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A week heavy with civic meetings gets underway Monday, with school funding, land use, and neighborhood infrastructure all on the agenda across multiple sessions — before the city trades the conference room for King Street on Saturday.
Budget work session
City Council holds its second of eight scheduled FY2027 budget work sessions on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the ACPS School Board Room, 1340 Braddock Place. This session is dedicated to the ACPS operating and capital budgets, bringing School Board members into the discussion ahead of Council's final budget adoption on April 29.
The School Board unanimously adopted its FY2027 budget on February 19. The spending plan totals $376 million in operating funds and requests $292.3 million in city appropriation — a 3.5% increase over the current year. City Manager James Parajon presented his proposed city budget to the Council on February 24. Wednesday's session is the first time Council formally reviews the school division's request as part of that process.
Earlier in the day, ACPS schools will hold early dismissal and parent-teacher conferences beginning at noon.
School Board meets Thursday
The School Board holds its regular monthly meeting on Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. in the School Board Meeting Room. No docket had been posted to BoardDocs as of Sunday morning. Check back later in the week for agenda details.
The School Board's Operational Excellence Committee also meets on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the School Board Meeting Room.
Joint subcommittee and other school meetings
Monday's Joint City Council/School Board Subcommittee convenes at 5 p.m. in the School Board Meeting Room for its regular monthly meeting. The Athletic Hall of Fame Advisory Committee also meets Monday at 6:30 p.m. at ACHS Media Center.
Planning Commission: Housing 2040 and development cases
Tuesday's Planning Commission public hearing includes a briefing on the Housing 2040 Master Plan, a long-range policy framework for addressing Alexandria's housing needs. The item is listed as a discussion — no vote is on the agenda — but it arrives during an active budget and housing policy period. The same afternoon, the AHAAC Investment Subcommittee meets at 3 p.m. to review a loan request from the Housing Trust Fund, and the Housing Affordability Advisory Committee meets virtually on Thursday at 7 p.m.
On the development side, the commission will consider a request for three townhouses at 806 North Columbus Street, where the applicant seeks to re-subdivide three existing lots in an RB/Townhouse zone. A separate Elbert Avenue subdivision was withdrawn ahead of the hearing.
The commission also opens on Tuesday by electing a new chair and vice chair.
The hearing begins with a closed executive session at 6:15 p.m. and the public portion at 7 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center, Room 1305, 4850 Mark Center Drive. Remote participation is available via Zoom.
Landmark corridor meeting Thursday
City staff will host a pre-construction community meeting on Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., to present plans for modifying the ramp from I-395 North to eastbound Duke Street. The work is intended to provide access to the future Inova Hospital campus at the former Landmark Mall site. Project Manager Demond Frazier will lead the session, covering project scope, construction schedule, and expected traffic impacts. Virtual attendance is available via Zoom with registration required.
Other meetings this week
The Independent Community Policing Review Board holds its monthly meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Alexandria Police Department hosts an Evening Hiring Event Tuesday at 6 p.m. for those interested in joining the force. The Board of Architectural Review holds its regular public hearing Wednesday at 7 p.m., and the CSB Board Meeting takes place Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 4850 Mark Center Drive.
On Friday, the Health and Safety Coordinating Committee meets at 8:30 a.m., followed by a virtual Legislative Subcommittee meeting at 5:30 p.m. where Council and staff will review General Assembly bills with potential impact on the city.
See the full calendar of city meetings and events here.
St. Patrick's Day Parade caps the week
The week ends on a festive note. The Ballyshaners 43rd Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off Saturday at 12:15 p.m. along King Street in Old Town, kicking off what organizers bill as the DC area's first and longest-running St. Patrick's Day parade. The annual tradition typically features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, and community groups. All events are free and open to the public. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early.
