The Alexandria Brief — AM | Tuesday, Feb. 3
Schools reopen today with two-hour delay; voter registration deadline; more snow possible tonight
Good morning, Alexandria. Kids are finally going back to school. ACPS reopens today with a two-hour delay after 12 days out of classrooms. Please use extra caution on the roads, watch for students walking to and from school and at bus stops, especially where snowbanks limit visibility near crosswalks and intersections.
Keep an eye on the sky, too. There’s a chance of snow tonight, and an Arctic front later this week could bring dangerously cold wind chills. Today is also the last day to register to vote for the Feb. 10 special elections.
And yes, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday, predicting six more weeks of winter. Spring officially arrives on March 20—which is six weeks away. So Phil’s not wrong. He’s just not telling us anything the calendar doesn’t.
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ Kids are back in school today
It’s been 12 days. ACPS reopens this morning with a two-hour delay after five consecutive virtual days. Students should report to school—or their bus stop—two hours later than their regular time.
City crews have been working around the clock to clear the ACPS priority list, and volunteers have been shoveling residential sidewalks. Sidewalk fine enforcement resumes today. “Please, please, please get your sidewalks clear so our kids can get back to school,” Mayor Gaskins said Monday.
With a chance of snow tonight, the district said it will provide updates if Wednesday’s schedule is affected.
Read more: ACPS to reopen Tuesday with two-hour delay | Mayor: Sidewalk fines return Tuesday as schools set to reopen
2️⃣ Today: Voter Voter deadline, Planning Commission
Today is the last day to register to vote or update your registration for the Feb. 10 special elections. Two seats on the ballot: Senate District 39 (Bennett-Parker vs. Lineberry) and House District 5 (McPike vs. Butler). Early voting continues through Saturday at 132 N. Royal St.
ACPS is hosting a budget forum tonight at Douglas MacArthur Elementary. The proposed $406.5 million budget includes the elimination of 12.8 positions and a 5% cut to non-personnel spending to close a $15.1 million gap. Pizza at 6 p.m., forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Update - This has been rescheduled to February 9.
And the Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. with townhouse projects and a rezoning request on the docket, including a proposal at North Quaker Lane and Duke Street.
Read more: The week ahead in Alexandria (February 2–8) | Cold plunges, battle ropes, and 92 townhomes on Planning Commission docket | PTAC, ACPS to host budget forum Feb. 3 as FY 2027 cycle kicks off
3️⃣ Lopez wage theft, worker safety bills pass House
Two bills from Del. Alfonso Lopez passed the House on Monday on identical 64-35 party-line votes. Both head to the Senate.
The first, HB 238, strengthens Virginia’s wage theft law by making employers liable for damages—including triple damages for knowing violations—when they violate minimum wage, overtime, or misclassification rules. It also responds to a Jan. 6 Virginia Supreme Court ruling by adding commissions to the legal definition of wages.
The second, HB 339, requires Virginia to preserve existing worker safety standards if the federal government weakens them. The Trump administration has proposed eliminating or revising more than 60 workplace safety and wage regulations. Combined federal wage and safety penalties have dropped 66%, with wage and hour enforcement cases down 97%.
All three Alexandria delegates—Lopez, Herring, and Bennett-Parker—voted yes.
Read more: Lopez wage theft and worker safety bills pass House, head to Senate
4️⃣ ACPS board to vote on Hammond auditorium repairs Thursday
The School Board meets Thursday at 6 p.m. with a vote expected on $360,455 in ceiling and lighting repairs at Hammond Middle School’s auditorium. The project started at $230,000, but demolition uncovered hidden structural damage and staff added painting and light fixtures while scaffolding was up.
The board will also hear a presentation on AVID, the college and career readiness program that’s been in the district since 2009. Staff will outline efforts to scale it districtwide.
The meeting will be broadcast on cable channel 71 and streamed online.
Read more: ACPS board to hear update on college readiness program, vote on Hammond auditorium repairs Thursday
5️⃣ White House cites Alexandria rent decline; economists point to construction boom
The White House issued a press release Monday crediting President Trump’s housing policies for national rents falling to a four-year low, citing coverage from 19 local markets—including Alexandria.
But the source the administration cited tells a different story. Apartment List attributes the decline to “a historic surge of multifamily construction”—more than 600,000 units delivered in 2024, the most since 1986. Those projects were permitted and financed years before the current administration. No major federal housing legislation has been enacted since January 2025.
Meanwhile, the DC region is the only major metro in the country losing jobs. Federal unemployment insurance spending is up 215% in Virginia and 543% in D.C. compared to last year. And tariffs on building materials are adding an estimated $10,900 to the cost of a new home, with forecasters expecting rents to rise again later this year as the construction pipeline shrinks.
📰 In brief
Cut your stormwater fee in half: The city is hosting two webinars this week on its credit program, which lets property owners reduce stormwater fees by up to 50% for two years. Business session Wednesday at 10 a.m.; resident session Thursday at 6 p.m. Applications due Feb. 15. The Alexandria Brief
Duke Street intersection redesign nears final design: The city released 90% design plans for a $5.7 million overhaul of Duke Street and West Taylor Run Parkway, one of Alexandria’s highest-crash intersections. The project adds crosswalks, pedestrian signals, a new left-turn lane, and a widened median for a future bus rapid transit station. Feedback due Feb. 15. Construction expected 2027-2028. The Alexandria Brief
Market Square Garage closes Feb. 9: The garage shuts down as City Hall renovation begins. Fencing goes up this month around City Hall and Market Square. Farmers market shoppers get free parking at Courthouse Square and Tavern Square garages on Saturdays. The market itself will temporarily relocate to the 100 block of North Royal Street. Residents who voted at City Hall should note their new polling location is Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy. The Alexandria Brief
Housing 2040 open house Feb. 28: The city is seeking feedback on its draft housing plan at Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The stakes: units affordable to households earning up to 60% of area median income dropped from 18,000 in 2000 to 6,900 in 2025. Staff estimate more than $100 million is needed to fund affordable housing projects in the pipeline. The Alexandria Brief
Office building near PTO hits market for residential conversion: The six-story building at 2051 Jamieson Ave., already approved for up to 187 apartments, is being marketed by JLL. The owner paid $65.8 million in 2008; it’s now assessed at $18.7 million. The building is 47% occupied, with its largest tenant—a government agency—leaving in June. Washington Business Journal
Ophthalmic Associates acquired: The downtown eye care practice at 411 N. Washington St. has been acquired by Vision Innovation Partners, a Mid-Atlantic platform with 69 locations. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Jacob Clark, the practice will continue operating under his leadership. PR Newswire
Swing’s Coffee makes Eater DC’s best coffee shops list: The Del Ray roastery on East Monroe Avenue was named one of 16 must-visit coffee shops in the DC area. Eater praised its century-plus history, flagship roastery space, free cupping labs, and cold brew growler refills. Eater DC
Free anime convention Saturday at Patrick Henry Rec Center: PatCon, born from the center’s Anime Society, runs Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cosplay, anime screenings, gaming, workshops, artist alley, and more. All ages, no cost. City of Alexandria
Black History Month poetry slam Feb. 21: The city is hosting a Poetry Slam & Open Mic at Charles Houston Recreation Center from 6 to 9 p.m., hosted by former City Poet Laureate KaNikki Jakarta. Light refreshments. City of Alexandria
‘Love Safely & Save’ campaign this month: Book a sexual health appointment at the Alexandria Health Department in February and receive a coupon for 5% off at participating local businesses through March 31. Free STI testing available. Call 703-746-4888 to schedule. Alexandria Health Department
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🗓️ Today in Alexandria
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41 degrees and a slight chance of snow after 1 p.m. Tonight: a chance of snow, with a low around 26 degrees. The National Weather Service says light accumulation is possible this evening through early Wednesday, with potential travel disruptions. Looking ahead: an Arctic front may bring snow showers and gusty winds on Friday, followed by dangerously cold wind chills through Sunday night.
Sunrise: 7:11 a.m. | Sunset: 5:32 p.m.
Things To Do
All Day: Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week throughout Alexandria
6:30 p.m.: Partnering for Progress: Understanding the ACPS Budget at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Update - This has been rescheduled to February 9.
7 p.m.: Beer Yoga at Port City Brewing Company
7 p.m.: 2026 Mollegen Forum: The Politics of Mercy at Virginia Theological Seminary
Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Justin Gillen Trio at 9 p.m.
Atlas Brew Works ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 6 p.m.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: Scott Kurt at 6 p.m.
Lost Dog Cafe: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Trivia at 8 p.m.; Pete Baker at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Trivia at 9 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria
Government: Open | Flag: Full Staff | Trash & Waste Collection: On Time
6 a.m.: Chinquapin Open at Chinquapin Park
8 a.m.: Voter registration deadline for Feb. 10 special election
6 p.m.: Minnie Howard Open at Minnie Howard
6 p.m.: Evening Hiring Event for Alexandria Police Department
7 p.m.: Planning Commission public hearing at Del Pepper Community Resource Center
7 p.m.: Personal Finance and Career Building Workshops (virtual)
7:30 p.m.: Public Records Advisory Commission
Alexandria City Public Schools
All public schools: Two-hour delay.
7:30 a.m.: Operational Excellence Committee (virtual)
Find the ACHS sports calendar here.
Alexandria Library
10 a.m.: English Language Learning Workshop at Beatley Central Library
10:15 a.m.: Family Storytime at Burke Branch Library
10:30 a.m.: Bilingual Storytime at Barrett Branch Library
11 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Time at Barrett Branch Library
2 p.m.: Baby and Toddler Play Date at Burke Branch Library
4 p.m.: Creatives’ Club: Celebrating Black Creatives at Duncan Branch Library
4:30 p.m.: Tuesday We Play at Beatley Central Library
5 p.m.: One-on-One Computer Help at Barrett Branch Library
6:30 p.m.: Teen Volunteer Orientation at Beatley Central Library
7 p.m.: Handcraft Tuesday (virtual)
Really solid breakdown of the rent story. The disconnect between the White House narrative and what Apartment List data actually shows is the kind of detail that matters for informed discourse around here. Covered smiliar policy vs outcome gaps in my old local reporting days and they rarely get this clean a treatment. Solid local journalism tbh.