Former Kansas City City Manager Brian Platt has officially been named the new city manager of Alexandria, Virginia, following a unanimous vote by the Alexandria City Council on February 11, 2025, according to city announcements. Platt, who served in Kansas City from 2020 until his departure, steps into the Alexandria role effective March 24, 2025, taking over leadership of the Northern Virginia municipality’s daily administrative operations.
Alexandria City Council Appointment and Contract Terms
The Alexandria City Council confirmed Platt’s appointment during a formal session following a nationwide search that began after former City Manager Mark Jinks retired and interim leadership managed the office. According to city employment records, Platt agreed to a multi-year contract with an initial base salary of $350,000. Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins stated publicly that Platt’s background in managing municipal technology upgrades and complex urban budgets made him the stand-out candidate among over 60 applicants reviewed by the council.
Brian Platt’s Municipal Career History
Before accepting the position in Alexandria, Platt served as the city manager of Kansas City, Missouri, starting in December 2020. During his tenure in Missouri, according to Kansas City municipal reports, he oversaw the implementation of a citywide zero-fare transit program and managed responses to federal infrastructure funding. Prior to his work in Kansas City, Platt held the position of city manager in Jersey City, New Jersey, where municipal records show he focused on data-driven policing initiatives and green energy transitions from 2018 to 2020.
Transition Timeline and Priorities for Alexandria
Platt takes the helm in Alexandria amid ongoing local discussions regarding commercial tax base diversification and affordable housing development along the Route 1 corridor. According to Alexandria municipal agendas, his initial 100-day plan includes an operational audit of city departments, direct meetings with neighborhood civic associations, and a comprehensive review of the upcoming capital improvement budget. Interim City Manager James Parajon will remain in the seat to assist with the administrative handoff until Platt officially assumes office on March 24.