Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

Roanoke Schools Floated Shuttering New Empowerment Center, Then Changed Course Amid Fiscal Fight with City

A school board member said division will be "collateral damage" of city problems, while Roanoke's mayor said school officials have offered "resistance at every turn."

City Hall

Roanoke Gets $75,000 From Casino Developer, What It's For Remains Out of Public Eye

Of an entertainment district with a possible casino at the Berglund Center, Mayor Joe Cobb wrote Tuesday that "saying no doesn't get us anywhere."

Development

With State Action on Casino Unlikely, Roanoke Focus Group Hears Berglund Needs Help

A new group is tasked with helping the city decide what to do with the civic center.

City Hall

Roanoke's AI-Driven Parking Offers Easy Access, City Says — But Not All Agree

The city contracted with the largest private parking firm in the country to provide the latest AI-driven technology.

Racial justice

Proposed Reparations Fund for Urban Renewal Is Hazy Amid Roanoke Fiscal Mess, Council Members Warn

Multiple Roanoke council members said that strained finances could limit the city’s ability to follow an apology with concrete investments.

Education

Roanoke School District Returns $20.5 Million, Council Weighs Using Portion for Other Needs

The city council is now a about a year into using a private attorney's advice. The schools recently asked for $8.3 million for high school trailers and council agreed on $4.3 million.

Feature

Hailed as Visionary, Roanoke Libraries Director Sheila Umberger Retires after 43 Years

Sheila Umberger, who began working for the city in 1982, leaves behind a transformative legacy.

City Hall

Roanoke Is Paying Richmond Lobbying Firm $6,000 Monthly To Pursue Casino Deal

The city will need to beat long odds at the moment to get a casino license.

Racial justice

Roanoke Weighs Reparations Fund as Council Warms to Urban Renewal Apology

City Council members offered positive comments about an Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board plan to make sure action follows an apology.

City Hall

Turnover Tension Grips Roanoke City Hall As Two Key Figures Depart

City Attorney Tim Spencer is retiring March 1 and Finance Director Margaret Lindsey’s last day was Monday.

Politics

As Rasoul Explores Run For Congress, Macy Responds That She's Not a 'Career Politician'

An expected redistricting referendum next year could bring new opportunities and alter the status quo.

Housing

Roanoke Zoning Debate Isn't Over — and Could Seep into 2026 Council Race

A zoning overhaul that prompted litigation remains an issue that will extend into 2026.

Legal

Roanoke Federal Courthouse Was Renamed for Civil Rights Leader Reuben Lawson. Then His Name Disappeared.

When Lawson's name will be reinstalled is unclear as a project that faces complications is dealt with by the GSA.

Politics

Council Approves Wish List With a Dissent as Casino Plan Proceeds on a 'Different Path'

Councilman Nick Hagen voted against the city and schools state legislative requests as he joins Terry McGuire opposing a casino.

Business

Will Airport Expansion Fly? Land Sale Remains a Question as $7 million Study Sought

The price of the property - part of the former Countryside Golf Course - is a component of the talks, a city official said.

Politics

Beth Macy Enters Race for Congress Blasting Ben Cline and Saying Enough Is Enough

Democratic candidates are lining up to get a chance to run against incumbent Republican Ben Cline.

Education

Roanoke School Funding Percentage to Drop If Draft Policy Is Approved by Council

A task force is meeting as a debate revolves around a consultant's report and how much money the school system deserves.

City Hall

'Some Tough Decisions' Ahead as Consultant Gives Reality Check on Roanoke Finances

The city paid PFM Group to take an independent look at what the next five years may bring.