On the Docket: A weekly preview of city and school board meetings (January 5–10)

Here’s your weekly guide to public meetings in Alexandria — what’s happening, what matters, and how to participate.

What to Watch

Duke Street’s Future Takes Shape

The Planning Commission holds a work session on Tuesday at 6 p.m. on the draft Duke Street Land Use Plan — the long-awaited framework for one of the city’s most auto-oriented corridors. No public testimony at the work session, but it’s open to attend. The regular public hearing follows at 7 p.m.

Two Citywide Policy Changes Up for Vote

Tuesday’s Planning Commission hearing includes two significant policy items. The Green Building Plan would become a new chapter of the city’s Master Plan, setting standards for sustainable development.

A zoning text amendment on office-to-residential conversions would make it easier to convert aging office buildings to housing. The commission will also hear a specific conversion project at 732 North Washington Street in Old Town North, which seeks a height increase to 55 feet and rezoning.

Alexandria proposes shift from green building certifications to energy performance targets

City officials have released a proposed Green Building Plan that would move away from third-party certification programs and instead require new development to meet specific energy performance standards, marking a significant shift in how the city regulates building efficiency.

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

City Hall Renovation Kicks Off

The City Hall and Market Square renovation project holds a virtual pre-construction meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. Staff will cover the construction schedule, parking and transportation impacts, and introduce the community liaison. Registration required.

City to outline City Hall renovation plans at Jan. 8 virtual meeting

The city will host a virtual community meeting next week to discuss the upcoming City Hall renovation project, which is set to begin in January.

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

School Board Refines Facility Naming Process

The ACPS Operational Excellence Committee meets on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to discuss next steps on facility renaming procedures. This follows last month’s unanimous vote to name four facilities — including the Kerry Donley Athletic Field Complex at Minnie Howard and Keith Burns Field at Parker-Gray Stadium — after the board overrode Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt’s recommendation to approve only one. The committee will work on standardizing the process, including how philanthropic support factors in.

Alexandria School Board unanimously approves naming four facilities after community leaders

The Alexandria City School Board voted unanimously on Thursday to name four school facilities after community leaders, overriding Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt’s recommendation to approve only one of the proposals.

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

The Full Calendar

Monday, January 5

George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee — 7 p.m., Zoom

Tuesday, January 6

Planning Commission Work Session — 6 p.m., Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive). Discussion of the draft Duke Street Land Use Plan. Open to the public; no testimony taken.

ACPS Operational Excellence Committee — 6:30 p.m., School Board Meeting Room (1340 Braddock Place). The agenda includes the renaming process, the Gang Prevention Task Force update, and the superintendent evaluation.

Planning Commission Public Hearing — 7 p.m., Del Pepper Community Resource Center. Docket includes: three subdivision cases (consent); 220 & 224 S. Peyton St. mixed-use building; 732 N. Washington St. office-to-residential conversion; commercial-to-residential zoning text amendment; Green Building Plan. Sign up to speak or email PlanComm@alexandriava.gov.

Public Records Advisory Commission — 7:30 p.m., in person

Wednesday, January 7

Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing — 7 p.m., Del Pepper Community Resource Center. Light docket: concept review for a city project at 1609 Cameron Street in Parker-Gray.

Independent Community Policing Review Board — 7 p.m.

Housing Affordability Advisory Committee — 7 p.m., virtual

Thursday, January 8

Local Emergency Planning Committee — 11 a.m.

City Council Subcommittee on Personnel — 4 p.m., virtual

Commission on Aging — 4:30 p.m.

Planning & Zoning Virtual Community Update — 6 p.m., virtual. Staff will cover stormwater reviews for development, Duke Street land use planning, Housing 2040 Master Plan updates, redevelopment projects under review, and the proposed commercial-to-residential zoning changes. Q&A included. Register here.

ACPS School Board Meeting — 6 p.m., School Board Meeting Room (1340 Braddock Place). Agenda not yet posted; check BoardDocs.

Children, Youth & Families Collaborative Commission Executive Meeting — 6:30 p.m., virtual

City Hall Renovation Pre-Construction Meeting — 7–8:30 p.m., virtual. Registration required.

Friday, January 9

CYFCC Ad Hoc Meeting with School Board Member — 4 p.m., Gustave’s Bakery (2213 Mount Vernon Ave.)

All meetings are open to the public unless noted. Most city meetings are held at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive. ACPS meetings are at 1340 Braddock Place. Check alexandriava.gov/Calendar and acps.k12.va.us for updates.