Eco-City Newsletter – June 2026

City Resources for Extreme Heat 

This week, Alexandria is expecting dangerously high heat. These high temperatures pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, children, and those with medical conditions or without air conditioning. Temperatures during this period could feel as high as 110+ degrees. 

City of Alexandria recreation centers will function as cooling centers to help residents cope with the heat. For a full list of these locations and their operating hours, visit the City’s Seasonal and Emergency Warming & Cooling Options webpage

City's Recreation Facilities will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

Alexandria Libraries are open as cooling centers during normal operating hours. Visit the library website to view a full list of locations and hours. City's Library Facilities will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

The City’s Senior Cool Care program has also pre-coordinated the potential use of portable cooling devices if needed. Call 703.746.5999 to request cooling devices. 

The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) is following normal operating status and is prepared to deploy buses as mobile cooling centers if needed.  

How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat 

Stay safe and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from the extreme heat. 

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can lead to dehydration.
2. Stay Indoors: Remain in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit public places such as shopping malls, libraries, or cooling centers.
3. Limit Outdoor Activities: If you must be outside, avoid strenuous activities, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
4. Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that family, friends, and neighbors who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses are staying cool and hydrated.
5. Recognize Heat-Related Illnesses: Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Severe cases can cause high body temperature or unconsciousness. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call 911. Learn more at ready.gov/heat. 
6. Keep Pets Cool: Pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals are kept cool and hydrated. Never leave pets in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly become life-threatening. 

Sign up for weather alerts, emergency information, and community updates at alexandriava.gov/eNews. 

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960. 

Seal Air Leaks for a Cooler, More Efficient Home

Small gaps around doors and windows can let cool air escape and allow hot air to enter your home, making it less comfortable during extreme heat. Sealing these air leaks helps keep indoor temperatures more stable, improves comfort, and reduces the amount of energy needed for cooling.

Simple actions like adding weatherstripping, applying caulk, or installing door sweeps can make a noticeable difference. To learn more about energy efficiency at home, join the Eco-City Homes program today! 

Eco-City Alexandria at Sails on the Potomac

Eco-City Alexandria recently participated in Sails on the Potomac, a waterfront festival celebrating Alexandria’s role in the founding of the United States as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration.

With extreme heat affecting the event, Eco-City Alexandria provided a cooling tent with misting fans, giving attendees a place to cool down and learn about heat safety and climate resilience. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

Young Alexandrians Dig Into Composting This Summer

This summer, children ages 6–10 explored the fascinating world of vermicomposting through Bookworms Compost, a seven-week program hosted by the Youth Services team at Beatley Central Library.

Held on Tuesdays beginning June 16 through July 28, the hands-on program introduced participants to the science of composting with worms and the natural processes that recycle nutrients back into the earth. Using the library's worm composting bin, young learners discovered how food scraps can be transformed into valuable compost while gaining a deeper understanding of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Registration is encouraged, and children are welcome even if they cannot attend every session. Learn more and register here: Bookworms Compost at Alexandria Library.

Change Community Conditions for Your Neighborhood

If you live in the Landmark/Van Dorn or Arlandria neighborhoods, you have an opportunity to make it greener and healthier. The Alexandria Health Department and Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria are working with community coalitions – made up of residents, organizations, local businesses, and other city agencies – to develop Alexandria’s Community Health Improvement Plan. This is a 5-year, community-driven process to improve health in our community. The Landmark/Van Dorn neighborhood coalition has selected their three focus areas: opportunities for youth outside of school, improved community safety, and more outdoor and green active spaces. The Arlandria coalition is finalizing their focus areas now.

Your voice directly shapes what happens in these neighborhoods. You can either join a workgroup (here) to help build the plan or join our newsletter for updates on the effort. The work groups meet monthly for 60-90 minutes over the next 4-6 months.

Learn more and find ways to get involved for all three of our coalitions at the CHIP Landscape page. Even if you can’t join a meeting, you can still participate virtually. Contact healthmatters@vdh.virginia.gov or call 703.244.5654 for any questions.

City of Alexandria Phases Out Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers for Electric Equipment

As of this week, the City of Alexandria has fully transitioned to electric leaf blowers for maintenance and operations work. The change comes ahead of the full, city-wide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers going into effect later this year. By switching to electric equipment first, City staff are ready to lead by example and demonstrate the positive environmental and noise control benefits compared to the gas-powered machines.

A 2025 City Council ordinance, which mandated the switch for City operations, will expand to cover residents, property managers, businesses and contractors in Alexandria by November 17, 2026. Because gas-powered leaf blowers create significant air and noise pollution, the transition to electric equipment will provide a healthier experience for operators and a quieter and less disruptive experience for the general public.

Residents, property managers, and businesses are encouraged to explore their options for replacing equipment ahead of the full gas-powered leaf blower ban going into effect. After the deadline, failure to comply with the ordinance may result in a citation and civil penalties, and inspections may be conducted to investigate actual or suspected violations. 

Learn more about the upcoming gas-powered leaf blower ban on the City webpage.

Step2Savings Energy Challenge

Meeting the City’s ambitious goals established in the Environmental Action Plan 2040 means we need 53,000 homes to be energy efficient by 2030. With nearly 60% of Alexandrians living in multifamily properties, the Office of Climate Action has developed the Step2Savings Energy Challenge, a program to help building owners and property managers take the steps necessary to count their buildings among the 53,000 efficient homes. Step2Savings provides the framework to understand how energy is being used, works with owners to set ambitious energy use reduction targets, and provides technical expertise and resources to develop clear plans to achieve those targets.

To join the Step2Savings Energy Challenge today and start turning energy savings into long-term value, complete the  Sign-Up Form here.

For questions, contact Valerie Amor, Energy Manager, valerie.amor@alexandriava.gov, 703.746.3705.

AlexRenew Pumping Station Ribbon Cutting - Wednesday, July 1, 2026 • 9-10 a.m.

ARHA Board's Planning Development Committee - Thursday, July 9, 2026 • 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing -  Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • 7-11:59 p.m.

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

AlexRenew Regular Board of Directors Meeting - Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • 6-8 p.m.

Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Regular Meeting - Monday, July 27, 2026 • 7-9 p.m.