It’s probably not a surprise that I look forward to the start of Earth Month every year.  But as we’re in the third year of the Office of Climate Action, the joy of Earth Month isn’t just about celebrating what we care about – it’s how we do it together in Alexandria. Months ahead of time, people from City departments are coming together to organize events and coordinate schedules. This year’s theme: Lights, Camera, Action: Spotlighting Steps to a Greener Alexandria. (A big thank you to Melissa, Ursula and the communications team at T&ES for putting together such wonderful designs for the theme!) Celebrate Earth Month with us: learn more about the actions the City has taken over the last year to advance the Environmental Action Plan 2040 and join us by taking action yourself to protect the environment.  You can learn more at Earth Month | City of Alexandria, VA.  We’ll see you out there! 

Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer  

As Alexandria shifts from winter to spring and we shift from heating to cooling, it’s a great time to give your Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) some TLC. HVAC accounts for about half of a typical home’s energy use, so making sure these systems are energy efficient goes a long way towards reducing costs and your impact on the environment. Regular tune-ups can help ensure that your HVAC is running at peak efficiency. Plus, getting a tune-up can earn you points towards recognition as an Eco-City Home!  

Basic maintenance involves regularly replacing or cleaning the filters, keeping outdoor condenser coils clean and free from debris, and making sure the drain channels are clear and unclogged. A professional can help with more technical upkeep. Learn more with this short guide from the Department of Energy. 

Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive and Showcase 

Are higher gas prices making you think about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV)? This Earth Month, see which EV is right for you at the City’s EV Ride and Drive and Showcase on Saturday, April 11, 10am – 2pm at Chinquapin Park. 

Test drive EVs from several local dealerships, including Hyundai, Rivian, and Nissan, and talk to EV owners about charging, incentives, and the benefits of electric transportation. 

Don’t drive? Take an e-bike or scooter for a spin! 

Visit our webpage for more information on the event, and be sure to check out the calendar at the end of this newsletter to see all of the other great events happening during Earth Month! 

From Cambodia to Alexandria

From Cambodia to Alexandria, Borey Kong joined the City Manager's Office and the Office of Climate Action this month for a four-week fellowship via a partnership of the International City/County Management Association and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellows Program.

Borey has strong expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, using satellite imagery and field data to monitor deforestation, mapping land use, and supporting environmental protection efforts. Her work includes producing reports, verifying forest loss alerts, and creating maps that inform law enforcement and conservation planning. She has also contributed to carbon assessments for REDD+ and biodiversity mapping, using tools such as QGIS, Google Earth Engine, GPS, and drones. Borey holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Science from the Royal University of Agriculture.

During her internship, Borey will apply her expertise to support the City's heat mitigation and community engagement programs, working with different City departments. 

Stay Ready: Severe Weather Awareness Month in Alexandria

March is recognized as Severe Weather Awareness Month in the City of Alexandria following a proclamation by the Mayor and City Council. This designation highlights the increased risk of severe weather during the spring months and encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to take steps now to prepare for hazards such as thunderstorms, flooding, and tornadoes.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging everyone in our community to review their emergency preparedness plans and take simple but important steps to stay safe. Residents are encouraged to know their risks, have a plan, build an emergency kit, stay informed, and get involved. Preparedness resources and guidance are available on the City’s emergency management website.

Severe weather can occur at any time of the year, but the risk increases during the spring season. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, large hail, lightning, and flash flooding that can threaten life and property. Understanding weather alerts is critical: a watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, while a warning means severe weather is occurring or imminent, and action should be taken immediately.

During a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning, residents should move to the lowest level of a sturdy building, preferably a basement or interior room away from windows. If outdoors, seek shelter in a strong building immediately. Vehicles and outdoor areas are not safe during tornadoes.

For more information on severe weather preparedness, emergency alerts, and volunteer opportunities such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), visit the City’s OEM webpage.

Now Available: Heat Pump Group Buying Program

Lower your utility bills and protect the environment with efficient heating and cooling and clean energy! The City of Alexandria has partnered with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to offer Switch Together, a group buying program for heat pumps. The program runs through May 27.

Heat pumps can be up to three times more efficient than traditional furnaces, making them a cost-effective solution: homes can save up to $1,000 per year by making the switch! Plus, the Switch Together program provides even more savings by securing a group discount through a competitive auction process where heat pump contractors compete to offer their best prices. The current program offers the average household a 15% discount compared to the typical market price for a standard heat pump installation, which translates to a savings of $2,900.

It’s free to register, and there is no obligation or expectation to purchase a system. Take advantage of this opportunity by registering at Switch Together by Wednesday, May 27, 2026. 

Getting Around Greener with Capital Bikeshare 

The City continues to expand eco-friendly transportation options, making it easier than ever to swap car trips for cleaner alternatives. Over the past year, the City has replaced 20 older Capital Bikeshare stations and added 10 new ones, further strengthening the network. Capital Bikeshare is leading the way with new features and programs designed for accessibility and convenience. 

More flexible e-bike parking 

Full station? No problem. Members can now park e-bikes near full stations at no extra cost. Just stay within 40 meters (that’s about half an Old Town block), lock the bike, and confirm in the app. Be sure to keep sidewalks clear and avoid designated no-parking zones. 

Affordable access for all 

Through the Capital Bikeshare for All program, eligible residents in DC, Virginia, and Maryland can get memberships for just $5/year. Benefits include 24/7 access, unlimited free 60-minute pedal bike rides, and e-bikes for only $0.10 per minute. 

A smart option for workplaces 

The Capital Bikeshare Corporate Program helps employers subsidize annual memberships, giving staff a sustainable commuting option. With easy enrollment, built-in eligibility verification, and instant access via the Lyft or Capital Bikeshare apps, it’s a simple way to support greener travel. 

For more information, visit: BikeSharing.

DASH Seeks Public Comment on Proposed 2026-2027 Service Updates

DASH is inviting community members to share their input as part of the FY 2027 Alexandria Transit Strategic Plan Update. There are several ways to get involved and help shape the future of transit services.

Residents can complete the online survey, which is available in five languages, attend a community meeting, or connect with DASH staff during ride-alongs and at bus stops throughout the city.

To learn more and participate in the survey, visit DASH.

Energy Efficiency Matters!

We spent Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Mount Vernon Community School’s Science Night teaching kids why LEDs are a win-win-win for the environment, your home, and your budget. We also shared information on our Eco-City Homes program with their parents!
Join our Eco-City Homes program and learn how to save more money and energy.

Healthy Homes Fair

The Healthy Homes Fair returned to Catholic University on Saturday, March 21, 2026. It offered a free, family-friendly expo focused on making homes healthier, more resilient, and more affordable to power. Attendees explored exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge clean energy technology, including induction cooking, heat pumps, and electric vehicles, along with hands-on workshops. 

The event also featured practical resources like e-bike test rides, free expert coaching, solar-powered food trucks, and appliance giveaways.

Trivia Night at Atlas Brew Works Alexandria

On St. Patrick’s Day, Atlas Brew Works, an Eco-City Business, went GREEN with Eco-City Alexandria! Trivia goers learned about Eco-City Homes while testing their knowledge in a friendly night of competition, with the winners of ‘Best Team Name’ scoring some Eco-City reusable cutlery sets and notebooks. Luckily, everyone’s a winner when it comes to Eco-City Homes, where renters, condo owners, and homeowners alike can get recognized for the actions they’re taking at home and find resources to have an efficient, healthy, and comfortable home. 

ALIVE!’s March Community Fresh Market

If you missed it: we joined ALIVE!’s March Community Fresh Market on March 28 at the Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center, where we shared practical tips on weatherization programs and easy ways to lower your utility bills while saving energy. Attendees walked away with simple, actionable steps to make their homes more comfortable, efficient, and affordable.

Sign up for Eco-City Homes today and make changes that will help you to save energy and money at home!

Eco-City Staff

Maria Salvatierra, Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW). 

How would you describe your role? Through my role as a certified Community Health Worker at the Alexandria Health Department, I am strongly committed to reducing disparities, raising awareness, and empowering communities that are often underrepresented in many areas. Part of my role includes helping to make Alexandria an Eco-City by supporting meaningful improvements in indoor air quality. I do this by helping residents across Alexandria identify and address common sources of indoor pollution that often are triggers for common respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Through our ALX Breathes program, I work directly with residents by providing free home assessments and education on ventilation, filtration, green cleaning supplies, moisture control, environmental triggers, and healthy home practices. By connecting public health, environmental awareness, and community outreach, my role helps improve environmental conditions and community health. Ultimately, it supports families in creating healthier indoor spaces that enhance overall well-being.

What are you most excited about? I’m most excited about spring because I enjoy seeing the flowers bloom and spending more time outside. I’m also looking forward to outdoor outreach events and interacting with families while they enjoy time outside with their children.

Do you mind sharing a fun fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is that I care deeply about the environment and protecting wildlife. I’m also in my last year of graduate school, working toward my Master of Public Health.

Eco-City Homes Spotlight

When Tim and Elissa Laderach moved into their Del Ray home, sustainability was already top of mind. “One of the first things we did was switch to electric lawn care,” Tim says. “Our electric push mower and leaf blower work well, the batteries are interchangeable, and it feels good knowing we aren’t annoying our neighbors or polluting with fumes.”

That eco-focused mindset carried into a recent whole-home renovation, where they took the opportunity to integrate sustainability into those bigger changes. They converted the house to be all-electric—switching to a heat pump HVAC system and heat pump water heater, electric oven with an induction stovetop, and electric dryer—and installed upgraded insulation and comprehensive air sealing. They also made sure to use ENERGY STAR-certified appliances for increased efficiency, and WaterSense-certified water fixtures (which use at least 20% less water than standard versions) to conserve water. And while the couple got plenty of questions about some changes (especially the switch from a tankless gas water heater to the electric heat pump water heater), they are beyond happy with the results.

“You can really feel the difference, especially in the winter.” Tim says. “Plus, the appliances are quieter, perform better, and we don’t have a gas bill anymore. And even though we have more electric systems, our overall utility costs haven’t changed.” 

Beyond savings and comfort, Tim says the changes simply feel good. “It’s nice to feel good about our home and know we are part of the broader movement. Being recognized as an Eco-City Home is an honor, and it helps us feel connected to the city’s eco-driven mission. We’re really grateful this program exists.” 

Tim also emphasizes that sustainability isn’t all-or-nothing. “We’re in a position to do these improvements, and we recognize that. But everyone can take steps that actually improve their daily life—and that’s a powerful thing.”

We can’t wait to see you at this year’s Earth Month events! See the full calendar on the Earth Month webpage. 

Planning Commission Public Hearing - Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • 7:00 -11:59 p.m.

Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing - Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • 7:00 -11:59 p.m.

Housing Affordability Advisory Committee – Thursday, April 9, 2026 • 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Historic Holmes Run Stream Cleanup - Saturday, April 11, 2026 • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive and Showcase - Saturday, April 11, 2026 • 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

AlexRenew Governance Committee Meeting – Monday, April 13, 2026 • 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing - Monday, April 13, 2026 • 7:00 -11:00 p.m.

ARHA Redevelopment Work Group - Thursday, April 16, 2026 • 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Park & Recreation Commission Public Hearing - Thursday, April 16, 2026 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Environmental Policy Commission Monthly Meeting – Monday, April 20, • 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

AlexRenew Regular Board of Directors Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Waterfront Commission Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • 7:00 -11:59 p.m.

Macroinvertebrate Monitoring – Taylor Run - Saturday, April 25, 2026 • 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Regular Meeting - Monday, April 27, 2026 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

14th Building Safety Month Kickoff Event - Friday, May 1, 2026 • 11 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.