City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: DR. WENDY GINSBERG, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
DOCKET TITLE:
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Update on the 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session.
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ISSUE: Update on the 2026 Legislative Assembly Session.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve the proposed positions on bills impacting the City, as outlined in Attachment 1 and recommended by the Legislative Subcommittee (Mayor Gaskins and Councilman McPike) during its January 9, 23, and 30 meetings.
DISCUSSION: The 2026 General Assembly Session began on Wednesday, January 14. The 2026 Session is a “long” 60-day Session and will adjourn sine die on Saturday, March 14. Friday, January 16 was the last day to introduce bills and certain joint resolutions; Tuesday, February 17 is “Crossover,” the last day for each chamber to act on its own legislation, except budget bills; February 22 is the day when the Senate Finance and House Appropriations complete action on the budget bills; February 26 is the deadline for the chamber of origin to complete action on Budget Bills; March 4 is the last day to act on budget bills and appoint conferees; March 9 is the last day for committee action on remaining bills.
This year 584 bills have been reviewed by staff for potential impact to the City and based on their analysis, recommended positions were presented to the Legislative Subcommittee for consideration. Those bills are attached for your approval.
LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE: The 2026 Legislative Package (Attachment 2) outlines the City’s policy goals and funding requests for the upcoming General Assembly session. These priorities represent Alexandria’s main objectives for legislative advocacy and partnership with the Commonwealth, ensuring that local governments have the tools and flexibility needed to meet community needs and strengthen resilience across Virginia.
The bill list for review includes legislation involving issues of high priority to the city or where staff is working with our City Delegation and members of the General Assembly to advance statutory change. Examples include legislation strengthening voter access, improving energy efficiency, protecting marriage equality, advancing common-sense gun safety, expanding multimodal transportation options, and preserving and increasing affordable housing.
To date, the Legislative Subcommittee has reviewed legislation that supports the seven essential policy areas outlined in the 2026 Legislative Package:
• Address Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions
• Advance Housing Affordability and Economic Opportunity
• Rebuild Critical School Infrastructure
• Address Mental Health, Public Health and Safety, and Community Well-Being
• Advance Opportunity for All Alexandrians
• Strengthen Transit, Infrastructure, Resilience, and Clean Energy Transition
• Promote Civic Engagement and Election Integrity
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Recommended Positions on Bills of Impact to the City Discussed at the January 9, 23, and 30, 2026 Legislative Subcommittee Meeting
2. 2026 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
STAFF:
Dr. Wendy Ginsberg, Legislative Director, City Manager’s Office
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager, City Manager’s Office
Bonnie Brown, Deputy City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office