Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

Policing

Audit Finds Police Department Grant Overspent, Youths Treated Questionably, Contract Not Bid According to Policies

"People didn't do their jobs -- that's the bottom line," City Councilwoman Evelyn Powers said.

City Hall

Roanoke Planning Director Exits As One-Third of Department's Jobs Remain Vacant

Jillian Papa is the latest in a string of managers to leave City Hall.

City Hall

Money on the Mind: Roanoke's Finances Generate Debate Amid Meals Tax, Debt Decisions

The city needs revenue -- and the city council may leave a tax in place past its sunset to do that.

History

History Takes a Hit: Wrecking Ball Swings as Advocates Try to Stave Off More Demolition

"Preservation shouldn't depend on who shows up at the last minute," said a local advocate.

Politics

Kathy Cohen Enters Roanoke Council Race, Criticizes Recent School Funding Cut

Cohen will run as an independent in a race that's expected to have a full field.

Education

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.