City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Acceptance of a $15,000 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Grant for Georgetown University’s Diversion in Youth Justice Certificate Program
ISSUE: Consideration of a $15,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to support Alexandria’s participation in Georgetown University’s Diversion in Youth Justice Certificate Program, November 17-20, 2026, followed by a yearlong capstone project.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Approve acceptance of a $15,000 DCJS grant to fund tuition for five members of Alexandria’s multidisciplinary team. In addition, five City employees will receive tuition assistance through the City’s Employee Educational Funding benefit; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary grant-related documents to accept and implement the grant.
BACKGROUND: In September 2026, Alexandria was invited to apply for Georgetown University’s Diversion in Youth Justice Certificate Program. Ten representatives from the City, courts, schools, law enforcement, and community organizations applied as a multidisciplinary team. On October 8, Alexandria was notified of its selection.
DISCUSSION: The program will help Alexandria strengthen coordination among youth-serving agencies and expand opportunities to connect young people with community-based support before arrest, court involvement, and throughout the diversion process. Participants will examine evidence-based diversion strategies, restorative practices, and successful models from across the country. Following the November training, the team will develop a yearlong, data-driven capstone project to improve Alexandria’s diversion practices, leverage existing community resources, and advance positive youth outcomes.
FISCAL IMPACT: The $15,000 DCJS grant will cover 100% of the tuition costs for five Alexandria team members, with no City matching funds required. Tuition for the five City employees will be supported through the City’s Employee Educational Funding benefit.
STAFF:
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager
Hashim Taylor, Director, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
Linda Odell, Crime Prevention Program Manager, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities