Daily Brief: Tuesday, November 11
Alexandria to honor veterans Tuesday with ceremony; Public hearing set Thursday on ACPS capital budget plan; and more.
Good morning, Alexandria. Welcome to The Alexandria Brief. I’m Ryan Belmore, founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief.
This is The Daily Brief, my daily newsletter, delivered every weekday morning, with all of the Alexandria news and information that I think you need to know about.
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Here’s what you need to know for Tuesday, November 11.
Essentials
It will be mostly cloudy this morning, then gradually clearing during the afternoon, with a high near 46 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Increasing clouds tonight, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
The sun will rise at 6:46 a.m. and set at 4:57 p.m. High tides at 12:13 a.m. and 12:58 p.m. Low tides at 7:16 a.m. and 7:22 p.m. There will be 10 hours and 11 minutes of sun.
On Tap Today: Veterans Day Ceremony, The Gallant Young Carlisle of Alexandria, trivia, live music, and more. Get the full rundown of events and entertainment below.
1️⃣ ACPS capital improvement plan
Alexandria City Public Schools will hold a public hearing on Thursday on Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt’s proposed $340.4 million capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2027-2036.
Kay-Wyatt presented the 10-year capital budget proposal on Nov. 6, outlining plans to address aging infrastructure and prepare for shifting enrollment patterns. The plan includes $27.9 million for fiscal year 2027.
2️⃣ City Council public hearing
The Alexandria City Council will hold its monthly public hearing Saturday at 9:30 a.m., addressing several major development proposals and zoning changes across the city.
The session includes the Potomac Yard final development plans and multiple residential conversion projects near Metro stations.
3️⃣ SPA wins federal award
Systems Planning & Analysis has received the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for the eighth consecutive year, the company announced Sunday.
The award recognizes employers with exceptional achievements in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans. SPA has won the honor every year since the program began in 2018.
4️⃣ Honoring veterans
Alexandria will commemorate Veterans Day on Tuesday with a ceremony honoring all those who have served, while city offices and some services will be closed in observance of the federal holiday.
The Friends of Rocky Versace and the city’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department will host the indoor ceremony from 1 to 2:15 p.m. at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The free event will honor all veterans and the 68 Alexandrians killed or missing in action during the Vietnam War, including Capt. Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace, a former Del Ray resident and posthumous Medal of Honor recipient.
The ceremony will feature patriotic music, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of Gold Star families. Officials will read the names of Alexandria’s 68 Vietnam War fallen heroes and present the Vietnam Era Veteran Lapel Pin to qualified veterans who served on active duty between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975. Service in Southeast Asia is not required for the pin.
5️⃣ Alexandria Rail Projects Groundbreaking
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Virginia Railway Express Alexandria Station to mark the start of construction on four major rail projects.
The ceremony will commemorate the commencement of work on the Alexandria Fourth Track Project, the Alexandria Station Improvements Project, the King & Commonwealth Bridges Replacement Project, and the King & Commonwealth Streetscape Improvements Project. The projects are being undertaken in partnership with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, CSX Transportation, Virginia Railway Express, and the City of Alexandria.
Extra Extra!
Our first City Hall Brief is here - your guide to in-depth coverage of Alexandria city government—city council meetings, budget, policy, and municipal decisions. Here’s what’s happening in and around City Hall this week. (The Alexandria Brief)
Virginia’s two Democratic senators took opposing positions Sunday night as the Senate voted 60-40 to advance a deal to end the 40-day government shutdown. Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who represents Alexandria, said Monday he will vote against the measure when it reaches the House. (The Alexandria Brief)
The City of Alexandria announced Monday that the competition pool at Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility is closed indefinitely due to a mechanical issue. (The Alexandria Brief)
The Alexandria Beautification Commission announced Monday the winners of its 2025 Beautification Awards, recognizing 19 properties across the city for sustainable landscaping and environmental stewardship. (The Alexandria Brief)
City offices will be closed on Tuesday. Residential refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection will be suspended and delayed one day through the week. (City of Alexandria)
Visit Alexandria has rounded up the top things to do this holiday season in Alexandria (Visit Alexandria)
Bryan L. Porter, Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Alexandria, is among the transition team members for Attorney General-Elect Jay Jones. (Jay Jones)