Alexandria will eliminate requirements for third-party green building certifications under a new policy aimed at reducing development costs while maintaining environmental standards.
The City Council is expected to consider the updated Green Building Policy later this year after review by the Planning Commission and Environmental Policy Commission. The changes would take effect Jan. 1, replacing the current 2019 policy.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning in and around Alexandria.
The warning is in effect until 4:15 p.m., and boaters are cautioned to “seek safe harbor immediately” until a series of severe thunderstorms pass.
Visit Alexandria’s President & CEO Todd O’Leary leads with the belief that travel is a force for good, inspiring visitors to deepen their travel experiences by connecting with Alexandria’s myriad stories. That’s why 2026 National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3-9, 2026) isn’t just any week. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that tourism plays in bringing people together across cultures and geographies, creating shared understandings and memories that last a lifetime. This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” takes on special significance as Alexandria prepares to host several major events this summer, bringing the stories of our local community onto the world stage.
“This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week celebrations seem particularly fitting, given all the momentum we’re seeing in Alexandria’s hospitality industry,” said Visit Alexandria’s President & CEO Todd O’Leary. “As tourism grows in importance here, the dividends from visitor spending support our small business owners and ultimately our residents. Visit Alexandria is proud of the work done by our local industry to keep this city top of mind for domestic and international travelers.”
Last fall, Visit Alexandria announced that Alexandria’s tourism spending from travelers residing more than 50 miles away grew to $1 billion for the first time in history during calendar year 2024. Additionally, Fiscal Year 2025 city consumption tax revenues reached a record $88 million—supporting core city services, saving the average Alexandria household $832 annually, and sustaining more than 5,700 local jobs.
In conjunction with this year’s America 250th commemorations, Alexandria will host programs, exhibitions, historic tours and signature events, including the three-day Sails on the Potomac festival—all of which showcase Alexandria’s renowned historic character and ever-evolving progressive nature. As Alexandria continues to make waves on the world stage, especially as a destination for sports tourism, the city will serve as the official Team Base Camp for the Croatian National Football Team, a FIFA top ten ranked team, during the World Cup. With state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of accommodations, a wealth of visitor experiences and incredible transportation access, Alexandria’s prominence in sports tourism is growing. (more…)
A Grammy-nominated quartet will perform this month at Virginia Theological Seminary.
The New York Polyphony will sing at a free concert at VTS’s Immanuel Chapel (3737 Seminary Road) at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Alexandria’s tourism impact, economic trends, upcoming business openings and more will be unveiled later this month in Visit Alexandria‘s annual meeting.
Alexandria’s tourism bureau will hold its annual meeting at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center (5000 Seminary Road) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25. Tickets cost $40 for Visit Alexandria members and $95 for non-members.
Online event (see link)
MOVING UP or MOVING AWAY WEBINAR
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Meet Lena, a 4-year-old black and tan beauty who’s ready to become someone’s devoted companion. This 109-pound sweetheart is available for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and embodies the perfect balance of playfulness and affection.
Lena’s volunteers describe her as having “a heart as big as her cuddly body,” and her personality backs up that assessment. She’s an enthusiastic fetch player who will happily chase balls for as long as her human is willing to throw them. But when playtime winds down, this gentle giant transforms into a “leaner” who craves close contact with her favorite people.
While its current CEO is on probation and under investigation for living in a public housing property under his management, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority is being led by an interim CEO, ALXnow has confirmed.
Last month, ALXnow reported that ARHA CEO Erik Johnson was living in an ARHA property, prompting the Alexandria City Council to call for an independent investigation. ARHA has since confirmed that its Deputy Executive Director Rickie C. Maddox is currently working as the organization’s interim CEO.
Update: Police announced at 3:18 p.m. Thursday that Abdrahiman had been located safe.
Alexandria police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 71-year-old man.
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins addressed community concerns about the city’s use of Flock Safety surveillance cameras during a live one-on-one discussion with ALXnow on Tuesday, providing clarification and further details on Wednesday that new Virginia laws prevent the technology from being misused by federal immigration enforcement.
The mayor’s clarification came in response to a resident’s question about whether the Alexandria Police Department should discontinue its contract with Flock Safety, an AI surveillance company that has faced scrutiny over potential misuse by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Thursday, Sept. 4, the 247th day of 2025. There are 118 days left in the year.
☀️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 87 degrees. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
