The Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes anyone charged with criminal and traffic offenses that occurred within city limits in violation of state law or city ordinance. This lawyer also advises the sheriff and police department on certain criminal matters.
The Eastern District of Virginia, United States Attorney, has an office in Old Town Alexandria. The current District Attorney, Neil H. MacBride, and his staff can be reached at any of these locations. For more information on the department's duties and contact information for other offices, visit the website.
The city's Office of Consumer Affairs aims to educate the public about consumer issues such as credit and identity theft as it works to prevent unfair trade practices. It also monitors business practices to ensure that they are fair. This office is the contact point if a consumer wishes to file a complaint against a business in the City of Alexandria.
The Office on Human Rights investigates and reconciles complaints of discrimination. It also houses the Americans with Disabilities Act program manager who deals with rights relating to people with disabilities. The Human Rights Commission has 14 members appointed by the city's council. They represent the commissions on aging, economic opportunities, disabilities, women and the landlord tenant relations board. The commission has the power to recommend a $5,000 fine against any person who has violated the city's Human Rights Code.
The ARHA provides public housing for low-income families under regulations provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The ARHA does not receive any city funding although its nine commissioners are appointed by Alexandria's city council. The ARHA is a political subdivision of Virginia.
Thousands of federal employees work at the headquarters for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, located near the King Street Metro. School and group tours are welcome at the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, located in the atrium of the Madison Building here. The museum includes a theater, portrait gallery and gift shop. The museum is open 9am - 5pm weekdays and noon - 5pm Saturdays. Tours are Mondays from 2pm - 4pm and Fridays 10am - noon. Admission is free. The space is available for events but only to specific groups.
Located on the lower level of the city courthouse, the Alexandria Law Library staffs a professional law librarian and offers legal forms and reference materials. Members of the Alexandria Bar may access the library from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Office of Historic Alexandria oversees seven of Alexandria's historic sites: Alexandria Black History Museum, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Fort Ward Museum and Historic Park, Friendship Firehouse, Gadsby's Tavern, The Lyceum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. It also helps organize events honoring the city's rich history.
The city's Finance Department collects and oversees all city funds. It also purchases materials and services for the city and collects taxes. It's the place to go to register a vehicle to pay the proper personal property taxes. It issues business licenses and also assesses personal property taxes on things such as a house or car. It also has staff to help city residents file state income taxes.
Alexandria City Government Health Department serves the citizens of Alexandria. The office coordinates with other city and state offices to implement health and safety measures.
The city's Office on Women seeks to empower residents through advocacy and education about the fair, compassionate and equal treatment of all people. It offers services such as a sexual assault support group and a 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
The Office of Management & Budget has the task of preparing the city's annual operating budget and capital improvement program. It also is in charge of overseeing fiscal management and analyses of city programs.
The Alexandria Archives and Records Center identifies, preserves and makes available to the public the city's public records, dating from the late 19th century to the present. For students in grades K through 12, the center offers a 45-minute education program teaching the how-tos of record management. Cost is $1 per student and per chaperone. The programs are conducted between 9am and 3pm, Monday through Friday. To schedule a program, contact the archivist at the number provided. Volunteer hours and internships are available.
South County SkillSource Center is a business and employment solutions and resource company. It offers Internet access, job listings, job fair information, resume writing solutions and Microsoft Office software. Additional resources include reference materials, job search resources, newspapers, computer access, telephones, fax machines and printers. The center hosts various workshops throughout the year.