The Alexandria City Council held a Town Hall meeting on March 29, 2025, aimed at engaging the public on key issues, particularly the annual budget and collaboration with the school board. The meeting began with a procedural note on how public questions would be addressed, ensuring fairness by prioritizing those present in the room before online submissions.
The first significant topic discussed was the council's process for soliciting public comment on the annual budget. Councilwoman Green emphasized the council's commitment to actively engage with the community, highlighting various avenues for public input, including monthly budget meetings, public hearings, and a dedicated budget comment page on the city’s website. Councilman Mike Pike added that translation services are available at public hearings to ensure inclusivity for non-English speakers. He noted that the Town Hall was strategically located to encourage participation from residents who may find it difficult to attend meetings in Old Town.
The discussion then shifted to improving coordination between the city council and the school board. Councilman El Nupi suggested that joint initiatives could enhance collaboration, indicating a desire for more integrated efforts between the two governing bodies.
Overall, the Town Hall meeting provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns and ask questions, with council members reiterating their openness to feedback and commitment to transparency in the budget process. The council plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, ensuring that community voices are heard and considered in decision-making.