Alexandria’s initial (first time) unemployment claims fell significantly, and continued claims remained steady for the week ending May 1.
There were just 310 initial claims for the week ending Mat 1, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. That’s a 78% dip in the number of claims from the previous week, which saw 1,498 initial claims.
The number of continued claims was steady at 1,421, which is the same as the week before and a slight increase over the week ending April 17.
The week ending May 1 is the 59th since the pandemic began in Virginia. Statewide, initial claims in Virginia fell to 12,231, which is a decrease of more than 25,000 claimants from the previous week. 17,560; and continued claims increased slightly to 55,195 claims.
Looking for work? The Alexandria Workforce Development Center hosts weekly workshops, and there are a number of job openings with the city.
Learn more about filing a weekly or continued claim here.
According to VEC:
The locality with the most initial unemployment claims this week was Fairfax County which saw 746 initial filings. Prince William County and Norfolk City followed with 537 and 522 initial claims respectively. Of the 133 counties and independent cities in the Commonwealth, all 133 saw either a decrease or no change in the number of filings this week compared to the week before. The locality with the largest decrease was Richmond City which had 1,547 fewer initial claims compared to the prior week. Bland County and Highland County both saw no change in the number of claims, week over week.
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If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
Family Fun Fall Fest
Mark your calendars and join us for the Family Fun Fall Fest on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 11am – 2pm!
This FREE in-person event will be held at the Shoppes at Foxchase, located at 4641 Duke St, Alexandria, VA
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.