councilwoman Green.

Aye. Madam Clerk, next item.

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend section four-two-twenty one, changes in the Virginia statewide fire prevention code.

Councilwoman Greene.

Madam Mayor, I move final passage of an ordinance to increase the fire prevention permit initial inspection fee and the fire protection and detection testing and retesting fee as set forth in the ordinance.

Second.

All right. There has been a motion by Councilman Green and a second by Councilman Chapman. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilwoman Green. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilman Aguirre.

Aye. Councilman El Nube. Aye. The ayes have it. Madam Clerk, next item.

Second reading and final passage of an ordinance to amend and reordain section nine dash one dash 71.1 financial services of article c non regulatory licenses.

Oh, sorry. Councilman Alnueve.

Madam Mayor moved the final passage of an ordinance to increase the business professional and occupational license, people tax rate for the financial services businesses as set forth in the ordinance.

Been a motion by Councilman Al Nube and a second by Councilman Aguirre. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilman Al Nube. Aye. Councilman Aguirre. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Vice Mayor Bagley.

Aye.

Councilman Chapman? Aye. Councilwoman Green?

Aye. Okay. We will now we've completed the ordinances, so we'll keep going, and now we'll move into resolutions. Madam Clerk, next item.

Consideration of a resolution to adopt fee changes for the office of Historic Alexandria for FY 2027. Councilman Aguirre.

Madam Mayor, move that we adopt the resolution to update the office of Historic Alexandria's fee schedule for FY 2027 as set forth in the resolution.

Okay. Is there a second? There has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman Al Nube. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilman Aguirre. Aye. Councilman Al Nube.

Aye.

Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Councilwoman Green?

Aye. Madam Clerk, next item.

Consideration of a resolution to adopt a Department of Planning and Zoning fee increase for development and historic preservation fees under the Department of Planning and Zoning's FY 2027 fee schedule.

Councilwoman Greene. Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the resolution amending the Department of Planning and Zoning's FY 2027 fee schedule to increase development and historic preservation fees and to establish a new historic preservation fee for minor sign amendments as set forth in the resolution.

Okay. Is there a second? Second. Madam Clerk, there has been a motion by Councilwoman Green and a second by Vice Mayor Bagley. Please call the roll.

Councilwoman Green. Aye. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Councilman Aguirre? Aye. Councilman Chapman? Aye. Councilman L. Newby? Aye.

Okay, Madam Clerk, next item.

Consideration of a resolution to adopt fee changes to increase cost recovery for the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Programs for FY 2027.

Okay. Councilman Al Nubey.

Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the resolution to establish and to increase fee rates for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Programs for the FY 2027 as set forth in the resolution.

Second. Okay. There has been a motion by Councilman Al Nube and a second by Councilwoman Green. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilman Al Nube. Aye. Councilwoman Green. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilman Aguirre. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Aye.

Okay, Madam Clerk, next item.

Consideration of a resolution to increase the parking meter and pay by phone rates. All right. Councilman Alnewby.

Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the resolution to increase the parking meter and pay by phone rates for FY 2027 as set forth in the resolution.

There has been a motion by Councilman Al Nubey. Is there a second?

Second.

And a second by Vice Mayor Bagley. Madam Clerk, this is a roll call vote. Please call the roll.

Councilman Al Nubey. Aye. Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Councilman Aguirre. Aye. Councilman Chapman.

Aye.

Councilwoman Green. Aye. The ayes have it. Before we move to item 12, I need to give two of my colleagues space to read disclosure statements. I'm going to start with Councilman Chapman, and then I'll go to Councilman Alnuby.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Due to my ownership of Mani Mission Tour Company and its membership in Visit Alexandria, I have a personal interest in the approval of the FY 2027 annual operating budget because it includes funding for Visit Alexandria. However, after discussing the matter with the city attorney, I have determined that I am able to participate in and vote on this docket item due to an applicable legal exception, which allows members of a business, profession, occupation, or a group of three or more persons, the members of which are affected by the transaction, to participate in the transaction despite having a personal interest.

Thank Councilor.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Madam Mayor, due to my employment with WMATA, I have a personal interest in of the FY 2027 annual operating budget because it includes funding for WMATA. However, after discussing the matter with the city attorney, I have determined that I am able to participate in and vote on the docket item due to an applicable legal exception which allows members of a business profession occupation or group of three or more persons, the members of which are affected by the transaction, to participate in the transaction despite having a personal interest.

Thank you, Councilman O'Noobie. Madam Clerk, can you please call the final item?

Consideration of the proposed annual operating budget for FY 2027, including schools, and the proposed capital improvement program for FY 2027 to FY 2036, including school CIP and adoption of a resolution.

Okay. Vice Mayor Bagley.

Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt the budget resolution, which includes an annual general fund operating budget for FY 2027 of $979,063,681 and the FY 2027 to FY 2036 capital improvement program of $2,020,217,368 in total, including $244,556,708 in total for FY 2027.

Is there a second? Second. Alright, there has been a motion by Vice Mayor Bagley and a second by Councilman Al Nube. Given that this is our final action and the official approval of the budget, I want to invite my colleagues to use this time and space for discussion if you have comments on the budget. Is there anyone who would like to begin?

Or you don't have to give don't have to Councilman Alnoufi.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. So before we approve the budget, I want to express my deep gratitude for our city manager, for our city staff, for your hard work and creativity that gave us a balanced budget, one that preserved the critical services and support without a property tax increase, even as we faced a slowing even as we faced slowing revenue growth. You all put in many months of work behind the scenes that the public doesn't get to see, and the results speak for themselves. Tonight,

we are

adopting a budget that funds the services our community relies on and reflects our values. The budget aims to improve quality of life for our residents and provide support for those who need it most. From funding our schools, which is one of the again largest line item in the budget and the biggest share of the new spending, to expanding transit and rental assistance, to a more inclusive after school program, to looking at long term efficiencies through a jail study, to economic development, affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure, and more. I thank staff for being so consistently available, especially during Ad Delete, and answering our questions and helping as I was putting my athletes together. I appreciate the flexibility on the Sunday parking and how staff quickly shifted in response to council's direction.

To our department heads, department staff, and partners who found efficiencies and worked within the city manager's guidance, thank you. Your professionalism and your responsible approach are exactly what build a fiscally strong and more sustainable city. Our job as councils to be stewards of the whole city's fiscal health. And that sometimes means hard conversations and decisions that not every partner always welcomes. That isn't a lack of commitment to the services they provide.

Actually, it reflects exactly that commitment. And my door will remain open to anyone ready to work with us in good faith. I thank my colleagues on the collaboration that went in during Ad Delete. I think a lot of the public don't see all the phone calls and the missed calls and the phone tags and the emails going back and forth as we try to put together the Ad Deletes. I also thank all the advocates that came and made the voices heard. That also helped us put together a good budget. With that, Madam Mayor, I thank you, and I yield mine.

Okay. Thank you, Councilman Alnuby. Are there other comments? Vice Mayor Bagley. Sure.

I won't repeat all the thank yous, but know that I joined my colleague and the thank yous to staff who provide support year round that lead into, I think, lots of the budget questions that you only see asked in the budget process, but there are questions being asked year round. One area that I didn't hear my colleague mention that I want to lift up is our boards and commissions as well, who also provided a lot of really valuable feedback in our budget process. And I thank all of them for their service on those boards and commissions, our budget advisory commission, who brought us a lot of questions. I also just wanted to highlight and encourage the continued use of three eleven in our community. It has a really profound impact actually on the budget process because three eleven pulls together what are the things people are really asking the most about, what are the things that people are having the most problems with.

And in this particular budget, it highlighted an area that I don't know that we would have been aware of in terms of a staffing challenge we were having that we addressed in this budget in terms of a compensation issue. So I wanna thank people who are using three eleven, encourage you to keep doing it, and know that it informs our budget books. We see in within our budget books, we see what goes up, what's gone down, response times, and so just wanted to use this moment to lift up three eleven. The last thing I want to just add and encourage my colleagues and everyone in the community who participated this time and who might not have is, I would really love for us to see this budget process become something more year round. And by that, what I mean is a conversation about what do we want to contribute in terms of taxes as a city?

What do we want to invest in moving forward? What sort of innovative funding techniques, like what we saw last night with the TIF proposal? We don't have to confine these conversations to the very intense two month period that we do the budget. And we can be having conversations from our advocates about the tax rate months from now before we start the next budget. We can be talking about things like Sunday parking.

I understand what happened here, and we pivoted at the end, but I hope it's a conversation that continues. Let's analyze moving forward what is turnover like on Sundays? What would be the long term impacts of evaluating that policy? And so I just like my colleague said, I'm continuing to open to conversation with the community, but I would love it if we had more checkpoint opportunities, perhaps at our town halls, you know, at just regular public hearings, to sort of hear from the community broadly on things like the tax rate. Alexandria was hardest hit, I think, in the country in terms of federal job loss and impacts, and yet we didn't have to raise taxes here.

And that's pretty significant an accomplishment, I think, for our staff. But we may not be so lucky next year. And so I'm hoping we can start a dialogue sooner and go into our next budget cycle with some feedback and with an active dialogue about how we want to think about taxing and spending in our community. But thank you to my colleagues. This was a really, I think, collaborative and productive process.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Bagley. Councilman Chapman.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. And first, of course, kudos to our amazing staff that continues to work with us and members of the community to not only talk about the work that they do and why it's important to fund it, but how do we creatively fund it, how do we creatively look at it as the economics change in our region? I appreciate certainly our communications staff and how they've communicated the budget and asked for individuals and organizations within our community to provide their perspective and feedback into the budget process and the budget outcomes that we discuss as we move towards providing a good budget. Thank you to the city manager and senior leadership for bringing us another good budget. I certainly appreciate that a tax rate increase was not necessarily recommended.

But I do see things a little bit differently around celebrating no tax increase. I think with the opportunities that we've looked at, I think over the past couple of years as we've not raised property taxes, we've raised a lot of fees. And I think that should go understated. There are going to be segments of our community that are going to find what they do, their regular business that they've done with the city, a little bit less affordable because we've changed those fees directly for the purposes of trying to fill holes in our budget. I don't think that's sustainable.

I've said that in the past. I'll continue to say that. And hopefully, counsel gets to a place in our discussions when we are looking at programs and services and making sure there is a sustainable amount of money that is going to fund that. In the past few budgets, we've looked at some different opportunities that aren't necessarily sustainable, and I think we know that. But we need to be very honest and frank with the community about addressing that.

And so as we look forward to the next few years of budgets, I think we need to continue to talk. And I would agree with the vice mayor not just talking to folks about how we fund the government during budget season, but talking to folks around year round or even after our budget retreat in the fall about how we do that. And what does sustainable funding look like in this community in a way that we can try to make it remain or try to compete with affordability? And I do think we probably need to take another look at kind of our add delete process and what that is. A number of years ago, I was on a task force with Councilman Smedberg around modernizing our budget and what that would look like.

I certainly think we could take another stab at that, particularly around the add and delete process. We've modernized it to allow additional input from the community and hopefully helping the community understand some of these quote unquote, last minute changes that we make. But I think more work can be done in that vein. I do think also counsel can definitely make it a little bit more public around, as my colleague, Councilman Al Nubey said, probably has a different level of transparency around the different opportunities of add deletes that come out. For example, there was even though that was reported there wasn't, there was a potential add and delete for funding of schools.

It did not get the necessary support, but it wasn't that no one on council put up an add delete, a potential add delete for that. And so maybe there is a level of transparency that needs to be addressed around what is making the cut, what is not making the cut as well. And so I think there are still some things in our process that we can take a look at. But I think the one thing that I have no problem don't even have to worry about looking at is the quality of work that our staff do in bringing this budget together, Whether it's at the department level, whether it's at the senior leadership level, I continue to be pleased around the decisions our staff are making at how do we get to the type of budget that council has kind of laid out. And so I appreciate the work that has been done by our staff and by the community and the engagement you've done with council.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Chapman. Councilwoman Greene.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. And again, thank you so much to our city manager who works extremely hard each and every day for our city. And you are well appreciated, particularly in the budget season. And to our amazing budget staff, our team, the best in the business, we thank you. It gets better and better each and every year. And this was a difficult budget year, I think a little bit more difficult than last year, at least for me. But we always end up with a solid outcome. And that speaks highly to our staff. So I thank you for that. I thank you to my colleagues for your collaboration.

We all were able to add something that we are passionate about and that truly is amazing in tough budget times. So I'm appreciative of that. And to the residents. Our residents, you come through. You work hard. You probably dissect the budget just as much as we do. We appreciate you for that. And we always welcome collaboration and communication, even when we're not in budget season. So I do offer that up to our residents as well. So just thank you for the entire process.

I really enjoy budget season. Not so much the extra meetings, but just the fact that it's truly the meat and potatoes of what we do as a city council. It's where you learn the ins and outs of everything that goes on in our city to be able to move our city forward. So thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman Green. Councilman Aguirre.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Excuse me. The nice thing about going semi last is that most everything's already been said. But again, I do want to echo the thanks and gratitude to OMB, Director Rout, but also all of the folks in all the other departments within the city that are working on the budget. And as the vice mayor was saying, oh, maybe we could start a little bit earlier six months out.

Well, know OMB is going to get started in a week or two. But yeah, it was definitely a difficult budget year. I appreciate the city manager greatly for bringing this forward and still having some room for the council to make some priority adjustments. And I think when I first ran for council, I ran on a platform of housing, education, and health. And I feel that we were definitely addressing those three priorities housing with the additional funding that we put into rental assistance to make sure that people stay in their homes and stay here in Alexandria Education we asked all of our departments to take a 1% cut except for ACPS.

And then on top of that, we gave them pretty much all of the growth that we were getting as a city. So we were definitely showing that we still prioritize education as it's the largest portion of our budget. Health thank you to Councilman Green for Healthy Homes ads. So we're definitely not only trying to keep people in their home, but make sure that they're healthy when they're in their homes and that they can live with some pride within their homes. Communication and engagement I think about what we're doing with RPCA and Secret Shoppers in different languages, so making sure that we're really trying to engage the community as much as possible and getting as much feedback that we can so that we can improve things as we move forward.

Staff retention, I think the vice mayor mentioned this one. We didn't know about a hole, and now we're filling that. And then also, through some of the conversations around rental assistance, speaking with Director Garvey, we see maybe we could do a little bit more work downstream. And I think that's a conversation that we could start for next year's budget, not tomorrow, but maybe in a week or two. And then with transportation, that's another big priority for me. And the fact that we're able to not only maintain service but expand service on DASH is very, very important. And so the fact that even though it was a rough, difficult budget, we're still able to find some really great actions that we've been able to take that will benefit the entire community. So kudos all around, and thank you to everyone once again.

Thank you, Councilman Aguirre. Okay. I guess what I would say, as I've been reflecting on this budget, I'll take us back to the fall. Last fall, we started a new series at the start of every one of our council meetings, the state of the economy. And I asked the manager specifically to start giving those updates, because I think every one of us could see that every time you turned on the news, every time you opened Alex Now or Alex Times or any other publication, that there was some other big headline about what was happening nationally, locally, or across the region.

And so as a council, I think we started then beginning to understand that this was going to be a difficult context in which we were preparing a budget. And we were faced with, how do you continue to invest in all of the things that have been named up here that are critically important to our community while maintaining the affordability of our city? And I think that despite all of those tough choices, I'm proud to be a part of a council where we didn't shy away from asking tough questions and really trying to figure out how do we balance those important needs, how do we keep investing in the prosperity of our city, How do we make sure that our investments are aligned with our priorities and protecting and supporting the most vulnerable of our residents who may not come to every meeting and conversation, but whose needs, whose perspectives, and whose potential are so important to the city that we are? And so I'm really proud of the budget that we have. I'm proud of the way that we approached it.

I think it's been said here. It was tough this year, and it's probably going to be tough next year. But I think we've shown that as a community, we can wrestle with those tough choices. And we can produce something that will benefit everyone in this community. I will echo what folks said about the gratitude and appreciation for staff. I do want to say a few names, because this is a lot of work. And sometimes we only see these people during budget time. But as has been said, they're working year round. So first, to the manager, thank you for your leadership and stewardship of this budget. It is a lot to balance, not only the community's priorities, the department needs, but also the vision of seven different council six different council members.

And so thank you for your patience with this process, but your leadership and stewardship throughout it. Two people who I don't think always get recognized in the budget process, I want to recognize Madam Clerk and Madam City Attorney. I know we threw a lot of things your way. Everything that is put here has to be it has to go through legal review. It has to be recorded in an appropriate way. It has to be stored and documented. And just thank you for your time, your patience, and your commitment to this process as well. To our budget staff, to Morgan, Amanda, Art, I see many other leaders on the team, thank you. I'm sure you probably approach every budget season thinking you've seen it all, and then we give you something new. And so I thank you for your guidance throughout this.

I thank you, first and foremost, from your vision, because we wouldn't have a budget to react to if it wasn't for the time and commitment that you put in to get us to this point and to work so closely to understand each and every one of our departments. And so we appreciate the thankless nights. We forgive you for all the pizza. Next year, hopefully, we'll get something else on the menu. But it's really great to have such an awesome team to work with.

To all of the department heads and our deputy city managers who are here and in the audience now, we don't get to this point without the engagement that you have with every single person on your team. It is because of your passion for our city, but also your recognition that even though we do a lot of things well, we can constantly do things better, that we are finding ways to produce budgets that invest in things that you know are necessary for our community to thrive. And so I thank you. I know it is not an easy process. And I know there's a lot of negotiation.

And there's also probably a lot of frustration. But I hope you know that we are committed to finding ways to invest in you, in the people that you represent and that you serve, and in the teams that you lead, because we know how important your work is. And so we're going to keep having these tough conversations so that we can continue to invest and that the conversation doesn't always have to be, what are we cutting or what are we taking away? Because I think all of us recognize you're doing a lot more with less. And we're grateful. We appreciate it. And I hope you feel valued, not just during budget season, but all year round. And lastly, I would just end with, to the community, I echo what my colleague said. This should be conversations we're having every single day. At the end of the day, this is the most important thing we do.

We can't do the big ideas. We can't invest in your vision if we don't have the resources to do it. And so let's give Morgan and the team a couple weeks off. I don't know. I don't know. I'll look at the manager, see if he'll approve that. But we'll give you guys a little bit of time. And then I sincerely hope that folks will start reaching out to us with how we should engage in these conversations, how we start now, how we start to think about if we're going to engage in new processes or we're going to make changes, how do we do the legwork and research to do that. So thank you all. With that, there has been a motion and a second.

And if I remember correctly, it was Vice Mayor Bagley and Councilman Al Nube. And so Madam it was I don't even remember. It was you. We're going to give you we're going give you that one. And I'm going to ask for Madam Clerk to please call the roll.

Vice Mayor Bagley. Aye. Councilman Elmnewbie. Aye. Mayor Gaskins. Aye. Councilman Aguirre. Aye. Councilman Chapman. Councilwoman Green.

Aye. The ayes have it. And with that, we have officially adopted our FY twenty seven budget and capital improvement program. Is there a motion to adjourn? So moved. Second. There has been a motion by Vice Mayor Bagley and a second by Councilman Green to adjourn tonight's meeting. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? All right, the ayes have it. Meeting adjourned.

To every city department for a variety of service and information requests. From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more. Alex 311, connecting you to city services.

I show respect to people by considering their feelings.

I show respect to others by considering their unique opinions.

I respect my friend Cooper because we both have respect for each other and I trust him a lot.

I respect my dad because he's really nice and successful.

I respect my friends because because they got my back at all times.

I respect others by being kind.

Someone I respect is my mother because throughout all my hiccups, you know, she was still there to make sure that I came up front, you know, to try and accomplish everything that I wanted to do.

I respect my friend Blake for being such an honest and caring man.

I respect my friend Cesar because he always tries his best for his family.

I show respect by being polite to others.

I show respect to my parents because they provide for me.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

I show respect by listening to others when

they need it. The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Everyone's so supportive that detectives are like, if there's anything you need, help writing a search warrant. You wanna learn how to do something new, reach out to me. I'll help you do it. Transition.

Pause. Good.

I'm a midnights officer, so I I am on patrol. I've worked my own cases. I've learned a lot, a lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity. I feel supported in this department by not only, like, my shift peers, but by my sergeants. And any time where I'm going through a difficult situation, whether it's at home or on a case, they've always been very eager to help me. So I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never saying bad things to myself.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on

the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety? The answer is through the city's budget. This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating. The city's budget has two main parts. The operating budget covers everyday expenses like like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

The capital improvement plan focuses on larger long term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields. Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual city council budget retreat. Here, they project the city's income and expenses including things like property taxes and personnel costs. Next, city council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget. Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider. The community also plays a big role. Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring. After gathering input, city council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments. This process is called add delete, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds.

In April, the final budget is approved, setting the tax rates and city spending for the upcoming year. The new budget goes into effect on July 1, keeping Alexandria moving forward. And that's how Alexandria creates and manages its budget to support the services we rely on every day. For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit alexandriava.gov/budget.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as treating everyone with positive regard no matter their opinions, their race, their culture.

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

I define respect as treating someone the way you wanna be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities.

And I think respect means, like, you won't be,

like, stick with somebody through thick and thin.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

I define respect as caring for the people in place around you and treating people the way you wanna be treated.

Welcome to the heart of Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall. I'm Dan Lee, and today, I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site. City Hall was built on this site designated for a market and town hall when Alexandria was founded back in 1749. From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life. The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today designed by Adolphe Cluse.

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect Benjamin h Latrobe from 1817. Over the years, city hall has evolved, which housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police and fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government. Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, home to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history. And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come. After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout city hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

The city hall renovation project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well. If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit alexandriava.gov/cityhall.

Something that is important to me is my family.

My mom's way apart because she supports me.

My family's important to me because they help

me through times when I'm down.

I care about my friends and family because they're there when I need them to be.

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always, cool to talk to. Football is important to

me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never saying bad things to myself.

I

can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always treating myself nice.

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac. I do like it and when I just can fall asleep at the right time, it's a great help, really. My

religion is really important to me because it keeps me happy and it keeps me grounded.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Part of the city hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the Old Town Farmers Market. The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street as well as Tavern Square or Yard. There's no way a customer could miss where the market is gonna be located. Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last two hundred and seventy years. What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there. We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the Courthouse Garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street. So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square. We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers Market, but the vendors themselves. We wanna make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

Substance abuse creates a dangerous school environment for the kids at our school.

Substance use impacts our school environment because it creates a unsafe and unwelcoming learning environment here.

Substance abuse negatively impacts the health and safety of my community.

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on

the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance use affects our community by having bad work turned in late.

Substance abuse affects my school community because it gives bad habits to school students. Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

The city of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways. The Alex three one one mobile app and website allow you to attach photos and specify the location of service requests. Call 311 from anywhere in Alexandria or submit requests on Facebook, Twitter, and in person. When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and a request to track progress on the mobile app or website. City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex three one one and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous. We will be professional by delivering competent and high quality service even under pressure. We will be accountable by providing accurate and reliable information, keeping you informed and honoring our service commitments. We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time. And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

Alex three one one connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests. From streets and sidewalk to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more. Alex three one one, connecting you to city services.

I show respect to people by considering their feelings.

I show respect to others by considering their unique opinions.

I respect my friend Cooper because we both have respect for each other, and I trust him a lot.

I respect my dad because he's really nice and successful.

I respect my friends because because they got my back at all times.

I respect others by being kind.

Someone I respect is my mother because throughout my hiccups, you know, she was still there to make sure that I came up front, you know, to try and accomplish everything that I wanted to do.

I respect my friend Blake for being such an honest and caring caring man.

I respect my friend Cesar because he always tries his best for his family.

I show respect by being polite to others.

I show respect to my parents because they provide

for me.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

I show respect by listening to others when they need it.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Everyone's so supportive that detectives are like, if there's anything you need, help writing a search warrant. You wanna learn how to do something new, reach out to me. I'll help you do it.

Transition. Pause. Good.

I'm a midnights officer, so I I am on patrol. I've worked my own cases. I've learned a lot, a lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity. I feel supported in this department by not only, like, my shift peers, but by my sergeants. And any time where I going through a difficult situation, whether it's at home or on a case, they've always been very eager to help me. So I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never saying bad things to myself.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on

the goals you for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety? The answer is through the city's budget. This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating. The city's budget has two main parts. The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

The capital improvement plan focuses on larger long term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields. Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual city council budget retreat. Here, they project the city's income and expenses including things like property taxes and personnel costs. Next, city council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget. Budget.

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities. After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider. The community also plays a big role. Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring. After gathering input, city council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

This process is called add delete, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds. In April, the final budget is approved, setting the tax rates and city spending for the upcoming year. The new budget goes into effect on July 1, keeping Alexandria moving forward. And that's how Alexandria creates and manages its budget to support the services we rely on every day. For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit alexandria v a dot gov slash budget.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as treating everyone with positive regard no matter their opinions, their race, their culture.

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

I define respect as treating someone the way you wanna be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities.

And I think respect means like you won't be

like stick with somebody through thick and thin.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I define respect as taking into consideration others feelings and emotions.

Respect to me means showing kindness to others. Respect means to

me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you wanna be treated.

Welcome to the heart of Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall. I'm Dan Lee, and today, I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site. City Hall was built on this site designated for a market and Town Hall when Alexandria was founded back in 1749. From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life. The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today designed by Adolphe Cluse.

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect Benjamin h Latrobe from 1817. Over the years, City Hall has evolved, once housing everything from a Masonic lodge to Buisa fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government. Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, home to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history. And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come. After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

The city hall renovation project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well. If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit alexandriava.gov/cityhall.

Something that is important to me is my family.

My mom's way apart because she supports me.

My family's important to me because they help

me through times when I'm down.

I care about my friends and family because they're there when I need them to be.

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always cool to talk to.

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never, saying bad things to myself.

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of, you know, treating myself nice.

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac. I do like it and when I just can fall asleep, like, at the right time, it's a great help, really.

My religion is really important to me because

it keeps me happy and it keeps me grounded.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Part of the city hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the Old Town Farmers Market. The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street as well as Tavern Square or Yard. There's no way a customer could miss where the market is gonna be located. Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last two hundred and seventy years. What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there. We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, well as on the street. So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square. We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers Market, but the vendors themselves. We wanna make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

Substance abuse creates a dangerous school environment for the kids at our school.

Substance use impacts our school environment because it creates a unsafe and unwelcoming learning environment here.

Substance abuse negatively impacts the health and safety of my community.

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on

the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse affects our community by having bad work turned in late.

Substance abuse affects my school community because it gives bad habits to school students. Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

The city of Alexandria provides 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways. The Alex 311 mobile app and website allow you to attach photos and specify the location of service requests. Call 311 from anywhere in Alexandria or submit requests on Facebook, Twitter, and in person. When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and the request number to track progress on the mobile app or website. City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex three one one and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous. We will be professional by delivering competent and high quality service even under pressure. We will be accountable by providing accurate and reliable information, keeping you informed and honoring our service commitments. We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficient to get it right the first time. And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

Alex three 11 connects you to every city department for variety of service and information requests. From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more. Alex three 11, connecting you to city services.

I show respect to people by considering their feelings.

I show respect to others by considering their unique opinions.

I respect my friend Cooper because we both have respect for each other and I trust him a lot.

I respect my dad because he's really nice and successful.

I respect my friends because because they got my back at all times.

I respect others by being kind.

Someone I respect is my mother because throughout my hiccups, you know, she was still there to make sure that I came up in front, you know, to try and accomplish everything that I wanted to do.

I respect my friend Blake for being such an honest and caring man.

I respect my friend Cesar because he always tries his best for his family.

I show respect by being polite to others. I show respect to my parents because they provide

for me. I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

I show respect by listening to others when they need it.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Everyone's so supportive that detectives are like, if there's anything you need help writing a search warrant, you wanna learn how to do something new, reach out to me. I'll help you do it.

Transition. Pause. Good.

I'm a midnights officer, so I I am on patrol. I've worked my own cases. I've learned a lot, a lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity. I feel supported in this department by not only, like, my shift peers, but by my sergeants. And any time where I'm going through a difficult situation, whether it's at home or on a case, they've always been very eager to help me, so I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never, saying bad things to myself.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety? The answer is through the city's budget. This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating. The city's budget has two main parts. The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

The capital improvement plan focuses on larger long term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields. Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual city council budget retreat. Here, they project the city's income and expenses including things like property taxes and personnel costs. Next, city council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget. Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider. The community also plays a big role. Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring. After gathering input, city council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments. This process is called add delete, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds.

In April, the final budget is approved, setting the tax rates and city spending for the upcoming year. The new budget goes into effect on July 1, keeping Alexandria moving forward. And that's how Alexandria creates and manages its budget to support the services we rely on every day. For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit alexandriava.gov/budget.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as treating everyone with positive regard no matter their opinions, their race, their culture.

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

I define respect as treating someone the way you wanna be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities.

And I think respect means, like, you won't be,

like, stick with somebody through thick and thin.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I define respect as taking into consideration others' feelings and emotions.

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you wanna be treated.

Welcome to the heart of the Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall. I'm Dan Lee, and today, I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site. City Hall was built on this site designated for a market and town hall when Alexandria was founded back in 1749. From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life. The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today designed by Adolphe Cluse.

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect Benjamin h Latrobe from 1817. Over the years, City Hall has evolved, once housing everything from a Masonic lodge to police and fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government. Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, come to farmer's markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history. And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come. After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout city hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

The city hall renovation project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well. If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit alexandriava.gov/cityhall.

Something that is important to me is my family.

My mom's way apart because she supports me.

My family's important to me because they help

me through times when I'm down.

I care about my friends and family because they're there when I need them to be.

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always cool to talk to.

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never, saying bad things to myself.

I can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of, you know, treating myself nice.

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac. I do like it, and when I just can fall asleep, like, at the right time. It's a great help, really.

My religion is really important to me because it keeps

me happy and it keeps me grounded.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a non profit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Part of the city hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the Old Town Farmers Market. The 100 block of North Royal Street from Street to Cameron Street as well as Tavern Square or Yard. There's no way a customer could miss where the market is gonna be located. Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last two seventy years. What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there. We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street. So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, all the streets surrounding Tavern Square. We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the Farmer's market, but the vendors themselves. We wanna make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

Substance abuse creates a dangerous school environment for the kids at our school.

Substance use impacts our school environment because it creates a unsafe and unwelcoming learning environment here.

Substance abuse negatively impacts the health and safety of my community.

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on

the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

Substance abuse affects, my school community because it gives bad habits to school students. Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

The city of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways. The Alex three one one mobile app and website allow you to attach photos and specify the location of service requests. Call 311 from anywhere in Alexandria or submit requests on Facebook, Twitter, and in person. When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and the request number to track progress on the mobile app or website. City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex three one one and how well we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous. We will be professional by delivering competent and high quality service even under pressure. We will be accountable by providing accurate and reliable information, keeping you informed and honoring our service commitments. We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it the first time. And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

Alex 311 connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests. From streets and sidewalks to refuse collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more. Alex 311, connecting you to city services.

I show respect to people by considering their feelings.

I show respect to others by considering their unique opinions.

I respect my friend Cooper because we both have respect for each other, and I trust him a lot.

I respect my dad because he's really nice and successful.

I respect my friends because because they got my back at all times.

I respect others by being kind.

Someone I respect is my mother because throughout my hiccups, you know, she was still there to make sure that I came up in front, you know, to try and accomplish everything that I wanted to do.

I respect my friend Blake for being such an honest and caring man.

I respect my friend Cesar because he always tries his best for his family.

I show respect by being polite to others.

I show respect to my parents because they provide for

me.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

I show respect by listening to others when

they need it. The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Everyone's so supportive that detectives are like, if there's anything you need help writing a search warrant, you wanna learn how to do something new, reach out to me. I'll help you do it.

Transition. Pause. Good.

I'm a midnights officer, so I I am on patrol. I've worked my own cases. I've learned a lot, a lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity. I feel supported in this department by not only, like, my shift peers, but by my sergeants. And any time where I'm going through a difficult situation, whether it's at home or on a case, they've always been very eager to help me. So I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never saying bad things to myself.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety? The answer is through the city's budget. This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating. The city's budget has two main parts. The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

The capital improvement plan focuses on larger long term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields. Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual city council budget retreat. Here, they project the city's income and expenses including things like property taxes and personnel costs. Next, city council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget. Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities.

After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider. The community also plays a big role. Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring. After gathering input, city council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments. This process is called add delete, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds.

In April, the final budget is approved, setting the tax rates and city spending for the upcoming year. The new budget goes into effect on July 1, keeping Alexandria moving forward. And that's how Alexandria creates and manages its budget to support the services we rely on every day. For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit alexandriava.gov/budget.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as treating everyone with positive regard no matter their opinions, their race, their culture.

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

I define respect as treating someone the way you wanna be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities.

And I think respect means, like,

you won't be, like, stick with somebody through thick and thin.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I define respect as taking into consideration others feelings and emotions.

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

I define respect as caring for the people and place around you and treating people the way you wanna be treated.

Welcome to the heart of Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall. I'm Dan Lee, and today, I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site. City Hall was built on this site designated for a market and town hall when Alexandria was founded back in 1749. From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life. The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today designed by Adolphe Cluse.

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect Benjamin h Latrobe from 1817. Over the years, City Hall has evolved, once housing everything from a Masonic Lodge to police and fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government. Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, home to farmer's markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history. And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come. After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout city hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security.

The city hall renovation project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well. If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit alexandriava.gov/cityhall.

Something that is important to me is my family.

My mom's way apart because she supports me.

My family's important to me because they help

me through times when I'm down.

I care about my friends and family because they're there when I need them to be.

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always, cool to talk to. Football is important to

me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never, saying bad things to myself.

I

can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of, you know, treating myself nice. One thing important to me is sleep coming from

an insomniac. I do like it and when I just can fall asleep, like, at the right time, it's a great help, really. My

religion is really important to me because it keeps

me happy and it keeps me grounded.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Part of the city hall renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the Old Town Farmers Market. The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street as well as Tavern Square or Yard. There's no way a customer could miss where the market is gonna be located. Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last two hundred and seventy years. What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there. We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street. So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square. We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers Market, but the vendors themselves. We wanna make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

Substance abuse creates a dangerous school environment for the kids at our school.

Substance use impacts our school environment because it creates an unsafe and unwelcoming learning environment here.

Substance abuse negatively impacts the health and safety of my community.

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse impacts our community by having bad work turned in late.

Substance abuse affects, my school community because it gives bad habits to school students. Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

The city of Alexandria provides Alex 311 to connect you to more than 175 city services in a variety of convenient ways. The Alex three one one mobile app and website allow you to attach photos and specify the location of service requests. Call 311 from anywhere in Alexandria or submit requests on Facebook, Twitter, and in person. When a service request is submitted, you'll receive an email including a summary of the details, an expected response date based on the request type, and a request number to track progress on the mobile app or website. City staff will provide the requested services or information whenever possible, and you will receive email updates along the way.

Once your request is closed, you will be asked to complete a survey to tell us about your experience using Alex three one one and how we fulfilled our commitment to being professional, accountable, responsive, and courteous. We will be professional by delivering competent and high quality service even under pressure. We will be accountable by providing accurate and reliable information, keeping you informed and honoring our service commitments. We will be responsive by prioritizing work appropriately and working efficiently to get it right the first time. And we will be courteous by communicating in a respectful and productive manner at each interaction.

Alex three one one connects you to every city department for a variety of service and information requests. From streets and sidewalks to collection, park maintenance, tree requests, and more. Alex three one one, connecting you to city services.

I show respect to people by considering their feelings.

I show respect to others by considering their unique opinions.

I respect my friend Cooper because we both have respect for each other and I trust him a lot.

I respect my dad because he's really nice and successful.

I respect my friends because because they got my back at all times.

I respect others by being kind.

Someone I respect is my mother because throughout my hiccups, you know, she was still there to make sure that I came up front, you know, to try and accomplish everything that I wanted to do.

Caring man.

I respect my friend Cesar because he always tries his best for his family.

I show respect by being polite to others.

I show respect to my parents because they provide for me.

I respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

I show respect by listening to others when they need it.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Everyone's so supportive that detectives are like, if there's anything you need help writing a search warrant, you wanna learn how to do something new, reach out to me. I'll help you do it.

Transition. Pause.

Good.

I'm a midnights officer, so I I am on patrol. I've worked my own cases. I've learned a lot, a lot more than I thought I would, and I'm actually really grateful for having the opportunity. I feel supported in this department by not only, like, my shift peers, but by my sergeants. And any time where I'm going through a difficult situation, whether it's at home or on a case, they've always been very eager to help me, so I felt like my voice was heard and valued.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I

respect my mom because she raised me to be the person I am today.

The person I respect is my grandfather because he came down with nothing, and he showed me how sacrifice can take you a long way.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Football is important to me because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never saying bad things to myself.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.

Substance abuse negatively impacts our school and our community because it can lead you down the wrong path and creates unhealthy habits.

Have you ever thought about how Alexandria funds services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety? The answer is through the city's budget. This allows the city to budget funding to keep city services operating. The city's budget has two main parts. The operating budget covers everyday expenses like employee salaries, supplies, and equipment.

The capital improvement plan focuses on larger long term projects like repairing streets, renovating buildings, and improvements to parks and fields. Every fall, city leaders begin the budget process by forecasting the year ahead at their annual city council budget retreat. Here, they project the city's income and expenses including things like property taxes and personnel costs. Next, city council gives guidance to the city manager on what should be prioritized in the budget. Budget.

Then city departments and city leaders work on proposals that align with those priorities. After this, the city manager releases the proposed budget and capital improvement program, a draft operating budget and ten year capital improvement program for the city council and the community to consider. The community also plays a big role. Residents can share their ideas and feedback at public hearings, meetings, and even through emails or social media starting in the spring. After gathering input, city council reviews the proposed budget and makes adjustments.

This process is called add delete, where changes are made based on city needs and available funds. In April, the final budget is approved, setting the tax rates and city spending for the upcoming year. The new budget goes into effect on July 1, keeping Alexandria moving forward. And that's how Alexandria creates and manages its budget to support the services we rely on every day. For more information on the city's budget and how you can get involved, visit alexandriava.gov/budget.

Respect is being kind and showing kindness to those who need it the most.

I define respect as treating everyone with positive regard no matter their opinions, their race, their culture.

Respect is treating people how they deserve to be treated.

I define respect as treating someone the way you want to be treated and allowing someone to do what they need to do.

I define respect as admiration towards someone's qualities.

And I think respect means like you won't be

like stick with somebody through thick and thin.

I define respect as acknowledging someone's boundaries and sticking to them.

I define respect as taking into consideration others feelings and emotions.

Respect to me means showing kindness to others.

Respect means to me being kind and fair to everyone in my community.

I define respect as caring for the people in place around you and treating people the way you wanna be treated.

Welcome to the heart of Alexandria, Market Square and City Hall. I'm Dan Lee, and today, I'd like to take you on a journey through the history of this remarkable site. City Hall was built on this site designated for a market and town hall Alexandria was founded back in 1749. From the very beginning, the space was designed to be a center of community life. The original building burned down in 1871, but it paved the way for this beautiful structure you see today designed by Adolf Klus.

The tower you see behind me is a reconstruction of a design by the famous architect Benjamin h Latrobe from 1817. Over the years, City Hall has evolved. Once housing everything from a Masonic lodge to police and fire stations, and now serves as the administrative hub for Alexandria's government. Market Square remains a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike, home to farmers markets, public events, and is a reflection of Alexandria's rich history. And now, City Hall is undergoing another transformation as we make much needed updates to better serve the community for generations to come.

After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, optimize space, and improve security. The city hall renovation project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve city staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors as well. If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit alexandriava.gov/cityhall.

Something that is important to me is my family.

My mom's way apart because she supports me.

My family's important to me because they help me

through times when I'm down.

I care about my friends and family because they're there when I need them to be.

My friends are important to me because they're very nice and always, cool to talk to. Football is important to

me

because it brings a lot of friendship and a brotherhood to each other.

I can show respect for myself by always maintaining a positive mindset and never, saying bad things to myself.

I

can show respect for myself by treating my body like a temple and just always kind of, you know, treating myself nice.

One thing important to me is sleep coming from an insomniac. I do like it and when I just can fall asleep, like, at the right time, it's a great help, really.

My religion is really important to me because

it keeps me happy and it keeps me grounded.

Something that is important to me is helping students who don't know English because I know how hard and challenging it is to learn a new language. Therefore, I am helping with a nonprofit to teach students who don't know English to learn.

Renovation is the renovation of Market Square, which holds the Old Town Farmers Market. The 100 block of North Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street as well as Tavern Square or Yard. There's no way a customer could miss where the market is gonna be located. Where they're going in the temporary market is directly adjacent to where they are now and have been for the last two hundred and seventy years. What they'll see is a different arrangement, but the same vendors.

Vendors. So vendors may be located in different spaces than they currently are, but they will be there. We will have parking available at Tavern Square as well as the courthouse garage, which is directly across the street, as well as on the street. So Pitt Street, Cameron Street, and all the streets surrounding Tavern Square. We're really looking out for not only the customers that frequent the farmers market, but the vendors themselves. We wanna make sure that we bring their customers, make sure their customers know where they are so they can continue to thrive and the market can continue to thrive.

Substance abuse creates a dangerous school environment for the kids at our school.

Substance use impacts our school environment because it creates a unsafe and unwelcoming learning environment here.

Substance abuse negatively impacts the health and safety of my community.

Substance abuse affects my school community by making my peers less focused on their grades and their schoolwork.

Substance abuse affects our school community by decreasing our school morale.

Substance abuse could make you fall short on

the goals you got for yourself.

Substance abuse can affect us or our school community by damaging our brains and just making us the person that we're not supposed to be.