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: DR. WENDY GINSBERG, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
DOCKET TITLE:
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Update on the 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session.
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ISSUE: Update on the 2026 Legislative Assembly Session.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve the proposed positions on bills impacting the City, as outlined in Attachment 1 and recommended by the Legislative Subcommittee (Mayor Gaskins and Councilman McPike) during its January 9, 23, and 30 meetings.
DISCUSSION: The 2026 General Assembly Session began on Wednesday, January 14. The 2026 Session is a "long" 60-day Session and will adjourn sine die on Saturday, March 14. Friday, January 16 was the last day to introduce bills and certain joint resolutions; Tuesday, February 17 is "Crossover," the last day for each chamber to act on its own legislation, except budget bills; February 22 is the day when the Senate Finance and House Appropriations complete action on the budget bills; February 26 is the deadline for the chamber of origin to complete action on Budget Bills; March 4 is the last day to act on budget bills and appoint conferees; March 9 is the last day for committee action on remaining bills.
This year 584 bills have been reviewed by staff for potential impact to the City and based on their analysis, recommended positions were presented to the Legislative Subcommittee for consideration. Those bills are attached for your approval.
LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE: The 2026 Legislative Package (Attachment 2) outlines the City's policy goals and funding 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...
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