City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: DECEMBER 4, 2025
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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Introduction of the Proposed Alexandria Legislative Package for the 2026 General Assembly Session
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ISSUE:? Introduction of the proposed Alexandria Legislative Package for the 2026 General Assembly Session.
RECOMMENDATION:? That City Council:
1. Receive the proposal for the City's 2026 Legislative Package (Attachment); and
?2. Schedule the Draft Legislative Package for public hearing and final adoption on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
BACKGROUND:? Each year, the City of Alexandria produces its General Assembly Legislative Package. The goal of the package is to prioritize the City's state legislative and budget priorities and communicate them to the community, stakeholders, and legislators. Because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, localities only have the authority expressly granted to them by the legislature by state statute or in their charter. Localities in Virginia, including Alexandria, therefore often request legislation to grant them enabling authority for specific powers they do not already have, which are often the core of the City's Legislative Package.
The proposals in the draft Package originate from City Council members, City staff, and City boards and commissions. Staff worked with Council members, City departments, and boards and commissions to develop the legislative and funding proposals included in the City's draft 2026 Legislative Package for Council consideration.
DISCUSSION:? The draft 2026 Legislative Package 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 Commonw...
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