What's Next Alexandria is a community conversation about civic engagement and planning for the future and how Alexandrians can best participate in the public decisions that shape the City. In this process, we will work together to reach agreement on the principles that will guide civic engagement and planning in Alexandria.

"It is always a great experience meeting different people with different viewpoints working toward a common goal. Alexandria is ours to prepare and preserve for the next generation." ~ Sahr Pombor, Alexandria citizen and Community Dialogue participant, 11/15/12

On January 29th, community members worked together to develop civic engagement principle statements and their planning framework to guide public participation in Alexandria. Subsequent to the meeting, facilitators from the tables collaborated with staff to synthesize the 17 tables’ principle statements into 8 single statements.  The community participated in ACTion Alexandria's online poll from March 19th - April 9th to review and affirm the synthesized statements. Following the feedback received, on April 30th community members met and confirmed their support of the principle statements developed. In addition, staff has drafted a consolidated summary of input on the process framework for community review and comment.

Alexandrians have participated in three Community Dialogues to collaborate on improving the City's public participation process, including development of principles of engagement and developing a framework for the planning process. All materials from the Community Dialogues are posted here.

"We have accomplished the beginning of a positive, constructive dialogue to better improve our community." ~ Community Dialogue participant, 11/15/12

One way the City is getting feedback on civic engagement in Alexandria and what we can do to make it better is through online engagement. The community participated in ACTion Alexandria's online poll from March 19th - April 9th to affirm the Civic Engagement Principles developed by participants at the January 29th Community Dialogue. We had a great response! Also, during our 3rd Community Dialogue on April 30th, the community again had the option of participating online through our Virtual Table! 

Staff has collected and reviewed information on what other communities around the country are doing to improve their public participation experience. Let us know if you have a resource to share. We’ll add it to the list. In addition, you’ll find media links regarding What’s Next Alexandria.

"Government works best when community members and the government work as partners; effective civic engagement is essential to achieve and sustain an effective partnership and a thriving community." City of Portland, Oregon Civic Engagement Principles

Looking for more ways to get involved in your community? Consider the groups listed on this page.