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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Beautification Commission

Page updated on March 9, 2023 at 4:31 PM

Parks

  • Overview
    • General Information
    • ParkLink
  • Planning & Projects
    • Capital Projects
    • Open Space
    • Park Planning
  • Park Operations
    • Park Operations
    • Natural Resources
    • Trees & Urban Forestry
  • Community Gardens
  • Dog Parks
  • Park Rentals & Permits

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About Us

The Alexandria Beautification Commission (ABC) was established by the City to advise City Council and citizens on all matters related to City beautification.

Interested in joining the Alexandria Beautification Commission? Apply here!

Our Mission and Goals

OUR MISSION

The Alexandria Beautification Commission (ABC) was established by the City to advise City Council and citizens on all matters related to City beautification.

OUR GOALS

  • Inspire beautification through an Awards program
  • Promote environmental sustainability through collaboration and engagement with City Council, City staff, and private organizations
  • Educate local community on beautification and best practices

What Does Beautification Mean?

Large Cherry Blossom in Bloom with sun peeking through branches

The Commission defines “beautification” as improvements to a community including landscaping, architecture, and sustainable environmental practices that create a healthier community and higher quality of life for its residents.

Inspiring Beautification Through Awards

THE 2022 RESIDENTIAL AWARDS PROGRAM

Home in Alexandria with new plantings with a 2022 Beautification Award Winner Yard Sign in front

The Alexandria Beautification Commission solicited nominations from residents and Commission members who toured the City looking for candidates who exemplify the creative use of non-invasive plants/native plants, sustainable approaches, and landscape architecture within their gardens.

Residents from across Alexandria's diverse neighborhoods consistently demonstrated how utilizing these gardening techniques delivered beauty, texture, and scale within a garden. This inspires others to enhance the beauty of their properties in an eco-friendly way and speaks to the future of Alexandria as an environmentally sound and dynamic community.  Commission members evaluated homes and residential communities based on criteria including:

  • Beautification of the City and neighborhoods through contextual landscaping 
  • Utilization of native plant materials
  • Inclusion of environmentally sustainable design practices and maintenance

“The individuals who received the 2022 Residential awards recognize they can make a difference within their neighborhoods. Using native plants, meadow areas, and drought tolerant garden approaches, their vision of delivering color, composition, dimension, and beauty is achievable. We applaud their outstanding accomplishments." said Steve Cohen, Beautification Commission Chair enhance curb appeal, attract local pollinators and save water.

See our 2022 Residential Award Winners below!

AWARD CATEGORIES

We encourage residents and businesses to participate in the ABC’s annual awards process whereby residents submit nominations they deem worthy of an award for exceptional beautification efforts across the following six categories:

  1. Excellence in Architecture
  2. Excellence in Sustainable Design
  3. Green Practices in Beautification
  4. Community Beautification
  5. Residential Beautification
  6. Commercial Beautification

For additional information, view the  Beautification Awards Criteria applicable to all nominations.

APPLY FOR AN AWARD!

The Commission encourages citizens to achieve a more beautiful, and livable Alexandria through its Awards Program.  Each year, residences have an opportunity to nominate candidates across the following categories:

  • Excellence in Architecture
  • Community Beautification
  • Residential Beautification
  • Commercial Beautification

Special consideration for the utilization of sustainable and green practices, landscaping and landscape architecture that create a healthier community, enjoyable lifestyle, and higher quality of life. For more information and to apply, email us at AlexandriaBeautification@gmail.com.

2022 Residential Award Winners

605 N Mansfield St.

Recognized for its transformation from a traditional sod lawn to the beautiful large beds, planting, integrated new stone retaining wall, colorful blooms and foliage.

605 N. Mansfield St. 1
605 N. Mansfield St. 2

498 N. Latham St.

Recognized for the two gorgeous shade trees, curb plantings, and a no mow area filled with native perennials.

498 N. Latham St. 1
498 N. Latham St. 2

2207 Ivor Ln.

Recognized for how the plantings compliment each other based upon size, scale and height, the integration of the rock wall and how your plantings soften the walkway and foundation.

2207 Ivor Ln.
2207 Ivor Ln. 2

1007 Vassar Rd.

Recognized for the use of native and sustainable plants, no-mow areas and your general ecological and sustainable approach.

1007 Vassar Rd. 1
1007 Vassar Rd. 2

1316 Cleveland St.

Recognized for the use of plantings, scale, colors, and integration of your driveway into the design of your yard.

1316 Cleveland St. 1
1316 Cleveland St. 2

414 Crown View Dr.

Recognized for the use of plantings, scale, and design.

414crownviewdr1
414crownviewdr2

220 E. Custis Ave.

Recognized for how it beautifully compliments your house and for its mix of flowers, shrubs and trees.

220ECustisAve1
220ECustisAve2

518 N Alfred St.

Recognized for the use of plantings, design, and how they are continually visually interesting all year long.

518bNAlfred2
518bNAlfred1

322 N Columbus St

Recognized for impeccably maintained property with quaint flower boxes that change with the season and compliment your design elements.

322NColumbusSt2
322NColumbusSt1

Promoting Environmental Sustainability & Advocacy

Telegraph and Duke Meadow Complex with Native Plant Area Sign in front
The Telegraph and Duke Meadow Complex, Telegraph & Duke St. Interchange. This project won a 2022 Community Beautification award because of the work to remove invasive plants and creating a native plant conservation zone.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The Commission coordinates with the City on projects that involve landscape plans and offers suggestions for landscaping, plant materials, and installation.  In addition, we work with the City to develop a maintenance program for all landscaping installed to ensure continuity of this investment for the future.

The Commission supports sustainable beautification of underutilized spaces in the City in ways that most benefits the community, for example landscaping, improvements such as tree plantings, public art, or installation of recreational equipment.

ADVOCACY

The Commission encourages residents to reach out and share beautification ideas and issues.  Here are areas of advocacy of importance for the Commission:

Green Infrastructure: The Commission supports the development of green infrastructure and storm water management to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Natural Open Space: The Commission supports policies to preserve and expand natural areas within the City. These are natural cooling areas that help offset heat absorbed and radiated by concrete, asphalt, and other materials used in our urban environment. They also mitigate flooding and reduce outflow of polluted water into the Potomac River.

Sustainable Landscaping: The Commission supports the use of native and drought-tolerant plant to beautify our City, along with sustainable landscape maintenance practices to protect our environment. We advocate the cessation of planting invasive species, the removal from our natural areas, and the replacement with native plants. Learn about native plants at Plant Nova Natives.

Educating the Community About Beautification Resources & Best Practices

We strive to provide residents and businesses with the best information and resources possible, and here are key resources Citywide that you’ll find of interest:

NATIVE PLANTS TO NORTHERN VA

Are you interested in planting native in your garden or at your business? Visit Plant Nova Natives for a full listing of Alexandria/NoVA approved plants!

CITYWIDE RESOURCES

  • City Landscape Guidelines
  • Recommend a Tree Planting
  • Alexandria Register of Notable Trees
  • Environmental Action Plan 2040
  • Eco-City Alexandria
  • Earth Day
  • Office of Energy Management
  • Stormwater Best Management Practices

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS PROMOTING BEAUTIFICATION

ALX Dog Walk

Founders Dog Park

Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation

Green Springs Gardens

Huntley Meadows Park

Master Gardeners of Northern, VA

Old Town Farmers Market

River Farms

Tree Stewards of Arlington & Alexandria

Visit Alexandria

West End Farmers Market

BEAUTIFICATION NEWS AND CURRENT EVENTS 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and stay current with all the latest beautification efforts and programs the City has to offer.

Get Involved!

MEETING INFORMATION

The Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month, at 7:30 pm., Charles Houston Rec Center, 901 Wythe St.  For additional information, call Oscar Mendoza, Division Chief, at 703.746.4667. 

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

Membership Roster - Last updated January 2023. Each Member serves a term of two years.

APPLY TO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION

We encourage all residents, whether new or having lived in Alexandria for years, to join our efforts to help beautify the City of Alexandria! This commission will give you a great way to meet new people, the opportunity to participate in the beautification of Alexandria, and to stay up to date in what's going on in your community. For a list of vacancies, to submit an application or for additional information, visit  Boards & Commissions. For information on membership requirements, click here.

CONTACT US WITH YOUR IDEAS

We want to hear from the citizens of Alexandria!  Have an idea for a new beautification project or need, please email us at: alexandriabeautification@gmail.com, or send a letter to Alexandria Beautification Commission, 2900-A Business Center Drive, Alexandria, VA. 22314.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and stay current with all the latest beautification efforts and programs the City has to offer.

Press

2022 beautification awards

  • Zebra Press

2018 Beautification Awards

  • Zebra Press
  • Alexandria Living Magazine

Archived Meeting Information

  • Archived Meeting information

2022 Community Award Winners

Ben Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park Dr.)

The Commission greatly appreciates the planting and nurturing of new native trees that enhances the park for future generations. The private-public collaboration also provides an excellent model for other community projects to emulate.

Special Thanks to:

  • Bonnie Petry
  • Tree Stewards of Arlington & Alexandria
  • Various Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) divisions within the City - Natural Lands Management, Urban Forestry, Park Maintenance, Park Planning, and The PARKnership Program.
RPCA Community Award Winner 2022 Beautification Ben Brenman Park Image
RPCA Community Award Winner 2022 Beautification Ben Brenman Park Image 2

The Telegraph & Duke Meadow Complex (St. Interchange)

Through years of collective effort this overlooked patch of land has been transformed into a 5-acre bastion of carbon sequestration and native plant biodiversity. The Beautification Commission recognizes the hard work put into this project and greatly appreciates the ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the interchange.

Special Thanks to:

  • Rod Simmons, Natural Resource Manager of the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) Natural Lands Management division
RPCA Community Award Winner 2022 Beautification The Telegraph & Duke Meadow Complex Image 1
RPCA Community Award Winner 2022 Beautification The Telegraph & Duke Meadow Complex Image 2

 

The Visitors Center Garden at the Ramsay House (221 King St.)

The revitalization of the garden focusing on historical details and the inclusion of plants, benches, and hardscape elements works wonderfully together. The private-public collaboration was key to the success and provides an excellent model for other community projects to emulate.

Special Thanks to:

  • The Garden Club of Alexandria 
  • The Alexandria Visitor Center
  • Visit Alexandria 
  • Various Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) divisions within the City
  • Various grantors and private contributions
RPCA Community Award Winner 2022 Beautification Ramsey House Visitor Center Garden Image 1
RPCA Community Award Winner 2022 Beautification Ramsay House Visitor Center Garden Image 2

2008 - 2021 Beautification Award Winners

2008 - 2021 Beautification Award Winners

  • 2021 Beautification Award Winners
    • Announcement
    • Photo Gallery
  • 2019 Beautification Award Winners
  • 2018 Beautification Award Winners
    • Alexandria Beautification Commission Announces 2018 Award Winners
    • 2018 Beautification Awards Photo Gallery
  • 2017 Beautification Award Winners
  • 2016 Beautification Award Winners
  • 2015 Beautification Award Winners
  • 2014 Beautification Award Winners
  • 2013 Beautification Award Winners
  • 2012 Beautification Award Winners  
  • 2011 Beautification Award Winners  
  • 2010 Beautification Award Winners 
  • 2009 Beautification Award Winners  
  • 2008 Beautification Award Winners 

Special Projects

  • Median Beautification & Sustainability
    On Friday, June 15, the Alexandria Beautification Commission saw a year's worth of planning and working with the City of Alexandria come to fruition with the installation of native and sustainable plant material in three medians at the heavily trafficked intersection of King St., Quaker Ln and Braddock Rd. The Commission initiated the pilot median improvement project in 2017 to make the City’s medians both more attractive and more sustainable.  

    The Commission recommended the use of low maintenance, no mow areas in City medians that utilize native and sustainable shrubs and perennial plants. For the past year, the Beautification Commission has been working with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities to develop a cohesive landscaping plan for the medians which they hope can serve as a model for beautification of medians throughout the City. Together, their efforts have resulted in a beautiful and well-designed sustainable public space at a busy intersection.

    Zebra Press Article

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