Earth Month is always busy for those of us working to achieve the City’s climate goals. Starting in mid-March and throughout the month of April, City staff from nearly every Department hosted or participated in more than 40 events and talked to thousands of Alexandrians to share our progress in achieving the goals in the Environmental Action Plan 2040. The best part of these events is hearing how deeply Alexandrians care about the environment. 

It’s my hope that you were inspired this Earth Month to do more for the environment. Whether you’re switching to electric lawn equipment, signing up for Eco-City Homes, capturing rainwater for landscaping, or picking up litter as you walk/bike/run through the city, we’re grateful for the actions you’ve taken. If you didn’t get enough of the Eco-City crews, don’t worry – we are still around!

In May, you can join a Bike Bus at Mount Vernon Community School (MVCS), Naomi Brooks Elementary, or Patrick Henry K-8 School for Bike to School Week (next week!) or visit one of the many Bike to Work Day stops in the City on May 15th.

Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer 

APD on e-Bikes

The Alexandria Police Department (ADP) has added two new electric bikes to its fleet to support more accessible and community-focused policing.

The e-bikes will help officers patrol parks, trails, and neighborhood areas more efficiently while strengthening visibility and engagement with residents. This initiative also demonstrates a more sustainable and flexible mobility option for community outreach and public safety.

Celebrate America250 & Submit Nominations for the 2026 Beautification Awards! 

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Alexandria Beautification Awards! These annual awards recognize residents, businesses, and community groups that enhance the city through sustainable practices, design, and stewardship. A new category, Patriotic Native Plantings, celebrates America250 with creative, pollinator-friendly landscapes. Categories also include public art, architecture, residential, and commercial spaces. Nominations are open through July 15, 2026. 

Learn more at Alexandria Beautification Commission. 

Pothole Palooza

Each spring, the City of Alexandria conducts its annual pothole blitz to repair road damage from winter weather. This past winter brought colder temperatures, more snow than usual, and additional wear from snowplows, all of which contributed to increased road damage.

Crews work across 11 zones to address potholes on major roadways. These form when water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and weakens pavement over time. Temporary fixes are made in winter, with permanent repairs completed in warmer months.

Utility Relocation Progress Continues Ahead of Commonwealth, Ashby, Glebe Flood Mitigation Project Construction

Flood Action Alexandria’s first large capacity project is getting closer to construction. The City is continuing to coordinate with utilities on necessary relocation work for the Commonwealth, Ashby, Glebe Flood Mitigation Project ahead of the anticipated start of major storm sewer construction next year.

More information about the construction schedule will be shared as plans are finalized. Additional details about the project are available on the Stormwater Management webpage. 

Kayak Launch Grand Opening at Four Mile Run Park 

Celebrate the grand opening of Alexandria’s new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA-accessible) kayak launch at Four Mile Run Park (3700 Commonwealth Ave.) on May 9 from 12 to 3 p.m. This innovative launch expands safe, inclusive access to the water, especially for beginners and people with mobility challenges. Enjoy music, art activities, and remarks at 12:30 p.m. Bring your own kayak (RSVP required for launch access). This project supports outdoor recreation, environmental education, and equitable access to nature. 

Visit the Four-mile run kayak webpage to learn more. 

Watt a Day at the Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive and Showcase!

On April 11, residents came out to kick the tires and NOT rev the engines at the City’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive and Showcase. Attendees got behind the wheel of fully electric vehicles from Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Rivian, and tried out e-bikes and scooters from Capital Bikeshare, GCOO, and Lime. 

The EV Showcase was a highlight, with nearly 20 local EV owners showing off all that their EVs can do, like brewing a fresh cup of coffee, charging an electric scooter, and logging thousands of miles on cross-country road trips. While the hourly revving of the engines was ... underwhelming, the conversations with EV owners about the joys of EV travel were electric. A big thank you to everyone who showed up, took a spin, and shared their EV story with the community this Earth Month!

Local Business in Partnership with Eco-City

In partnership with the West End Business Association (WEBA), Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer, provided businesses a reminder of the value of joining the City’s Eco-City Business program.  Hosted by Markos Panas from the BeeLiner Diner the event brought together the business community to celebrate and promote eco-friendly practices. The BeeLiner and Panas’ other business, The Dog Park, are both active Eco-City Businesses, having already saved well over the 10% energy reduction goal!

Interested businesses can learn more and sign up at Eco-City Business webpage.

Alexandria Shreds

Residents gathered on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a free shredding event at MOM’s Organic Market, where they safely disposed of sensitive documents.

Attendees were able to watch the shredding process in real time, ensuring their materials were securely handled and later recycled. Accepted items included common documents such as financial records, mail, and medical paperwork.

If you missed the event, visit our recycling webpage to learn more about how you can dispose of your unwanted papers and waste at any time of year. 

Bikes, Bulbs & Brews

On Saturday, April 25, the Eco-City team joined the community to celebrate Earth Month alongside two Eco-City Businesses, Handy Bikes and Port City. Attendees enjoyed pedal-powered energy demonstrations, learned practical tips for becoming an Eco-City Home, and received free bike safety checks from Handy Bikes. 

The event brought together residents and local partners for a fun and engaging afternoon focused on sustainability, active transportation, and community connection.

Special thanks to the Eco-City Business, Port City Brewing for hosting! 

If you want to join the Eco-City business community, check the Eco-City Business webpage. 

ALX Dog Walk 

On Saturday, April 18, we had a great time attending the ALX Dog Walk, connecting with Alexandrians and sharing tips on how to improve energy efficiency at home.

It was a fun and engaging event, and we loved chatting with residents about simple ways to save energy while also enjoying the chance to meet so many adorable puppies along the way.

Are you interested in making your home more energy efficient? Apply to the Eco-City Homes program to access to resources and personalized support that can help you save energy and reduce costs.

Utility Engagement

The Office of Climate Action is excited to announce the appointment of Valerie Amor, Energy Manager, to the Board of the Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association (VEPGA). VEPGA negotiates contracts on behalf of 170 local governments to power government facilities, including Alexandria. This alliance of local governments ensures competitive prices for electricity and better stewardship of tax dollars. Valerie’s appointment adds to the Office of Climate Action’s commitment to ensuring electric, gas, and water rates are fair and equitable.

The City is also actively engaged in three proceedings at the State Corporation Commission: An energy efficiency program case with Dominion Energy, and rate cases for Virginia American Water and Washington Gas. These cases will impact the ongoing costs of utilities for Alexandria residents. Climate Action Officer Ryan Freed and Assistant City Attorney Bryan MacAvoy have filed testimony in all three proceedings.

Garden Fest 2026

Russell Bailey received the 2026 Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award at Del Ray GardenFest for his decades of conservation work in Alexandria. His efforts, including restoring Beverley Park, have helped revive native plants, support wildlife, and strengthen local ecosystems. The Eco-City team also attended, sharing information about City programs and sustainability initiatives.

Spring Break Fun! 

As part of the City’s “Journey of Eco-City Alexandria” Spring Break program, participants in RPCA camps took part in four days of hands-on environmental education activities. Youth explored composting and learned how food scraps can become nutrient-rich soil, discovered how water and pollution move through the environment using an Enviroscape model, and designed greener communities with space for people and wildlife. They also created air quality windsocks to learn about protecting the air, and made art using reused materials, combining creativity with sustainability.

Gear Up for Bike to Work Day!

Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 15! Get ready for Bike to Work Day by making sure your bike is in top shape. On Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., community members are invited to stop by the Barrett Branch Library for a free bike checkup.

Volunteer mechanics from Velocity Bicycle Co-op will be on site to provide basic maintenance and safety checks, helping riders feel confident and prepared for the road. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just getting back into cycling, this is a great opportunity to give your bike the attention it needs.

Join us at 717 Queen Street in Alexandria and get set to ride into Bike to Work Day with confidence.

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

EPC 2026 Annual Retreat - Saturday, May 2, 2026 • 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day- Saturday, May 2, 2026 • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Rec Fest 2026 - Saturday, May 2, 2026 • 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Public Hearing - Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • 7:00 -11:59 p.m.

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Meeting - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • 7:00 -11:59 p.m.

Housing Affordability Advisory Committee (Virtual) - Thursday, May 7, 2026 • 7:00 -9:00 p.m.
Four Mile Run Kayak Launch Ribbon Cutting - Saturday, May 9, 2026 • 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

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

Alexandria Transit Co. Board of Directors Meeting - Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Bike to Work Day - Friday, May 15, 2026 • 7:30-9:30 a.m.

AlexRenew Public Hearing on FY2027 Budget and Rate - Saturday, May 16, 2026 • 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Regular Meeting -  Monday, May 18, 2026 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Environmental Policy Commission Meeting - Monday, May 18, 2026 • 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Waterfront Commission Meeting - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Planning & Zoning Virtual Community Update - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

AlexRenew Regular Board of Directors Meeting - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Stormwater Utility and Flood Mit. Advisory Group - Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • 7:00 -9:00 p.m.

Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing - Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • 7:00 -11:59 p.m.

ARHA Redevelopment Work Group - Thursday, May 21, 2026 • 5:30 -7:00 p.m.
Park & Recreation Commission - Thursday, May 21, 2026 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Duke Street Land Use Plan Community Meeting #6 - Thursday, May 28, 2026 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.