The Alexandria Brief-PM | Friday, February 27

The filing deadline just passed. Three candidates are certified for the April 21 City Council special election: Democrat Sandy Marks, independent Frank Fannon, and independent Alison Virginia O'Connell—a newcomer whose candidacy emerged just yesterday. The Republican nominee withdrew Thursday, and the ARCC announced it won't name a replacement. No Republican will be on the ballot.

Meanwhile, decisions being made in Richmond over the next few weeks could hit Alexandria's budget hard—or significantly help it. The biggest threat: a $153 million WMATA funding gap that could cost the city $21 million a year. The biggest opportunity: a potential school construction sales tax that could generate $40 million annually. The General Assembly adjourns on March 14.

And if you're looking for a reason to get outside this weekend, The Garden in Del Ray reopened today at 3 p.m. Temperatures hit the low 60s tomorrow.

Here's what I published today

Three candidates certified for April 21 Alexandria City Council special election

Sandy Marks, Frank Fannon, and Alison Virginia O’Connell will appear on the ballot, according to the city’s general registrar.

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

Richmond decisions could reshape Alexandria’s budget — for better or worse

Work session reveals WMATA funding crisis, potential school construction tax, and unresolved state variables as budget process advances

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

Alexandria’s housing blueprint is out; Saturday is your chance to weigh in in person

Draft recommendations released last week lay out 10 goals for the city’s first major housing plan update since 2013

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

Coalition for a Livable Alexandria raises $28,000 to fund zoning lawsuit appeal

Group avoids hourly billing that could have tripled legal costs

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

The Garden reopens Friday after winter break, signaling start of spring season

Beloved Del Ray outdoor venue returns with full weekend hours and packed events calendar

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

Story Update

My story on PTAC's call for more ACPS funding has been updated three times today. At least three school PTAs—Jefferson-Houston, Douglas MacArthur, and ACHS—have distanced themselves from the umbrella group's campaign, saying they did not vote on or align with the position.

ACPS parent groups call proposed 1.5% schools funding increase insufficient

Umbrella PTA council calls 1.5% proposal insufficient; urges families to submit public comment before March 9 hearing

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

This weekend

It's the final weekend of Black History Month. Saturday brings the Del Ray Chili Cook-Off at Commonwealth Academy, Daniel O'Connell's 20th-anniversary celebration, and the Housing 2040 open house. It's also the last day for Whiskey & Oyster, which closes after a five-year run.

Weather: Sunny Saturday with a high near 63 degrees—the warmest day in weeks. Mostly sunny Sunday, high near 55 degrees with wind gusts up to 25 mph. Cooling off Sunday night with lows around 29 degrees.

What’s happening in Alexandria this weekend: Feb. 27-March 1

Black History Month wraps up, Del Ray Chili Cook Off and O’Connell’s turns 20

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

Thanks for being here, have a great weekend!

— Ryan

The Alexandria Brief — AM is delivered at 7 a.m. every weekday. The PM edition goes out as needed—when there's news you shouldn't have to wait until tomorrow to see.