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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Alexandria's Civic Engagement Policy

In 2014, City Council adopted a civic engagement policy and handbook which were the culmination of a two-year process of community dialogues and online participation known as What’s Next Alexandria? Members of the community collaborated with City staff and appointed and elected officials to talk about how Alexandrians can best participate in public decision-making processes that shape the city and established 10 principles for Civic Engagement.
Page updated on December 6, 2022 at 12:51 PM

Related Content

  • Alexandria's Civic Engagement Policy
  • Development
  • Historic Preservation
  • Land Use and Zoning
  • Neighborhood Planning
  • P&Z Forms, Fees & Applications
  • Planning & Zoning Homepage

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  • Alexandria's Civic Engagement Policy
  • Alexandria’s Civic Engagement Handbook
  • Alexandria's Civic Engagement Principles

 

  • Política del Compromiso Cívico de Alexandria
  • Alexandria Manual para el Compromiso Cívico
  • Principios del Compromiso Cívico de Alexandria

Background

What's Next Alexandria - Developing Alexandria's Civic Engagement Handbook

Over the course of the What's Next Alexandria process, community members worked together to develop civic engagement principles, a civic engagement process template, key outcomes demonstrating success, and a communications and outreach strategy. These four items comprise the core of Alexandria's Handbook for Civic Engagement which guides all City projects. On Saturday, January 25, 2014 City Council adopted Resolution 2597 to establish as City policy the Civic Engagement Principles and concepts contained in the Handbook developed during the What's Next Alexandria process. 

Below are links to documents presented at the public hearing:

City Council Public Hearing Materials - January 25, 2014

  • January 25  Memo to City Council  
  • January 8 Memo to City Council 
  • Civic Engagement Policy Resolution 2597 (adopted January 25, 2014)
  • Implementation Action Plan (final, January 2014)
  • Alexandria's Handbook for Civic Engagement (Final, January 2014)
  • Presentation to City Council 
  • Community Comments received on September Draft Handbook 
  • Community Comments Received Post December 30 Draft 
  • Blank Interactive Framework Form for Future Projects 

December 2013 Revised Draft of Alexandria's Handbook for Civic Engagement

  • Full Color Version - PDF  
  • Matrix of Sept.6-Oct. 11 Community Comments and City responses  
  • Text Only Version 

Additional draft materials for January 2014 Council Consideration

  • Implementation Action Plan
  • Policy Resolution 

What's Next Alexandria - Community Dialogues

Alexandrians participated in four Community Dialogues to collaborate on improving the City's public participation process, including development of principles of engagement and a framework for the planning process. 

4th Community Dialogue - June 24, 2013

The final Community Dialogue was held Monday, June 24, 2013 at First Baptist Church, 2932 King Street. Community members reviewed the draft elements of the Handbook for Civic Engagement and collaborated on communications strategies.   

  • Meeting Agenda 
  • Presentation 
  • Draft Preliminary Outline of the Handbook for Civic Engagement 
  • Photo of Map - Where do you live/work? 

Table Exercises:

  • Compiled Feedback from Activity 1_Verbatim  
  • Compiled Feedback from Activity 2 
  • Compiled Feedback from Activity 3_Verbatim  
    •   Table 1 Facilitator Summary for Activity 3 
  • Summary of Responses_Activity 3 
  • Scanned Completed Activities 1 and 2 
  • Additional Completed Activities 1 and 2- completed and received after June 24th
  • Scanned Table Worksheets_Activity 3 

Meeting Evaluations: 

  • Compiled Evaluations_Verbatim 
  • Scanned Completed Evaluations 
  • Summary of Meeting Evaluations 

3rd Community Dialogue - April 30, 2013

More than 130 community members participated in What's Next Alexandria's 3rd Community Dialogue on April 30th at First Baptist Church. The community finalized the principles of civic engagement and discussed concrete steps for achieving the principles.

  • Meeting Agenda 
  • Presentation 
  • Virtual Table 
  • Photo of Map - Where do you live/work in Alexandria?  

Table Exercises:

  • Photos of Individual Activity Worksheets 
  • Photos of Group Activity Worksheets 
  • Compiled feedback from Individual Activity_Verbatim 
  • Compiled feedback from Group Activity_Verbatim 
  • Summary of Individual Activity Responses 
  • Summary of Group Activity Responses

 Meeting Evaluations:

  • Summary of Meeting Evaluations     
  • Compiled Meeting Evaluations_Verbatim 
  • Photos of Completed Meeting Evaluation Sheets 

2nd Community Dialogue - January 29, 2013

Approximately 120 Alexandrians participated in the second Community Dialogue on January 29th to refine principles of engagement and begin work to develop a framework for the planning process. 

  • Agenda 
  • Video webcast and chat  
  • Presentation 
  • Virtual Table 
  • Photo of Map - Where do you live/work in Alexandria? 

Table Exercises:

  • Compiled feedback from  Principle Statements Exercise 
  • Compiled feedback from Framework Exercise 
  • Photos of Worksheets - Principle Statements Exercise (Note: This is a large file and may take some time to load.)
  • Photos of Worksheets - Framework Exercise (Note: This is a large file and may take some time to load.)

Meeting Evaluations:

  • Summary of Meeting Evaluations 
  • Scanned Meeting Evaluations (original forms as completed by attendees)
  • Compiled Meeting Evaluations (verbatim responses grouped by question) 

1st Community Dialogue - November 15, 2012

Approximately 165 Alexandrians participated in a Community Dialogue on November 15. That night, after hearing results of the community poll and remarks by Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, founder and former President of AmericaSpeaks and Executive Director of the of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, attendees worked together on principles of engagement.

  • Meeting Agenda  
  • Presentation of Community Poll Results and the What's Next Process  
  • Presentation by Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer  
  • Video Webcast  
  • Photo of Map - Where do you live and work in Alexandria? 

Each table answered the following questions, individually and as a group:

  • What does ideal engagement feel like? 
  • What is expected of you as an engaged citizen? 
  • What do you expect in return for your effort? 

Group Work on the Principles of Engagement

  • Compiled feedback from the work sheets  
  • Photos of the work sheets created at each table 

Meeting Evaluations

  • Compiled evaluations (verbatim responses grouped by question)  
  • Scanned evaluation forms (original forms as completed by attendees)                                                        

What's Next Alexandria - Online Engagement History

Virtual Tables

  • During the What's Next Alexandria Community Dialogues, the City of Alexandria tested and evaluated live Internet video engagement. This online option served as a Virtual Table, allowing community members who could not attend in person to watch it unfold in real time, participate with other viewers in group exercises through a moderated live chat, and tell us what they thought of this tool for future use.

Online Comment Board - May 2013

  • Review the Revised Draft Civic Engagement Framework . Community feedback was received on the revised Framework from May 9 through May 23. Comments will inform the final draft framework that will be shared at the June Community Dialogue.

Online Poll on Civic Engagement Principles: March 19 - April 9, 2013

  • At the January 29 Community Dialogue, community members worked together to develop civic engagement principle statements to guide public participation in Alexandria. Subsequent to the meeting, facilitators from the tables collaborated with staff to synthesize the 17 table statements into 8 single statements. The community participated in ACTion Alexandria's online poll to affirm the principle statements. We had a great response! A total of 160 community members participated in the poll, the majority of whom supported the principles as written. At the next Community Dialogue on April 30, participants will have the opportunity to affirm the Principles based on feedback received from this poll. Summary of Civic Engagement Poll Responses and Copy of Poll  

Response to Poll Comments: 

  • We received 160 responses, 85% of whom supported the principles. The results of the poll were posted (above) shortly after the poll closed.  Many people provided comments with their poll response and we very much appreciate the thought that went into these. All of the comments were reviewed to determine what changes would be made. About a third of the total comments provided specific suggestions about the principles. Of those, some included suggestions to tighten the language, which we incorporated. There were also a variety of specific suggestions for word changes – changes that would alter the meaning of the principles. Because there was no consistency among these suggestions, and because the great majority of poll respondents supported the principles as written, we did not incorporate these changes.
  • There was an additional set of specific comments that are more detailed and, we believe, provide guidance for implementing the principles. We plan to include these suggestions into the civic engagement handbook that will guide future civic engagement practices.
  • Four people wrote that the statements were too long or that there were too many principles; this may very well may be true, but we have decided not to make wholesale changes to the statements since they had such wide support as written. Finally, many people commented that while the principles are valuable, the key to success will be implementation.   

Principles of Engagement Online Poll - January 2013

  • From January 4-14, 2013, the City of Alexandria and ACTion Alexandria invited Alexandrians to participate in an online poll to further refine work begun at the November 15, 2012 What's Next Alexandria Community Dialogue to develop Alexandria's Principles of Civic Engagement . The online poll asked participants to confirm eight principle categories created in response to community feedback. The categories were: Accessible and Informed Participation; Civility; Early Involvement; Inclusiveness and Equity; Meaningful Engagement; Mutual Accountability; Sustained Cooperation; and Transparency. Participants were asked to confirm the draft principle categories by selecting them, or choose not to confirm a principle by not selecting it. They were then invited to write in additional principle categories and statements.
  • A total of 130 community members responded to the online poll, the majority of whom confirmed the principle categories as proposed, with the strongest support shown for Transparency and Accessible and Informed Participation, with Civility, Early Involvement, and Inclusiveness and Equity following close behind. Additional principles/statements were also provided by respondents. Most of these suggestions were relevant to the eight draft principle categories proposed and will be included in materials used to wrap up work on the principles during the Second Community Dialogue on January 29, 2013, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church. At that meeting, the community will develop supporting statements for the civic engagement principle categories, and will discuss the planning process framework, including concrete steps and engagement tools for achieving the principles. 
    • Principles Poll Summary 
    • Additional principles/statements were also provided by respondents 

Community Poll - Fall 2012

  • The community poll on the future of civic engagement in Alexandria, hosted by ACTion Alexandria, closed on October 25 with more than 1,600 Alexandrians having participated. Poll results are posted below and a summary was shared at the Community Dialogue on November 15. The poll was just the first step in the What's Next Alexandria initiative to collect input on what you think about civic engagement, both in terms of your personal experience and your suggestions for improvement.
    • WNA Community Poll - Individual Comments Verbatim 
    • WNA Community Poll Results
    • WNA Poll - English 
    • WNA Poll - Espanol 

Details on Poll Distribution and Response

  • The poll was distributed online on the ACTion Alexandria website and on paper at various locations throughout the community including recreation centers, libraries and through community organizations between September 18, 2012 and October 25, 2012. The poll consisted of 10 questions about civic engagement and planning for the City's future. In order to reach as many residents as possible, news of the survey was distributed via the City's eNews service, City website, media advisories, by email to City Commission members, community and civic organizations, past participants in planning processes, ACTion Alexandria email list, and to several neighborhood listserves.

What's Next Alexandria - Community Feedback

Members of the community shared some inspiring and thoughtful commentary on civic engagement in Alexandria. This page provides a sampling from each What's Next Alexandria Community Dialogue. 

April 30, 2013

  • "We had consensus on our ideas and suggestions for the various questions. We provided tangible suggestions for city staff to use." 
  • "Most importantly, I think just the bringing people together is a good start. I think the people at our table were motivated and ready to act." 
  • "We have listed some ways to improve civic engagement. We have agreed on most of the initiatives presented." 
  • "Not me, but someone else suggested establishing a corps of neighborhood ambassadors with specific duties and city staffer to hold them accountable. Great idea!" 
  • "The average age of those attending the forum is approximately 55? More should be done to reach out to and engage young people. Consider partnering with groups and organizations that serve and work with youth." 
  • "La participación de todas las presentes va a tener éxito." (Everyone’s participation will bring success.) 
  • "Youth voice was heard and represented and the importance of participation of diverse group of citizens reinforced." 

January 29, 2013

  • "I feel good about the process this evening and thought we did well as a group to come to consensus, listen to one another, share and be supportive. Tonight was more focused, but also our second one." 
  • "One member of the table commented that looking at the people in the room it looked like every other city meeting. If, somehow, more people that don’t normally engage with the city could come, that would be useful." 
  • "I think the process is going well. It’s good that the process has been so transparent. I appreciate all the effort." 
  • "We refined our ideas and clarified our thinking on several issues. We attempted to take our hopes and frustrations with process and our love of our city, and tried to formulate a better way forward." 
  • "Opened a dialogue with a diverse group of committed citizens. Excellent collaboration." 
  • "There was a good faith effort and lots of energy and engagement at our table. [Redacted] and [redacted] were fabulous facilitators!" 
  • "Bundle thoughts and ideas from previous events into a concept for operation principles. Take a concrete example where civic engagement is low (or could be improved) and discuss how to operationalize and principles." 
  • "You’ve given some residents a say in future planning, given us an opportunity to meet other concerned citizens and learn about city processes." 
  • "There needs to be a more well-defined relationship or balance between citizens and city staff. For example, many people only feel satisfied in a process when they get their way. Why does the city hire educated, trained and experienced city staff if they are not trusted to make decisions? Compromise is a responsibility of citizens that staff can help them reach." 

November 15, 2012

  • “We began to think differently and more sensitively about participation in process, what we can bring to the table and how that participation will enrich us as well as the community.”  
  • “The "What's Next, Alexandria?" forum is an excellent idea from the city leaders. We need to further advertise and capitalize on its potential to resolve citizen's concerns and hold city politicians responsible.” 
  • “You have successfully brought members from all over the community together and engaged us in a process of getting to know each other and starting to talk about things that matter.” 
  • “We expect action, respect, impact, inclusion, explanation of decisions, community services, engagement with elected officials, responsive and accountable to our feedback. We expect a voice.”“The meeting fostered a feeling of acceptance. It made me feel committed to this process.” 
  • “The city leaders have shown that they are receptive to listening to citizen's concerns and will try to resolve them.” 
  • “If we are fully engaged in the process there is no ‘them’, we are all ‘us’.” 
  • “We really need to develop a way all concerns are heard and persons not feeling like they are on a fast moving train.” 
  • “We have accomplished the beginning of a positive, constructive dialogue to better improve our community.” 
  • “This is a first step toward more civility and engagement.” 
  • “In return for our efforts we expect that our team’s ideas will be heard, that there will be consensus and follow up regarding our community policies and priorities.” 
  • “We need an implementation/action plan that is citizen led with a funding mechanism to support the effort.” 
  • “Involve the stakeholders from the beginning and let the group shape the process.” 
  • “I expect consistency in the process, an interactive exchange of ideas leading to clear decisions which employ the general consensus of those involved, but also measured consideration of dissenting opinions. Decisions should be actionable and implemented swiftly. Decision-makers must be held accountable.” 
  • “I expect my ideas to be acknowledged (not necessarily accepted) and to leave feeling proud of my community. Even if my ideas are not accepted I will leave the room supporting the decisions of the group.” 
  • “I would hope that Alexandria citizens engage with each other and decision-makers with more civility and willingness to compromise.” 
  • “How (do we) engage the unengaged, in order to get a more representative and diverse participation?” 
  • “Engaged citizens are honest, ready to compromise, and are part of the solution. Leave your ego at the door, open your mind and LISTEN.” 
  • “We have to find ways to involve the people who have dismissed or given up on the process of engaging in the Democratic process.” 
  • “As the process evolves charge (urge) people to investigate best practices and study successful initiatives that we can learn from.” 
  • “Participate and be informed, speak intelligently and constructively, and then have a willingness to accept outcome of fair process.” 
  • As an engaged citizen, “I am expected to be a respectful and empathetic participant. I will be active in my participation, using facts to support opinion, honoring the process and those others who participate. I will not neglect more traditional civic duty – such as voting. I will make continued effort to inform myself on a broad range of issues and bring that knowledge to the table. I will focus not only on problems but more importantly – solutions.” 
  • We want “to feel heard and respected, and to see the impact of our effort. “ 
  • “Establish a culture of community-wide engagement and develop relationships that last beyond the meetings.”

Resources and Background Information on Civic Engagement

National organizations  

  • Alliance for Innovation - White paper: Connected Communities: Local Governments As a Partner in Citizen Engagement and Community Building 
  • America Speaks 
  • Consensus Building Institute 
  • Deliberative Democracy Consortium - Model Public Participation Ordinance  
  •   Everyday Democracy 
  • Harvard Kennedy School, Saguaro Seminar on Civic Engagement 
  • Institute for Local Government 
  • International Association for Public Participation 
  • National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation 
  • National League of Cities -- Includes examples of Civic Engagement and Planning for Stronger Local Democracy Toolkit 
    • Sustainable Cities Institute  
  • Pepperdine School of Public Policy – Davenport Institute for Civic Engagement 

Jurisdictions with notable civic engagement programs or reports:  

  • Arlington County, Virginia  
  • Norfolk, Virginia 
  • Boston – Community Engagement Strategy 
  •  Chicago: Dialogue and Deliberation for Civic Engagement in Chicago: Building a Community of Practice  
  • Decatur, Georgia
  • Denver, Colorado: South Lincoln Housing Redevelopment 
  • Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Clear Vision Eau Claire
  • Illinois Department of Transportation, Circle Interchange Stakeholder Involvement Plan (SIP) 
    • a blueprint for defining methods and tools to educate and engage stakeholders in the decision-making process for this project.
  • King County, WA: Countywide Community Forums, Public Engagement Program Evaluation  
  • New Hampshire: New Hampshire Listens 
  • New York Regional Planning 
  • Portland, Oregon Office of Neighborhood Involvement 
    • City of Portland Public Involvement Principles  
  • Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Portsmouth Listens 
  • Salem Sustainable Cities Initiative: Civic Engagement Strategies 
  • San Francisco, California
    • San Francisco Planning Department: Public Outreach, Engagement Effectiveness Initiative  
  • Toronto: Review and Reflection on Current Practices and Future Approaches 
  • Utah: Envision Utah 
  • Vancouver, Canada: Greenest City Initiative  

Examples of online engagement platforms 

  • Action Alexandria – brings together neighbors and local nonprofit organizations to exchange ideas, coordinate efforts, and solve problems in our community.
  • Civic Commons – collaborative catalog of civic apps to help cities engage
  • Code for America - working to change the way cities work through technology and public service
  • Crowdsourcing - obtains ideas by soliciting contributions from a large group of undefined people from the online community
  • IdeaScale – online civic engagement platform  
  • Mindmixer – online civic engagement platform
  • Neighborland – online civic engagement platform
  • OpenPlans – non-profit focused on open government and transportation
  • Open Town Hall – online civic engagement platform
  • The Project for Public Spaces -- Digital Placemaking
  • UserVoice – online civic engagement platform

Media links about the What's Next Alexandria initiative 

  • City Hosts Second 'What's Next, Alexandria?' Dialogue - Old Town Alexandria Patch, January 30, 2013 
  • Participate: What's Next Alexandria Online Event - January 7, 2013 
  • 'What's Next, Alexandria?' Launches Citizen Engagement Effort - West End Patch November 16, 2012  
  • "What's Next Alexandria, The Dialogue Begins," Alexandria News, November 16, 2012 
  • 'What's Next Alexandria' Dialogue Set for Nov. 15 Old Town Patch November 9, 2012  
  • 'What's Next Alexandria' Survey Extended Old Town Patch October 18, 2012 
  • What's Next, Alexandria? (Blog Post) West End Patch October 10, 2012  
  • City Launches Civic Engagement Initiative - Old Town Alexandria Patch September 25, 2012
  • What's Next, Alexandria? - AlexandriaNews.org September 21, 2012
  • Letter to the Editor: "What's Next Alexandria Won't Heal City's Divide" Alexandria Times December 7, 2012 
  • Letter to the Editor: "What's Next Alexandria Dialogue – Did It Succeed?" AlexandriaNews.org, November 28, 2012
  • Letter to the Editor: "With the election over, time to get involved" Alexandria Times November 20, 2012 

Other links of interest 

  • ZoningDC.org - Twitter TownHall 

Related Sites

Planning and Zoning

The Department of Planning and Zoning works closely with communities to carry out the City's Strategic Plan, fostering amenity-rich, service-oriented and equity-balanced neighborhoods; protecting historic and cultural resources; and supporting diverse and creative businesses. Visit our "About Planning and Zoning" page to learn more about the Department's vision and planning values.

Questions?

Contact Katherine Carraway, Department of Planning and Zoning, 703.746.3855.

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