Advocacy for Economic Mobility
We envision a future rooted in our shared prosperity where every Alexandrian thrives. Economic development and economic mobility go hand-in-hand. Businesses and residents prosper when we invest in the human services that provide the foundation for the well-being of Alexandria residents and workers who power our economy.
The Challenge: Alexandria is facing new economic challenges that necessitate new solutions. We’re experiencing the impacts of federal funding cuts, an affordability crisis, and changes to the tax base with an economic downturn.
The Opportunity: Alexandria must lead with an economic mobility agenda that brings together businesses, nonprofits, residents and government to create a holistic, cross-sector and cohesive approach that enables our shared prosperity.
A thriving economy depends on a stable, supported workforce.
Complex challenges require creative solutions, with all parts of our city’s ecosystem – government, nonprofits, businesses, and citizens – working together to chart a path forward. As the City aligns its efforts and resources during this time of increased need, Alexandria nonprofits are positioned to serve as key partners, bringing a vital perspective formed through years of trusted service in the community. We can all have more impact if we work together to benefit Alexandrians.
ACT has developed a 13-point plan for an economic mobility agenda, built on three core beliefs:
- Alexandria employers, organizations, schools and government can maximize impact by working together towards a shared future where every Alexandrian thrives.
- A thriving human services sector is key to advancing Alexandria’s economic growth and development. As the Chamber of Commerce stated: housing affordability, childcare, and transportation access are workforce issues—AND they’re business issues.
- Beyond meeting this moment of increased need, together we can help build a city that is ready for greater economic growth, mobility, and development.
Thriving Together: A Plan for Economic Mobility
ACT Testimony for City Council Budget Hearing, March 9, 2026
ACT highlighted the importance of making bold, sustained commitments that will stabilize families, expand pathways to economic mobility, and strengthen nonprofits’ ability to make a difference in our communities.
At the local level, we saw several important wins in the FY27 City budget including:
- $550,000 in new, on-going funding for survival services. Funding for survival services had previously been part of the Alexandria Fund for Human Services, the City’s grant program.
- The Alexandria Fund for Human Services budget remained at $1.9 million.
- Rental assistance funding saw an increase of $550,000, helping more residents remain stably housed.
These wins would not be possible without the advocacy of nonprofits, Alexandria residents, and the hard work and dedication of the City staff and City Council.
At the state level, ACT was focused on advocating for tenant protections to help residents stay in their homes and reduce housing instability. Key wins included:
- Establishing a permanent Eviction Reduction Program within the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development to expand the Department’s work to promote housing stability, identify factors that contribute to eviction filings, and provide interventions to prevent or divert evictions.
- Expanding eligibility for the Eviction Diversion Program so more residents can participate in this program and have real options before they reach the point of eviction. Alexandria will be piloting an eviction diversion program starting this summer.
- Legislation was signed by the Governor through the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act that extends the waiting period to 14 days before a landlord can end a rental agreement after a missed payment, allowing a resident more time to pay their rent before being officially entered into the eviction process. That process can have destabilizing effects for families, including impacting their credit report and ability to secure future housing.
Together, these funding and policy changes create more time, more flexibility, and more opportunities for residents to remain housed.
Advocacy at 2026 General Assembly
ACT’s Chief Program Officer, Brandi Yee, participated in Virginia Funders Network’s (VFN) First Advocacy Day in Richmond on January 29, 2026. VFN invited a handful of foundations (ACT, Arlington Community Foundation, Harvest Foundation, PATH Foundation and Wellspring Foundation) to meet with legislators to talk about the role of philanthropy as a partner to state government. The foundations met with our Delegates (and/or their staff) and with Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade Kristen Dahlman. We each talked about the unique role our foundations play in housing affordability.
Brandi shared about the eviction diversion pilot and how we are supporting the economic well-being of Alexandrians through this partnership with the local courts, Department of Housing, Office of Community Services, legal aid and emergency financial assistance providers. She highlighted the need for more wrap around supportive services earlier in the process, so families don’t reach the point of eviction, ensuring they have options to pursue before that. Brandi also highlighted ACT’s role serving as a convener, providing flexible funding for mini grants, amplifying community voice and advocating for tenant protections (HB15) and a more inclusive and expansive eviction diversion program (HB837).
The Power and Potential of Policy & Advocacy
ACT is honored to be featured in the Virginia Funders Network’s recent report. Click here to read about ACT’s policy and advocacy work.
ACT’s Advocacy Policy
In 2024, the Board of Directors approved an Advocacy Policy for the organization outlining guiding principles and methods of engagement for advocacy, reflecting ACT’s mission to make Alexandria a just, vibrant, and equitable community.