Alexandria adopts ALX Forward strategic framework to grow and diversify local economy

Alexandria City Council voted to adopt ALX Forward, a multi-year framework that city economic-development staff say will help grow and diversify the city’s tax base while preserving the character of neighborhoods. The motion passed after staff outlined engagement results and next steps for implementation.

"We need to make more money as a city, and the easiest way to do that is to grow the economy," Stephanie Landrum of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership told the council, summarizing the plan’s goals and outreach. (Stephanie Landrum, AEDP.)

Staff said ALX Forward had undergone extensive public engagement since its release, receiving roughly 40 additional comments and six letters of support after publication in November. The plan sets a multi-year implementation timeline, calls for regular reporting to council, and anticipates budget requests across several cycles to support priorities identified in the framework.

Council amended the resolution to explicitly direct the city manager to coordinate implementation with community partners as well as AEDP and city departments; Councilman Chapman proposed that language to ensure partners beyond AEDP are formally included in implementation coordination. The council approved the amended resolution by roll call.

Why it matters: ALX Forward establishes priorities and reporting structures that will shape staffing and budget asks in the FY budget process, intended to increase business investment and broaden the local tax base while preserving neighborhood character.

Next steps: staff said partners will transition from planning to implementation groups, with the administration returning to council on budget implications and quarterly progress reports.