Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

Roanoke Sues Residents Who Cut Down City-Owned Trees

It’s a rare case for the city to bring to court. In recent years, Roanoke has tried to protect and expand the city’s tree canopy.

City Hall

Powers Sworn In on Roanoke City Council After Council Reverses Earlier Deadlock

The swearing-in capped an intense lobbying campaign to fill the rest of Mayor Joe Cobb’s City Council term.

Politics

As Roanoke City Council Deadlocks Over Filling Vacancy, Judge Says 'It's a Shame'

Roanoke’s political and legal establishment is reeling after a deadlocked City Council said it couldn’t agree on who should become its seventh member.

Transportation

Roanoke's Valley Metro Bus System Still Struggles with Financial Issues, Audit Finds

Problems persist one year after an external audit unearthed issues that could imperil funding and services if not addressed.

Food

After Being Served, Roanoke Restaurants Settle Tax Bills

Recent crackdowns on Roanoke restaurateurs have resulted in an influx of owed taxes to the city, plea deals and dropped criminal charges.

City Hall

Roanoke To Defend Against 2 Lawsuits Alleging Toxic Workplace Under Ex-Leaders

The lawsuits could shed further light on a drama that gripped Roanoke city hall last year, when claims of a toxic workplace preceded the city manager’s resignation.

Politics

Appointee to Roanoke City Council To Determine Fate of Single-Family Zoning Reforms

Battle lines are being drawn over who will fill the remaining two years of Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb’s vacant City Council seat.

City Hall

Roanoke Aims To Seize, Sell Downtown Parking Garage Plagued By Tax, Code Issues

The parking garage beside the Amtrak platform has been closed since April, when city officials deemed the structure unsafe.

City Hall

'Council Isn't Immune': Property Values Are Rising. Here's How Much Elected Leaders' Homes Went Up.

Roanoke property owners are seeing an average 8 percent increase in their real estate tax bills this year, a historically high but downward-trending assessment.

Outdoors

Roanoke Valley Greenway Coordinator Resigns, Saying He Felt Stymied by Governments

“I’ve gotten kind of frustrated by the level of locality cooperation,” Frank Maguire, who's been in the role since 2021, said.

City Hall

Roanoke Botched Funding for After-School Contractor, Lost Out on Grant Money, Audit Finds

The city failed to budget enough money for youth programs run by The Foundry, leading to discord and lost revenue, an audit found.

City Hall

For City Manager, Roanoke Hires Northern Virginia Official with Background in Housing

Valmarie Turner, Fairfax’s deputy city manager, becomes Roanoke’s next city manager next month, replacing Bob Cowell.

Politics

As Cobb Is Elected Mayor, Roanoke City Council Is Poised To Appoint a New Member

David Bowers has until Monday to request a recount, though an analysis of recounts nationwide shows it's unlikely to change the outcome.

Politics

These Maps Show Where Roanoke Mayoral, City Council Candidates Found Support

New data show how well candidates for mayor and City Council performed across Roanoke’s diverse neighborhoods.

Politics

Cobb Expands Lead To 69 Votes Over Bowers As Roanoke Mayor's Race Nears Finish Line

The city’s electoral board must certify the final results by Friday, but a recount may be likely.

Politics

Roanoke Mayor's Race Too Close To Call As Bowers Holds 19-Vote Lead Over Cobb

It could take another week before Roanoke residents learn who their next mayor is.

Politics

Republican Wins First Roanoke City Council Seat Since 2000 As Wave of Young Leaders Elected

Republican Nick Hagen and Democrats Terry McGuire and Phazhon Nash represent a wave of younger leaders elected to Roanoke City Council.

Politics

Cobb Leads Roanoke Mayor's Race By Double Digits, Roanoke College Poll Shows

For City Council, Democrats Terry McGuire and Phazhon Nash lead the field, with the third open seat statistically close.