Here are a few things to pay attention to this week in Alexandria:
Alexandria City Manager Mark Jinks will formally unveil his $753.3 million fiscal year 2021 operating budget in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, which is 5.8% lower than the $800 million operating budget he proposed before the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget will close an anticipated $92 million shortfall, and includes a hiring freeze, a drastic reduction in capital projects, and reverses a decision to increase taxes by 2 cents.
Additionally, Council is scheduled to approve another allocation of $220,000 funds to ALIVE! and $100,000 from snow removal contingency funds the ACT Now COVID-19 response fund.
Last month, the city donated $100,000 to the ACT Now fund, and the allocation of $20,000 to ALIVE! to buy bulk food equivalent to 17,000 meals.
Additionally, Mayor Justin Wilson is scheduled to conduct an hour-long virtual town hall meeting at 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Spring break ends today, and starting this week food distribution will resume for Alexandria City Public Schools. Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr., will resume his daily 3 p.m. online briefings on Tuesday.
Wednesday is Spring2ACTion, which is the largest annual fundraiser in Alexandria. The 24-hour online giving event for local nonprofits has raised upward of $10 million from 65,000 donors for more than 160 local nonprofits since it began in 2011. Last year ACT for Alexandria raised a record $2.1 million, and this year’s goal is to attract 10,000 donors.
In the meantime, the city is warning against COVID-19-related scams.
Remain vigilant for scams related to #COVID19. You may receive fake phone calls or emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites. Avoid scams and misinformation throughout the pandemic. https://t.co/OJ47bolL9g
— AlexandriaVAOEM (@AlexandriaVAOEM) April 12, 2020
Recent Stories

Are you seeking a confidential space where you can explore your emotions, overcome challenges, and find inner peace? Look no further than our dedicated psychotherapy service! We understand that life can be overwhelming at times, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
At Peaceful Mind Solutions, our passion lies in helping individuals like you navigate life’s complexities and find the strength to thrive. Our skilled and compassionate therapist is committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. With our personalized approach, we tailor each session to address your unique needs and empower you to overcome obstacles.
Through evidence-based techniques and a deep understanding of the human mind, our therapist will guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we’re here to provide guidance and practical tools for lasting change.
Time flies when you’re having fun! The T.C. Williams High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion July 21-23, 2023 in Alexandria. All graduates and their adult nears and dears are welcome. Events include a Friday evening icebreaker, Saturday dinner dance, and a Sunday brunch. For more information: tcwilliams73.com, 770.789.3534.