[Archived] City of Alexandria Updates Key Public Performance Indicator Dashboards

­­For Immediate Release: February 3, 2021

As part of its commitment to transparency and analytics, the City of Alexandria has updated key indicator dashboards to summarize how well City services and programs have performed over the last three reporting cycles. Recent improvements to the dashboards include display of more focused indicators; more clear information on current and past changes; and the ability to select how data is viewed. The dashboards are organized by the 10 thematic areas in the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan adopted by the Alexandria City Council. 

“Alexandria can be proud that its local government remains stable and effective, even in the midst of unprecedented challenges,” said City Manager Mark Jinks. “We strive to meet or exceed the targets set in City Council’s Strategic Plan, as we work to provide high-quality services to everyone who lives, works or visits here.” 

Many indicators were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact has yet to be fully understood. Historic preservation applications and zoning complaints have been lower during the pandemic, while there has been an increase in zoning applications submitted to participate in the City’s business assistance initiatives during COVID-19. The Workforce Development Center saw a decline in job placements as unemployment increased. The Alexandria Health Department has been able to recruit more volunteers and community partners than ever before, but has seen declines in patient visits and access to specialized health services. Visits to libraries, museums, and recreation and nature centers have decreased while these facilities have been closed or operating on a limited basis during the pandemic. Many of these programs have pivoted to virtual resources, such as e-books, #HistoricALX2U social media activities, and RPCA at Home recreational activities.

Beyond COVID-19, the City has made progress across many of the themes reflected in the Strategic Plan, while there is still much work to do. In the Resident Health and Children and Youth themes, the teen pregnancy rate decreased and the percentage of youth who completed probation supervision improved, but the rates of infant mortality and obesity increased. In the Arts and Recreation theme, residents satisfied with opportunities to attend cultural, arts and music activities met the Strategic Plan’s target. In the Environment theme, the City achieved the Strategic Plan goal to stay under Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load.

In the Neighborhoods theme, there were increases in commercial building permits, building and trade plans reviewed, permit center plan reviews, development applications submitted, and committed affordable housing and rental units created or preserved. In the Safety theme, the effectiveness of building code enforcement for commercial buildings improved, meeting the goal set in the Strategic Plan. Part 1 crime increased, although it remains below the target in the Plan. 

In the Transportation theme, the three indicators related to vehicle crashes all declined and were in alignment with the goals set in the Plan. Commuters using alternative transportation modes achieved the Plan target, while there was a decline in the percentage of residents with a positive view of the overall ease of getting to places they visit.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Performance for more information, and to view the dashboards.

For inquiries from the news media or reasonable disability accommodation only, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959, Virginia Relay 711.