City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Acceptance of a $15,000 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Grant for Georgetown University’s Diversion in Youth Justice Certificate Program
BODY
ISSUE: Consideration of a $15,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to support Alexandria’s participation in Georgetown University’s Diversion in Youth Justice Certificate Program, November 17–20, 2026, followed by a yearlong capstone project.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
Approve acceptance of a $15,000 DCJS grant to fund tuition for five members of Alexandria’s multidisciplinary team. In addition, five City employees will receive tuition assistance through the City’s Employee Educational Funding benefit; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary grant-related documents to accept and implement the grant.
BACKGROUND: In September 2026, Alexandria was invited to apply for Georgetown University’s Diversion in Youth Justice Certificate Program. Ten representatives from the City, courts, schools, law enforcement, and community organizations applied as a multidisciplinary team. On October 8, Alexandria was notified of its selection.
DISCUSSION: The program will help Alexandria strengthen coordination among youth-serving agencies and expand opportunities to connect young people with community-based support before arrest, court involvement, and throughout the diversion process. Participants will examine evidence-based diversion strategies, restorative practices, and successful models from across the country. Following the November training, the team will develop a yearlong, data-driven capstone project to improve Alexandria’s diversion practices, leverage existing community resources, and advance positive youth outcomes.
FISCAL IMPACT: The $15,000 ...
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