City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 18, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HASHIM T. TAYLOR, DIRECTOR, RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration and Receipt of the RPCA 2026 Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery findings and Recommendations and Approval of Updated Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery Policy.
BODY
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ISSUE: Receipt of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities 2026 Resource Allocation findings and adoption of the 2026 updates to the RPCA Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive the Resource Allocation findings
2. Adopt the proposed Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery Policy (Attachment 1);
BACKGROUND: The Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery Policy serves as the City's primary framework for determining the appropriate balance between taxpayer support and user-generated revenue for recreation, parks, cultural, and community services.
The policy, first adopted in 2013 with a subsequent update in 2019, is grounded in a fundamental principle: public resources should be allocated in proportion to the community benefit generated by a program, service, or activity. Services that produce broad community benefits warrant higher levels of public subsidy, while activities that primarily benefit individual participants should recover a greater share of their costs through user fees or other revenue sources.
Over time, participation trends, community expectations, facility demands, and operational costs have evolved. To ensure the policy remains relevant and reflective of current community values, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities undertook a comprehensive review and community engagement process involving residents, stakeholders, the Park and Recreation Commission, and City staff. Community engagement included:
• From November 2024-January 2025, RPCA held 6 community meetings or focus groups and conducted an online survey of over 500 community members.
• From January - February 2026, RPCS solicited community feedback on the findings.
• On February 19, 2026, the Park & Recreation Commission held a public hearing on the findings and updated model.
The findings are the result of that effort and represent an updated understanding of how Alexandria residents believe public resources should be invested.
DISCUSSION: The proposed update is significantly consistent with the 2019 Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery Policy while reflecting some shifts in how residents perceive community and individual benefits associated with specific RPCA services:
1. Reclassification of Certain Program Categories
Community engagement findings indicate that several service categories provide greater community benefit than previously recognized and should therefore receive greater public investment. Conversely, some activities were identified as having a stronger individual benefit and may warrant higher cost recovery expectations.
Notable changes include:
• Community and citywide events moving to Tier 1, recognizing their broad public benefit.
• Recreation-level sports leagues remain in Tier 3, reflecting a balance of community and individual benefit.
• Competitive sports leagues and tournaments identified at Tier 4, reflecting a higher degree of individual benefit.
• Tenant licenses and leases for affiliate organizations moving from Tier 3 to Tier 4.
2. Reinforcement of Cost Recovery Expectations
The revised framework maintains the principle that services with greater individual benefit should recover a higher percentage of direct costs through fees. Current targets range from fully subsidized Tier 1 services to revenue-positive Tier 4 and Tier 5 services.
3. Continued Commitment to Financial Assistance
The proposed updates maintain the City's commitment to ensuring access regardless of income. Financial assistance programs remain available to Alexandria residents participating in eligible programs, helping to reduce barriers to participation while preserving fiscal responsibility.
Adopting an updated Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy represents an important opportunity to align City investments with community values while promoting fiscal sustainability. The revised framework reflects extensive public input and preserves the core principle that public resources should be allocated according to demonstrated community benefit. By adopting these updates and maintaining a commitment to transparency, equity, and accountability, the city can better position its recreation, parks, and cultural services to meet the needs of Alexandria residents in the years ahead.
FISCAL IMPACT: The updated Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy reduces the Department’s net impact on the City’s General Fund over time, while maximizing benefits to the community. The revised policy would be effective as of July 1, 2026, with any prospective changes to City Council adopted fees considered and approved through the FY 2028 and future budget processes.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Proposed Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy (2026 Update)
Attachment 2: Presentation
STAFF:
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager
Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Laura Durham, Deputy Director, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Faye Maslaki, Division Chief, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities