Agenda:AlexandriaAlexandria NewsCommunity News Alexandria Virginia

Agenda:Alexandria Maps Out New Season, Welcomes Former Mayor to Board

The nonpartisan civic organization is planning its 2026–2027 programs, with topics and speakers to be announced soon

Men and women seated and standing smiling at camera in the Agenda Alexandria Board photo 2026
Standing (L-R): Steve Davidson, Fran Vogel, Jane Christenson, Carter Flemming, Connie Hart, Ginny Franco, Jacqueline Bridges. Inset: Lisa Porter, Victor Ignacio.
Seated (L-R): Allison Silberberg, Linda App, Rod Kuckro, Jennifer Rohrbach, Bill Dickinson. Photo: Agenda:Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Before Alexandria’s next big local debate reaches the public stage, a group of residents is already deciding which questions to ask—and whose voices should be part of the conversation.

The newly elected Agenda:Alexandria Board of Directors gathered at AlexRenew for a planning retreat focused on the organization’s 2026–2027 season. The retreat marked the first time the full board had met in person since members were elected in May.

Among the new board members is former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg, who served as mayor from 2016 through 2018.

Agenda: Alexandria has not yet announced the subjects or speakers for its upcoming programs. Board Chair Steve Davidson said those details will be released soon.

“Our retreat was the first chance the new board could meet in person, allowing us to really get to know one another and build a working rapport,” Davidson said. “The fact that we had so much fun while we addressed various issues and hammered out details and priorities is a great predictor of a successful season.”

A Forum for Alexandria’s Difficult Questions

Founded in 1998, Agenda:Alexandria describes itself as a nonpartisan, non-advocacy organization. Its longstanding mission is summarized by the motto “Taking a look at the issues without taking sides.”

Throughout the year, the organization assembles panelists with differing experiences and perspectives to examine complicated city issues before a public audience. Recent programs have addressed Alexandria’s housing crisis, aging and fraud prevention, street safety and funding challenges facing Alexandria City Public Schools.

That approach places much of the responsibility for shaping each season on the board. Members must identify timely subjects, recruit panelists who can represent different positions, and structure discussions to help residents better understand what is at stake.

“Every board member attended the event, voicing strong opinions and providing great insights,” Davidson said. “I’m excited about working with this team.”

Meet the 2026–2027 Board

Davidson will continue as chair, joined by Vice Chair Ginny Franco, Treasurer Fran Vogel and Secretary Linda App.

The remaining board members are Jacqueline Bridges, Jane Christenson, Bill Dickinson, Carter Flemming, Connie Hart, Victor Ignacio, Lisa Porter, Jennifer Rohrbach and Silberberg. Rod Kuckro will serve as past chair.

The group succeeds the board introduced during Agenda:Alexandria’s 2025 leadership transition.

Agenda:Alexandria is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Annual membership costs $50 and includes admission to the season’s programs. Nonmembers may attend individual events for $10, payable at the door. Corporate and individual sponsorships are also available.

Program announcements, membership information and donation opportunities are available at AgendaAlexandria.org.

Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, the award-winning Alexandria news publication she founded in 2010 with a mission of celebrating community, culture, and all the good news happening across the city. A longtime community advocate and storyteller, Mary was selected for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce inaugural 40 Under 40 class and has served as President of Living Legends of Alexandria since 2022. Known for her deep local roots, sharp editorial instincts, and passion for connecting people through journalism, she has spent decades chronicling the personalities, businesses, events, and civic life that make Alexandria unique. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, and has been part of Alexandria’s publishing and media community since 1987.

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