City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: EMILY BAKER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER AND INTERIM DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to amend Article A (TAXICABS) of Chapter 12 (TAXICABS AND OTHER VEHICLES FOR HIRE) of Title 9 (LICENSING AND REGULATION) of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended.
BODY _________________________________________________________________
ISSUE: Consideration of an ordinance to amend taxi requirements related to the minimum number of affiliated cabs and dispatch.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Consider the proposed ordinance (Attachment 2) on first reading and;
2. Schedule it for second reading, public hearing and final passage on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
BACKGROUND: City staff have worked closely with Alexandria's taxicab companies over the past several years to support the industry and modernize local regulations. In February 2023, City Council approved an increase in the initial meter charge from $3 to $4 and extended the allowable vehicle age to 15 years for non-hybrid vehicles and 17 years for hybrid vehicles. Council also directed staff to review additional opportunities to streamline and reduce outdated or burdensome regulations.
A subcommittee on taxicab regulations was subsequently formed and recommended several regulatory changes. The Traffic and Parking Board expressed support for these recommendations; however, at its May 18, 2024 meeting, City Council approved only the fare adjustments and retained existing regulations.
As part of the Biennial Taxicab Review, accepted by the Traffic and Parking Board and City Manager in December 2024, compliance issues were identified among several companies. Staff have continued to work w...
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