Roanoke County public meetings in 2025
29 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
City Council convened in a closed session to discuss a personnel matter. The meeting focused on interviews for the position of City Attorney.
- Interviews for the position of City Attorney
City Council
City Council approved the acquisition of real property rights for the Downstream Wiley Drive Bridge Replacement Project. The body also accepted several grant awards for homeless services, emergency management, and banking programs.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43324-121525 for Downstream Wiley Drive Bridge Replacement Project property rights
- Accepted FY 2024 HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Grant Award
- Accepted Virginia Homeless Solutions Program (VHSP) Grant Award
- Accepted FY26 NG911 and CHE Shared Call Handling Equipment grants from Virginia Department of Emergency Management
- Accepted FY26 United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge funding for Bank On Roanoke Valley Program
City Council
The City Council met to approve the 2026 legislative programs for the city and public schools. The body also authorized a cybersecurity grant for an asset inventory system and appropriated disposable plastic bag tax revenue.
- Adopted 2026 City of Roanoke and Roanoke City Public Schools Legislative Programs
- Approved State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program agreement for an Asset Inventory System
- Appropriated Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Revenue
- Scheduled public hearing for Dec. 15 regarding tax exemption for HeartCry Missionary Society, Inc. at 5732 Airport Road, NW
- Appointed Yvonne Johnson to the Architectural Review Board
City Council
City Council is meeting for a budget workshop to discuss the fiscal environment. The session covers revenues, expenditures, tax rates, and the Capital Improvement Program.
- Budget kickoff discussion
- Review of revenues vs. expenditures
- Tax rates overview
- Capital Improvement Program review
- Enterprise Funds discussion
City Council
City Council approved several ordinances to accept state and federal funding for housing, fire services, and road improvements. The body also approved the Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan Update and the creation of new full-time employee positions.
- Approved VDOT State of Good Repair Grant for ADA ramp improvements and paving on Williamson Road NW
- Approved acquisition of property rights for Public Works Service Center improvements
- Approved Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan Update
- Approved HUD PY25 Entitlement Funds
- Approved creation of new full-time employee positions
City Council
City Council and the School Board discussed school budget formulas and enrollment trends, including a potential new high school. The Council approved several real estate acquisitions for flood preparedness and authorized various state grants for highway safety and cybersecurity.
- Acquisition of real property at 2002 Blue Hills Circle NE
- Acquisition of properties at 2034 Indian Village Lane SE, 1941 Franklin Road SW, and 1953 Franklin Road SW via VDCR grants
- Approval of 2026 DMV Highway Safety and Selective Enforcement grants
- Scheduled public hearing for October 20, 2025, to amend Enterprise Zone boundaries
- Encroachment permit for Charter Foods, Inc. at 2657 Peters Creek Road NW
City Council
The City Council met for a recessed session retreat to discuss financial and strategic planning. The body reviewed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and budget and DISC overviews.
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Report discussion
- Budget Overview
- DISC Overview
- Strategic Priorities
City Council
The City Council adopted a resolution for fare-free Valley Metro bus service on November 4, 2025. The body also approved a Code of Ethics and Conduct and corrected an ordinance regarding FY26 Opioid Abatement Authority Funds.
- Resolution No. 43268-091525: Fare-free Election Day bus service for November 4, 2025
- Ordinance No. 43269-091: Correction to FY26 Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Funds appropriation
- Approval of the Roanoke City Council Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Public Workshop for a comprehensive Parking Study scheduled for October 27 at the Berglund Center
- Closed meetings requested for 2025 Citizen of the Year Award, a personnel matter, school financing, and a Central Roanoke economic development project
City Council
City Council approved several ordinances to appropriate grant funds for small business development, fire programs, and social services. The body also authorized a water vault easement for the Western Virginia Water Authority and scheduled a public hearing for the draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.
- Appropriation of funds for Greater Roanoke & NRV Small Business Development Center AI U Program
- Appropriation of Virginia Department of Fire Programs Conference and Education Assistance Grant
- Execution of an easement to Western Virginia Water Authority for a Water Vault on Tax Map No. 2231601
- Appropriation of 2025 Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund Grant
- Public hearing scheduled for September 15, 2025, regarding the draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
City Council
The City Council and Economic Development Authority approved several funding grants and real property acquisitions. The body also held briefings on cigarette taxes, hybrid canine ordinances, and homelessness.
- Approved revenue bonds not to exceed $40 million for Virginia Lutheran Homes, Inc. to expand Brandon Oaks at 3804 Brandon Avenue
- Approved acquisition of real property parcels along Tinker Creek
- Scheduled public hearing for August 18, 2025, regarding parking parcel leases to YMCA of the Roanoke Valley, Inc. at 425 Church Avenue, S.W.
- Approved HUD 2025-2029 5-year Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Annual Plan
- Accepted grant funds for City Market Awnings from Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
City Council
City Council approved several grant appropriations and a five-year budget for opioid settlement funds. The body also accepted resignations from city boards and discussed moving council livestreams to YouTube in August 2025.
- Approval of the Five-year Budget for Opioid Settlement funds (Ordinance No. 43228-072125)
- Appropriation of FY26 School Security Officer Continuation Grant (Ordinance No. 43235-072125)
- Appropriation of Victim Witness Program Grant from the Department of Criminal Justice Services (Ordinance No. 43226-072125)
- Appropriation of Total Action for Progress (TAP) Funds by the Sheriff's Office (Ordinance No. 43227-072125)
- Budget Ordinance No. 43236-072125 for Roanoke City School Board educational programs
City Council
The City Council approved a revised travel policy, a new electronic participation policy, and funding for the Blue Ridge Rising Program. They also adopted ordinances accepting a donation for a trauma program and a school resource officer grant.
- Adopted revised City Council Travel Policy (effective July 1, 2025)
- Adopted City Council Electronic Participation Policy
- Adopted ordinance accepting $2.2 million for Gainsboro Road Streetscape Project
- Adopted ordinance accepting donation for RESET Champions of Change Boxing Program
- Adopted ordinance accepting FY26 School Resource Officer Grant
City Council
The Roanoke City Council approved ordinances for drainage improvements and capital projects, including Williamson Road and Kirk Avenue, and adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Plan budget. The meeting also included proclamations for Juneteenth and World Refugee Day.
- Adopted budget ordinance for FY 2024-2025 CIP debt-funded projects
- Authorized temporary construction easements for Williamson Road/Hawthorne Road Project
- Authorized temporary construction easements for Kirk Avenue Drainage Improvement Project
- Approved funding for a Drug Prosecutor
- Established public comment periods for HUD 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan
City Council
City Council approved several administrative actions, including a mutual aid agreement for fire and EMS services with Roanoke County. The body also scheduled a public hearing for June 16 to discuss Fiscal Year 2025 budget adjustments.
- Acceptance of Virginia Department of Environmental Quality funds for stormwater improvements on the West Fork of Carvins Stream
- Execution of a Mutual Aid Agreement for Fire and EMS Services with the County of Roanoke
- Amendment to the FY 2026 Fee Compendium
- Amendment of City Code Chapter 14.1 regarding Solid Waste Management definitions
- Resolution to dedicate a sign at Colonial Avenue, SW, and McNeil Drive, SW, for Dr. Robert Sandel
City Council
The City Council approved a pay plan for city officers and employees, adopted the 2025-2029 Housing and Urban Development Consolidated Plan, and amended real estate tax rates for blighted properties. The body also repealed conditions for a previous rezoning and adopted an easement for water lines.
- Adopted pay plan ordinance for city officers and employees (Ordinance No. 43198)
- Adopted 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan
- Adopted ordinance to allow higher tax rates for blighted and derelict property
- Repealed conditions for a previous rezoning at 501 Salem Avenue SW
- Adopted ordinance for water and sewer easement with Western Virginia Water Authority
City Council
The City Council will meet for a recessed session to discuss leadership and governance protocols. The session focuses on the council's goals, vision, and strategies.
- Discussion of communication styles
- Review of leadership and governance protocols
- Planning of City Council goals, vision, and strategies
City Council
City Council adopted the annual appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The body also approved a new fee compendium and a prepared food and beverage tax increase.
- Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 43193-051225 for General, Stormwater Utility, Civic Facilities, Parking, Risk Management, School General, School Food Services and Grant Funds
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43191-051225 to reaffirm the Real Estate Tax Rate
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43192-051225 for the FY 2026 Fee Compendium
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43195-051225 to increase the Prepared Food and Beverage Tax
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43198 (first reading) for the officer and employee pay plan and salary adjustments
City Council
City Council is addressing fiscal year budget gaps and updating city codes regarding property taxation. The body also approved several infrastructure projects and board appointments.
- Authorized a public hearing to appropriate $17,874,219 to Roanoke City Public Schools for FY 2025 budget shortfalls
- Accepted a $70,000 grant from the National Main Street Center for the Unlocking Capital on Main Street Program
- Scheduled a public hearing for May 19 to consider classifying blighted and derelict property as a separate tax classification
- Approved VDOT funds for the Greenway Connection along Riverland Road project
- Appointed Mary "Franny" Apel and Joyce W. Watkins as Trustees of the Roanoke City School Board
City Council
The City Council approved several ordinances to appropriate grant funds for homeless assistance and the Greater Roanoke and New River Valley Small Business Development Center. The meeting also included reports on the Wasena Bridge Replacement Project and traffic-calming efforts on Oakland Boulevard NW.
- Ordinance 43174-042125: Project Outside Grant for Mill Mountain Trail Maps
- Ordinances 43175-042125 and 43176-042125: HUD Continuum of Care Grant Awards for CAS and HAT
- Ordinances 43177-042125, 43178-042125, and 43179-042125: General, Operation, and Program Funds for the Greater Roanoke and New River Valley Small Business Development Center
- Traffic-calming demonstration project implemented near Sunrise and Roundhill Avenues on Oakland Boulevard NW
- Approval of closed meetings regarding legal advice, personnel salaries, and disposal of public property
City Council
The City Council approved the 2025-2026 annual budgets for the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority and the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission. The body also conducted interviews for School Board Trustees and discussed potential city code amendments regarding taxes and grants.
- Adopted 2025-2026 Annual Budget for Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
- Adopted 2025-2026 Operating Budget and Capital Expenditures for Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
- Scheduled June 16, 2025 public hearing for Berglund Center naming and sponsorship bids
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43167-040725 for FY25 Byrne/JAG Grant for Roanoke Sheriff's Office
- Adopted Resolution No. 43170-040725 for a historical marker for Dr. Elbyrne Grady Gill
City Council
The City Council received and filed the Recommended Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget. The meeting included a closed session for legal consultation and concluded with announcements for upcoming community budget meetings.
- Received and filed Recommended FY 2025–2026 Budget
- Closed meeting for legal consultation
- Announced FY 2026 Budget Community Meetings on April 10 and 17
City Council
City Council accepted several federal and private grants for justice assistance, lead-based paint reduction, and interchange beautification. The body also approved a request to modify rezoning conditions for a property on Peters Creek Road NW.
- Approved rezoning condition changes for 1925 Peters Creek Road NW
- Accepted 2024 BJA Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
- Accepted FY2024 HUD Lead-Based Paint Reduction Grant
- Approved contract amendments for Greenway Connection - Riverland Road engineering
- Approved donation from Branch Management Corporation for BRITE sponsorship
City Council
City Council approved several ordinances including funding for educational programs and ADA ramp improvements in downtown Roanoke. The body also authorized a public-private partnership for office space at the Booker T. Washington Building and accepted a grant to combat hate crimes.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43153-030325 for VDOT State of Good Repair Grant ADA Ramp Improvements in Downtown Roanoke
- Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 43158-030325 for Roanoke City School Board educational programs
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43155-030325 for the 2025 Combatting Hate Crimes Grant
- Adopted Resolution No. 43156-030325 for a public-private partnership at the Booker T. Washington Building
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43157-030325 adding a new Division 3, Advisory Boards to the City Code
City Council
The City Council approved several grant appropriations and updated ordinances regarding vehicle removal and regional arrest agreements. The body also authorized a public-private partnership for solar panel installation on school property and named a plaza in honor of Judge Onzlee Ware.
- Designated Census Tracts 22 and 27 as Revitalization Areas
- Authorized School Board partnership with Secured Futures, LLC for solar panel installation
- Accepted $20,000 contribution for Greenway Murals
- Adopted ordinance amending the Removal of Hazardous or Illegally Parked Vehicles
- Named the Oliver W. Hill Justice Center front plaza as Onzlee Ware Plaza
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting to select a candidate for an interim City Council Member position. The body convened in a closed meeting before returning to public session to vote on the appointment.
- Resolution No. 43141-021425 appointing Evelyn W. Powers to City Council for a term expiring December 31, 2026 (voted 4-2)
City Council
The City Council will convene in a recessed session to discuss the selection of a candidate for an interim City Council Member position. The meeting will include a closed session to continue this discussion.
- Closed meeting to discuss selection of interim City Council Member
- Communication from Mayor Joseph L. Cobb requesting closed meeting
City Council
The City Council interviewed candidates for an interim council seat and appointed Christopher T. Link to the School Board. The body also approved several grant appropriations for fire-EMS, homeless assistance, and historic preservation.
- Appointed Christopher T. Link to the Roanoke City School Board for a term ending June 30, 2026
- Approved a public hearing for February 18, 2025, regarding an Appalachian Power Company easement request
- Adopted ordinances to appropriate grants for Fire-EMS Technical Rescue, HUD Continuum of Care, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation
- Appointed Valmarie H. Turner to the Pension Plan Board of Trustees, Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission, and Western Virginia Water Authority
- Received 11 Statements of Intent for the vacant City Council seat created by the resignation of Joseph L. Cobb
City Council
The City Council heard public comments regarding candidates to fill a vacant council seat and approved several grant appropriations. The body also adopted a budget development calendar for FY 2025-2026 and a resolution for a Free Fare Transit Equity Day.
- Adoption of the FY 2025-2026 Budget Development Activities calendar
- Appropriation of HazMat Team, Southwest Virginia All Hazards, and Virginia Tourism Corporation grants
- Lease agreement amendment for City-Owned Property at 709 South Jefferson Street
- Resolution for Free Fare Transit Equity Day service on February 4, 2025
- Approval of a historical marker for Lucy Addison
City Council
The City Council held an organizational meeting to seat new members and establish a 2025 meeting schedule. The body also initiated the process to fill a City Council vacancy created by the resignation of Joseph L. Cobb.
- Adopted Resolution No. 43119-010725 establishing the 2025 meeting schedule
- Adopted Resolution No. 43120-010725 directing the City Attorney to file a petition to fill a City Council vacancy
- Accepted the resignation of Joseph L. Cobb from City Council effective December 31, 2024
- Opened applications for a City Council vacancy and a Roanoke City School Board vacancy until January 17, 2025
- Filed qualification reports for members of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, Arts Commission, and Gun Violence Prevention Commission