Alexandria is set to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a remembrance ceremony, according to Citywide News. The event will take place on Friday, September 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Alexandria Police Department Headquarters. This annual ceremony will honor victims, survivors, and first responders who were affected by the tragic events of 2001. Mayor Alyia Gaskins, along with public safety officials, will deliver remarks, and a presentation of colors will be part of the proceedings. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors.
In related news, the Alexandria Police Department, in collaboration with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and other emergency management partners, conducted an incident response exercise at the Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City High School on August 13. As reported by Citywide News, this drill aimed to enhance coordination among regional partners and improve emergency readiness. Residents were advised to expect a significant police presence and avoid the area during the exercise, which simulated an active violence incident. No students were present during the drill, ensuring a controlled environment for the participating agencies.
Meanwhile, the City of Alexandria is inviting residents to provide input on the 2027 legislative package, as stated in Citywide News. The city has opened an online survey running from August 7 through August 28, allowing residents to voice their priorities for the upcoming Virginia General Assembly. The legislative package outlines the city's policy goals and funding needs, which are communicated to state lawmakers to ensure local voices are heard.
The 2026 legislative package included seven key policy areas: addressing impacts of federal workforce and funding reductions, advancing housing affordability and economic opportunity, rebuilding critical school infrastructure, addressing mental health, public health, and safety, promoting community well-being, advancing opportunity for all Alexandrians, strengthening transit, infrastructure, resilience, and clean energy transition, and promoting civic engagement and election integrity. Residents are encouraged to rank these priorities for the 2027 package through the survey.
As a 'Dillon Rule' state, Virginia requires cities like Alexandria to seek specific powers from state lawmakers, making the legislative package a crucial tool for communicating the city's needs and priorities. The package is developed with input from City Council, staff, and various boards and commissions, ensuring a comprehensive representation of Alexandria's aspirations.