Coalition for a Livable Alexandria raises $28,000 to fund zoning lawsuit appeal

Group avoids hourly billing that could have tripled legal costs

, and Ryan Belmore

February 27, 2026 . 11:52 AM

3 min read

In 2023, the City Council approved a series of proposals designed to "expand Alexandria's housing production, improve affordability and address past and current barriers to equitable housing access". (City of Alexandria)

The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria says it has raised $28,000 to cover the cost of appealing a lawsuit challenging the city's Zoning for Housing initiative, meeting a Friday deadline.

"We are thrilled to announce that thanks to the generosity of so many, and the final contributions from two supporters who closed the remaining gap, we have successfully achieved our $28,000 flat fee agreement goal," the coalition said in a newsletter to supporters.

The group secured a flat fee agreement with law firm Dunn, Craig & Francuzenko. Missing the deadline would have shifted the case to hourly billing at up to $450 per hour, with total costs potentially two to three times higher, the coalition said.

The coalition had raised $26,000 as of Friday morning and was seeking $2,000 more to unlock commitments from two donors willing to cover the remaining balance.

The case, Phyllis Burks, et al. v. City of Alexandria, et al., challenges City Council's November 2023 decision to allow construction of duplexes and buildings with up to four units on properties previously restricted to single-family homes.

"Mayor Alyia Gaskins told residents at a Rosemont Citizens Association meeting in January that some potential projects stalled because of the lawsuit.

'A lot of people who might have taken advantage of the policy actually didn't move and didn't sort of move on maybe potential projects or things that they might have considered,' Gaskins said."

Since the initiative was approved, the city has approved 96 accessory dwelling units and approximately 35 additional units under the provision removing dwelling-unit-per-acre limits, according to the city's website. Six units have been approved or are anticipated under the single-family zoning reform at the center of the lawsuit.

Zoning For Housing Implementation Table (City of Alexandria)

Judge H. Thomas Padrick Jr. ruled in the city's favor Nov. 12, granting summary judgment. The coalition filed a notice of appeal Dec. 12.

The coalition has claimed total litigation expenses exceeding $280,000, including the appeal. The city had spent more than $196,000 on legal fees to McGuireWoods LLP as of February 2025, according to a Freedom of Information Act request obtained by the Alexandria Times. The figure does not include costs from the summary judgment proceedings or appeal.