Alexandria, Virginia, 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Alert

FirmoGraphs monitors local government capital plans across the United States to help infrastructure, engineering, and construction market participants track upcoming opportunities. In the CIP covering the 2027–2036 fiscal years, Alexandria details plans to spend about $1.6 billion on capital projects, a roughly 22% decrease from about $2.1 billion in its 2026–2035 CIP. The current CIP includes around 240 distinct projects, compared to about 257 distinct projects in the prior plan.

How Did Alexandria’s Capital Spending Change Between the Last Two CIPs?

Overall, Alexandria’s latest CIP reduces both total capital spending and the number of distinct projects relative to the prior plan. The combination of a roughly 22% drop in total value and a smaller decrease in project count means the average project size is also lower, suggesting more emphasis on modest-scale initiatives and tighter budgeting across departments.

Which Departments and Business Areas Saw the Largest Changes in Alexandria’s CIP?

Transportation grows into the largest business area, increasing from about $460.0 million to $629.3 million, while Community Development nearly doubles from about $103.4 million to $201.6 million. At the same time, Alexandria City Public Schools falls from about $289.2 million to zero, and both Public Buildings and Stormwater Management see moderate declines in total planned value.

What are the Largest Projects in Alexandria’s 2027–2036 CIP?

Alexandria’s 2027–2036 CIP is anchored by a handful of large, multi-year projects concentrated in transportation and community development. The five largest distinct projects by total value in the current plan are:

• WMATA Capital Contributions – approximately $192.6 million (Transportation)
• DASH Bus Fleet Replacements – approximately $126.2 million (Transportation)
• Affordable Housing Funding – approximately $126.0 million (Community Development)
• Bridge Repairs – approximately $70.2 million (Transportation)
• Street Reconstruction & Resurfacing of Major Roads – approximately $67.2 million (Transportation)

These large projects represent long-term commitments to transit, fleet electrification or renewal, affordable housing, and critical roadway and bridge infrastructure, and they provide substantial opportunities for planning, design, construction, and technology partners over the 10-year horizon.

What Projects Were Added or Dropped Between the Two CIPs?

The 2027–2036 CIP adds a significant slate of new projects while dropping others that featured prominently in the 2026–2035 plan. Based on distinct project matching, the current plan includes 48 new projects worth approximately $458.7 million, while 62 projects worth about $810.4 million were dropped from the prior plan.

• New projects: 48 distinct projects worth approximately $458.7 million added.
• Dropped projects: 62 distinct projects worth approximately $810.4 million removed.

Examples of new projects include WMATA Capital Contributions (~$192.6 million, Transportation) and Affordable Housing Funding (~$126.0 million, Community Development). Examples of dropped projects include the ACPS Capital Program (~$289.2 million, Alexandria City Public Schools) and the earlier WMATA Capital Contributions category (~$186.4 million), reflecting structural changes and timing shifts between the two plans.

How is Alexandria’s CIP Governed and Approved?

Alexandria’s CIP is developed through a multi-step process involving city departments, the City Manager, the Planning Commission, and the City Council, with opportunities for public input during work sessions and hearings. Departments identify capital needs, which are prioritized and assembled into a draft multi-year CIP the City Manager submits as a proposed plan that the City Council reviews, amends, and ultimately adopts as part of the annual budget cycle.

Once adopted, the CIP guides capital budgeting, but individual projects often require additional design, permitting, and procurement steps before work proceeds. This governance structure allows the city to adjust capital priorities over time while maintaining a long-range planning horizon.

What is the History of Alexandria and Its Infrastructure Investments?

Alexandria is an independent city in Northern Virginia along the Potomac River, just south of Washington, D.C., with a history dating back to the mid-18th century and roots as a major port on the Potomac. Historically a commercial hub, the city has evolved into a dense, transit-oriented urban community with major federal, professional services, and technology employment in and around its boundaries.

Over time, Alexandria has invested heavily in transportation, waterfront improvements, flood mitigation, schools, and neighborhood infrastructure to support growth, resilience, and quality of life. The CIP serves as a core tool for planning and funding these long-term infrastructure commitments.

Fun Facts About Alexandria

• Alexandria’s Old Town is one of the oldest historic districts in the region, with original street layouts dating to 1749 and a long history as a Potomac River port.
• Market Square in Old Town is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating marketplaces in the United States.
• Alexandria has been highlighted in travel publications as a top small-city destination, reflecting its walkability, historic charm, and waterfront access.