It’s been an intense week in Alexandria.
Here’s a look back on this week’s top stories. Our most-read post was on the shooting of three men in Arlandria on Sunday night (April 27). Police found the victims with gunshot wounds shortly after being called at around 9 p.m. They were transported to area hospitals, and no arrests have been announced. Witnesses heard a barrage of gunfire, and the Alexandria Police Department is asking for help in the investigation.
Our number-two story was on an alleged abduction and assault of a woman by a naked man along the Mount Vernon Trail in Old Town North. The victim suffered minor cuts and bruises, and a 39-year-old Alexandria man was charged with abduction with intent to defile and assault, and is being held without bond.
Our third top story surprised us. It was the announcement that the City of Alexandria will host a job fair on Tuesday (May 6) highlighting a wide range of career opportunities available with the City. The event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. outside City Hall in Market Square (301 King St.), with hiring departments and city representatives on hand to discuss open positions and answer questions from job seekers.
Turning to city government business, it looks like the lights will stay on and the grass will be cut in Alexandria for at least another fiscal year. On Wednesday (April 30), the City Council unanimously adopted the city’s FY2026 $956.5 million operating budget.
City Manager Jim Parajon said crafting a budget that keeps city services without increasing real estate or property taxes was challenging. The city’s budget grew 3.2% over the current fiscal year, with its largest line item being fully funded Alexandria City Public Schools and significant stormwater management funding for the city’s $2.1 billion FY 2026 – 2035 Capital Improvement Program.
“We are passing this budget at a time of great economic uncertainty,” Mayor Alyia Gaskins said. “We know that families, workers, small businesses, and so many in our community are navigating rising costs. They’re navigating job loss, and they’re navigating uncertainty about what’s best for them and their families.”
The budget passage also means residents can expect to continue paying the current real estate tax, personal property tax, sanitary sewer rate, or refuse rate. However, the city’s stormwater utility fee rates increased from $324.10 to $340.30.
Are you getting hungry yet? Our weekly poll on the best Mexican restaurant in Alexandria received more than 1,200 votes.
The most-read stories this week were:
- BREAKING: Three males shot in Arlandria Sunday night (24784 views)
- Man charged with abduction and assault after naked attack on woman in Old Town North (7746 views)
- Notes: Here’s your chance to work for the City of Alexandria (7535 views)
- Poll: What’s the best Mexican restaurant in Alexandria? (7497 views)
- Uber and Lyft drivers boycott for higher wages in Alexandria (4999 views)
- ACPS admits ‘internal breakdown’ kept defending debate champs from state title defense (3907 views)
- Housing inventory surges in Alexandria: New listings up over 30% from last year (2087 views)
- Alexandria wants to increase rental fees at these city-owned facilities (2072 views)
- Supporters rally in Alexandria for Georgetown professor detained by ICE (1739 views)
Have a safe weekend!
