Alexandria's New City Manager to Begin in December

Rashad Young signed his contract to be Alexandria's new city manager before a special meeting of City Council on Monday evening.

Young, the city's first African-American city manager, will earn $245,000 for his annual salary in the position.

"A good city becomes great through its partnerships," Young said after council members welcomed him to the city.

"I hope your time here with us will be remarkable," said Vice Mayor Kerry Donley.

Councilwoman Del Pepper said this latest search for a city manager was her fourth such search and so she knew what qualities and skills she sought for the position.

She also joked with Young that he might find some "tension" as some community members would try and court him to settle down with his family in the West End while others would push for the East End.

Councilman Rob Krupicka said he likes the idea of bringing someone into Alexandria who can offer a "new perspective, new ideas and a new vision."

Councilman Frank Fannon mentioned that he and Mayor Bill Euille went to Greensboro on a site visit before recommending Young and found that the North Carolina town was "upset to see him go."

Euille commented on Young's "big smile" that "speaks volumes."

“While we honor and preserve the heritage that has made Alexandria distinctive -- not only in the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., region, but also in the nation -- we must balance that against the drive and demand for growth, development and urban progress,” said Young, following the council vote.

Young's wife and two young children joined him at the contract signing, which was followed by a reception in the Vola Lawson Lobby of .