The Del Ray Citizens Association (DRCA) was formed in 1954 as a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization for Del Ray residents and business owners who live, do or own a business or deal with property in Alexandria, Virginia. DRCA Bylaws.
The goal of the DRCA is to keep its members informed of many aspects of Alexandria City life, including land use, public safety, volunteer opportunities, City Commissions, Alexandria Public Schools, parks and recreation facilities, transportation, business, housing, and many other major issues which impact quality of life.
The DRCA meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of September through June. Meeting locations are announced via emails to members, neighborhood signage, the website and social media. Meetings are typically held in the basement of the Del Ray Methodist Church. See calendar for more details.
Why should I join the Del Ray Citizens Association?
As a member of the DRCA, you will receive:
- Information about what’s happening in the neighborhood. DRCA membership and committee meetings and our newsletter are great ways to hear about land use issues, safety, transportation, volunteer opportunities, special events, police reports, etc .
- The right to vote on DRCA actions. The DRCA advocates for issues important to our community in various city forums, such as the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and City Council. As a DRCA member, you will be part of the discussion and decision to submit a letter or send an ‘in-person’ representative from the community.
- A sense of community. Del Ray is a special place, and while everyone has their own reasons for living here, the feel of the neighborhood is surely something we all share. The DRCA helps to maintain that atmosphere by cleaning our parks, supporting our schools, and addressing pedestrian safety among other things.
- Free entrance to the annual chili cook-off (a $10 value)!
- Discounted entrance to the House & Garden Tour (a $20 value)!
Where does my money go?
Membership dues support various community events and organizations that bring neighbors together. Most of DRCA’s regular events raise money to benefit local nonprofits and Del Ray community projects. For example, the money raised from the 2018 chili cook-off sponsored a local Rebuilding Together Alexandria project on Dewitt Ave, and we will donate the proceeds from the 2018 House and Garden Tour to the Del Ray Gateway project.
The DRCA also helps support a number of community events throughout the year like the Halloween parade, Art on the Avenue, and the Turkey Trot.
The annual budget is approved by members at the September meeting, with additional sponsorships and expenditures determined throughout the year.