Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chesterfield County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues in general
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.
Comprehensive Plan Modernization (PlanMOD) Update
The county is overhauling its comprehensive plan, reducing overall residential density by nearly 10% to protect rural character while introducing interactive online tools like Story Maps for public engagement.
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.
Board Meeting Roundup
Missed the latest Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting? This quick recap catches you up on all the big local decisions without forcing you to sit through hours of video.
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.
Appointment of New County Administrator
The Board of Supervisors is actively evaluating and interviewing candidates to fill the key leadership position of County Administrator, which oversees county administration and staff operations.
Data Center Moratorium
Chesterfield County is hitting the pause button on new data centers, showing a big change in how the county handles massive tech projects. It's a major signal that local leaders want to rethink where and how these power-hungry facilities get built.
Shoosmith Landfill Environmental and Regulatory Oversight
DEQ officials updated the board on the cleanup, leachate management, and financial oversight at the privately owned Shoosmith Landfill. The state secured $10.6 million in the budget to manage leachate and cap the site while navigating bankruptcy proceedings.
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.
Data Center Expansion
Chesterfield locals are pushing back hard against a proposed data center expansion, demanding answers from county officials about how it'll affect their neighborhoods. People want transparency and real solutions before any bulldozers show up.
County Administration
Chesterfield just brought in a fresh face all the way from Michigan to run the county show after longtime boss Joe Casey retired. This is the ultimate local power player who calls the shots on your day-to-day city services, so keeping an eye on their moves is a big deal.
Government Appointments
Chesterfield County is getting closer to naming a new county administrator, with candidate talks heating up on the local agenda. This top boss runs the day-to-day operations of the local government, so whoever gets the job will have a huge say in how your tax dollars and community services are managed.