[Archived] City of Alexandria Continues to Offer Resources in Wake of Federal Government Shutdown

­­For Immediate Release: February 5, 2019

The City of Alexandria continues to offer resources and information about food assistance, coping strategies, relief for taxpayers, and more for those who were affected by the partial shutdown of the federal government from December 22, to January 25.

The City and community foundation ACT for Alexandria have each invested $25,000 in the ACT Now Fund. The Fund provides emergency assistance to nonprofits that are seeing an increase in the need for services from vulnerable Alexandrians as a result of the shutdown. Donations from the public are also accepted, and eligible nonprofit organizations may receive grants of up to $5,000 each.

The City is also offering assistance to taxpayers and other customers directly affected by the federal shutdown, including federal contractors doing business with a closed federal agency or a service provider to a closed federal agency; business owners or principals with family members who were furloughed federal employees; or individuals or businesses with another demonstrable financial impact resulting from the federal shutdown.

Upon request, the City will suspend collection of delinquent taxes and parking citations from those persons directly affected by the federal shutdown as described above. To discuss a request to suspend collection, email collections@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3909. By law, delinquent taxes are still subject to interest, are due and payable, and cannot be waived. However, the City will consider requests to pause enforced collection actions until the threat of a potential near future shutdown is resolved.

A business subject to the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax due on March 1 may request a 30-day extension to file and pay if it was directly affected by the shutdown as described above. To apply for an extension, email businesstax@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3903. In cases of severe financial hardship, payment plans can also be arranged as necessary.

On January 22, the Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the President and Congress to end the partial government shutdown and restore a fully functioning federal government. The resolution also encouraged federal and state actions to protect residents and businesses from harm during any future shutdown. The recent partial shutdown ended with a continuing resolution that only funds affected services through February 15.  

For more information on other resources for federal employees and contractors, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, food assistance resources in Alexandria, free and reduced-price lunches for students, the ACT Now Fund and more, visit the City’s Resources for Federal Workers page.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.