Alexandria confirms the $6.9 million PLA estimate behind the attack ads, but disputes how the ads frame it.
The city calls the contractor's estimate a "rough order of magnitude" figure of about 5.5% — not the hidden $7 million the ads describe.
Ryan Belmore
Founder and Publisher, The Alexandria Brief 📍Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria's six-month look-ahead gets its first update, extending the view to September
Gaskins promoted the refreshed tracker Friday; this edition leans on customer service and shows movement on housing, health and remembrance initiatives
Life Alive to open Old Town location June 9, hosting patio preview party
The organic cafe is inviting the community to a free sneak peek at 400 King Street before opening day
Duke Street's business passport program is live — with bigger prizes than first announced
The shop-local contest, now offering up to $100 and ten winners, runs through September as outreach for the Duke Street Land Use Plan
City Council to weigh in on police-in-schools agreement, transportation plan, and Duke Street vision Tuesday
The May 26 legislative meeting also carries added funding for a historic Parker-Gray rooming house and a health-focused neighborhood grant bid
Daily Brief | May 22
Regional board funds two Alexandria safety studies, outdoor pools reopen Saturday, and your full Memorial Day weekend guide — umbrella included.
TPB approves $160K for Alexandria bike network, Mount Vernon Avenue safety study
Regional board signs off on a $980,000 package; all 12 funded projects land in Maryland and Virginia
Key federal agency approves the design plan for Trump's Washington arch
Commissioners, all appointed by Trump, acted despite overwhelming public opposition to the 250-foot arch, one of several projects that Trump is pursuing alongside a White House ballroom to leave his imprint on Washington.
League of Women Voters to host Alexandria post-legislative town hall May 28
The city's state senator and three delegates will discuss the General Assembly session and take residents' questions at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center.
Chamber ALX names second 40 Over 40 class for 2026
The 40 honorees will be celebrated Aug. 13 at the American Physical Therapy Association headquarters, in an awards event presented by United Bank; the announcement follows the chamber's 40 Under 40 class unveiled earlier this month
Daily Brief | May 21
School board presses staff on cuts a day before the deadline to amend the budget; Alexandria gears up for the World Cup, finishes its switch to electric leaf blowers, and rain scuttles the community cookout again.
School Board works through budget questions before Friday's deadline
Members pressed staff on central office staffing, healthcare costs and proposed cuts during a second work session on the adjusted FY 2027 budget; final adoption is set for June 11
Washington Spirit reach Concacaf W Champions Cup final with 1-0 win at Pachuca
Claudia Martínez's 81st-minute goal and Sandy MacIver's fifth straight clean sheet send the Spirit to Saturday's final against Club América — as demand surges back home.
Police cruiser, vehicle collide at Braddock and Russell roads
No injuries were reported in the Wednesday afternoon crash, which slowed traffic in the area. Police say it is under investigation.
Alexandria finishes switch to electric leaf blowers ahead of citywide gas ban
City crews went electric this week. Residents, businesses and contractors must follow by Nov. 17, when violations can carry $100 to $500 fines.
Alexandria gears up for World Cup with Croatian cultural festival, watch parties
City to host free waterfront celebration June 6; training at Episcopal confirmed closed to public