Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

'I'm Still the Same David Bowers': Former Roanoke Mayor Tries New Approach in Comeback Bid

Even in Bowers's lengthy political career, though, this year marks a first: 2024 is the first time Bowers has run as a Republican.

Interview

Terry McGuire, Roanoke City Council Candidate, Answers Our 9 Burning Questions for 2024

We sit down with Terry McGuire, one of the Democratic nominees for Roanoke City Council.

Interview

Phazhon Nash, Roanoke City Council Candidate, Answers Our 9 Burning Questions for 2024

We sit down with Phazhon Nash, one of the Democratic nominees for Roanoke City Council.

Interview

Benjamin Woods, Roanoke City Council Candidate, Answers Our 9 Burning Questions for 2024

We sit down with Benjamin Woods, one of the Democratic nominees for Roanoke City Council.

Politics

Roanoke Mayor's Race Heats Up As Candidates Trade Barbs on Single-Family Zoning, Racism

Three candidate forums in the last week were marked by feisty exchanges over policy and groan-inducing remarks on racism.

Housing

Roanoke Housing Authority Pauses New Section 8 Vouchers Amid High Rent Prices

It may take months until 100 families can secure housing through the voucher program, more commonly known as Section 8.

Politics

Roanoke Council Democrats Show Support for Independent Candidate Over Party Nominee

Some prominent Roanoke Democrats are showing support for independent Evelyn Powers over Democrat Benjamin Woods.

Housing

Roanoke Once Again Ends Single-Family-Only Zoning After Lawsuit Prompted a Do-Over

City Council made the “redo” after a lawsuit from homeowners challenged how the city gave public notice about the proposal.

City Hall

Roanoke Council Backpedals on Abolishing Its Youth Athletics Review Board

Members of the Youth Athletics Review Board were caught off guard last month after the city attorney floated a proposal to do away with the recently formed group.

City Hall

Changes at Roanoke City Hall Show Interim Manager Isn't Just Keeping Seat Warm

A recent reassignment of duties at the top shows Roanoke’s interim city manager, Lydia Patton, is not content to carry on the status quo.

Education

'A Brilliant Idea': Vision To Turn Jefferson Center into Magnet High School Met with Praise from Roanoke Council Members

Support from the purse-string-controlling Council would be key if the district is to alleviate overcrowding at high schools.

Education

Roanoke Superintendent Floats Third High School, Possibly in Renovated Jefferson Center

Roanoke’s two public high schools have at least 20 percent more students than they can handle currently, according to a recent report.

Neighborhoods

Parking for Higher Ed Center Hits Gainsboro Nerve Amid Plan To Revive Neighborhood

The center's proposal to take over a city-owned parking lot has prompted pushback from some Gainsboro residents amid a plan to revitalize the neighborhood.

Housing

In Reversal, Roanoke Planning Board Advises Council Not To Approve Revised Zoning Policy

City Council is still expected to decide on Sept. 16 whether to reapprove the zoning package.

City Hall

Roanoke Proposes Disbanding Youth Athletics Board Created Three Years Ago

It wasn’t immediately clear why City Council was considering disbanding the athletics board, or how that would fix a problem it’s seeking to solve.

Housing

Roanoke's Revised Zoning Reforms Still Face Pushback — from Plaintiffs and City Council Candidates

City Council is expected in September to again consider recently approved reforms that end exclusively single-family zoning.

Politics

Disparate Roanoke City Council Candidates Find Unity in Bashing Evans Spring Plan

None of the candidates has been elected to City Council before, and many found common ground in attacking the status quo.

Education

As Roanoke School District Aims To Limit Cell Phones, Governor Orders Statewide Policies

A Roanoke school district group recommends different policies around cell phone use for K-8 students and high school students.