Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

Roanoke Treasurer Postpones Retirement To Avoid Potential Special Election This Year

Tasha Burkett, who became chief deputy in March, says she intends to run for the office next year as an independent.

Roanoke Demotes Assistant City Manager. Officials Won't Say Why.

Brent Robertson, who also served as finance director, was stripped of his titles just as city leaders are finalizing a $379-million budget.

Transportation

As Roanoke City Expands Bike Lanes, Cyclists See Room for Improvement

Roanoke officials want to build streets that are safe for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. But the city's progress does not always meet best practices.

Politics

Republicans Enter Roanoke City Council Races As Priddy Stuns Party Leaders By Bowing Out

Luke Priddy won't seek reelection, while Nick Hagen and Jim Garrett are vying to become the first Republicans on Council in decades.

Transportation

'A Perfect Storm': Roanoke Bus System Has Major Financial Control Issues, Audits Find

An auditor described one finding that Valley Metro failed to pay contractors who built the new transit center on time as 'a big deal.'

Education

Roanoke Has Long Given 40 Percent of Local Taxes to Schools. That Could Change.

Roanoke City Council members say the city has pressing needs that could benefit from more flexibility with any end-of-year surplus.

Housing

Roanoke Ends Single-Family-Only Zoning in Bid for More Housing, Diversity

Roanoke joins cities in Virginia and across the country that are rolling back single-family-only zoning in favor of more dense housing.

Politics

Roanoke Mayor’s Race Gets Crowded As Moon Reynolds, Bowers Challenge Cobb

A victory for any would be historic — Moon Reynolds as Roanoke's first female mayor, Cobb as its first openly gay mayor and Bowers for the sheer precedent of a fifth term.

Housing

Roanoke Planning Commission Advances End to Single-Family Zoning in Bid for More Housing

City Council is expected to vote Monday on reforms staff say is aimed at increasing housing and decreasing racial and economic inequities.