The Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations Inc. (the Federation) celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2024. It was founded in 1964 by a group of civic leaders who were 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. The Federation 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. In 2026, Federation Bylaws were once again updated to keep pace with the pace of citywide developments.
A number of members admirably chaired the Federation between the late 1990’s, culminating in the term served by Carter Flemming through June 2026. In June that year, Scott Corzine was elected Chair and Bill Rosello continued to serve as Vice Chair of the Federation.
Throughout its history, the Federation has played an important role in the civic life of the city. During city election cycles, the Federation hosts non-partisan candidate forums, as well as discussion sessions with candidates for local offices. It has also sponsored a cable TV program on civic affairs. Starting in 2026, we write a column in the Alexandria Times – “The Neighborhood Perspective” and plan to take on more proactive role in policy recommendations, continuing Alexandria’s history of informed and effective civic engagement.
The Federation has repeatedly demonstrated its value 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 leaders and senior staff and other experts to bring clarity to city policies, programs and proposals. The Federation's current focus areas are residential involvement earlier in the policy process, city planning, development, transportation, and fiduciary responsibility.
As the Federation moves forward its mission continues to focus on balanced, evidence-based policy development as a path to improving the quality of life for Alexandria’s unique neighborhoods and our many diverse communities.
