The gap between Alexandria’s residential and commercial tax bases continues to grow, with residents shouldering more of the city’s tax burden, according to the city’s released real estate tax assessments.
As of Jan. 1, Alexandria’s overall tax base increased by 3.4% in value, or nearly $1.7 billion, to reach $51.4 billion in 2026. The city’s residential tax base increased by 4.4% in value, or $1.4 billion, while the commercial tax base gained $334.8 million in value, up 1.9%, and the non-locally assessed tax base declined by $20.5 million, dropping 2.8%.
A springtime uptick is expected, but for now, Alexandria apartment rental costs are running below last year’s rates.
The median apartment rental cost of $2,187 in the city was down 2.8% year-over-year in February, according to data reported by Apartment List. Median city rental rates were $2,003 for one-bedroom units and $2,460 for two bedrooms.
Meet Spike, a happy dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is full of energy.
The three-year-old furry friend weighs 49 pounds and is known by his distinctive tri-colored coat “and a personality that can’t be beat,” an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow.
Mayor Gaskins: Pump Station Alternatives Discussion Next Month — “In March, the manager and staff will come back to the city. They’ll present an update, they’ll present other alternatives and things that they have been exploring … I hope you’ll continue to engage in the conversation. Our waterfront belongs to all of us, and we can all be a part of shaping the path forward and making sure that we continue to be more resilient in the face of climate change.” [Mayor Alyia Gaskins]
Potomac Advocate Shares Story in Podcast — “One of the fiercest advocates for action and advocacy after last month’s mass sewage spill has a long background in fighting for the Potomac River. Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks was one of the first at the scene of the burst Potomac Interceptor pipe in Montgomery County on Jan. 19.” [ARLnow]
Raise a glass to culture and camaraderie at the 2026 whisky tasting event. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting across the whisky regions of Scotland, gaining insights into the craftsmanship and culture behind each pour. This informative program will help you learn all about the rich tapestry that is Scotch whisky, enable you to sample five different whiskies from across Scotland, and provide an opportunity to ask questions and share personal insights. VIP ticket holders will receive two additional exclusive samples of rare whiskies. All attendees will take home a souvenir Glencairn glass, perfect for continuing their whisky journey. Tickets are $100 for VIP or $75 for general admission (listed as a separate event on Alexandriava.gov/Shop), with hors d’oeuvres included. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for non-whisky drinkers. A raffle will also be held with prizes, with tickets available for cash purchase at the event. Minimum age: 21. All proceeds support the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and its mission to support the educational and cultural exchanges between Alexandria, VA and her sister cities of Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden.
Please note: You do not need to print off tickets. Your name will be on the registration list for the event.
Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
🕗 News recap
The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 26, 2026.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
- JUST IN: Republican nominee withdraws from Alexandria City Council race (925 views)
- Officials break ground on 377-unit affordable apartment complex at Victory Center (802 views)
- Nonprofit requests extension for 91-unit affordable housing redevelopment in Arlandria (473 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on Friday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
☀️ Friday’s forecast
Expect a mostly sunny day with highs around 53°F and calm winds becoming southerly at 5 mph in the afternoon. The evening will be mostly clear with lows near 38°F and south winds between 3 and 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading!
Housing nonprofit Community Lodgings, Inc. (CLI) is asking for an extension to redevelop an existing 28-unit affordable apartment building in the Arlandria neighborhood with more housing.
CLI is planning to construct a six-story, 91-unit affordable apartment building at 3908 Elbert Avenue, more-than tripling the amount of units the property currently has. The nonprofit, which received approval for the project in February 2023, previously said in its application that it wouldn’t have been able to break ground before the expiration of its development special use permit, which passed yesterday (Wednesday).
Gerry Chandler, the Alexandria Republican City Committee’s nominee in the April 21 City Council special election, is withdrawing from the race.
Chandler, an educator and computer scientist, told ALXnow that he will not be running due to the “financial disclosures” he would have to submit. So far, Democratic nominee Sandy Marks and independent candidate Frank Fannon are the only people running to replace former Councilman-turned-Delegate R. Kirk McPike.
A festive afternoon of Irish dancing, pipe bands and emerald-green outfits and decorations is returning soon to Old Town.
The Ballyshaners‘ 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is expected to draw thousands of spectators to celebrate alongside a lineup of performers and community organizers. Local dignitaries plan to kick off festivities at noon Saturday, March 7, with the parade stepping off at 12:30 p.m.
Officials kicked off the residential conversion of the long-vacant Victory Center yesterday (Wednesday) with a symbolic wall demolition, as the site is expected to welcome hundreds of housing units along Eisenhower Avenue.
The project at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue by property owner Stonebridge, the City of Alexandria and Amazon’s Housing Fund promises to bring 377 housing units to the 9.73-acre Victory Center property, including committed affordable and workforce units.
