Eco-City Newsletter – July 2026

A new round of Plug In Alexandria is here! Apply today and see how EV chargers can work for your organization.

New for 2026 - non-profit organizations and places of worship are eligible to apply!

Thinking about electric vehicle (EV) chargers at your property? Plug In Alexandria makes it easier and more affordable for multi-unit residential communities, non-profit organizations, and places of worship to install EV chargers.

Participating organizations get a FREE custom technical assessment from industry experts outlining the requirements, feasibility, and costs to install EV chargers at your site. Organizations that install chargers within one year are eligible for a $10,000 reimbursement grant ($15,000 if you're located in a low-income community census tract).

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as funding allows. Submit your application by September 21, 2026 to be considered in the first evaluation.

Visit the Plug In Alexandria website for full program details and the application.

Climate Action Starts with You: Apply for the 2026 Eco-City Academy

Ready to make a difference in Alexandria? Apply for the Eco-City Academy, a FREE two-day program that helps residents learn about the City's sustainability initiatives and develop the skills to become environmental leaders in their community.

The program will be held Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants must be Alexandria residents aged 17 or older.

Space is limited! Apply by August 12, 2026.

Visit the Eco-City Academy website to learn more.

Stay Hydrated

When it is hot outside, drinking plenty of water is critical to staying healthy. Look for the Stay Hydrated signs at local businesses, libraries, and recreation centers throughout the City where you can fill up your water bottle for free.

Thank you to the businesses already participating!

• Bagel Uprising - 2307A Mt. Vernon Avenue
• BeeLiner Diner - 3648 King St.
• Dairy Godmother - 2310 Mt. Vernon Avenue
• Port City Brewing Company - 3950 Wheeler Avenue
• Shorty's Deluxe - 2016 Mt. Vernon Avenue
• Silver Diner - 4630 King St., Unit A3
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub Del Ray - 2300 Mt. Vernon Avenue
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub Old Town North - 529 Montgomery St.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub Fairlington - 1536 Kenwood Avenue

Want to see your business on this list? Sign up on the Stay Hydrated website .

Learn more about Stay Hydrated and other programs to stay cool this summer on the City's Heat Safety website .

Become a Climate Leader in your Community in the EcoAmbassadors Program

EcoAmbassadors is a climate and energy-centered volunteer training and community engagement program.

The EcoAmbassadors training is centered on the climate action strategies of the City of Alexandria and Arlington County. Specific focus areas include reducing energy use and electrifying the home, shifting to eco-friendly transportation choices, and minimizing waste. The program requires a one-year commitment, and training will take place from September through November and include formal hybrid training sessions, practicum learning, and self-paced online modules. EcoAmbassadors is managed by EcoAction Arlington and the Virginia Cooperative Extension with support from the City of Alexandria and Arlington County.

Volunteers aged 16 and up are encouraged to apply. The fee for the program is $110 (free for students), and the deadline for applications is August 31, 2026. An early bird discount is available for applications submitted by August 17, 2026. Fee waivers are available, no questions asked.

For more information and to apply, visit the EcoAmbassadors website or email [email protected] .

Join the Step2Savings Energy Challenge

Electricity costs keep climbing, but you don't have to just plan to absorb those costs. The Utility bills keep going up, and we want to help to bring them back down. The Office of Climate Action has developed the Step2Savings Energy Challenge, a program to help building owners and property managers take the steps necessary to make their properties more energy efficient and save money on utility bills. Step2Savings participants will receive technical assistance and resources to establish a framework to understand how energy is being used at a property, set ambitious energy use reduction targets, and develop clear plans to achieve those targets.

The challenge starts August 12, so sign-up on the Step2Savings website today!

Multi-unit residential properties and places of worship are eligible to participate. Join the challenge and turn energy savings into long-term value.

For questions, contact Valerie Amor, Energy Manager, [email protected] , 703.746.3705.