City launches Business Passport Program as part of Duke Street planning process

Initiative encourages residents to visit corridor's approximately 600 small businesses

The City of Alexandria is launching a Business Passport Program in January to highlight small businesses along the Duke Street corridor as part of an ongoing land-use planning process.

The program, running from January through September 2026, is open to all businesses within a half mile of Duke Street. Participating businesses will display a window decal with a QR code that customers can scan to check in. The five participants who visit the most businesses will receive a $25 gift card.

Businesses that sign up will be featured on the program’s map, the city’s engagement hub, social media, and promotional flyers. They can also opt in for a social media highlight featuring their priorities for the land use plan.

The Duke Street Business Passport Program runs from January through September 2026. Businesses within a half mile of Duke Street can sign up to participate. (City of Alexandria)

The initiative comes as the city works to update the comprehensive land use plan for the Duke Street corridor, which stretches from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street. The corridor hasn’t had a comprehensive land use update since 1992 and is home to approximately 600 small businesses and the roughly 2,100-unit Foxchase development.

Draft guiding principles released by the city prioritize anti-displacement and preservation strategies, expanding affordable housing options, retaining small businesses, and creating safer ways to get around the corridor.

In a poll conducted over the summer, 51% of the 77 business owners surveyed said retaining small businesses was a top priority for the planning process. Traffic and congestion were cited as the biggest barrier to business.

The city surveyed 77 business owners along the Duke Street corridor over the summer. Traffic and congestion and retaining small businesses emerged as top concerns. (City of Alexandria)

Residents who missed the Dec. 10 community open house at Bishop Ireton High School can participate in an online version through mid-January, which includes interactive maps for feedback. Additional community workshops are scheduled for January—residents can sign up here.

Workshops specifically for business owners are scheduled Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. and Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.

The planning process is expected to take 18 to 24 months, with City Council consideration anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027.