The Connection

Some of the most challenging times in local government are when it snows. The first day is usually okay. The snow is pretty and most residents enjoy the scenery. The second day is still generally fun. The kids are playing in the snow and a nice cup of hot chocolate hits the spot. On Day 3, things get ugly. Everyone gets stir-crazy and ready for life to go back to normal.

We have been stuck in Day 3 of a snowstorm for nearly 7 months.

The residents of Alexandria have been very patient as the three levels of government who serve them have struggled to coordinate and react to the most significant public health crisis, economic crisis and humanitarian crisis faced in generations. While academics will spend decades unpacking and grading the decisions made by leaders over the past several months, we cannot await the judgment of history before charting a path for our community’s recovery.

The COVID-19 outbreak has been revelatory as it has shined a light on unacceptable disparities in wellness and access to healthcare. Alexandria has mirrored national disparities as our residents of color have been harder hit by this pandemic. Yet, we should not be surprised. Last year our Community Health Assessment showed significant racial disparities in diabetes and hypertension. Both are significant comorbidities for patients who struggle with this coronavirus.

This outbreak has taught us that our community’s health is inextricably linked to the health of the most ill among us. Rebuilding a healthy community in our future means confronting these disparities head-on.

This crisis has also exposed the financial fragility experienced by many of our neighbors and businesses. We have seen how many of our fellow residents are a missed paycheck away from needing food assistance. Our small businesses operate painfully close to ruin under the best of circumstances. As we rebuild our community, creating a more financial resiliency among our residents and businesses will be a key component to equipping Alexandria to succeed in the years ahead.

Nearly two decades ago, our region and its residents suffered a horrendous shock due to the terrorist attacks of September 11. Ultimately, as a region we retooled, refocused and ensured that many of the new investments made in response to that tragedy, occurred in this region.

A similar opportunity now exists. With our existing Federal footprint, our renowned institutes of higher education, our research and development entities and a myriad of related corporate presence, our region should be well-equipped to develop and implement the public health investments required. Alexandria has helped lead the region in garnering new economic investments in recent years. Economic success in this environment will require a pivot and unprecedented regional partnership.

While Alexandria can chart a course for public health, financial resiliency and economic success, I hope for another by-product of this era. The common shared experiences of staying at home, avoiding crowds, distance learning for students, missed celebrations, lost income and unemployment has led to an outbreak of understanding and patience. That patience and understanding could be rather helpful as our community works to tackle the important issues ahead.

We will not always agree as we work to protect Alexandria’s future, but the best from this moment can give us something to build on. Let’s get to work.