Page updated Sep 17 2009 9:07 a.m.

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The Office of Citizen Assistance (703-746-4800 or TTY 703-838-5056) provides citizens with an easily accessible point of contact within City government.

The Office responds to individual citizen requests for information or complaints about City services and strives to make local government more responsive to the needs of citizens. It maintains the public information center for the City and stocks all city publications. The Office also processes all requests for materials and documents under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and includes the following additional staff functions:

1. Consumer Affairs (703-746-4350) monitors business practices and works to prevent unfair trade practices through educating the community and financial literacy programs.  If you have any questions or need general information, please leave a message and staff will return your call as soon as possible.  If you wish to file a complaint against a retail business in the City of Alexandria, please contact the Virginia  Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs at 804-746-2042 or toll free (Virginia only) 800-552-9663. The website address is http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/consumers/index.shtml.  
    
2. Cable Television (703-746-4800) is responsible for the day-to-day regulation of cable television in the City. It monitors cable operator performance in meeting the requirements as outlined in the franchise agreement and the City Code, resolves subscribers' complaints, and develops programming for the government access channel. (Local origination/community programs appear on Channel 69. Meetings of City Council, the School Board, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals are shown on Channel 70. See the current cablecast schedule for details.)
   
   In addition, the Office conducts evaluations of the cable system and prepares an annual report for the City Council. It also responds to frequently asked questions about Verizon FiOS.
    
3. Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions (703-746-4691) provides administrative staff for Council-appointed boards, committees, and commissions; establishes and reviews uniform procedures and formats for the preparation of the attendance records, annual and other reports, and minutes of committees; assists, as requested, a committee in preparing its budget; and maintains and publishes, on a semi-annual basis, a roster of committee members. See the following for more information:
    
   • Roster of Alexandria Boards & Commissions
   • Boards & Commissions Calendar
   • Boards & Commissions Vacancies
   • Boards & Commissions Application Form

• Alexandria Citizens Academy
• Boards & Commissions
• Channel 70
• Consumer Affairs

• Filing a Complaint
• Frequently Used Services
• Requesting Public Records (FOIA)