How Alexandria, Virginia is adpating to climate change [Video]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — While much of the D.C. region grappled with drought conditions in late 2024, Alexandria has seized the opportunity presented by the dry weather to make significant strides in addressing the challenges of climate change. 

Jesse Maines, Alexandria’s stormwater management chief, explained that the city is witnessing firsthand the impacts of climate change.

“We are seeing it,” Maines said. “These storms are more intense, and our infrastructure just wasn’t built to handle them.” 

He highlighted how this reality is forcing cities like Alexandria to adapt quickly.

Maines showcased a recently replaced culvert that demonstrates the kind of small, but impactful projects being undertaken in the midst of a big change in thinking. 

“These efforts are part of a larger strategy to mitigate flooding risks and adapt to new climate realities,” he added.

To fund these initiatives, Alexandria implemented a stormwater management fee…