The City of Alexandria’s Beautification Commission is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Beautification Awards.
 

Each year, the awards recognize residents, businesses, and community organizations that enhance Alexandria’s beauty through sustainable practices, thoughtful design, and dedicated stewardship. We invite you to celebrate our city’s unique charm by submitting a nomination today, including self-nominations! 
 

New in 2026: America250 Patriotic Native Plantings Award
 

In honor of America250, a new category recognizes Best Patriotic Native Plantings for residential, business, and community properties.  
 

Residents and City properties are encouraged to replace a small area of grass with red, white, and blue native plants. Businesses can also participate by showcasing native plant containers in patriotic colors at their entrances. See ideas for patriotic native plants or sign up here. 
 

Let’s celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary while supporting pollinators, sustainable landscaping, and creative art and architecture! While we encourage all City residents and businesses to enhance the appearance of their properties with sustainable practices, the Commission will canvas half of the City for awards this year, with the remaining half to be reviewed in 2027.  
 

2026 Award Categories  

• Public Art (murals, statues, sculptures)  
• Architecture  
• Residential & Residential Street  
• Community & Commercial  
• Patriotic Native Plantings (NEW)  
   

Award recipients are selected from across the city based on criteria such as:  

• Use of sustainable practices and materials  
• Incorporation of native, non-invasive plants  
• Dedicated maintenance  
• Creative architectural or artistic design  
• Improvements visible from the public right-of-way (no backyards)  
   

Click to view the complete 2026 Awards Criteria. 
 

Nominations are open until 11:59 p.m. EST, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Submit yours today to help celebrate Alexandria’s beauty. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/beautification. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact oscar.mendoza@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4667, Virginia Relay 711. 

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