2026 is off to an interesting start. With a large winter storm seeing Alexandrians wielding all sorts of tools to cut through the ice and snow (seriously, I had no idea that many of you had mattocks on hand!), it’s an important reminder that climate change isn’t just something we need to avoid making worse, it’s something we need to adapt to now. Departments across the City are making the changing climate a key factor in long-term planning. We need to make our homes more resilient, too. I was fortunate enough to weather the storm with a new heat pump – my mini-split systems keeping my home comfortable without the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning natural gas. If your furnace didn’t keep up with the cold, or you’re dreading that next utility bill, there are things you can do. Dominion Energy and Washington Gas both provide energy efficiency programs and payment assistance. If you own your home, you can make upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and switching to heat pumps. Every home is eligible to participate in Eco-City Homes – your contribution to achieving our climate goals matters. Join the movement by signing up for Eco-City Homes! 

Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer   

Green Building Plan  

New developments in Alexandria will begin to meet new green building standards. On Saturday, January 24, the City Council voted to initiate adding the Green Building Plan as a new chapter of the City’s Master Plan. The Green Building Plan replaces the City’s 2019 Green Building Policy, which required new developments to improve their sustainability by achieving certifications from third party green building organizations. 

The recently adopted Green Building Plan moves away from these certifications in favor of focusing on key metrics, particularly Energy Use Intensity (EUI), renewable energy, and electrification. “Ultimately, the Green Building Plan is designed to make sure that a building’s energy performance is a priority in design, rather than a consequence of other design decisions” said Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer, “Mitigating the impact of new developments by requiring better energy performance is crucial to ensuring the resilience of our community, the resilience of our grid, and affordability of housing”.  

A brief overview of the standards in the Green Building Plan: 

• Buildings must meet EUI targets, based on their property type
• Each development must meet 3% of its energy with on-site renewable energy, or pay into a Clean Energy Fund (up to $150,000)
• Electric appliances and systems are prioritized, with a set of limited exceptions 

More information and the complete Plan will be available at the City’s Green Building webpage.  

As a part of Council’s vote, the Department of Planning & Zoning was directed to establish a development review process, and the Office of Climate Action was directed to return to Council in two years, or sooner if conditions warrant, to evaluate the metrics and make recommendations for changes if needed. 

FREE EV Feasibility Assessments for Eco-City Businesses

Applications are open for the City of Alexandria’s program offering FREE electric vehicle (EV) charging feasibility assessments for Eco-City Businesses.

More drivers than ever are choosing EVs. Installing EV chargers at your business is a great way to attract new customers, keep them on-site longer, and create an additional revenue stream.

Participating businesses will receive an in-person site evaluation to review potential charger locations and quantities, followed by a feasibility report prepared by industry experts at Blue Whale EV. The report will include installation requirements, cost estimates, and conceptual drawings for the project.

To participate, you must be an Eco-City Business with access to off-street parking (owner approval required if you don’t own the parking area). Not an Eco-City Business yet? Take two minutes to apply on the Eco-City Business website.

Learn more about this new initiative at the webinar on February 26, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. (registration required) or at the Eco-City Business website.

Applications are open until March 31, but are reviewed in the order in which they are submitted. Limited assessments are available - apply today!

Contact Amy Posner, Electric Vehicle Planner (amy.posner@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-3916) for more information.

Office of Climate Action Relocates to Tavern Square 

The City of Alexandria’s Office of Climate Action (OCA) has moved to a new temporary office space at Tavern Square (421 King Street) as part of the ongoing renovations at City Hall. Several other City of Alexandria departments have also temporarily relocated as part of this transition. Departments now located at Tavern Square include the City Manager’s Office, Mayor and City Council Offices, Office of Communications and Community Engagement, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Race and Social Equity, City Clerk, Department of Planning & Zoning, and Office of Analytics, Innovation, and Data. 

Although the office location has changed, OCA’s commitment to advancing sustainability, climate resilience, and community engagement in Alexandria remains the same. Residents, partners, and community-based organizations can expect continued collaboration and support throughout this transition. 

We look forward to welcoming visitors to our new Tavern Square location and will share updates as City Hall renovations progress. 

Welcome to a New Chapter for Natural Resources in Alexandria 

RPCA Natural Resources entered an exciting new chapter with a refreshed website featuring updated information, new leadership, and a growing lineup of programs and events designed to help residents connect more deeply with Alexandria’s natural spaces. With new Natural Resources Managers on board and a renewed focus on education, stewardship, and community engagement, there has never been a better time to explore, learn, and get involved.  

The new Natural Resources Managers—Raychel Frye and Katrina Napora—bring strong backgrounds in wildlife management, environmental science, and sustainable land stewardship. Frye’s experience ranges from the U.S. Forest Service to habitat and wildlife management for the Gila River Indian Community, while Napora’s work with the U.S. Geological Survey focused-on streams and wetlands research.  

Exciting outreach opportunities were announced for the year, including an educational video on protecting local trees, seasonal features highlighting early blooms in parks, guided nature walks with the Natural Resources Managers, and Earth Month meet‑and‑greet events at local parks and recreation centers.  

Following these events, a Natural Resources feedback survey will be released to gather public input, with results shared by December 2026. 

The community is encouraged to follow Natural Resources on social media (Instagram and Facebook) for the latest updates and to stay connected with upcoming events and ways to engage with Alexandria’s parks and wildlife. 

What You Can Do if You Encounter Someone Experiencing Homelessness 

If you see someone who may need housing support, the Alexandria community offers financial and housing assistance.  

If you have engaged the individual in conversation and know they are in need of supportive services, let them know they can call 703.746.5700 or text 703.346.5599 or they may walk-in for services at the  Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays).

Staff will support them by identifying next steps for assistance with their specific situation. Once screened, individuals will be added to the waitlist and referred once a bed is available at Alexandria Community Center or Carpenter's Shelter. 

During the winter months, let them know about the City's Winter Shelter Program run by Carpenter's Shelter (703.548.7500), which is open daily from November 1 through April 15, 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. You can also share with them the Alexandria Community Resources Card: English | Spanish. 

If you aren’t comfortable engaging in conversion, contact  Alex 311 to report your observations; please refrain from taking photos of residents experiencing homelessness out of respect for their privacy. Your report will be sent to Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) staff, who will go out and speak to the person within 24-48 business hours and offer available support and resources. 

DCHS values individual personal choice and does not force services on anyone, but staff work hard to ensure everyone is aware of the supportive services available to them and their right to access them and transition out of homelessness. 

For more immediate welfare checks, call the police non-emergency line at 703.746.4444. 

Eco-City Business Program Webinar Highlight Stormwater Savings Opportunities 

The City of Alexandria will host an Eco-City Business Program webinar on Wednesday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the Stormwater Utility Credit Program and Flood Mitigation Grant. The virtual event will provide local business owners and property managers with practical information on how to better manage stormwater and reduce their stormwater utility (SWU) fees. 

Participants will learn about simple, eligible practices that can be implemented on business properties to improve stormwater management while qualifying for available credits and grant opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to sign up for the free Eco-City Business Program to access ongoing support, resources, and guidance for implementing sustainability practices. 

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply for the Stormwater Utility Credit Program and Flood Mitigation Grant to support stormwater improvements and to reduce the costs of those improvements. 

Sign up here: Eco-City Business program.  

The deadline to apply for the Stormwater Utility Credit Program is February 15th, so act now!

Eco-City Connected with Residents at the Del Ray Farmers' Market 

Despite the cold weather on January 17, the City of Alexandria’s Office of Climate Action was out in the community at the Del Ray Farmers' Market, engaging with residents and sharing information about the Eco-City Homes program. Staff spoke with community members about simple, low-cost ways to impact energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and create healthier, more comfortable homes. 

The Eco-City Homes program supports residents by providing guidance, resources, and incentives for home energy upgrades, sustainability improvements, and climate-friendly practices. The program is designed to make it easier for households to take action while saving money and reducing environmental impact. 

If you are interested in saving energy, reducing costs, and creating a more comfortable home, we encourage you to sign up for the Eco-City Homes program.

Come and see us at the Farmers' Markets in the future. Follow us on social media @EcoCityAlx on all platforms to find out when and where. 

Duke Street Land Use Plan Community Workshops Held in January 

In January, the Planning & Zoning Department hosted three community workshops as part of the Duke Street Land Use Planning process. Each workshop gave community members the opportunity to explore information shared at the December Open House, while also participating in facilitated discussions with City staff and fellow neighbors. 

The workshops provided a space for deeper conversation, questions, and feedback, helping to inform the ongoing planning process for the Duke Street corridor. 

Visit Duke Street Plan webpage for more information.  

Van Nguyen, Building Engineer for the Department of General Services (DGS) 

How would you describe your role, particularly in helping make Alexandria an Eco-City? I focus on making HVAC systems as energy-efficient as possible while keeping spaces comfortable for everyone who uses them. I also brainstorm and implement new ideas to boost energy efficiency across the City, including libraries and recreation centers, helping Alexandria get closer to achieving its Eco-City goals. 

What are you most excited about in your work right now? Saving the City money on utility expenses and working with my hands and mind to fix problems. 

Would you be willing to share a fun fact about yourself? My daughter is studying forensic science at George Mason University.  I am very proud of her and my family. 

Rob Stackhouse, Performance Analyst for the Office of Analytics, Innovation, and Data (OAID) 

How would you describe your role, particularly in helping make Alexandria an Eco-City? 

Our office serves as internal data consultants for all departments. Our goal is to improve access to data and evidence for decision makers and leaders in the city. For the Eco-City team, we work with all sorts of data from regional climate conditions to day-to-day information about internal operations. 

What are you most excited about in your work right now? 

We just moved to our new temporary space while they are renovating City Hall, and now we have windows! It’s amazing how much of a difference natural light makes in your workspace. 

Would you be willing to share a fun fact about yourself? 

My fun fact is that I spent an off term in college in Yellowstone National Park over the winter working for the Yellowstone Institute. I learned (and experienced) that Fahrenheit and Celsius are the same number at -40°. 

Eco-City Business  

If you’re participating in Alexandria’s Restaurant Week, look out for Eco-City Businesses Atlas Brew Works, Beeliner Diner, and Hank’s Oyster Bar! For this month’s newsletter, we sat down with Clifton Brown, General Manager of Hank's Oyster Bar and Hank's Pasta Bar in North Old Town.  

The restaurant has put a lot of work into reducing waste while adding value. They recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of a gleaning partnership with the Old Town North Farmers’ Market and ALIVE Inc. where the restaurant stores leftover Farmers’ Market food and coordinates weekly drop-offs, saving locally grown produce from going to waste and helping get it to residents. In doing so, Hank’s helped save more than a ton of produce in 2025 alone. 

Sustainability also shows up in the restaurant’s daily operations. All takeout and catering supplies are recyclable or compostable, including straws made from discarded marine shells. The restaurant participates in oyster shell recycling, returning discarded shells to the Chesapeake Bay via the Oyster Recovery Partnership, or sharing them with local artists and craftspeople for creative or constructive reuse. Clifton plans to introduce composting to reduce food waste during kitchen prep in the near future. As an Eco-City Business, he values the program’s focus on achievable, incremental steps for being “good today and better tomorrow.” 

To learn more about the Eco-City Business program and see all participating businesses, visit alexandriava.gov/EcoCityBusiness.  

• Utility Resource Fair and Home Electrification Coaching - Saturday, January 31, 2026 • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Planning Commission Public Hearing - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • 7:00 - 11:59 p.m.
• Stormwater Utility Credit Program Webinar - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 • 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• Housing Affordability Advisory Committee - Thursday, February 5, 2026 • 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.
• DCHS Meeting with Boards and Commissions Chair - Monday, February 9, 2026 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Waterfront Commission Meeting - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
• AlexRenew Regular Board of Directors Meeting - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• ARHA Redevelopment Work Group - Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
• Eco-City at Port City Trivia Night - Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
• Park & Recreation Commission -  Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• AlexRenew Board of Directors Retreat - Day 1 - Friday, February 20, 2026 • 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• AlexRenew Board of Directors Retreat - Day 2 - Saturday, February 21, 2026 • 8:00 a.m. - 3 :00 p.m.
• Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Reg - Monday, February 23, 2026 • 7:00 - 9 :00p.m.
• Environmental Policy Commission, Regular Meeting -  February 23, 2026 • 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.