Alyia Gaskins

Criminal Justice / Public Safety Partner with the Alexandria Police Department (APD) to find common sense efficiencies so officers spend more time engaged in community policing, with an effort to align APD resources across prevention, detection, and intervention to reduce crime, address hazardous traffic violators, and expand our community outreach efforts. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Engage other criminal justice partners, as well as non-profit and community partners to develop programs to prevent recidivism, especially youth-focused programs. Infrastructure / Transportation Respond more quickly and effectively to resident concerns and needs, from maintenance of sidewalks, parks, and buildings to family emergencies. Government Reform Improve our cybersecurity policymaking, detection capabilities and response plans because trust in government hinges on residents and businesses knowing their data is protected. Government Reform The purpose of our city government is to make Alexandria work for its residents. If we fine-tune our efforts to meet resident needs and actively engage residents in city decisions, we will build trust, confidence, and a stronger community. Education Invest in stable, affordable, quality childcare including early education and childcare options for infants and toddlers to prepare them for school and before and after school programs to help older children thrive. Wages / Job Benefits Engage unions in developing strong worker standards and protections, apprenticeships, and opportunities that empower worker voices and well-being. Housing Protect and expand tenant rights. Government Reform Establish metrics and performance measures for all community engagement activities. Housing Prevent displacement. Education Deepen the partnership between city government and the Alexandria City Schools Board to ensure our children succeed. Economy Activate all of city government–from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Planning and Zoning, and Code Administration to Communications and Community Engagement–to ensure that we are helping new businesses to open, stay open, and thrive. Economy A thriving Alexandria economy will generate good jobs, support entrepreneurship, and sustain local businesses. As a member of Council, I have addressed this goal by prioritizing small businesses, employment programs, and unions. Education Strengthen training and summer youth employment programs. Criminal Justice / Public Safety We all deserve to feel safe in Alexandria, whoever we are, wherever we live or work. The increase in crime has us all feeling on edge and feeling less safe. Maintaining the status quo is not acceptable. Education Alexandria thrives when our children thrive. Parents, schools, and local and state officials need to continue to build deeper relationships to advance educational success and equity across the city and support our young people from cradle to career. Economy Leverage the City’s unique assets and creativity to create a long term, targeted economic development strategy to protect and expand our commercial tax base. Arts / Culture Advocate for local artists and artisans, promote their work, celebrate their community, and highlight their place in driving our economy and the appeal of Alexandria. Housing Coordinate our development efforts with our public works, transportation, school, and climate resilience strategies. Housing As a growing city, we must be intentional about ensuring all Alexandrians are able to live and age in quality, healthy housing they can afford in neighborhoods that provide the resources they need and amenities they want. On the City Council, I have actively supported the expansion of the accessibility and affordability of housing. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Increase communication between the police and the community. We need a strategic plan that focuses on morale, crime reduction, building accountability, and clearly communicates our efforts to the public. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Expand investment in the safety and mental health of all our dedicated first responders, including APD, Alexandria Fire Department, and Alexandria Sheriff’s Office. Housing Ensure residents achieve homeownership and age in our community. Government Reform Harness the collective creativity of residents, key stakeholders, and city staff to improve city services and accountability. Economy Partner with local employers to develop workforce readiness pipelines to give our young people access to high-paying, high-quality jobs after graduation.