The Alexandria Brief: Wednesday, March 11

Good morning, Alexandria. Today is Wednesday, March 11 — the 70th day of 2026, with 295 days left in the year.

City Council voted Tuesday to advertise a maximum real estate tax rate of $1.145 per $100 of assessed value — one cent above the current rate — while signaling it doesn't expect to raise taxes. Council also unanimously passed a resolution to restructure how the city funds ACPS starting in FY 2028, moving from lump-sum appropriations to funding by nine major spending categories.

Tonight at 7 p.m., the council holds its third budget work session focused on the $221 million Safe, Secure & Just portfolio — the first formal review of the sheriff's office since roughly 10 speakers called for budget cuts Monday over ICE collaboration.

Meanwhile, early voting numbers suggest significant engagement: nearly 10,000 mail-in ballots have been requested, and 670 voters have cast ballots in person — roughly 10% of the electorate before the first full week of early voting is complete. Election Day is April 21.

Here's what you need to know today.

1️⃣ Alexandria City Council keeps tax increase on the table but signals reluctance to use it

Alexandria City Council voted Tuesday to advertise a maximum real estate tax rate of $1.145 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2026 — one cent above the current rate — and unanimously passed a resolution of intent to restructure how the city funds Alexandria City Public Schools beginning in FY 2028.

Both votes were expected, but the debate around them revealed a council that is keeping its options open while signaling it doesn't expect to raise taxes.

2️⃣ Council reviews $221M public safety budget tonight — with the sheriff's office in the spotlight

Alexandria City Council holds its third FY 2027 budget work session on tonight at 7 p.m. at Del Pepper Community Resource Center, focused on the Safe, Secure & Just functional area — the city's $221,093,167 portfolio of public safety and justice departments.

The session comes two days after roughly 10 speakers at Monday's budget public hearing called on council to cut Sheriff Sean Casey's budget over his office's continued transfers of inmates to ICE. It will be the first time the council formally reviews the sheriff's numbers since that testimony.

One detail worth noting: the sheriff's office is the only major department in the Safe, Secure & Just portfolio without performance indicators in the proposed budget.

3️⃣ Opponents circulate petition against Braddock Road bike lanes

An online petition opposing the Braddock Road bike lane project has gained more than 140 signatures in three days, though the petition contains several factual errors about the Traffic and Parking Board's decision.

The Change.org petition, started by Brittney DePiano, urges signers to support an appeal filed on March 6 and oppose the city's recommendation to add protected bike lanes and remove most parking between Mount Vernon Avenue and Russell Road.

4️⃣ Public art installation 'Now or Never' coming to Old Town waterfront March 21

A "Public Art Coming Soon" sign at Waterfront Park is about to deliver on its promise.

The City of Alexandria's Office of the Arts announced Monday that installation is underway for Now or Never, the eighth edition of the annual Site See: New Views in Old Town public art series. The work, by interdisciplinary artist Alicia Eggert, opens to the public March 21 with a free reception from 1 to 4 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St.

5️⃣ Nearly 10,000 mail-in ballots have been requested in Alexandria's April 21 special election

Early voting is five days old in Alexandria's April 21 city council special election — and the early numbers suggest significant voter engagement ahead of Election Day.

According to the city's election dashboard, 9,782 mail-in ballots have been sent to voters as of Monday, March 9. Of those, 9,781 are still awaiting return, with one marked as undeliverable. Combined with 670 early in-person voters, more than 10,400 of Alexandria's 102,597 registered voters have either cast a ballot or requested the means to do so .

📰 In brief

Second budget public hearing Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Last chance to address council before the April 29 adoption vote. ICE Out of Alexandria coalition plans to return after Monday's 33-speaker turnout. The Alexandria Brief

Frank Fannon calls for ward system at campaign kickoff. The independent candidate drew a crowd Sunday at Union Street Pub and introduced a new policy position: returning Alexandria to ward-based representation. The Alexandria Brief

Councilman Aguirre releases videos urging "yes" vote on redistricting amendment. The Alexandria councilman posted English and Spanish videos calling the ballot measure a chance to "level the playing field" ahead of the April 21 special election. Early voting is underway. Councilman Canek Aguirre

Shamrock Smash bar crawl returns to Del Ray Saturday. The annual St. Patrick's Day event runs noon to 6 p.m. with themed cocktails, Irish beer, live music and "Kick the Keg" battles. All registration profits benefit Cook for Vets. Visit Del Ray

Irish Breakfast Band plays St. Patrick's celebration Saturday at The Lyceum. The traditional music concert begins at 7 p.m. at 201 S. Washington St. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Beer and wine cash bar available. City of Alexandria

The Riviera Alexandria grand opening and ribbon cutting April 22. The new luxury independent senior living community at 2700 Main Line Blvd. hosts a ceremony at 10 a.m. with tours and networking to follow. Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

Four Mile Run Kayak Launch ribbon cutting May 9. The new launch at 3700 Commonwealth Ave. is the first of its kind in the DC metro area, featuring ADA-compliant slopes, a wheelchair transfer platform, and roller water entry/exit ramp. Celebration runs noon to 3 p.m. City of Alexandria

On this day in Alexandria's history: In 1790, Thomas Jefferson was feted at Wise's Tavern on Cameron and North Fairfax streets, months after returning from France where he had succeeded Benjamin Franklin as Minister. Eleven days later, he was sworn in as Secretary of State. Historic Alexandria

Have a news tip or story idea? Hit reply or email ryan@alexandriabrief.com.

Today in Alexandria

⛅ Weather

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 81 degrees. A chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, then showers after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 46 degrees.