City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: FATIMAH DANDASHI, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction of the Proposed Alexandria Legislative Package for the 2027 General Assembly Session
BODY
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ISSUE: Introduction of the proposed Alexandria City Legislative Package for the 2027 General Assembly Session.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Receive the proposal for the City’s 2027 Legislative Package (Attached); and
2. Schedule the Draft Legislative Package for public hearing and final adoption on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
BACKGROUND: Each year, the City of Alexandria produces its General Assembly Legislative Package. The goal of the package is to outline the City’s state legislative and budget priorities and communicate them to legislators, stakeholders, and the community. Because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, localities only have the authorities expressly granted to them by the legislature by state statute or in their charter. Localities in Virginia, including Alexandria, therefore frequently must request legislation to grant them authority to exercise specific powers they do not already have, and the legislative package each year reflects these requests.
The draft Package includes legislative proposals which originate from requests put forth by residents of the City through the Community Survey, and from City Council members, City staff, and City boards and commissions. Staff worked with Council members, City departments, and boards and commissions to develop and finalize the legislative and funding proposals included in the draft 2027 Legislative Package for Council consideration.
DISCUSSION: The draft 2027 Legislative Package outlines Alexandria’s policy goals and budgetary 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. Rather than approaching each issue addressed in the legislative package separately, the package is organized around a framework of five pillars which together strengthen the entire community:
1. Stewarding great places
2. Expanding economic opportunity
3. Strengthening effective local government
4. Promoting community well-being
5. Building long-term resilience
In addition to feedback received during the City Council’s Legislative Work Session with the City’s General Assembly Delegation and additional discussion when the package is presented at the City Council Meeting on November 10, the package will be posted publicly and will receive input from the community and stakeholders at the Public Hearing scheduled for November 14.
The 2027 General Assembly Session will be a short 45-day session beginning January 13 and expected to conclude on February 27, 2027. To assist the work of the City’s Legislative Director, Capitol Square Strategies has been contracted to provide consulting support on state legislative affairs and to represent the City at the General Assembly. The Legislative Director and City consultants will track and report regularly on the status of the City’s legislative priorities, as well as other legislative and budgetary areas of interest.
The City Council’s Legislative Subcommittee will meet each Friday once the session begins and continue through the Friday following the final day for bill introduction. The Subcommittee members will review pending legislation that may affect the City and receive input from City staff subject matter experts at each meeting. The Subcommittee will also make recommendations on updated or new positions on active legislation. The full City Council reviews recommendations and adopted positions are communicated to Alexandria’s General Assembly delegation for their consideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Attachment 1: Proposed 2027 Legislative Package
STAFF:
Fatimah Dandashi, Legislative Director, City Manager’s Office
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager, City Manager’s Office
Bonnie Brown, Deputy City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office
Mary Horner, Landlord-Tenant Relations Division Chief, Housing Department