The Alexandria City Council has taken the first legislative step toward banning gas-powered leaf blowers, citing significant environmental and noise concerns. On Tuesday, the council voted 5-1 on the First Reading of an ordinance that would prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers throughout the city.
The proposed ban includes an 18-month phase-out period for the community, while city government departments would transition away from gas-powered equipment within one year.
Alexandria City Council celebrated 30 graduates from its Spring 2025 City Academy program at its Legislative Meeting on Tuesday (May 13).
Councilor John Taylor Chapman presented a proclamation honoring the graduates who completed a seven-week course. The program gives participants hands-on experience with city services and staff.
Alexandria City Council honored its emergency medical services (EMS) providers at its Legislative Meeting on Tuesday (May 13) with a special proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week, which runs from May 18 to 24, 2025.
During the meeting, Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the Alexandria City Council declared the week “Emergency Medical Services Week.”
The Alexandria City Council is set to make final approvals this week on a plan to transform a former motel property on N. Washington Street into a mixed-use multifamily apartment building and townhouse.
Maryland-based PT Blooms is asking the city to approve plans to redevelop the property at 802 and 808 N. Washington Street into The Whitley—Phase 2, a 48-unit building with one- to three-bedroom condos. That’s the former Old Towne Motel property, which has been closed for years.
The Alexandria City Council is considering a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with a proposed two-year phase-out period for the community. The ordinance amendments will be first read during the May 13 legislative meeting, with a public hearing and final passage scheduled for May 17.
The proposed ban addresses noise pollution and environmental concerns associated with gas-powered leaf blowers. If approved, the ordinance would prohibit using gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums starting July 1, 2027.
The Alexandria City Council is set to take the next steps in amending its noise ordinance to ban gas-powered leaf blowers.
The proposed changes will be introduced during the council’s May 13 legislative meeting and will move forward for further consideration.
Episcopal High School is about to get a lot brighter.
The private high school at 1200 N. Quaker Lane has been approved to serve as a training site for a team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and now the school wants to install field lighting with 47 light poles between 40-to-100-feet-tall.
After a firestorm of criticism from city leaders and student journalists over proposed oversight changes to Alexandria City High School’s student newspaper, Theogony, this morning (May 2), the Alexandria School Board’s Governance Committee returned to the drawing board.
From reporting on a transportation controversy to investigations into the School Board, transgender policies, or even lampooning metal detectors in cartoons, Theogony student journalists take their roles seriously. Now, with City Council members warning of potential “censorship” and “authoritarian” behavior from the school system, student journalists are alleging a concerted effort from the administration of Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt to suppress touchy or controversial stories from appearing in the monthly publication.
Against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty, Alexandria’s City Council unanimously adopted its $956.5 million operating budget.
City Manager Jim Parajon said it was challenging crafting a budget that keeps city services without increasing real estate or property taxes. The city’s budget grew 3.2% over the current fiscal year, with its largest line item being a fully-funded Alexandria City Public Schools, as well as significant stormwater management funding for the city’s $2.1 billion FY 2026 – 2035 Capital Improvement Program.
It’s about to get more expensive to have fun at city-owned properties in Alexandria.
On Wednesday, April 30, the City Council will consider approving rental fee increases for several of the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities programs.
