By Dereth Bush, Alexandria Beautification Commission
Alexandria, VA – The City of Alexandria has opened nominations for the 2026 Beautification Awards, inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to submit projects that enhance the city’s appearance and support environmental sustainability. Presented annually by the Alexandria Beautification Commission, the awards program highlights efforts in landscaping, architecture, public art, and streetscape improvements that positively contribute to the public realm.
Over time, the Alexandria Beautification Awards have become an important part of civic life in Alexandria, recognizing projects that strengthen the city’s visual character and environmental quality. The program emphasizes sustainability, creativity, and the relationship between the built and the natural environment. The awards showcase a range of efforts, from residential gardens to larger community and commercial improvements, reflecting how design choices shape the city as a whole.
The Commission encourages properties to incorporate native plantings, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and sustainable design approaches that reduce water use and limit reliance on chemicals. These improvements enhance neighborhoods and public spaces while supporting local ecosystems and a healthier urban environment.
This year’s award categories include:
- Public Art – including murals and sculptures using recycled materials
- Architecture – including innovative green buildings and creative features
- Residential and Residential Street
- Community and Commercial
- Patriotic Gardens
A homeowner improving a front garden, a business enhancing its streetscape, or a neighborhood group improving a shared space can all contribute to Alexandria’s character.
New for 2026: Red, White, & Blue Native Plantings for America250
For 2026, the program introduces a new category tied to the America250 commemoration: Best Patriotic Native Plantings. This category encourages participants to incorporate red, white, and blue native plant species into residential, commercial, and community landscapes.
We encourage residents to replace small areas of turfgrass with native plantings, while businesses and organizations may participate through container displays and other visible landscape features. The category highlights native plants as an environmentally responsible design choice that also supports biodiversity and local wildlife.
When you plant red, white, and blue natives this year, you’re turning the America250 historic milestone into an opportunity for collective action—nurturing democracy while planting the seeds for a more resilient and sustainable future.
How to Apply
Award recipients will be selected based on criteria including sustainable practices and materials, incorporation of non-invasive native plants, ongoing maintenance, creative design, and improvements visible from the public right of way.
Nominations are open through 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and self-nominations are encouraged. Applications and additional information are available on the Alexandria Beautification Commission webpage, AlexandriaVA.gov/Beautification. Free language interpretation and accessibility services are also available to support broad participation.
Special Note: For the 2026-2027 awards cycle, Alexandria has been divided into two geographic areas. The Alexandria Beautification Commission will review nominations from one-half of the city this year, with the remaining half evaluated in 2027. The adjustment is intended to make the review process more manageable and allow commissioners to give each nomination more thorough consideration. A map showing the two review areas is available on the Beautification Commission webpage.
