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: EMILY A. BAKER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER AND INTERIM DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Support a Grant Application for Regional Roadway Safety Program to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Resolution to submit an application for a Technical Assistance Grant to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve a Resolution to support the submission of a grant application for up to $100,000 in technical assistance from the Regional Roadway Safety Program (RRSP) to study safety improvements along Mt. Vernon Avenue between Braddock Road and West Glebe Road.
2. Authorize the City Manager to apply to the RRSP for Technical Assistance through MWCOG and enter into any agreements with MWCOG to accept and implement the grants.
BACKGROUND: MWCOG’s RRSP provides up to $100,000 in short-term consultant services for planning projects that address roadway safety issues and will lead to a reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes.
In 2017, the City adopted a Vision Zero Policy and developed an Action Plan with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2028. Additionally in 2017, the City conducted the Safe Routes to School Walk Audit around all existing elementary schools, including the Mt. Vernon Community School. In 2023, the City conducted walk audits around the remaining public schools, including George Washington Middle School. There have been several crashes in this area, as well as a high volume of resident concerns about safety. In 2024, the city received funding to construct median improvements on Commonwealth Avenue, which could be implemented as early as 2026 or 2027. However, improvements to Mt. Vernon Avenue have not yet been addressed.
DISCUSSION: The City proposes a request for Technical Assistance from the Regional Roadway Safety Program (RRSP) of up to $100,000 to study safety improvements along Mt. Vernon Avenue between Braddock Road and West Glebe Road. The project would include planning, conceptual design, and community outreach for corridor improvements on Mt. Vernon Avenue, including tactical improvements like painted curb extensions and medians, intersection daylighting, and assessing the possibility of a business district slow zone.
This project supports strategies in the Alexandria Mobility Plan and addresses MWCOG Transportation Planning Board’s priorities. This project is expected to lead to further project development in support of the City’s adopted goals. If approved, technical assistance would be awarded in Spring 2026, with the project expected to be conducted between Fall 2026 and June 2027. The deadline for applications is February 27, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT: This initiative has no fiscal impact, as RRSP projects do not require a local match, and these funds are not actually appropriated by the City. MWCOG staff will oversee procurement activities and collaborate with City staff to manage the project consultant. Upon completion of these studies, the City plans to utilize enhanced project readiness to implement recommendations via future competitive grant opportunities or existing Complete Streets - Vision Zero Capital Improvement Program funds. If the project is not awarded, the City will need to find alternative funding for these studies in the future or push these projects to future years.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution - Regional Roadway Safety Program
Attachment 2: Endorsement Letter
Attachment 3: Presentation
STAFF:
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director, Transportation Planning and Mobility, T&ES
Christopher Ziemann, Division Chief of Transportation Planning, T&ES
Alexandria Carroll, Complete Streets Program Manager, Transportation Planning, T&ES
Silas Sullivan, Complete Streets and Transit Planner, Transportation Planning, T&ES