About Us

Who We Are

Founded in 1964, the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations (AFCA) operates as a 501 (c) (4) nonprofit corporation and serves as a means of communication among its member Associations on common community interest. A major activity is to assure citizen involvement and public comment on matters before City Officials, their departments and agencies, Commissions; and the City Council. AFCA, with membership concurrence will adopt an advocacy role on policy or procedural issues having an overarching impact on the public.

What Participation Brings

Being part of AFCA provides you and your association the opportunity to:

Meet and interact with other community leaders
Contribute your ideas, needs and information
Learn about important developments and activities in Alexandria
Meet with City officials on important concerns
Access to City planning and zoning dockets months in advance
Help make Alexandria a better community for all who live and work here

Our Committees

Governance Committee – regulates the orderly operation of the Federation, including the periodic review of the bylaws.

Engagement Committee – identifies and disseminates information on city actions deemed of interest to the Federation and its member associations. The committee is also responsible for identifying key issues pertaining to city processes, procedures, policies, citizen engagement; and recommending to the AFCA Board of Directors which of the identified issues are appropriate for AFCA engagement and advocacy.

Membership Committee – develops the Federation's growth strategy and coordinates corresponding outreach.

Communications Committee – devises the Federation's communications strategy, identifies and implement corresponding communication vehicles; and manages AFCA's messaging and public communications.

History

The Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations Inc. (AFCA) celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2024. It was founded in 1964 by a group of civic leaders concerned over plans to build multiple high rise apartment buildings in Alexandria’s West End.

The leader and first president of AFCA was Mel Bergheim, representing the Dowden Terrace Association. He was assisted by Chuck Beatley and Roger Wheeler of the Seminary Hill Association, John O’Hara of Seminary Valley, Dan Cray of Taylor Run and Marian Johnson representing the Woods Avenue neighborhood. From the beginning the group sought citywide participation from both newly-formed civic associations, as well as the with well-established civic associations such as Old Town, Rosemont, Del Ray and North Ridge. It also welcomed participation from Alexandria’s African-American community, as represented by the Seminary Association. Later Chuck Beatley ran and was elected as Mayor of Alexandria and Mel Bergheim became Vice-Mayor.

Bylaws were developed and adopted in 1965. The stated purpose of the organization was: “…To serve as a means of communications among the Associations comprising the Federation about matters of common interest and to promote in connection therewith nonpartisan civic activity for the general welfare of the City of Alexandria, Virginia.” The bylaws also specified that a member organization must represent at least 25 households. In the mid-1990's, Federation leadership updated the original bylaws under the leadership of Judy Miller and Jack Sullivan.

Throughout its history, the Federation has played an important role in the civic life of the city. During city election cycles, the Federation has hosted non-partisan candidate forums, as well as discussion sessions with candidates for local offices. It also sponsored a cable TV program on civic affairs.

The Federation has repeatedly proved its worth as a forum for information exchange and activity coordination. Under the Federation umbrella, many civic associations regularly have coalesced around specific issues. Monthly meetings feature presentations by city staff and other experts to bring clarity to city programs and proposals. The Federation's current focus areas are transparency, city planning, and fiduciary responsibility.

As the Federation moves forward its mission continues to focus on improving the quality of life for Alexandria’s many and diverse communities.

Join AFCA

If you are organized and operate for a non-political civic purpose and have members representing at least 25 households living in the City of Alexandria, Virginia you can join AFCA. Whether you call the West End, Arlandria, Delray, Carlyle, Eisenhower, Central Alexandria, Potomac Yard or Old Town home, the Federation welcomes your voice.

Your participation is essential! As a coalition of residential, civic, citizen, community, condominium, home owner and tenant associations, AFCA amplifies the voice of neighborhoods in decisions made throughout the City that affect us all—traffic and transportation, development, open space, schools, parks and recreation, the environment, housing, finance and budget decisions.

Join