The City Council of Alexandria, Virginia, convened for its February public hearing on February 22, 2025, with Mayor Gaskins leading the session. The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of all council members, including Vice Mayor Bagley and Councilman Aguirre.

Mayor Gaskins outlined the procedures for the public hearing, emphasizing the importance of allowing all speakers to share their views within a three-minute time limit. The council encouraged participation from civic organizations, which may have extended speaking time. To ensure an orderly process, the Mayor instructed speakers to approach either of the two podiums available in the chamber.

The public hearing featured a significant number of registered speakers, prompting the council to implement a structured approach. The first fifteen speakers were invited to present their comments before the council would pause to address other agenda items. After completing the business portion of the meeting, the council planned to reconvene the public hearing to allow additional speakers to share their insights.

The first speaker, Lisonbee O'Connell, was called to the podium, followed by Melissa Elbert and Amanda Eisenhower. The council's commitment to facilitating community engagement was evident as they prepared to hear from residents on various topics of interest.

As the meeting progressed, the council aimed to balance public input with the need to conduct official business, ensuring that all voices were heard while maintaining an efficient agenda. The session highlighted the council's dedication to transparency and community involvement in local governance.