Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chesterfield County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with critical priority
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.
Firefighter Work Schedule and Staffing Pressures
Hampton Roads departments are racing to a 42-hour week, and a mandatory bill may come in 2027. Chief Senter estimates Chesterfield would need 180 new positions at $25.4 million and 3-5 years — and says service improvements can't be sacrificed to fund it.
State Unfunded Mandates and Local Fiscal Impact
The state logs 840 mandates on localities; staff walked through the costliest — schools, CSA, elections, veterans tax relief ($29.2M now vs. $4.8M in 2001). The draft 2027 legislative program pushes the state to fund what it requires.
Data Centers Economic Impact and Tax Policy
County staff presented detailed findings on data center developments and proposed dedicating new tax revenues to lower the personal property tax rate on vehicles.
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.
School Sales Tax Referendum
The board voted to ask the court for a November ballot referendum on a 1 percent local sales tax to fund school construction and major maintenance. This tax could raise up to $70 million annually and help accelerate six major school projects while providing property tax relief.
School Sales Tax Referendum
The board voted to ask the court for a November ballot referendum on a 1 percent local sales tax to fund school construction and major maintenance. This tax could raise up to $70 million annually and help accelerate six major school projects while providing property tax relief.
Sawmill Station Mixed-Use Development and CDA Proposal
The board enacted an ordinance establishing the Sawmill Station Community Development Authority as the final step in a three-month process to facilitate public infrastructure financing.
School Sales Tax Referendum
The board voted to ask the court for a November ballot referendum on a 1 percent local sales tax to fund school construction and major maintenance. This tax could raise up to $70 million annually and help accelerate six major school projects while providing property tax relief.
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.
Old Gun Road Telecommunications Tower Upgrade
Verizon Wireless is replacing a smaller cell tower on Old Gun Road with a taller 199-foot monopole to fix dropped calls and poor reception in nearby neighborhoods and schools.
FY2027 Proposed County and School Budgets
The board finalized and approved the county's upcoming budget, maintaining real estate tax rates while updating personal property relief and funding key community programs.
Proposed FY2027 Utilities Operating Budget and Capital Program
The county reviewed the utilities budget and a 10-year capital plan to maintain water and wastewater infrastructure while keeping rate increases modest.
Regional Housing Affordability and Supply
A presentation by the Partnership for Housing Affordability revealed that median home prices in Chesterfield have surged 46 percent in five years to $420,000, requiring a $125,000 income to buy and pricing out many essential workers.
2026 Real Estate Tax Rate Advertisement
The board voted to advertise the 2026 real estate tax rate at 89 cents, giving themselves room to lower it later during budget talks but ensuring they cannot raise it above that cap.