The Brief: Thursday, Nov. 6
Alexandria City Hall renovation project continues to next meeting after board unable to reach decision; Texas-style barbecue coming to Alexandria's Founding Farmers
Good morning, Alexandria. Welcome to The Alexandria Brief. I’m Ryan Belmore, and I’ll be bringing you essential Alexandria news every weekday morning.
Here’s what you need to know for Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Essentials
Weather: Today will be sunny, with a high near 58 degrees. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Mostly clear tonight, with a low of around 37 degrees. Calm wind.
On Tap Today: Revival Oyster Stout Release at Port City Brewing, Old Town North Farmer’s Market, Red Barn Mercantile 2025 Holiday Unveiling, and more.
1️⃣ City Hall renovation
The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review continued its review of the massive City Hall renovation project to its next meeting on November 19 after board members said they needed more time to evaluate design details, despite praising significant progress made by the design team.
After a discussion that lasted more than three hours on Wednesday night, the board voted to continue the matter until the next hearing rather than approve or deny the certificate of appropriateness for alterations at 301 King St. and 108 N. Fairfax St. The project includes restoration of the historic 1871 building, reconstruction of the 1961 addition’s south facade, new Market Square structures, and a fifth-floor addition.
2️⃣ Helping neighbors during shutdown
As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, Alexandria residents have numerous opportunities to support neighbors facing financial hardship through food donations, volunteer programs, and community assistance efforts.
The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, has left approximately 13,000 federal workers who live in Alexandria without paychecks, along with federal contractors, creating urgent needs for food, housing, and utility assistance across the city.
3️⃣ Evictions on the rise
Landlords filed 4,107 eviction cases in Alexandria through late October, averaging approximately 95 cases per week, and only 16% of tenants received legal information, according to city data reviewed by The Alexandria Brief.
Courts issued 1,398 writs of eviction, meaning those households were legally ordered to leave their homes. The average unpaid rent: $5,261.
4️⃣ Transportation Plan
Alexandria residents have until Nov. 21 to weigh in on a 25-year transportation plan that will shape how people move through the Washington region, including changes to transit, roadways, and rail infrastructure that directly affect the city.
5️⃣ Founding Farmers adds barbecue
Founding Farmers will launch a Texas-style barbecue program at its Alexandria location, 461 Swann Avenue, in early 2026.
Founding Farmers BBQ will feature slow-smoked ribs, brisket, wings, house-made sauces, and sides served in two- or four-person portions, according to Eater DC. The concept marks the restaurant group’s first barbecue venture since opening in 2008.
Extra Extra!
The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge will undergo monthly maintenance on Thursday night, causing intermittent traffic stops. (The Alexandria Brief)
A pedestrian was seriously injured in a crash on Glebe Road on Tuesday, according to the Alexandria Police Department. (The Alexandria Brief)
Alexandria Police are asking for the public’s help in investigating a crash that injured a teenage scooter rider on Tuesday afternoon. (The Alexandria Brief)
Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt will present her proposed capital improvement program budget for fiscal years 2027-2036 at tonight’s school board meeting. (The Alexandria Brief)
The Alexandria Planning Commission will consider tonight whether to allow more flexibility for developers in South Potomac Yard’s remaining vacant blocks. (The Alexandria Brief)
The Alexandria School Board is reviewing its policies and regulations on telework and outside employment, as well as directing an external audit of the division, according to an Oct. 31 message sent to families and staff. (Alexandria Times)
The Alexandria Film Festival returns today through Sunday with more than sixty films screening at venues across Alexandria. (Alexandria Film Festival)
Due to the government shutdown, flight capacity at all three area airports will be reduced beginning Friday. (ABC News)
Alexandria Police posted at 1:45 a.m. that there was a police presence at 4600 Duke Street and asked the public to please avoid the area. At 2:39 a.m., they updated that the area is now clear. No further details are available at this time.