The Alexandria Brief — AM | Wednesday, Feb. 11
Bennett-Parker, McPike cruise to victory; city manager says storm recovery ongoing; office vacancy falls but unemployment rises
Good morning, Alexandria. Democrats swept both special elections last night. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker won Senate District 39 with 83% of the vote, and Kirk McPike took House District 5 with 82%. Both seats stay in Democratic hands — and the next race is already on deck: a City Council firehouse primary on Feb. 21 to fill the seat McPike vacated.
Also last night, City Council heard that storm recovery is still ongoing — more than 9,000 tons of ice have been hauled — with an after-action report coming in March. And the city’s year-end economic report showed office vacancy falling to 18.9%, bucking the regional trend, but unemployment rising to 3.8% as federal job cuts ripple through the economy.
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ Democrats sweep both special elections
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Kirk McPike cruised to victory in Tuesday’s special elections, each winning with more than 80% of the vote. Bennett-Parker defeated Republican Julie Robben Lineberry in Senate District 39, while McPike topped Mason Butler in House District 5. The wins keep both seats in Democratic hands and maintain the party’s 21-19 Senate majority.
Turnout was modest — 9.2% in the Senate race and similar in the House contest — but the margins weren’t close. Bennett-Parker won all three localities in her district, and the two Democrats spent Election Day campaigning together, cross-endorsing each other at polling places.
Now comes the next race. McPike’s resignation from City Council took effect Monday, and the council certified the vacancy Tuesday night. Five Democrats are competing in a Feb. 21 firehouse primary to fill his seat: Sandy Marks, Tim Laderach, Roberto Gomez, Charles Sumpter and Cesar Madison Tapia. The winner will face a special election on April 21.
Read more: Bennett-Parker, McPike win special elections
2️⃣ City manager: Storm recovery still underway, after-action report coming in March
The January ice storm was “the equivalent of a natural disaster,” City Manager James Parajon told council Tuesday — and the city isn’t done cleaning up yet. Crews have hauled more than 9,000 tons of ice, filling six dump sites and requiring more than 1,000 dump truck loads. More than 500 city staff across 11 departments have been working 12-hour shifts around the clock since Jan. 24.
Parajon said a formal after-action review will come to council in March with policy recommendations. Early lessons include improving the accuracy of the city’s online snow map, better coordination with contractors unfamiliar with Alexandria streets, and clearer communication on what residents can do before a storm — like moving cars off the street.
Mayor Gaskins asked about preparations for Saturday’s George Washington Birthday Parade, noting that sidewalks along the Old Town route remain snow-covered. Deputy City Manager Emily Baker said the city is monitoring conditions but couldn’t guarantee every sidewalk would be cleared — spectators may be directed to specific areas along the route.
Read more: City Manager: Storm recovery ongoing, after-action report coming in March
3️⃣ Alexandria’s office market improves, but unemployment ticks up as federal cuts ripple through
Alexandria’s office vacancy rate fell to 18.9% at year’s end — bucking a regional trend that has seen Northern Virginia’s vacancy rise to 21% — but local unemployment has climbed to 3.8% as federal job cuts continue to ripple through the economy. The data came Tuesday night during the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership’s year-end report to council, setting the stage for a budget season shaped by federal uncertainty.
The city added or retained more than 4,100 jobs in 2025, including 2,700 tied to the HUD headquarters relocation and 1,600 retained when NSF announced it would stay in Alexandria. But not all news was positive: Councilman John Chapman flagged what he called “almost a red flag” — most new retail and restaurant activity is concentrated along the eastern part of the city, with little happening in the West End, where most residents live.
Mayor Gaskins asked staff to identify which office buildings should remain commercial and which could convert to housing. The city’s FY 2027 budget process begins Feb. 24.
Read more: Office vacancy falls as Alexandria bucks regional trend, but unemployment rises
4️⃣ Pilot program has helped more than 250 Alexandria residents navigate financial emergencies
A program launched in November to help Alexandria residents facing sudden financial hardship has distributed more than $32,000 in direct assistance, aiding more than 250 neighbors — including over 115 children. NeighborShare ALX, a pilot run by ACT for Alexandria, provides fast, flexible support by connecting donors directly with verified needs posted by local nonprofit partners.
The program launched in response to the federal government shutdown, but has since expanded to address a broader range of crises. Among those currently seeking help: a single mother whose employer recently cut her hours, and a senior citizen living alone whose SNAP benefits and Medicare coverage were unexpectedly reduced.
With one in three Americans unable to cover a $400 emergency, even a short disruption in income can lead to missed meals, unpaid bills or housing instability. Donations of any size are tax-deductible and go directly to meeting identified needs at nbshare.org/alx.
Read more: NeighborShare ALX has distributed more than $32,000 to Alexandria families since November launch
5️⃣ Metro to close Crystal City station for 10 weekends this spring
Metro riders in Alexandria and south Arlington should brace for months of weekend disruptions starting this Saturday. The transit agency is beginning a series of 10 weekend closures at Crystal City station that will ripple across the Blue and Yellow lines through June.
The closures are necessary for construction of a second entrance at Crystal City, a joint project with Arlington County. During the shutdowns, trains will not operate between Pentagon City and Reagan National Airport — and for three of the 10 weekends (March 7-8, May 9-10 and May 16-17), the gap will widen to stretch from Pentagon City to Braddock Road, knocking out National Airport and Potomac Yard stations as well for track maintenance. Free shuttle buses will replace train service through the affected segments.
The disruptions carry particular weight for Alexandria, where riders at Braddock Road, King Street-Old Town and stations south rely on the Blue and Yellow lines as their primary rail connections to the airport, Pentagon and downtown Washington. The first closure begins Saturday and runs through Monday in observance of Presidents Day.
📰 In brief
George Washington Day schedule: City offices closed Monday, Feb. 16. ACPS and all libraries will be closed. DASH will operate on a weekend schedule, with Lines 102, 103, and 104 not running. Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day during the week. Chinquapin, Charles Houston, and Patrick Henry recreation centers will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking enforcement will be suspended at metered spaces and residential permit districts. City of Alexandria
Military aircraft flyover over Arlington National Cemetery today at 11 a.m. The U.S. Military will conduct the flyover in the National Capital Region. AlertDC
Alexandria police wear specialty badge to honor Black history, spark community dialogue. Officers Vincent Williams and Erik Elam designed the shield — accented with red, gold and green stripes — as part of APD's specialty badge program. The Alexandria Brief
Alexandria Sheriff's Office, Detention Center earn reaccreditation from national corrections association. Auditors found the agency in 100% compliance with all 58 mandatory standards and 99.7% compliance with non-mandatory standards during a three-day inspection in October. The office has held ACA accreditation since 1989. The Alexandria Brief
Beyer introduces several bipartisan bills. Rep. Don Beyer introduced legislation with Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., to improve federal coordination of methane monitoring and data-sharing. He also reintroduced the Airborne Act with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., to incentivize building owners to upgrade ventilation and air filtration systems. Separately, Beyer led 24 House Democrats in demanding the National Park Service halt new rules that would impose up to triple baseline fees on non-U.S. residents visiting national parks. Beyer
Warner, Kaine introduce legislation to keep federal wages competitive. The senators joined Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., to introduce the FAIR Act, which would provide federal employees with a 4.1% pay increase in 2027. "Federal workers are the backbone of America, delivering the essential services and benefits that families have earned in every corner of our country," Walkinshaw said. Kaine
Warner demands Gabbard explain presence at Fulton County raid, brief Senate on election security. The vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said a newly unsealed affidavit shows the Georgia search "originated from frivolous claims" by an attorney who "traffics in debunked falsehoods about the 2020 election." Warner and Sen. Alex Padilla are demanding Gabbard schedule an intelligence briefing for senators ahead of the 2026 midterms. "When the nation's top intelligence official inserts herself into a matter with no connection to a foreign threat, it's hard to escape the conclusion that the objective was political," Warner said. Warner
Publisher's note: Clean the mirror. On Monday, thousands of Alexandrians stood in the cold to hear a Buddhist monk who has walked 2,200 miles talk about mindfulness — and toothpaste. His advice: every time something happens that makes your blood boil, don't record it. Deal with it right then. React with kindness, let it pass through you, move on. Clean the mirror the moment the spot lands. The Alexandria Brief
On this day in 1799: Alexandrians celebrated the annual Birthnight Ball at Gadsby's Tavern, with guest of honor George Washington. Washington was actually born on that same date in 1732 — but according to the Julian calendar. The George Washington Birthday Parade returns to Old Town this Saturday. Historic Alexandria
🗓️ Today in Alexandria
Mostly sunny, with a high near 47 degrees. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 29 degrees.
Sunrise: 7:03 a.m. | Sunset: 5:41 p.m.
Things To Do
6 p.m.: Literary Libations | February Book Club at The Study at Morrison House
6:30 p.m.: Sushi & Cider at Lost Boy Cider
7 p.m.: Murphy’s Run Club at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Bill Pappas Project at 9 p.m.
Atlas Brew Works: Bingo at 7 p.m.
Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Pete Chauvette at 6 p.m.
Lost Boy Cider: Line Dancing at 6:30 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Kenny Kohlhaas at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
The Birchmere: Solas at 7:30 p.m.
The Light Horse: Trivia at 7 p.m.
City of Alexandria
Government: Open | Flag: Full Staff | Trash & Waste Collection: On Time
6 a.m.: Chinquapin Open at Chinquapin
9 a.m.: Walk In Wednesday Hiring Event — Alexandria Police Department
9:30 a.m.: Alexandria Electoral Board — Canvass of Feb. 10 special election
2 p.m.: American Revolution - Episode 2 watch party at Duncan Library
5:30 p.m.: Alexandria Transit Co. Board of Directors Meeting
6 p.m.: Minnie Howard Open at Minnie Howard
6 p.m.: Tax Time is Here! File for Free! — Free tax prep for eligible residents
6:30 p.m.: Children, Youth and Families Collaborative Commission
7 p.m.: ACPD Monthly Meeting
Alexandria City Public Schools
No meetings scheduled.
Find the ACHS sports calendar here.
Alexandria Library
All day: International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station at Beatley Central Library
All day: A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit at Local History/Special Collections
All day: American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive at Beatley Central Library
10 a.m.: Valentine Card Make and Take at Beatley Central Library
10:30 a.m.: 1s and 2s Time at Beatley Central Library
10:30 a.m.: Stitcher’s Space at Burke Branch Library
11 a.m.: Just Babies at Barrett Branch Library
2 p.m.: American Revolution - Episode 2 watch party at Duncan Branch Library
3:30 p.m.: Mystery Book Club (virtual)
5:30 p.m.: English Language Learning 2 Workshop at Beatley Central Library
6 p.m.: Literary Virginia Book Group (virtual)
6 p.m.: Credit Workshops - Build & Maintain Credit at Barrett Branch Library
6 p.m.: Knit Nite! at Beatley Central Library
6:30 p.m.: English Language Learning at Duncan Branch Library
Thanks for reading all the way to the end! Have a great day!