Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

Newest Roanoke Council Members Agree to Reassess Controversial Zoning Reforms

The council may act before a scheduled August court hearing on related lawsuits.

Roanoke Sheriff Candidate Hill Ends Campaign, City Prosecutor Gets Hash Complaint

The race is now between incumbent Democrat Antonio Hash and Republican James Creasy, who worked with Hash on his campaign four years ago.

City Hall

The $64-Million Question: How Will Roanoke End Up Spending Its Pandemic Relief Money?

Roanoke steered the biggest chunks of its pandemic relief money to food, fun and affordable housing.

Federal Effects

Hundreds Could Lose Roanoke Housing As Authority Director Lobbies Cline

The largest subsidized housing provider in western Virginia can’t afford air conditioning for all of its tenants. And there’s a new federal program that requires that the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority find American-made products for many of its rehab and new construction projects. That’s requiring more

Housing

Roanoke Board Denied Volosin's Request To Host an Airbnb. Here's an Inside Look.

There’s a four-poster bed, De’Longhi coffee maker and ensuite bathroom — but nobody to stay at Councilman Peter Volosin’s house. Most people find it pretty easy to get a city license to run an Airbnb out of their home. But not for Volosin and his husband, Malcolm Quigley.

Politics

Roanoke Sheriff's Race Off To Lively Start

Three men who know each other well are running for the office.

City Hall

Despite Spending Errors, Roanoke Ended '24 Budget Year with Extra Cash

There remain dueling narratives about who’s to blame for some of the recent spending and accounting lapses that auditors flagged.

Politics

Who Will Face McNamara?: Roanoke's Littlepage, Preston Vie For Democratic Nomination

Next Tuesday's Democratic primary will determine whether Donna Littlepage or Kiesha Preston face Del. Joe McNamara, R-Roanoke County.

City Hall

Roanoke Spent $5 Million More in '24 Than Council Authorized, Violating State Law, Audit Says

The finding underscored accounting issues that have plagued the government and which emerged during a belt-tightening budget year.

City Hall

Roanoke Council Eyes Moving School Finance System Back Under City Hall Oversight

Roanoke City Council members are considering whether to merge the city and school district's finance systems in a bid for more oversight.

City Hall

Volosin: 'Mismanagement' Put Roanoke in Budget Predicament

In a prepared statement Volosin blamed the former administration of City Manager Bob Cowell for numerous issues.

Transportation

Consultant Hired to Probe Roanoke Bus Company's Operations After Audit Issues

AECOM is taking a thorough look at the bus system after audits showed finance issues.

City Hall

Roanoke City Council Meals Tax Majority Sets Table for Increase

City officials said a private meeting with school officials after a dustup was productive.

City Hall

Who Is Roanoke's Mayor? City's AI Chatbot Stumped for Now.

A new AI chatbot - Virtual Assistant Virginia - is now at work on Roanoke’s municipal website.

Housing

City Seeks Dismissal of Zoning Lawsuits; Housing Data Shows Little Impact Based on Changes

The city released data that shows the zoning changes, so far, have had little impact on housing permits.

Politics

Push for Cline Town Hall Ramps Up in Roanoke, As Congressman Remains Uncommitted

A group of protesters continues to pressure 6th District U.S. Rep. Ben Cline to hold a town hall with them; he has yet to agree.

Federal Effects

Roanoke Equity Board Will Meet, Online Scrubbing Aside

The Roanoke Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board will continue to meet and pursue its mission, its chair says.

City Hall

Knives Out: Restaurant Owners, School Advocates Pick Apart Proposed City Budget

City Council has two significant decisions ahead: whether to raise the meals tax and to keep school funding level.