Why Does the City Have a Legislative Package?
The Commonwealth of Virginia is a Dillon Rule state which limits the governing authority localities have to what is expressly granted to them by the legislature, by state statute, or written in their municipal charter. Localities in Virginia request legislation every year to grant them enabling authority for specific powers they do not have already. These requests generally originate from the City Council, City staff, and boards and commissions.
The goal of the City’s Legislative Package is to clearly communicate the City’s legislative and budget priorities to legislators, staff, advocates, and the general public. The requests that form the Package generally originate from City Council members, City staff, and the City’s many boards and commissions.
2026 Legislative Package
On December 13, 2025, City Council adopted the 2026 Legislative Package.
The 2026 Legislative Package outlines the City’s policy goals and funding requests for the upcoming General Assembly session. These priorities represent Alexandria’s main objectives for legislative advocacy and partnership with the Commonwealth, ensuring that local governments have the tools and flexibility needed to meet community needs and strengthen resilience across Virginia.
The package is organized around seven essential policy areas that reflect the City’s commitment to advancing opportunity, strengthening local authority, and promoting community resilience:
- Address Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions
- Advance Housing Affordability and Economic Opportunity
- Rebuild Critical School Infrastructure
- Address Mental Health, Public Health and Safety, and Community Well-Being
- Advance Opportunity for All Alexandrians
- Strengthen Transit, Infrastructure, Resilience, and Clean Energy Transition
- Promote Civic Engagement and Election Integrity
Previous Alexandria Legislative Packages
- 2025 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
- 2024 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
- 2023 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
- 2022 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
- 2021 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
- 2020 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
- 2019 City of Alexandria Legislative Package
Previous City Council Positions General Assembly Legislation
Positions will be posted following City Council Legislative meetings.
City Council legislative meeting dates:
- February 13, 2024
- January 24, 2023
- February 14, 2023
2022