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Good morning, Alexandria. Today is Friday, February 27 — the 58th day of 2026, with 307 days left in the year.
Two independents have filed for the April 21 City Council special election — and the Republican Party says it won't have a candidate on the ballot. Frank Fannon, who served on council from 2009 to 2012 as a Republican, and activist Alison Virginia O'Connell have submitted petition pages. Democratic nominee Sandy Marks had not yet filed as of Thursday evening. The deadline is 5 p.m. today.
ACPS parent groups are mobilizing against the city manager's proposed 1.5% schools funding increase, calling it inadequate to cover a step increase or the collective bargaining agreement being negotiated. And city officials broke ground on a project to convert a vacant Eisenhower Avenue office building into 377 affordable housing units — with affordability restrictions locked in for 99 years.
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Here's what you need to know today.
Thanks for reading,
~ Ryan
1️⃣ Republican nominee withdraws; two independents file as deadline looms today
The Republican nominee for the April 21 City Council special election has withdrawn from the race — and the party says it won't name a replacement. The filing deadline is 5 p.m. today.
Gerry Chandler, whom the Alexandria Republican City Committee named Monday, texted The Alexandria Brief Thursday afternoon to say he has pulled out, citing "the onerous financial disclosures required." Candidates must file a 25-page Statement of Economic Interests disclosing personal debts, securities holdings, business interests, and income sources. The ARCC confirmed it will not field another candidate, leaving the April 21 ballot without a major-party Republican.
Two independents have submitted petition pages: Frank Fannon, who served on council from 2009 to 2012 as a Republican, and Alison Virginia O'Connell, an activist whose platform centers on ethical investment, abolishing ICE, and "Trump-proofing Alexandria." Democratic nominee Sandy Marks had not yet filed as of Thursday evening. The Alexandria Brief will report the certified candidate list once the deadline passes.
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore
2️⃣ ACPS parent groups mobilize against proposed schools funding increase
The Alexandria Council of PTAs mobilized Thursday against City Manager James Parajon's proposed 1.5% increase for Alexandria City Public Schools, calling the funding level inadequate and urging families to submit public comments before the March 9 budget hearing.
PTAC, which represents all 17 school PTA units, posted a call to action alongside Patrick Henry K-8 PTA and 14 other school units — a show of cross-division coordination less than 48 hours after Parajon unveiled his proposed budget. The group's central argument: non-collectively bargained city employees are receiving a step increase plus a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment, while ACPS's total operating increase is 1.5%. "It WILL NOT cover the collective bargaining agreement being negotiated," PTAC wrote.
The school board adopted a $408.2 million budget request last week, calling for a 3.5% city appropriation increase — $5.6 million more than Parajon proposed. Chair Michelle Rief warned that the gap would force position cuts and larger class sizes. Critics note enrollment fell by 407 students last fall. Defenders say the district serves a high-need population whose costs don't diminish with headcount. The first budget public hearing is on March 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Ryan Belmore
3️⃣ Officials break ground on 377-unit affordable housing project at Victory Center
City officials broke ground Wednesday on a project to convert a 600,000-square-foot office building that has sat vacant for more than two decades into 377 affordable housing units.
The building at 5001 Eisenhower Ave., known as Victory Center, was constructed in 1973 for the U.S. Army Materiel Command. The Army relocated to Fort Belvoir in 2003, and the building has remained empty since — contributing roughly 3% to Alexandria's overall office vacancy rate. The project is a partnership between the city, developer Stonebridge,, and Amazon's Housing Equity Fund.
Half the units will be restricted to renters earning 50% to 60% of the area median income, with the remaining half available to those earning up to 80% AMI. The affordability restrictions will remain in place for 99 years. The project includes 235 two- and three-bedroom units designed for families. The city is providing a 25-year tax abatement worth an estimated $13.6 million to $16.4 million. First residents are expected to move in by summer 2027.
Ryan Belmore
📰 In brief
What's happening in Alexandria this weekend. The Chamber ALX hosts its 2026 Chair's Reception tonight at Aslin. Black History Month wraps up with a variety show at Lee Center on Friday, Jazz Night at the Departmental Progressive Club, and the "Old Town Roots: 250 Years of Black Resilience" bus tour on Saturday. Also Saturday: Del Ray Chili Cook Off at Commonwealth Academy, Daniel O'Connell's celebrates 20 years, and Empty Bowls Alexandria at Beth El Hebrew Congregation. Note: Saturday is the last day for Whiskey & Oyster. The Alexandria Brief
Warner and Kaine endorse Beyer's reelection bid in Virginia's 8th. Virginia's two U.S. senators backed the seven-term incumbent Thursday, following Gov. Spanberger's endorsement earlier this week. Beyer faces five Democratic challengers ahead of the primary, which was pushed from June to August to accommodate ongoing redistricting uncertainty. The Alexandria Brief
VPAP adds past election results to proposed congressional district profiles. The nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project now shows party performance from five recent elections alongside proposed district boundaries. District 8, which includes Alexandria, would extend south to York County under the proposed Democratic redistricting plan. VPAP
Still Divided? Alexandria's Institutional Segregation. The first part of a new Theogony series examines how Alexandria's history as a center of the domestic slave trade and decades of educational segregation continue to affect the city today. "The reality is Alexandria is systemically affected by its racist past," the student journalists write. Theogony
Beyer introduces legislation to incentivize standardized emissions disclosures. The SCOPE Act would direct the EPA to establish voluntary guidance for companies to disclose their indirect Scope 3 emissions, ensuring greater transparency about a company's environmental footprint. Reps. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are cosponsors. Rep. Don Beyer
Warner and Kaine introduce legislation to support Chesapeake Bay restoration. The Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act would reauthorize NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office, which supports restoration of the Bay and connects local businesses, nonprofits, schools and residents to coastal resilience efforts. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) are cosponsors. Sen. Tim Kaine
EmpowerHER Women's Health Forum March 8. Councilwoman Jacinta Greene, Alexandria Celebrates Women, and Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia are hosting a free event for International Women's Day featuring panel discussions, vendors, and wellness activities focused on intergenerational health and wellness for women. Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center. Jacinta Greene
City of Alexandria internship applications due today. The city is seeking college students, recent graduates and advanced degree candidates to fill internship positions across various departments. Applications are due by 11:59 a.m. today. City of Alexandria
Today in Alexandria
Weather: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 55 degrees. Light and variable wind.
Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 36 degrees. Light south wind.
Sun, Moon, & Tide: Sunrise at 6:42 a.m. | Sunset at 5:58 p.m. | 11 hours & 16 minutes of sun | High tides at 4:26 a.m. & 4:47 p.m. | Low tides at 10:46 a.m. & 11:46 p.m. | The lunar phase is a Waxing Gibbous.
🗓️ Things To Do
- 1 p.m.: Film Series - "Nickel Boys" at Burke Branch Library
- 3:30 p.m.: Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión at Burke Branch Library
- 6 p.m.: Gavin Glakas & Steven S. Walker: “Proximate” Opening Reception at Principle Gallery
- 6 p.m.: The Chamber ALX's 2026 Chair's Reception at Aslin ALX
- 7 p.m.: NAACP Alexandria Branch hosts Jazz Night at the Departmental Progressive Club
🎶 Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Fat Chance at 9 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Bravenoise at 9 p.m.
- Clyde’s at Mark Center: Brent Peterson at 9 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Franklin Music Duo at 9:30 p.m.
- Del Ray Pizzeria: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Galactic Panther: Czonka with Damian Wolf and Dream Punch at 7 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Bill Schroeder at 6 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Quartet at 7:30 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: Jacob DeForge at 7 p.m.
- Makeda Restaurant: Mesfin & Tsehay at 10 p.m.
- Murphy’s Pub: Pat Garvey and Powers & McLaughlin at 9 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Winter Sect, Jester & The Mad Praksters, Signs of the Past, at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Masters of Hawaiian Music at 7:30 p.m.
- The Light Horse: Super Nova at 9:30 p.m.
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: School of Rock at 8 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6:30 p.m.
🏛️ City & Schools
Government: Open | Schools: Open | Flag: Half Staff | Trash, Recycling, & Yard Waste Collection: On Time
- 6 a.m.: Chinquapin Open at Chinquapin
- 8 a.m.: ACPS School Board Governance Committee (virtual)
- 10:30 a.m.: Black History Month Variety Show at Lee Center
- 5:30 p.m.: Legislative Subcommittee Meeting (virtual)
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