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Alexandria City Council convenes Tuesday evening with a substantive agenda that includes first readings on raising parking fines for the first time in nearly two decades, activating parking meters on Sundays for the first time ever, increasing the stormwater utility fee, hiking a business tax rate and approving a $31.6 million supplemental appropriation ordinance — along with a state of the economy briefing from City Manager James Parajon.
The legislative meeting begins with a closed executive session at 6:15 p.m., with the public session opening at 7 p.m. at City Council Chambers at Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive. The meeting will also be streamed live on the city's website and government channel 70, and is accessible via Zoom.
Tuesday's meeting lands in the middle of a busy budget season. City Manager James Parajon presented his proposed $977.3 million fiscal year 2027 general fund operating budget in February, with final adoption set for April 29 — the same date targeted for final passage of most of Tuesday's ordinances. Several of Tuesday's items, including the parking fine increase, Sunday meters and stormwater fee, are tied directly to that budget timeline.
Parking fines
The ordinance on parking citations would raise the standard fine from $40 to $50 — the first increase since 2007, when the penalty went from $25 to its current level. If adopted on final passage on April 29, the new rate would take effect July 1. Alexandria's $40 base fine currently sits below most regional peers: Arlington charges $50 for most violations, Fairfax County charges $75 for residential permit violations, and Washington, D.C. charges $30 for meter violations. Higher penalties for specific violations — including $200 for parking in an HOV lane and $500 for parking in a disability space — are not affected by the proposed change.
Sunday meters
The second parking ordinance is arguably the more consequential change for weekend visitors and residents. Under the current city code, parking meters are exempt from operation on Sundays and federal holidays. The proposed ordinance would remove that Sunday exemption, allowing meters to operate seven days a week beginning July 1 if adopted on final passage April 29. Metered areas include Old Town along King Street and one to two blocks north and south, Carlyle, Eisenhower East, Potomac Yard and Oakville Triangle. Meters currently run Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to either 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. depending on location, at a base rate of $1.75 per hour. Among regional peers, only National Harbor and Annapolis currently charge for Sunday meter parking. Washington, D.C. operates Sunday meters near Nationals Park on game days only. A public hearing on both parking ordinances is set for April 18.
Stormwater utility fee
Council will also take up a first reading on increasing the stormwater utility fee, which funds the city's Flood Action Alexandria initiative and storm sewer capacity improvements. The fee was first enacted in 2017 at $140 per billing unit. The proposed FY27 budget calls for increasing the rate from $340.30 to $357.40 per billing unit — a roughly 5% increase — to continue accelerating capital improvement projects and operations and maintenance activities. Staff cited more frequent and intense storm events that have worsened citywide flooding concerns. The city's Environmental Policy Commission submitted a letter of support. A public hearing is set for April 18, with final passage targeted for April 29.
Business tax and fire prevention fees
Two additional fee-related ordinances round out the fiscal picture on Tuesday. The first would increase the Business, Professional and Occupational License tax rate for financial services firms with annual gross receipts of $100,000 or more — from $0.35 per $100 of gross receipts to a maximum of $0.40. The proposal was submitted by several council members as part of the Add/Delete process ahead of the April 29 budget adoption. The second ordinance would raise fire prevention permit inspection fees and fire protection testing fees for the first time since fiscal year 2019, with most adjustments representing a 10% increase over current base fees. The changes are projected to generate an additional $418,338 in city revenue in fiscal year 2027.
Supplemental budget and finances
Also, on first reading on Tuesday is a supplemental appropriation ordinance totaling $31,654,091, which establishes budget authority for revenues received in the current or prior fiscal years that have not yet been appropriated. The package includes grant adjustments and a resolution affirming an emergency transfer used to cover snow and ice storm expenditures earlier this year.
The financial backdrop for Tuesday's meeting is largely stable. General Fund revenues through February totaled $538.7 million, up $6 million or 1.1% compared to the same period in fiscal year 2025, according to a memorandum from Finance Director Kevin Greenlief. Real estate collections are on target, though personal property tax and recordation tax revenues are lagging. Revenue from interest earnings is down 14.9% year over year, a decline the city anticipated following Federal Reserve rate cuts. The proposed FY27 budget does not recommend an increase in the real estate tax rate, which remains at $1.135 per $100 of assessed value.
Parajon's state of the economy report will be watched closely, given persistent federal workforce uncertainty in a city with one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the region.
Address renumbering
One quieter but locally significant item: the council will take up on first reading an ordinance establishing a formal process for renumbering property addresses, including an appeal mechanism for affected property owners. The item was brought forward by Councilman Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi and former Councilmember Kirk McPike after a Russell Road resident reported persistent confusion caused by a fractional address — mail, packages and services were routinely misdirected. The ordinance is set for public hearing and final passage on April 18.
Boards and commissions
Council will fill contested seats on nine boards and commissions, including the Alexandria Housing Affordability Advisory Committee, the Environmental Policy Commission, the Independent Community Policing Review Board and the Waterfront Commission.
The meeting opens with proclamations recognizing Volunteer Alexandria and National Volunteer Month, and April as Autism Acceptance Month.
The public may submit written comments to the city clerk at CouncilComment@alexandriava.gov. Residents requiring translation services should contact the clerk's office at 703-746-4550 with at least 48 hours notice.
