Depending on where you live, the local government may function a little differently. Today, we’re breaking it down for Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and DC. Have another NOVA city you’d like to see us covering?Let us know.
Alexandria
Alexandria operates under a Council-Manager form of government, where a City Council of six individuals — plus a Mayor — are elected to three-year terms. Alyia Gaskins has served as Mayor since 2021.
Keep reading to learn how you can participate in local government + run for City Council.
Arlington
Arlington operates under a County-Manager government model, meaning that Arlington County exercises both city and county functions.
Arlington does not have a mayor; instead, a Board of five officials are elected to staggered four-year terms. Each year, the County Board selects a Chairman who serves as the chief administrative officer for the group + sets agendas for and presides over meetings. If you’re wondering which legislative tasks the Board oversees, click here.
You’ll find the offices of the County Board and County Manager in the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center off of Clarendon Boulevard.
Like Alexandria, Fairfax operates under a Council-Manager form of government, where a City Council of six individuals — plus a Mayor — are elected to two-year terms. Catherine Read has served as Mayor since 2022.
The District operates under a Mayor-Council form of government, which breaks the city’s processes down into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
Did you know? Until the US Congress passed the Home Rule Act in 1973, DC residents had very little autonomy in their local government — just 10 years earlier, they were granted the right to vote for President and Vice President. Learn more.
Events
Events
Monday, April 14 The Art of the Brick | Now-Wednesday, April 30 | Rhode Island Center, Washington, DC | $16+ | This awe-inspiring LEGO exhibit isn’t just for kids — everyone’s invited to visit a stunning collection of artworks built brick by brick.
Drop-in Mah Jongg | Now-Sunday, Aug. 31 | 1-3 p.m. | Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, Washington, DC | Free | The group has 370+ members and growing — new players can get lessons before joining in.
Tuesday, April 15 Volunteer at THEARC Farm| Tuesdays, April 15-July 8 | 9-11 a.m. | THEARC Farm, Washington, DC | Free | Commit two hours to tending one of the largest urban farms east of the river.
Tasty Tuesdays - Try Spirits & Spice Cocktail recipes | Tuesdays, April 15-Oct. 28 | 6-6:30 p.m. | Spirits & Spice, Washington, DC | $5 | Taste a variety of cocktails so you can add to your mixologist repertoire.
Thursday, April 24 Washington Ballet Presents: “Alice (in Wonderland)” | Thursday, April 24-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $25+ | Follow Alice through the rabbit hole in this ballet production with vibrant costumes, puppetry, and choreography.
Friday, April 25 Rock the Block! | Friday, April 25-Friday, Oct. 10 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Old Town Square, Fairfax | Free | End the week right with a rockin’ concert as you sip on a beer and munch on snacks from local vendors.
Saturday, May 3 Rec Fest 2025 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Alexandria | Free | Connect with the ALX community at this fest filled with games, nature activities, live music, and learn about local ways to get involved.
Thursday, May 15 Bike to Work Day | 7-9 a.m. | Gateway Park, Arlington | Free | Take the two-wheeler to work, pausing at fun pit stops along the way — register in advance to snag a free Bike to Work Day T-shirt.
Saturday, May 24 DC United vs. New York Red Bulls | 7:30 p.m. | Audi Field, Washington, DC | $22+ | Put on your black and red to cheer on our home team as they face off against our biggest rivals.
Registration is open for the Tour de Hunter Mill Bike Ride, which will host its fifth annual event on Sunday, May 4. This year’s race will showcase a partially new route where bikers will ride along the new path at Herndon Station and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail bridge. (FFXNow)
Opening
The Arlington Historical Society Museum will throw its grand reopening on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See new artifacts and exhibits, plus a new education center and community gathering room on its second floor. Admittance and parking are both free. (ARLnow)
Traffic
Attention motorists — Virginia’s Department of Transportation wants input on this dangerous interchange by Springfield Town Center. Respond to the survey through Thursday, April 17. (FFXNow)
Plan Ahead
Jazz @ Met returns to National Landing, bringing free weekly jazz to the Metropolitan Park. Every Thursday through June 12, there will be jazz, art activities, and on-site food vendors. The series starts on Thursday, May 8 at 4:30 p.m. with Akua Allrich & the TRIBE.
Mansion Monday
Our jaws dropped when we saw this Arlington property. This modern-style home does a fabulous job of mixing contemporary elements with natural ones. The patio in the back makes you feel like you’re in a treehouse.
Sports
On Friday, the Commanders announced they have re-signed quarterback Jack Johnson for a one-year contract. Johnson — who previously played with the Commanders in 2018 — has most recently played with the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.
Outdoors
Alexandria’s Cameron Run Regional Park reopens today — including the picnic shelters, batting cages + 18-hole mini golf course. The Great Waves Waterpark will open May 14.
Community
The Rossyln Business Improvement District launched a pilot program that adds more security patrols from 12-8:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The goal of this program is to enforce a safe environment while fostering relationships within the community.
Shop
A new jewelry shop has opened in Clarendon. We’re eyeing the Icon Line Design earrings that transform vintage buttons into earrings. The store, located at 3110 10th St. N., also offers designer goods, art pieces, and more. (ARLNow)
Games
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m not a runner myself, but Alexandria’s inaugural half marathon — hosted by PNC — is still accepting registrations. The event takes place April 27 and also includes a 5K and Kids Docs Dash.
The Buy
LED under cabinet lights, so you can finally have light in dark closets, above kitchen counters, or beneath shelves. The wireless lights turn on with a motion sensor and can be adjusted between five different brightness levels.
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