Rising homelessness and crime in Alexandria City took center stage during the recent City Council Town Hall meeting, with Councilman Chapman addressing the urgent need for action. The discussion highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues and their potential impact on public safety, tourism, and economic development.

Councilman Chapman emphasized the city's commitment to tackling homelessness through the development of affordable and transitional housing. He noted the importance of partnerships with nonprofit developers to create more housing opportunities, especially as economic challenges may lead to increased housing insecurity among residents.

"We are calling on the state and neighboring localities to help provide funding for additional transitional housing," Chapman stated, acknowledging the broader regional implications of the crisis. He underscored that addressing homelessness is not just a local issue but a collective responsibility that requires collaboration across jurisdictions.

The council is also in the process of gathering input from various stakeholders, including council members, the school board, and parent-teacher associations, to inform future recommendations. These will be presented in May, with any decisions requiring a community engagement process to ensure public involvement.

As Alexandria grapples with these pressing challenges, the council's proactive approach aims to find sustainable solutions that not only enhance public safety but also protect the city's economic vitality.