TranslateThe Alexandria City Manager is appointed by the City Council to be the chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager carries out the policy directives of the City Council and manages the daily operations of City government. The City Manager oversees the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets, an annual report and other such periodic financial and administrative reports as may be required for submission to the City Council. The City Manager appoints all heads of departments and employees of the City, except those in elected, judicial and school positions.
The City Manager's administrative staff oversees the preparation and review of all City Council docket items, requests, and Council Retreat materials. The administrative staff also serves as a liaison with City departments and with other governmental entities receiving funding from the City, but not reporting to the City Manager, and generally administers the City government.
City Manager Mark B. Jinks
On April 14, 2015, the Alexandria City Council appointed Mark B. Jinks as City Manager. Prior to his appointment, Jinks had previously served as Acting City Manager, beginning in January 2015. Jinks has dedicated his career to public service. He joined the City in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer, responsible for the City's budget, finance programs, and information technology services. He served for 10 years in that role before becoming a Deputy City Manager where he oversaw the City's land use planning, zoning, historic preservation, transportation, environmental protection, code administration, affordable housing, parks, recreation, cultural activities, and museums. His responsibilities included the areas of economic development, project finance, and project implementation.
Deputy City Manager Emily A. Baker
Emily A. Baker is the Deputy City Manager responsible for overseeing and facilitating the City's land use planning, zoning, historic preservation, transportation, environmental protection, code administration, affordable housing, recreation, parks, cultural activities and museum functions.
Deputy City Manager Debra R. Collins
Debra R. Collins is the Deputy City Manager responsible for the oversight of Public Safety Agencies and the Department of Community and Human Services. She is the City Liaison to the Health Department, Commonwealth's Attorney, Court Service Unit, and the Sheriff's Office. She is also responsible for all City grant funding to nonprofits and functions as the City's lead staff to the Alexandria City Public Schools. Collins previously was the Director of Human Services for the City of Alexandria.
Deputy City Manager Laura B. Triggs
Laura B. Triggs, CPA, PCC, is a Deputy City Manager of the City of Alexandria. She is currently responsible for overseeing the Finance Department, the Department of General Services, Legislative Office, Information and Technology Services, and the Office of Management and Budget. Triggs also serves as the City Liaison to the Registrar of Voters and the Courts.
Community Policing Review Board
On June 9, 2020, City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2950, which condemned police brutality and systemic racism; reaffirmed that Black Lives Matter; and stated Council’s intent to establish a community policing review board in our City. The resolution also affirmed that the City of Alexandria and all government officials have a duty to ensure the protection of all communities through actions and reform, including in the justice system. The resolution directed the City Manager and City Attorney to return to Council at the first Legislative Meeting of September with a proposed ordinance to establish a Community Policing Review Board in Alexandria and Council has continued the discussion following this initial draft.
Collective Bargaining
The City of Alexandria is in the process of establishing a Public Employee Collective Bargaining Ordinance, with the intent that City employees enjoy the right to enter into a collective bargaining contract with a union or association representing matters related to the employees and their employment. This follows a new state law that authorizes local governments to undertake collective bargaining with their employees, as do the laws of 47 other states.
The ordinance was drafted to promote orderly and constructive relationships between the City and its employees for an uninterrupted, efficient government. The City’s goal is to provide services that are responsive to the community; focused on improving quality of life; and delivered by well-qualified staff, who promote policies that achieve diversity, equity and inclusion and achieve organizational excellence through cooperation, ethics, honesty, initiative and learning.
Collective bargaining existed in 19 localities in Virginia, including Alexandria, in the 1970s until a 1977 Virginia Supreme Court ruling barred local governments from collective bargaining with their employees.
- View the February 9 Legislative Session Docket Item
- Provide input on the proposed Public Employee Collective Bargaining Ordinance
2019 Department Initiatives & Projects Report
The Department Initiatives and Projects Report contains 1-page departmental briefs of major initiatives, priorities, and/or projects for each City department/agency. The briefings do not detail the complete scope of projects, services, and initiatives undertaken by each department, instead highlight major initiatives during calendar year 2019. The packet was provided to City Council in advance of the Retreat to provide general understanding of department priorities and assist Council in their discussions of department strategic reviews.