Amid Federal Government Shutdown, Alexandria Shares Resources, Operating Status

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the federal government shutdown began as Congress did not meet the deadline for approving continued funding for federal services. That froze federal agency services deemed non-essential while furloughing affected federal workers. Federal paychecks for non-furloughed workers and payments to federal contractors are halted until the shutdown ends. Federal workers receive back pay after shutdowns, but that is not a guarantee for federal contractors.

The shutdown has a ripple effect in the City of Alexandria, where thousands of federal workers, members of the military and federal contractors live. According to the city, federal programs helping Alexandria residents may be temporarily paused. Meanwhile, local businesses depending on federal contracts or business from federal workers and contracts may see fewer customers or late payments.

According to the city, other impacts could include travel delays, U.S. Passport processing delays, closed or limited features at federal facilities like national parks and museums, and closing of preschools or childcare facilities where Head Start and Childcare and Development Block grants are not processed. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding ended on Sept. 30, and Virginia can use existing funding if available to continue the programs.

SEE ALSO: Federal Government Shuts Down: What To Know In VA

The City of Alexandria says its city government remains open, with emergency services, trash pickup, public libraries, museums, historic sites, art centers, recreation centers, street maintenance, parks, and weather alerts operating normally. The city has created a federal government shutdown web page to provide updates on resources.

Visit Alexandria has also created a webpage detailing facilities that are open during the federal government shutdown.

There is also an offer for federal government workers and D.C. area hotel guests to claim two free Alexandria Key to the City Attractions Passes at the Alexandria Visitor Center (221 King Street). Each pass includes admission to nine historic sites and coupons for 40 percent off tickets to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, tall ship Providence, and City Cruises’ Potomac Water Taxi. To claim passes, hotel guests must present a room key or digital reservation confirmation, and federal employees must show a valid government ID in person at the Alexandria Visitor Center.

The city government will offer payment plans to taxpayers with city taxes or parking fines due. The option is available to federal contractors doing business with a closed federal agency, business owners or principals with family members who were furloughed federal employees, and individuals or businesses with demonstrated financial impact from the federal shutdown. Penalties and interest will continue to accrue.

Under Virginia law, furloughed federal employees and contractors are legally protected from eviction and foreclosure during government shutdowns. The city has homeowner resources detailing options like a temporary agreement to lower your mortgage payments, payment deferral and preventing foreclosures and evictions.

For renters needing help with eviction prevention or rent assistance, call the city's Department of Community and Human Services at 703-765-5700. The city's Office of Housing is also available to help at 703-746-4990.

Residents should check with utility providers on assistance to furloughed federal workers and contractors. Visit the city's utility, heating, and cooling assistance page or apply for utility assistance through community programs and Virginia's CommonHelp.

For help with child care, see the city's Childcare Assistance webpage or call 703-746-5437. 

Food resources such as local food pantries, prepared meals and pet food are available on the city's Food Assistance webpage. Other Emergency Safety Net Services are available to residents in immediate crisis.