Alexandria officials formally proclaimed Tuesday, Aug. 4, as National Night Out during the City Council’s July 1 legislative meeting, pushing residents to host block parties and neighborhood gatherings aimed at strengthening community-police ties.
City aims to beat last year’s participation
Police Chief Tarrick McGuire urged neighborhoods to sign up and set a public goal: surpass the citywide participation recorded in 2025, when Alexandria reported more than 50 separate National Night Out events. McGuire framed the target as part of a broader public-safety strategy tied to community engagement, saying the city wants to build on the recognition it earned last year.
"We were recognized nationally and our goal is to break that record this year and continue to do it year after year," McGuire told council.
The proclamation, read by Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley on behalf of Mayor Alyia Gaskins, declared the theme "One Community, One Night, One Alexandria." It called on residents, businesses, faith groups and community organizations to host events that foster neighborhood connections and support local public-safety efforts.
Why it matters locally
City officials said community-police partnerships contributed to a double-digit reduction in crime in 2025, and they view National Night Out as a low-cost, high-impact way to expand those relationships before incidents occur. Representatives from neighborhood and faith organizations told council they rely on the annual night to build trust and to make practical connections across blocks and buildings.
- Event date: Tuesday, Aug. 4
- 2025 participation: more than 50 Alexandria events
- City goal: exceed 2025 participation
At the meeting, community voices described tangible benefits from past gatherings. Alejandro Lopez, a trustee at Alexandria Free Methodist Church, credited National Night Out with helping neighbors forge useful ties — including assistance after storms and during everyday needs.
"It's a wonderful ability to just get the community together and just spend time together," Lopez said.
How neighborhoods can take part
Council members and police encouraged residents to register events so the city can track participation and provide logistical support. Organizers emphasized that National Night Out is open to every neighborhood, whether it’s a small corner picnic, a church-hosted block event or a larger association gathering in parks or common spaces.
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 goal |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Alexandria events | More than 50 | Exceed 50 |
| Reported crime change (2025) | Double-digit reduction | |
City leaders say expanding turnout for National Night Out is part of a larger push to keep neighborhoods safe through prevention and relationship-building. For Alexandria residents, the night is a chance to meet neighbors, talk to officers assigned to their area and take practical steps — from forming watch groups to exchanging phone numbers — that can help keep crime down.
Information on how to register an event or find neighborhood gatherings will be available through the Alexandria Police Department and city communications channels ahead of the Aug. 4 date.
