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Alexandria residents will get their first formal opportunity to weigh in on the city's fiscal year 2027 budget Monday evening, when City Council convenes a special public hearing at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center.
The hearing, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at 4850 Mark Center Drive, is the first of two public hearings on City Manager James Parajon's proposed operating budget. It comes as the city navigates a difficult economic backdrop: federal workforce reductions have pushed the city's unemployment rate to 3.8%, and a softening housing market has raised concerns about revenue, critical given that more than 60% of the city's operational revenue comes from property taxes.
Parajon presented his proposed budget to the council on Feb. 24. The spending plan covers city operations and Alexandria City Public Schools, as well as a capital improvement program running through fiscal year 2036.
Ryan Belmore
The School Board last month approved a $408 million budget request for fiscal year 2027, including a 3.5% increase in its city appropriation to $292.3 million.
Before the public hearing, the council and the School Board meet jointly on Wednesday for a budget work session focused on ACPS operating and capital spending. That session runs 7 to 9 p.m. at the ACPS School Board Room, 1340 Braddock Place. It is open to the public in person or via Zoom (Webinar ID: 919 6565 7724, passcode: 983271, dial-in: 301-715-8592).
Ryan Belmore
What's at stake
The public hearing is one of the few opportunities residents have to address the council directly before votes are cast. Council held its first budget work session last week, covering revenue and capital investment. The remaining sessions through late March will cover school spending, public safety, livability and environmental issues, public health and equity, and government operations.
A second public hearing is scheduled for March 14. A public hearing on the real property tax rate ordinance is set for April 18, with final budget adoption slated for April 29. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
How to participate
The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Residents can attend in person in Room 1305 or watch via government channel 70, the city's website livestream, or Zoom. Those wishing to address council must register for the Zoom webinar and submit a speaker's form in advance.
- Zoom registration: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Xm5cMUoaTNWj9fFq5w6U7g
- Webinar ID: 944 2208 7489 | Passcode: 324396
- Dial-in: 301-715-8592
- Speaker sign-up: apps.alexandriava.gov/SpeakerSignup
- Written comments: CouncilComment@alexandriava.gov
Residents requiring translation services should contact City Clerk Gloria Sitton at gloria.sitton@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-4550 at least 48 hours in advance.
The full docket is available at alexandriava.gov/council.
FY 2027 budget calendar
