Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chesterfield County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in general with medium priority
Record visitor spending and sports tourism growth
Chesterfield's visitor economy hit a record $675.5 million, up nearly 40% since 2016, ranking No. 9 in Virginia. Tourism revenue funds free field rentals for local leagues and is bringing the CIAA/MEAC championships and Special Olympics nationals to the county in 2027.
Marijuana Zoning
Chesterfield County is working on new zoning rules to decide where legal marijuana shops can open since they aren't allowed to ban them completely. Expect to see local regulations shaping up around your neighborhood as the state prepares for legal sales to begin.
Grants Application
Got a neighborhood project in mind? Chesterfield County is taking applications for FY28 Community Enhancement grants until December 15, so now's the time to pitch your ideas for funding.
Landfill Bankruptcy
The operators who walked away from the troubled Shoosmith Landfill just had their bonds raised to $50,000, and they can finally head to Texas once they settle up and clear their legal hurdles in Virginia.
Public Meetings
Chesterfield County is hosting community meetings to show residents what's being built and zoned in their neighborhoods. It's a quick way to find out about upcoming developments right down your street.
Landfill Regulation
State lawmakers are pushing for stricter landfill regulations in Chesterfield County after the former owners of the abandoned Shoosmith Landfill were arrested. The move comes as locals sound the alarm over environmental safety and a glaring lack of oversight.
Landfill Legal Action
The former owners of Chesterfield County's notorious Shoosmith Landfill were slapped with grand jury indictments and arrested, marking a major turning point in the local environmental saga.
Community Meeting
Got questions about what's next for Chesterfield Towne Center? Midlothian Supervisor Mark Miller is hosting a community meeting on October 15 at James River High School to chat about the future of the mall area.
Mental Health Crisis in Jail
A woman experiencing a mental health crisis was trapped in the Chesterfield Jail for three days waiting for an open hospital bed, exposing massive holes in our local safety net. It's a wake-up call that our jail is being forced to act as a psych ward, which fails both patients and the public.
Administrative Appointment
Chesterfield just swore in its first Black and openly gay county administrator, marking a huge milestone for local leadership. This appointment shakes up the status quo and brings some fresh representation to the top spot in town.
Administrative Leadership
Longtime Chesterfield County Administrator Joe Casey is wrapping up his tenure, reflecting on a career built around community focus and public service. As leadership shifts, residents are looking at what his departure means for the county's future direction.
Landfill Closure
Good news for Chesterfield: the state just stepped in with emergency cash to finally shut down that leaking, bankrupt landfill in our backyard. This means we can finally stop dealing with the environmental mess and get the site properly closed down.
Cybersecurity Investment
Chesterfield County is upgrading its digital security to stay ahead of fast-moving tech like AI and quantum computing. It's a smart, proactive move to keep county data and infrastructure safe from modern hackers.
Department Head Retirement
Garrett Hart is stepping down as the head of Chesterfield Economic Development, leaving a major vacancy in the team that drives local business growth and job creation. The county now faces the challenge of finding a new leader to keep its economic momentum going.
Station Construction
Chesterfield County is officially building a brand new station, which means your daily commute and local infrastructure are about to get some fresh updates. It's a big step for the area's growth, so keep an eye out for changes around town.
Board Roundup
Need to know what Chesterfield's supervisors just voted on? This quick roundup covers the latest local decisions and policy changes made by the county board.
Second Amendment sanctuary
Chesterfield County is debating whether to become a Second Amendment sanctuary, a move that could shake up local gun policies and lead to some heated county meetings. It's a symbolic local pushback against state-level gun control proposals.