Alexandria announced Tuesday its first project labor agreement for a $35 million renovation of City Hall, Market Square Plaza and an underground garage set to begin in January 2026.
City Manager James Parajon presented the agreement during Tuesday’s city council meeting, calling it “a major milestone in the history of the city of Alexandria.” The city announced the agreement via a press release following Parajon’s presentation.
The agreement between Grunley Construction Co. and the Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council represents 22 construction unions across the region and covers the historic civic project.
“This is truly a landmark agreement for the city and not just in how we deliver capital projects, but how we partner with labor to uplift our workforce and community,” Parajon said.
The project labor agreement was triggered by the city’s policy requiring such agreements for construction projects exceeding $35 million. The deal establishes uniform wages, benefits, and working conditions while including no-strike clauses and dispute resolution mechanisms designed to prevent delays.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins emphasized the agreement’s broader significance beyond construction.
“Projects don’t happen without workers,” Gaskins said. “Workers are the most important part of our community. And I think what a project labor agreement signals is not only a commitment to wages and benefits, but a commitment to worker voice, commitment to opportunities.”
The agreement includes workforce development provisions, creating training and apprenticeship opportunities for Alexandria residents. It also ensures compliance with safety, health and labor standards while providing opportunities for local trades and businesses.
Greg Ackerman, president of the Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades, said the partnership reflects Alexandria’s values.
The renovation addresses aging infrastructure in the more than 100-year-old city hall building. Market Square has served as a civic gathering place since Alexandria’s founding in 1749.
More than 400 city employees are relocating to temporary or permanent spaces throughout Alexandria as preparation for the renovation continues. Several departments have already moved, including the Office of Housing and portions of the Department of Finance and Code Administration.
The project aims to repair building components, improve technology and accessibility, enhance security and increase community engagement while preserving the historic character of the building.
Council members unanimously supported the announcement, with members expressing pride in the city’s commitment to both fiscal responsibility and worker protections. The agreement positions the city hall renovation as a potential model for future public infrastructure projects in the region.
