Councilman from Alexandria reimburses local government $820 for newsletter financed by taxpayers' funds
In the heart of Virginia, the city of Alexandria has been buzzing with progress, and Councilman Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi has been at the helm of many significant initiatives. Elected in 2024, Elnoubi, who previously served on the Alexandria City School Board and other city boards, has been making waves in his first term.
Recently, a four-page letter, dated July 31, was sent on official city letterhead. The letter detailed Elnoubi's role in various city initiatives, including student transportation improvements, budget passage, housing plans, and infrastructure projects. One of the most notable achievements is the approval of a Development Special Use Permit (DSUP) for The View by Goodwin Living, a new senior housing project.
Elnoubi's letter also highlighted his work on initiatives such as expanding DASH bus service, banning gas-powered leaf blowers, and supporting youth wellness programs. For instance, improvements are being made to Line 32 bus service to increase frequency and expand access in underserved areas on the West End. Additionally, therapeutic recreation specialists are being funded at two West End out-of-school sites to expand program capacity and provide support for children with special needs.
The councilman's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The School Board faced potential censorship of Theogony, Alexandria High School's award-winning paper, and Elnoubi spoke up to protect student voices. He also proposed exploring the use of the DASH bus system to transport ACPS high school students instead of the traditional yellow school bus.
Elnoubi's work is not limited to city initiatives. He has been actively engaging with the community through Living Room and Community Town Halls. These events provide an opportunity for Councilman Elnoubi to connect with the community and discuss important Alexandria issues.
The city's ethics code requires council members to avoid "any improper use or influence of the office" and to act in a manner that "inspires public confidence." In line with this, Councilman Elnoubi reimbursed the city $820.33 for using taxpayer funds to mail a letter about his accomplishments during his first six months in office.
It's worth noting that under Virginia Code § 18.2-112.1, the misuse of public assets becomes a Class 4 felony when the value exceeds $1,000 in any 12-month period. To ensure compliance with this law, the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council encourages elected officials to consult with legal counsel when questions arise about the appropriate use of public resources.
Alexandria maintains an Ethics and Fraud Hotline administered by the Office of Internal Audit to address concerns about the misuse of public resources. The city's policies governing the use of its official seal allow council members to use it only for "non-political purposes" and prohibit its use "on any election material of any type."
The council's work extends beyond individual initiatives. In May, Council held an Economic Summit to discuss current trends in economic development and investment. The budget passed by Council reflects the city's priorities of addressing community disparities, supporting city employees, and strengthening Alexandria's economy.
To keep the public informed of Council's activity and key updates, a monthly newsletter is being sent. Subscription to the newsletter can be done through a QR code. Past newsletter editions can also be read through a QR code.
As the city moves forward, renovations to City Hall and Market Square are scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and will take about two years to complete. The Housing Master Plan is being updated to shape the city's housing principles, goals, and work plan through 2040.
With Councilman Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi currently on parental leave before re-entering the meeting operations, it's clear that his initiatives are in good hands. The city of Alexandria continues to thrive under his leadership, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.
