The Alexandria Brief
The Alexandria Brief provides independent local journalism for Alexandria, Virginia.
Community-focused journalism for Alexandria, VA. Powered by the community.
What Makes Us Different
Community-focused journalism
I focus on what matters to Alexandria—not what gets pageviews or clicks. Real journalism serving the community’s needs.
Community-powered
100% funded by community members—no advertising, no conflicts of interest, no corporate ownership. Just independent journalism, answerable to neighbors.
Free for all
All content is free for everyone. No paywall. Local news should be accessible to every Alexandria resident, whether you can pay or not.
Original reporting
Real journalism—attending meetings, filing FOIA requests, asking questions, and digging deeper. Not press release republishing.
By a neighbor, for neighbors
I live in Alexandria and cover the city I call home. These decisions affect me too—I, like you, am a taxpayer and resident.
What I Cover
From city hall to your neighborhood—government decisions, development projects, community events, public safety, local businesses, and the stories that affect your daily life in Alexandria.
Government & Accountability - City council, school board, mayor, budget, elections
Education - Alexandria City Public Schools, policies, budgets
Development & Planning - Construction, zoning, neighborhood impact
Community - Events, neighborhoods, civic associations, local businesses
Public Safety - Crime, police, fire, emergency services
Quality of Life - Transportation, parks, infrastructure, housing
About The Publisher
I’m Ryan Belmore. I live in Alexandria and cover the city I call home. These decisions affect me too. I’m a taxpayer and resident, just like you.
My wife, Jen, and I moved to Alexandria from Rhode Island in 2021. I’ve since served on the City of Alexandria’s Commission for the Arts and Board of Zoning Appeals. I contributed a column weekly to ALXnow from June 2023 to February 2025 and then served as publisher from March 2025 to October 2025.
With nearly 15 years in local independent journalism, I’ve been recognized as LION Member of the Year (2020) and am a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers.
I’m committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.
Contact: ryan@alexandriabrief.com
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Free Subscription
All content free—no paywall on any journalism.
Subscribe for free to receive The Alexandria Brief every weekday morning. All journalism is free for everyone, always. No credit card required. Unsubscribe anytime.
Our Newsletters
The Daily Brief - Essential Alexandria news delivered every weekday morning. (Published every weekday morning)
City Hall Brief - In-depth coverage of Alexandria city government—city council meetings, budget, policy, and municipal decisions. (Published up to 2 times per week)
Development Brief - Real estate, construction, planning, and zoning in Alexandria—new projects, development proposals, and neighborhood impact. (Published up to 2 times per week)
Education Brief - Comprehensive coverage of Alexandria City Public Schools—school board meetings, ACPS policies, education news, and budget. (Published up to 2 times per week)
Weekend Brief - Week in review, weekend events, community happenings, and lighter features. (Published on Thursdays)
Customize which newsletters and notifications you’d like to receive here.
Why Become A Member?
All journalism is free. You don’t need to pay to read The Alexandria Brief.
Members make it sustainable. Community support means journalism focused on Alexandria, not pageviews—accountable to neighbors, not outside interests.
Your support keeps all content free for everyone, including neighbors who can’t afford to pay. Questions? ryan@alexandriabrief.com
Monthly Membership - $10/month
Support independent journalism for Alexandria.
Support independent, community-powered journalism.
Keep all content free for the entire community.
Journalism funded by neighbors, answerable to neighbors.
Cancel anytime—no commitment required.
Annual Membership - $100/year
Best value—save $20 compared to monthly.
Support independent, community-powered journalism.
Keep all content free for the entire community.
Journalism funded by neighbors, answerable to neighbors.
Save $20 annually ($8.33/month vs $10/month).
Founding Member - $500/year
Ideal for businesses and those who can show substantial support.
Founding Members help establish sustainable independent journalism in Alexandria from day one.
What you get:
All annual membership benefits.
Permanent recognition as a founding supporter.
Optional listing in founding members credits (individuals or businesses).
Priority access to future community events.
Deep impact on Alexandria’s independent journalism.
Founding member badge on comments.
Perfect for:
Local businesses who value community journalism.
Community leaders who want to make an impact.
Anyone who can provide substantial support.
