City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
Title
Release of FY26 Contingent Reserves to Fund an Old Town Small Business Marketing Grant.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of Release of FY26 Contingent Reserves to Fund an Old Town Small Business Marketing Grant
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council allocate $25,000 from FY25 Contingent Reserves to fund an Old Town Small Business Marketing Grant through the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP).
BACKGROUND: Alexandria has a vibrant and diverse retail boutique community that is predominantly small and locally owned. These businesses are not only employers but also central to Alexandria's economic vitality.
For the past two decades, retail marketing, activation, and events in Alexandria have primarily been driven by volunteer labor, with funds raised by volunteers from the business community and sponsors. To address these needs, Old Town retailers have previously organized initiatives such as the Old Town Boutique District, Old Town Business, Alexandria Stylebook, Handcrafted Alexandria, and other collaborative efforts. In nearly all cases, the administrative labor and cost of maintaining a 501(c)(6) organization exceeded the budgets of these membership-driven groups and the capacity of their volunteers.
A group of Old Town retailers has united to sustain four to five key events that have historically been critical to local retail businesses. They also plan to provide public relations and social media marketing to promote and elevate Alexandria's boutique community across Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. These efforts aim to boost visibility for local businesses, cultural initiatives, and community events, driving civic engagement, economic growth, and increased retail sales tax revenue.
DISCUSS...
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