October 2026 - Eco-City Newsletter

Page updated on October 28, 2026 at 4:03 PM
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Climate Action Officer Message

RWF

Fall is here and normally I’d use this space to remind you to do some basic, but important, work around your home. Right now, though, I want to take the time to encourage everyone to learn more about the proposed merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion. If you follow us on social media (@EcoCityALX) you already know we’ve partnered with Arlington County to recommend that if the merger is approved, it should include several key improvements and protections for Virginians. Learn about the City’s position on our Eco-City website. There are instructions to help you let the State Corporation Commission know your thoughts on the merger. Written comments are due by November 9, so act quickly!  (And, okay, I can’t help myself – change your furnace filter, check out a thermal camera from the library, and sign up for Eco-City Homes for more energy-saving tips!)

Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer 

Eco-City Happenings

Green building and a tree

Green Building Webinar

On Thursday, October 29 from 2 - 3 p.m. join the City of Alexandria's Office of Climate Action for a special Energy Awareness Month webinar focused on green building and energy performance in Alexandria. Deb Buelow, AIA & Well AP of Cedar Architecture, will present and lead a conversation on lessons learned in the field for passive house design and construction. 

Topics will include: 

  • Key principles of high-performance and energy-efficient building design 
  • Strategies for reducing building energy use and improving building performance 
  • Considerations for incorporating energy efficiency early in the design process 
  • Lessons and best practices for the local development and building community 

Whether you are a developer, architect, engineer, contractor, property professional, or simply interested in Alexandria’s efforts to advance more energy-efficient buildings, this webinar will provide useful information and practical takeaways. Register on Zoom

 

 

pedestrians crossing the streets

City Advances Pedestrian Safety in Greater Old Town

The City is advancing pedestrian safety improvements in Greater Old Town and Carlyle, including proposed No Turn on Red restrictions and Leading Pedestrian Intervals to reduce crash risks.  Learn more at alexandriava.gov/VisionZero.

 

 

 

 

 

plastic bags with medicine disposals

Alexandria Promoted Safe Medication Disposal 

On October 24, the City of Alexandria observed National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, with medication drop-off sites across the City. Safe disposal helps prevent medication misuse and protects local waterways from pollution. Learn about year-round disposal options at the Alexandria Opioids webpage.

 

 

 

 

city staff interacting with residents

City Hosts Open House for Holmes Run Sewer Project

The City of Alexandria invited residents to an open house on October 21 to learn about the Holmes Run Sanitary Sewer Armoring Project, ask questions, and share feedback on the proposed improvements. Project materials and a follow-up survey will be available online. Learn more at the Holmes Holmes Run Sewer Project webpage.

Eco-City Events

residents sitting on a classroom for the workshop

We Got Hands-on with Home Weatherization 

Alexandria residents got a head start on preparing their homes for winter at the City’s free Home Weatherization Workshop on October 17. In partnership with experts from My Favorite Fixer, residents learned how to identify drafts and air leaks, seal gaps with caulk and weatherstripping, and explore simple ways to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient with their own energy efficiency kit. Want your own kit? Sign up for Eco-City Homes to learn how you can save energy, improve home comfort, and make sustainable upgrades. Visit the Eco-City Homes webpage to learn more!

Eco-City Out and About

city employee receiving the award

Virginia Visionary Award

We’re proud of our EV Planner, Amy Posner, for receiving the Virginia Visionary Award at the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition annual conference. She's working hard every day to make sure all Alexandrians can benefit from electric transportation to clean the air and help meet our climate goals.

 

 

 

 

people in costumes applying for the program

No tricks, just energy saving treats! 

On Saturday 17, we joined the Spooky Mad Science Expo at Patrick Henry Recreation Center. Huge kudos to Zohreh Khoshnamak, the CEO from Chrysalis Development Group, for putting together such a fun and electrifying event! 
At this expo, we helped the community sign up for Eco-City Homes. Do you want to keep scary energy bills and vampire energy from haunting your home?  Sign up today and learn how you can make your home more energy-efficient! Learn more visit: Eco-City Homes webpage.

 

 

city employee with volunteers tabling at the market

Eco-City Hits the Farmers’ Markets!

This month, the Eco-City team visited farmers’ markets across Alexandria to connect with residents and share information on the City’s sustainability programs. Residents who signed up for Eco-City Homes received an energy-saving kit to help make their homes more efficient! If you want to save energy and money, apply for the program at the Eco-City Homes webpage. 

 

 

students at a park

Seventh Graders Explored Alexandria’s Watersheds!

More than 1,000 Alexandria seventh graders took part in the annual Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) this month, exploring Ben Brenman Pond through hands-on activities about invasive species, stormwater, climate action, and water quality. These field trips help Alexandria students understand how local actions can protect the land, trees, and waterways that make our community special.

 

 

staff with two residents tabling

Operation Illumination is back! 

Join us for our annual event where we distribute bike lights, helmets, and safety tips to improve visibility for people walking and biking, particularly during shorter daylight months. Support Vision Zero by pairing safety equipment with in-person engagement that encourages safer travel behavior!
Be bright, be seen, and make every trip even safer. Come be illuminated! Visit the City’s calendar webpage.

 

 

big truck with a city staff to take the shredded paper

Join the City of Alexandria to celebrate America Recycles Day

Join the City of Alexandria’s Resource Recovery Division and celebrate America Recycles Day at our free shredding event. This event will take place Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Joseph Hensley Park (4200 Eisenhower Avenue). City of Alexandria residents are invited to bring accepted materials and watch the process via a monitor on the side of the shredding truck – all accepted materials will be securely recycled afterwards! 

For additional questions about accepted materials, please visit the Alexandria Recycling webpage, or contact wastesmart@alexandriava.gov.   

 

many pumpkins in different colors

Pumpkin Rescue Begins November 7

Beginning Saturday, November 7, Alexandria residents can sustainably repurpose pumpkins, gourds, and squash in two ways:

  • Donate: Bring intact, unpainted, and uncut items to feed local families with ALIVE! Alexandria.
  • Compost: Bring items in ANY condition to any Food Waste Drop-Off Station. Remove candles, wax, and non-compostable materials, and cut into small pieces.

Drop-offs are available at all City farmers’ markets November 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, and December 5-6.

Residents receiving curbside compost collection can place one jack-o’-lantern, pumpkin, gourd, or squash out with their bins per week on their regularly scheduled pickup day.

Learn more about the 2026 Pumpkin Rescue.

Staff & Community Highlight

city employee on a podium with city seal

Elibel Berrios, Program Administrator, Residential Rental Inspection Program, Code Administration

 

How would you describe your role? I oversee the citywide Residential Rental Inspections Program that helps ensure rental housing meets the Virginia Maintenance Code and remains safe, decent, and sanitary for residents. Our inspections focus on health and safety standards, including fire protection, electrical and mechanical systems, structural integrity, and overall habitability. We also work closely with property owners and managers to educate them on best practices related to mold prevention, pest management, waste disposal, and property maintenance.

While our primary mission is protecting public health and safety, our work also supports Alexandria's Eco-City goals. Well-maintained buildings are healthier, more resilient, and often operate more efficiently, helping reduce waste, prevent environmental hazards, and create stronger, more sustainable communities. At its core, the program is about maintaining quality of life for the people who call Alexandria home.

What are you most excited about? I'm excited to continue growing awareness of the Residential Rental Inspection Program and the positive impact it has on our community.

One of my favorite parts of my role has been organizing Property Management Resource Forums, where landlords, property managers, and City staff come together to share best practices, exchange ideas, and build relationships. It's rewarding to create opportunities for education and collaboration rather than simply focusing on enforcement.

I'm also excited about continuing to strengthen partnerships across City departments and community organizations. The most meaningful solutions come from working together, and I believe collaboration is key to creating healthier, safer, and more sustainable neighborhoods for everyone.

Fun Fact A fun fact about me is that my favorite hobby is trying new hobbies! Some of them stick...most of them don't.

This past summer, aside from watching the FIFA World Cup religiously, I've picked up pickleball, roller skating, and Sudoku. So far, I haven't given up on any of them...yet.

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