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 the Transportation Land-Use Connections 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 Transportation Land-Use Connections (TLC) Program to identify gaps in the bicycle network and develop concept-level solutions.
2. Authorize the City Manager to apply to the TLC Program for Technical Assistance through MWCOG and enter into any agreements with MWCOG to accept and implement the grants.
BACKGROUND: MWCOG’s TLC Program provides up to $100,000 in short-term consultant services to local jurisdictions for small planning projects that promote mixed-use, walkable communities, and support a variety of transportation alternatives.
The Alexandria Mobility Plan (Bicycle and Pedestrian Chapter) contains several policies to guide staff’s work. Policy B - Address network Gaps states staff shall “Complete pedestrian and bicycle networks equitably and cost-effectively. The City will complete the bicycle and pedestrian networks by pursuing funding for priority projects, accelerating work in underserved areas, and taking advantage of opportunities to make improvements through the repaving program.” Under this policy, Strategy 3 recommends to “build out a connected bicycle network of both on- and off-street facilities and shared mobility devices to benefit riders of all ages and abilities.”
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 TLC Program 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. In the event that the projects are 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 - Transportation Land-Use Connections 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