Eco-City Newsletter October 2025

City Receives Silver Charging Smart Designation

Alexandria is the first City in Virginia to receive a Charging Smart designation!

The City of Alexandria has received a Silver designation from the national Charging Smart program for adopting best practices to encourage the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. Alexandria's strong policies and programs make it easier to install EV chargers, including EV-friendly zoning codes and permitting processes. The City's commitment to electrifying its municipal fleet reflects its broader clean energy and climate goals.

Charging Smart is made possible by partners including the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Virginia Clean Cities.

Leading the Way in Stormwater Solutions: The City of Alexandria is one of the 2025 MS4 Award Winners

The City was recognized by Water Environment Federation (WEF) for excellence in the MS4 Phase II Innovation and Program Management category, alongside five other leading organizations. The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Awards recognize excellence in stormwater management by honoring communities that go above and beyond to protect water resources. Each year, the awards highlight communities that demonstrate exceptional innovation, program management, and community impact.

Honored for its forward-thinking strategies and proactive approach to managing urban stormwater, Alexandria is setting a strong example for other communities. The award highlights a growing focus on data-driven solutions, community collaboration, and sustainable infrastructure in stormwater management.

By embracing new technologies, engaging the public, and integrating green infrastructure, Alexandria has demonstrated how local governments can lead the charge in environmental stewardship.

Visit: WEF for more information

Leaf Collection 2025

The City of Alexandria's 2025 leaf vacuuming and leaf bag collection program will begin November 3, 2025.

Alexandria is sectioned into five collection zones, each with a specific start date. Residents who receive City trash collection receive three passes by vacuuming trucks during leaf season. Crews will post signs listing the earliest dates of the second and third passes in each zone, but inclement weather may cause schedule delays. It will take crews several days to complete a single vacuuming pass in each zone, so you may not see a truck on the first posted date for collection.

Residents can access the interactive Residential Leaf Collection Viewer map to look up assigned leaf collection dates based on their home address.

View the 2025 residential leaf collection mailer .

Act Now Campaign

Meeting Alexandria's ambitious carbon reduction goals means we need 53,000 homes to be energy efficient by 2030. That means residents like you taking action to improve your homes-and there are financial incentives to help!

Federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements will expire on December 31st, so you have just a few weeks left to upgrade your home, improve energy efficiency, and earn up to $3,200 in federal tax credits!

Did you know that by upgrading to a heat-pump water heater you could be using two to three times less energy compared to a conventional electric unit? Simple improvements like this support Alexandria's Environmental Action Plan 2040 to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 and nearly eliminate them by 2050. Similarly, heat pumps can reduce your energy use for heating by up to 75%, are better dehumidifiers than standard central air conditioning, and provide better indoor air quality than a gas furnace. They provide both heating and air conditioning, so you benefit from energy savings year-round. You can claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits on heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

There are also tax credits for insulation, air sealing, energy audits and more. Check Energy for more information.

Have you already made your house more energy efficient? Sign up for Eco-City Homes Program to get recognized for your efforts! Anyone can apply, whether you're a renter or own a house or condo.