Author | Lightnews

Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 14h

Thank you to @TheNVTA for hosting the 2025 State of the Region’s Transportation Network event. I was honored to join regional leaders to discuss how Bus Rapid Transit can connect people, strengthen communities, and move Northern Virginia forward.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 18h

Honored to be featured in @ALXStylebook’s Street Style! From growing up with a passion for helping families like mine, to leading with purpose and heart—Alexandria inspires me every day. 💛 Read the full piece ➡️ alexandriastylebook....

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 4d

Today I spoke at VOICE’s Homes for All Assembly about the urgency of our housing shortage. We must build homes for all incomes, ensure every level of government plays its part, and use our power to unlock housing and protect stability for everyone in Alexandria.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins speaks at a podium before a packed audience in a large hall during VOICE’s Homes for All Assembly.

Close-up of a glass award reading “Commonwealth Housing Coalition — Pro-Homes Caucus Member. Committed to leading on tackling Virginia’s housing shortage, reining in costs, and ensuring homes for all.”

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 5d

From cuts to SNAP and Medicaid to ICE raids and attacks on free speech—our families deserve better. We’re tired of fear, division, and neglect. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and say loud and clear: enough is enough. Watch my full remarks: youtu.be/2y0_w7vwxzg...

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 17d

In my September Council Report, I share how Alexandria is supporting those affected by the federal shutdown, key legislative updates, and how the 25th Anniversary of Remember the Titans continues to inspire our community. Watch and read more: alyiaforalexandria.c...

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 22d

Today, 80 ninth graders joined Councilman McPike, the Office of Historic Alexandria, and me for a civics lesson about how local government works. Grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders right here in City Hall!

Councilman McPike and two other speakers, including Mayor Alyia Gaskins, addressing students from the front of the chamber with the U.S. flag and a large historic map behind them.

A wide group photo of approximately 80 ninth grade students standing with Councilman McPike, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, and teachers at the front of the City Hall chamber.

A large group of ninth grade students seated in wooden benches inside Alexandria City Hall, listening to speakers at the front of the chamber.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 25d

We had a blast at the 3rd Annual Wilderness Kids @wildkidsalex Music Festival in Del Ray! 🎶🌳 A beautiful day celebrating the importance of getting kids off screens, moving their bodies, and exploring nature — with amazing music from @roamdelray bands. #WildernessKids

Mayor Gaskins along with a group of teenagers and young adults from a band pose for a photo at the Wilderness Kids Music Festival, while parents take pictures.

Mayor Gaskins holds a young girl’s hand while speaking into a microphone on stage at the Wilderness Kids Music Festival, with a drummer playing behind them and a banner for Wilderness Kids Alexandria overhead.

Two children, one in a pink skirt and one in a plaid shirt, draw with chalk on a large blackboard that reads “How do you like to spend time in nature?” at the Wilderness Kids Alexandria event.

A young boy in a blue plaid shirt concentrates as he strings colorful beads at an outdoor craft table, surrounded by festivalgoers.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 25d

Thank you @georgetownmccourtschool for inviting me to kick off the “Policy in Action” seminar series. As a proud Georgetown alumni with a master’s in urban planning, it was special to return and speak with students about how local government shapes policy every day.

Alyia Gaskins speaks with a group of Georgetown students after the seminar. Students stand nearby holding backpacks and chatting, with large digital screens in the background.

Alyia Gaskins speaks during the seminar, seated at a conference table with bottled water in front of her. A man in a light blue shirt sits beside her, listening attentively.

A wide classroom view of Georgetown University’s “Policy in Action” seminar, with students seated around a large U-shaped table listening to a panel of speakers. A presentation screen in the background displays the words “Unity in Diversity.”

Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 26d

Today’s Mayoral Youth Forum brought together Alexandria teens to share what we love about our city and how to make it better—from DASH to scooters, open space, and schools. Grateful for their ideas and voices shaping our future.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins stands with a large group of teens and youth leaders inside a bright hallway, smiling together for a group picture.

Alyia addresses teens seated around blue tables arranged in a U-shape, with students listening and engaging.

Alyia and a co-presenter stand at the front of the room beside a projected slide titled “The Big Picture,” while students take notes.

Teens and youth leaders sit around the U-shaped tables listening to a presentation, with a screen at the front showing data graphics.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · 27d

From civic conversations in Cameron Station, to celebrating tourism at @VisitAlexVA’s Annual Meeting, connecting with peers at the AAMA CBC Happy Hour, and cheering on young entrepreneurs at Avenue Ambition — grateful for every moment with our community.

A large group of community and business leaders pose together on stage at the Visit Alexandria Annual Meeting under blue lighting.

Three people stand smiling together at the AAMA CBC Happy Hour; the woman in the middle wears a colorful floral dress.

A woman and a child pose with youth and families behind a table of handmade crafts and art labeled “LINC” at the Avenue Ambition Youth Showcase.

A woman in a blue dress smiles while speaking with a man in a gray blazer as a full room of seated residents look on at the Cameron Station Civic Association event.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 21

Final reminder! Mayor Gaskins’ Youth Forum is this Sat, Sept 27. Teens 14–18—bring your ideas and help shape Alexandria’s future. Email [email protected] to join. See you there! #YouthVoice #AlexandriaVA

Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 16

Alexandria teens—this one’s for you! 🙌 Join me Sept 27 for my Mayoral Youth Forum, a space to share your ideas and advice on the future of our city. Ages 14–18. Email [email protected] for details. #AlexandriaVA #YouthVoice

Graphic promoting Mayor Gaskins’ Youth Forum.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 15

On Sept. 13, we joined descendants, neighbors, and partners to unveil a Virginia State Historic Marker honoring Colored Rosemont - a thriving Black community once rooted here in Alexandria. We honored its legacy and reaffirmed our commitment to telling their stories.

Group photo at marker: A large group of descendants, community members, and city leaders gathered in front of the new Virginia State Historic Marker for Colored Rosemont. Mayor Alyia Gaskins and members of City Council are near the center smiling. Photo by Ryan Belmore/ALXnow

Community members seated and standing while listening to Mayor Alyia Gaskins at the dedication ceremony. The marker and state flag are partially visible to the left. Photo by Ryan Belmore/ALXnow

The Virginia State Historic Marker titled “Colored Rosemont,” describing the history of the African American neighborhood and its displacement in the mid-20th century. Photo by Ryan Belmore/ALXnow

Mayor Alyia Gaskins, wearing a yellow dress, speaks at a podium with the City of Alexandria seal. She addresses attendees outdoors under bright sunlight. Photo by Ryan Belmore/ALXnow

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 15

Reminder: my next Resident Roundtable is this Saturday, Sept 20, 10am–12pm at Patrick Henry Rec Center. Don’t miss the chance to connect, share your voice, and help shape the future of our city together.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 15

Great turnout this weekend supporting Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi, and Jay Jones! 💙 Early voting for the Nov. 4, 2025 general election begins Sept. 19 and runs through Nov. 1. Make your plan to vote early and spread the word! 🗳️

More info: alexandriava.gov/ele...

Mayor Gaskins speaks to a group of volunteers gathered on a tree-lined street; the group listens closely.

Mayor Gaskins and Congressman Beyer share a laugh while talking with volunteers gathered in front of a brick townhouse.

Congressman Beyer speaks to a small group gathered outside a brick townhouse; people listen attentively.

Large group of volunteers standing together outside, holding campaign signs that read “Spanberger Hashmi Jones.”

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 12

This week reminded me what a strong and vibrant community we have in Alexandria. From women lifting each other up at Together We Bake, to welcoming new citizens, to honoring our Centenarians, and celebrating new jobs with SPA — our strength is in each other. #WeAreAlexandria

Together We Bake Empowerment Breakfast: Mayor Gaskins speaking at a podium with the Together We Bake 2025 Empowerment Breakfast banner in the background

Naturalization Ceremony: A joyful embrace during the naturalization ceremony, with the American flag and officials in the background.

Centenarians Celebration: A group photo of Alexandria centenarians seated in the front row with flowers, joined by city leaders in the back.

Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA) event: Mayor Gaskins speaking at a podium flanked by officials, with the Virginia and U.S. flags behind her and SPA signage in view.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 11

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the courage of first responders—including the Alexandria Fire Department—who answered the call at the Pentagon. May we never forget their sacrifice and our shared commitment to each other.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 9

Weekend photo dump 📸 Cheering on Episcopal High School’s first home game 🏈, celebrating new tech access at @computer_core 💻, and connecting with neighbors at the @alexandriavadems Meet & Greet with AG candidate @jccjones. Grateful for our community!

Football players from Episcopal High School stand on the field during their first home game, with fans watching from the bleachers in the background.

Volunteers and community members gathered at Computer Core’s Donation and Distribution Day, surrounded by laptops and tech equipment being prepared for distribution.

Alyia speaking into a microphone at the Meet & Greet, addressing a crowd gathered inside a restaurant decorated with signs and balloons with AD candidate Jay Jones and Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley in the background.

Mayor Gaskins smiling with her husband, Senator Adam Ebbin, and Delegate Alfonso López at the ADC Meet & Greet, standing indoors with a rustic stone wall behind them.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 7

Last night we celebrated the Art League Open House and Block Party! 🎉 Through the power of community and creative partnerships with the City and @AlexEcon, the Art League becomes the first catalyst to kick off the Old Town North Arts District.

Mayor Gaskins smiling at a microphone while speaking to an audience during the Art League Open House

Two women cutting a decorative ribbon together in front of a microphone to mark the start of the Old Town North Arts District.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 7

We had a great time at the third annual @AlexLibraryVA Black Family Reunion, an opportunity to see friends, family and neighbors! This event collects stories, photos and memorabilia to be preserved in our Local History archive.

A wide shot from the stage shows a Mayor Gaskins speaking into a microphone to a large seated crowd at the outdoor event.

A selfie of Mayor Gaskins in a City of Alexandria shirt with two older women, one wearing a bright green dress and sunhat, the other in a patterned blouse and sunglasses.

Mayor Gaskins in a dark City of Alexandria shirt next to her daughter.

Mayor Gaskins’ daughter smiling and holding a small toy while a woman in an Alexandria Library shirt fans her with a bright green hand fan.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 6

The Resident Roundtables are back! 🗓 Join Alyia on Sat, Sept 20, 10am–12pm at Patrick Henry Rec Center. Come share your ideas and hear updates on the issues that matter most to our community. This is your space to help shape our city’s future.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 5

Yesterday I joined @MichaelandSon Owner/Founder Basim Mansour and Lilly for the Grand Reopening of The Old Town Sandwich Shop! Since 1990, this neighborhood favorite has been serving our community—and thanks to Michael & Son’s remodeling donation, it’s ready for many more years!

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 2

My August Council Report shares highlights from Summer 2025 and what’s ahead in September. Watch & share - www.youtube.com/watc... Click here to read the report: alyiaforalexandria.c...

Alyia's Council Report - August 2025

In this month’s Council Report, Mayor Alyia Gaskins shares updates on preparing for potential federal budget risks, monitoring regional impacts in DC, joining the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, community engagement on the Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project, upcoming City Hall renovat

www.youtube.com

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 1

Grateful to celebrate Labor Day with @AlexDems! Together we honored the strength of working families, the power of unions, and the community we continue to build in Alexandria. Thank you to everyone who joined to celebrate and recommit to progress!

Mayor Gaskins speaking into a microphone while standing at the Alexandria Democrats Labor Day picnic.

Mayor Gaskins in a white dress speaking passionately into a microphone, surrounded by community members seated at tables.

A large crowd fills the event space, seated at tables and standing in the back, listening attentively to speakers.

Congressman Beyer addresses the audience while holding a microphone and notes, with attendees seated and listening closely.

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Alyia Gaskins @alyia4alx.com · Sep 1

Happy Labor Day! Today we celebrate the power of unions and the workers whose dedication and solidarity built and sustain our communities. Together, their hard work and advocacy keep Alexandria and our nation strong, fair, and moving forward for everyone.

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