Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery
2025 Community Engagement Findings on Updates to the Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery Policy
Background Information
Programs and services provided by RPCA are implemented through an approved Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery Policy.
- RPCA uses a resource allocation pyramid methodology to solicit feedback from the community.
- The pyramid guides a community sorting process for all services based on the extent of community benefit.
- Services with greater community benefit receive more significant tax subsidy, and those with greater individual benefit are supported by user fees.
- From November 2024 - January 2025, RPCA held 6 community meetings or focus groups and conducted an online survey of over 500 community members to engage the public in sorting services based on this methodology.
Key Findings and Impacts
Through the community engagement process:
- Four categories of service decreased by one tier on the pyramid. The community identified these services as having greater community benefit than reflected in 2019.
- Two categories of service increased by one or more tier on the pyramid. The community identified these services as having more individual benefit than reflected in 2019.
Potential policy implications most impacted by the update include:
- Introduction of Competitive Sports Leagues and Tournaments identified at Tier 4 (considerable individual benefit) while Recreation Level Leagues and Tournaments remained at Tier 3 (balanced community and individual benefit)
- Community and City-wide Events now at Tier 1
- Tenant License/Leases for Partners/Affiliates moved from Tier 3 to Tier 4
- Tier 1 programs and services are completely community benefit. Full tax investment with little or no fee support (Tier 1 services are targeted to recover 0% of direct costs, although some of these services may be appropriate for use of alternative funding sources like grants, donations, and volunteers).
- Tier 2 Services are programs and services with a primary community benefit, and a substantial tax investment with minimal to partial fee support (as an average, Tier 2 services are targeted to recover a minimum of 20% of direct costs, and many of these services may be appropriate for use of alternative funding sources like grants, donations, in-kind contributions, and volunteers.
- Tier 3 Programs and Services provide a balance of community and individual benefit. Primarily fee supported services with little or no tax investment (as an average, Tier 3 services are targeted to recover a minimum of 50% of direct costs, and some of these services may be appropriate for use of alternative funding sources like grants, donations, and volunteers.
- Tier 4 and Tier 5 Programs and services that have a high individual benefit and should incur no subsidy. Our Tier 4 and 5 programs are revenue positive over direct costs.
- Tier 4 targeted at 125% of direct costs. Tier 5 services are targeted to recover a minimum of 175% of direct costs.
Next Steps
- Receive stakeholder feedback on the update to the RPCA Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy and Model.
- Schedule update and public hearing with the Park and Recreation Commission.
- Docket for City Council consideration.
- Finalize timeline for implementation.
Resource Allocation & Cost Recovery
FY 2026 Fees for Programs & Services - Effective July 1, 2025
FY 2026 Fee Schedule
- Effective July 1, 2025
Fee Assistance Program for City Residents
The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities encourages participation in City programs from all City residents. If you, a member of your family, or a friend would like to participate in programs or activities sponsored by this Department and need fee assistance to participate, please view the Financial Assistance Policy or contact the sponsoring program office for more detailed information. Financial Assistance Requests must be received at least two weeks prior to the start of a class. For fee assistance information, call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902.
Fee Guidelines for Groups Renting Facilities & Equipment
All groups are assessed applicable fees according to the Annual Fee Schedule.
Group A: Non-resident/Private Business/Non-local
Include all non-residents, all private business, and organizations charging fees or accepting donations.
Group B: Resident/Local Non-profits
Include City residents and non-profit (501c3) organizations, civic organizations, homeowner associations, and local and state political organizations located within the City limits of Alexandria who are deemed to provide a community benefit.
Group C: City Departments & Other Governmental Agencies
Include City Departments and other governmental agencies, and Alexandria City Public Schools.
Community Use of Indoor Facilities
- RPCA allows “no fee” use for Alexandria City non-profit groups, civic organizations, and homeowner associations at certain designated recreation center locations. These uses must occur during normal operating hours and require no additional set-up activity.
- Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and require a rental application, but room use is at Group C. Use is based on availability and RPCA programs have priority. These reservations cannot extend for longer than three months and groups are limited up to two uses per month.
Other Guidelines
- Fees will be determined after evaluation of the request. Maintenance, professional staff, and police protection services fees will be charged when applicable.
- Commercial and promotional activities in parks and facilities will be authorized only if they are deemed to provide a community benefit. They will be permitted only when they are clearly not in conflict with existing programs and restricted use does not occur for an unreasonable period of time.
- The renting party assumes responsibility for damage to turf, facility, or loss of equipment, and agrees to post a deposit to pay the cost of any repair or replacement to any park, facility, or equipment. This deposit will be set according to the policy identified in the Fee Schedule.
Ready to Plan Your Next Community Event?
Call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902 for more fee assistance information.