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Citizen Portal News Virginia
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Get ready for a dazzling holiday season in Norfolk, featuring the spectacular Grand Illumination Parade, enchanting WinterFest, and a lineup of festive family events designed to attract visitors from near and far!

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#NorfolkNorfolkCounty #VA #NorfolkCulture #CitizenPortal
Norfolk previews holiday season: parades, light shows, WinterFest and family events
City leaders and cultural organizations described Grand Illumination Parade plans, Nauticus WinterFest with a Riverwalk of lights, Botanical Garden and Zoo light shows, museum winter programming and a festival lineup aimed at drawing regional visitors throughout the holiday season.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 5:26 AM
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Over 71,000 Norfolk residents could face drastic changes to their Medicaid coverage due to new federal regulations, putting their health and financial stability at risk.

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#NorfolkNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #CommunitySupport #SocialServices #NorfolkHealth
Norfolk health director: Medicaid changes threaten coverage for tens of thousands; city forming work group
Dr. Susan Gerard told the Norfolk City Council that about 71,748 residents receive Medicaid benefits and that proposed federal changes (shorter renewals, an 80-hour work requirement, new copays, and expiring ACA premium subsidies) could put thousands at risk of losing coverage; the city will form a multi-agency work group to mitigate impacts.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 5:24 AM
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The council is tackling the complexities of affordable housing funding, demanding transparency and better processes for future allocations!

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#CharlottesvilleAlbemarleCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CharlottesvilleAffordableHousing #HousingFinance #CommunityDevelopment
Council discusses affordable housing financing, CAF process and CRHA projects
Staff updated financing for the Carlton mobile home park, clarified a $4 million balloon payment tied to a PHA loan, and described use of an RFI/notice process and the CAF (Affordable Housing Fund) structure for future allocations; councilors sought clearer public pro formas and oversight.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 7:45 AM
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Charlottesville is ramping up its transportation game with $11 million for FY27, focusing on sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and a commitment to eco-friendly transit solutions!

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#CharlottesvilleAlbemarleCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #BicycleInfrastructure #PublicAccessibility
Work session highlights sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure and transit fleet pilot plans
Staff detailed $11M in transportation projects for FY27 and higher five‑year totals, discussed prioritizing sidewalks and bike facilities alongside utility repaving, and recapped council’s commitment to pilot battery and hydrogen buses while staff pursues facility upgrades and federal grants.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 7:44 AM
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Charlottesville is weighing a $40 million pre-K center and a $150 million citywide ADA transition plan, but will it prioritize accessibility over other pressing needs?

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#CharlottesvilleAlbemarleCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #EquityInvestment #ADATransition #FacilitiesMaintenance
Charlottesville budget review centers on pre-K center siting, facility repairs and ADA plan
Council and staff debated whether to site a new centralized pre-K center at Walker or Oak Lawn, reviewed major facilities needs including a McGuffey roof placeholder and HVAC work, and discussed a citywide ADA transition estimated at $150 million with a proposal for $2 million per year to start.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 7:43 AM
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Nottoway County is inviting your input on a major courthouse construction agreement with English Construction—your voice matters in shaping this project!

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#NottowayCounty #VA #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #InfrastructureDevelopment
Board opens 30‑day public comment period on proposed courthouse PPEA comprehensive agreement
Supervisors voted to open a 30‑day public comment period and advertise a public hearing on a proposed comprehensive agreement with English Construction for courthouse facility construction.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 6:20 PM
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Crossroads Community Services is advocating for vital state funding to support over 350 individuals with disabilities, but they need Nottoway County's help to secure a crucial waiver.

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#NottowayCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #FundingTransparency
Crossroads outlines developmental-services metrics, asks Nottoway for letter to support DBHDS waiver
Crossroads Community Services presented staffing and capacity metrics, described transportation and regional service footprint, and asked the board to provide a county letter documenting inability to meet a 10% local match so Crossroads can pursue a DBHDS waiver for FY26.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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Nottoway County schools face a looming $500,000 budget shift that could impact student success, and the superintendent is calling for immediate action from local leaders.

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#NottowayCounty #VA #StudentAchievement #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #EducationFunding
Superintendent warns Nottoway faces higher local share for schools after composite‑index shift
Nottoway County superintendent told supervisors the local composite index will rise for the 2026–28 biennium, shifting roughly $500,000 of costs to the county and urging continued partnership to maintain recent student achievement gains.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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A heated debate in Nottoway County reveals the stark choices between relying on volunteer emergency services or shifting to a costly paid staffing model.

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#NottowayCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NottowayCountyEmergencyServices #EmergencyFunding
Long debate at Nottoway supervisors’ meeting centers on EMS funding, volunteer value and levy options
Supervisors and emergency‑services staff debated volunteer counts and funding options, with presenters outlining volunteer roster value, potential paid‑staff scenarios and a proposed ordinance consolidation; concerns were raised about levies forcing fire-department closures and the need to "fix EMS first."
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 6:06 PM
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The Bristol Council has taken a significant step towards transforming the historic Washington Lee School into modern multifamily housing, potentially bringing 28 to 32 new apartments to the community!

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#BristolWashingtonCounty #VA #BristolHousing #CitizenPortal
Council gives first reading to rezone Washington Lee School for conversion to multifamily housing
Council approved on first reading a rezoning request to change the former Washington Lee School property from R‑1/R‑1A to R‑3 to allow conversion of the building into about 28–32 rental apartments; staff noted potential historic-tax credits and planning commission recommendations for restrictive covenants and mitigation measures.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:54 PM
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Charlottesville residents are demanding urgent changes from the CRHA as small-dollar evictions and misleading information create chaos for families in need.

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#CharlottesvilleAlbemarleCounty #VA #HousingTransparency #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #CharlottesvilleHousing
Residents and Legal Aid press CRHA on small‑dollar evictions and accommodation delays
Multiple public commenters urged the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority to curb evictions for small arrears and improve communication after a resident said CRHA leadership gave then retracted a promise of available voucher‑friendly units; Legal Aid cited roughly 30 families on a recent docket and over 100 filings in the last year.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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Botetourt County is stepping up to challenge Aqua Virginia's staggering 33% water rate hike—will they succeed in protecting local residents?

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#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #UtilityRates #ConsumerProtection
Botetourt authorizes county counsel to intervene in Aqua Virginia rate case
County attorney told supervisors Aqua Virginia seeks an average statewide increase of 26.42% (local impact estimated near 33%); the board appointed the county attorney to represent Botetourt in the State Corporation Commission proceeding.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:19 PM
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Botetourt County has officially adopted the Envision 2045 comprehensive plan, reflecting nearly 2,000 pieces of community feedback and crucial changes for the future!

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#BotetourtCounty #VA #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityPlanning
Botetourt County adopts Envision 2045 comprehensive plan after public hearing
After a lengthy presentation and public comment, Botetourt County’s planning commission and Board of Supervisors approved the Envision 2045 comprehensive plan, which staff said was developed with nearly 2,000 pieces of public feedback and includes changes such as reduced medium-density areas and added groundwater-protection language.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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Residents passionately call for change in York County, urging the school board to rename a Confederate-named school while addressing fears fueled by national politics.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaSchools #CommunityVoice #EducationReform
Public commenters urge renaming Confederate‑named school and criticize national politics during York County School Board public comment
During public comments, speakers called on the district to rename a school named for a Confederate general and criticized national political leaders for contributing to bullying and fear in the community; board acknowledged comments but took no immediate policy action.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:58 PM
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The Goochland County Planning Commission just approved a conditional use permit for a short-term rental, but with strict new limits to address community concerns!

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#GoochlandCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ShortTermRental #CommunityConcerns
Planning commission recommends approval of Fleming Road short‑term rental with new limits
The Goochland County Planning Commission on Nov. 20 recommended (5–0) that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit for an unhosted short‑term rental at 4700 Fleming Road, adding a one‑year expiration extension to Jan. 2027, a 10 p.m. outdoor music curfew, a ban on guests operating unlicensed motor vehicles on the property, and a cap of 12 bookings per year.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:28 PM
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The Portsmouth Housing Authority reveals ambitious plans for affordable housing, but a $5 million gap threatens the future of the Twin Pines senior project—will the city step up?

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #SeniorLiving #CitizenPortal #PortsmouthHousing
Portsmouth housing authority asks city for PILOT, housing trust fund and priority land for redevelopment
PRHA executives told council they manage over 1,200 local units and outlined completed and planned projects, including a finished 105-unit senior building, delays at Twin Pines tied to a roughly $5 million underwriting gap, demolition plans for Swanson Homes, and proposals for a PILOT and a city housing trust fund.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:23 PM
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The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority has taken significant steps by approving three vendor contracts and adopting crucial housing voucher standards for the upcoming fiscal year.

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#CharlottesvilleAlbemarleCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #UrbanRedevelopment
CRHA approves vendor contracts and annual voucher and utility schedules
At its Nov. 24 meeting the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority approved three vendor contracts under Omnia Partners and adopted annual voucher payment standards and utility allowances for FY2025‑26; the board discussed but did not vote on a revised parking policy.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:16 PM
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Residents of Blacksburg are voicing their concerns over Virginia Tech's recent land swap, claiming the university has not been a good neighbor and fearing the town is being treated like a company town.

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#BlacksburgMontgomeryCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #BlacksburgTown
Blacksburg officials express displeasure after resident criticizes Virginia Tech land swap
A resident told the council he regretted Virginia Tech's land swap; the town said it sent a letter to University President Tim Sands, signed by Mayor Hager Smith and the presiding officer, asking for senior leadership talks to preserve zoning commitments.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 3:32 PM
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Bristol high school graduates can look forward to a tuition-free education at Virginia Highlands Community College starting in fall 2026, thanks to the newly announced Bristol Promise!

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#BristolWashingtonCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityAccess #WorkforceDevelopment
Virginia Highlands Community College announces tuition-free Bristol Promise for eligible city grads
Dr. Adam Hutchinson told the council that, beginning fall 2026, Virginia Highlands Community College will offer a tuition-free Promise program to Bristol city high‑school graduates (first eligible class 2026); the scholarship covers degree and workforce programs and carries no income limit, funded by the Ann and Jean Worrall Foundation.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 3:29 PM
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Residents of Orchard Lake are fighting to protect their community from potential dangers as they demand urgent studies on a leaking dam threatening their safety.

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#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BotetourtCountyLake #CommunityEngagement
Residents press Botetourt supervisors to save Orchard Lake as county advances engineering procurement
Residents urged the board to preserve Orchard Lake and demanded a hazard/inundation study after neighbors raised safety concerns about a leak onto a high‑pressure gas main; the board endorsed an evaluation-team ranking for Orchard Lake engineering services and authorized negotiations with Timmons Group.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
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The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors just greenlit a $656,766 funding for high school ball field lights, along with key budget measures and new engineering contracts!

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#RockbridgeCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #EducationReform
Board approves school lights appropriation, bylaws, engineering contracts and volunteer workers' comp coverage
At its Nov. 24 meeting the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors approved a $656,766 appropriation for high‑school ball field lights, additional county appropriations including sheriff’s office grants, an open‑ended engineering services list, bylaws adoption, volunteer workers' compensation coverage for Glasgow VFD and two appointments.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 2:25 PM
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Norfolk is considering a groundbreaking zoning change that could allow houseboats in marinas, opening new opportunities for waterfront living and short-term rentals!

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#NorfolkNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #ZoningReform #WaterfrontAccess #NorfolkMarinas
Planning Commission previews zoning cleanup, proposes allowing houseboats under performance standards
Commission staff previewed a zoning text amendment that would allow houseboats in most Norfolk marinas subject to four performance standards, clarify building-footprint rules, and clean up multiple ordinance inconsistencies. Small marinas could seek conditional use permits if they fall below thresholds.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 9:23 AM
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Franklin County is taking bold steps to combat the opioid crisis by increasing funding for Grace House and reviving a crucial paramedicine program.

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#FranklinCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #OpioidAbatement #PublicHealth
Board approves amended opioid-abatement applications for Grace House and community paramedicine
Supervisors authorized staff to submit a revised opioid-abatement application increasing the Grace House request to $250,000 and to apply for funding to revive a community paramedicine position and training, pending OAA award decisions.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 3:12 AM
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Prince William County School leadership is shaking things up with four new school-calendar options backed by over 12,000 survey responses—what's your pick?

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaSchools #CommunityInput #TeacherContracts #EducationReform
School calendar options presented after 12,000+ survey responses; staff outlines teacher-contract comparisons
Administrators presented four calendar options and survey results from more than 12,000 respondents; staff also provided an informational review of teacher contract lengths and regional comparisons, noting PWCS teachers currently work a seven-hour day while most Virginia divisions use 7.5 hours.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 1:41 AM
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Franklin County's Board of Supervisors just approved a $20.7 million midyear budget boost, including funds for emergency generators and tackling comp-time backlogs in the sheriff's office!

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#FranklinCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FiscalTransparency #CommunityFunding
Board approves $20.7 million borrowing appropriation, sets carryover priorities and allocates $125,000 to reduce comp-time backlog
Supervisors held a public hearing and approved a $20,715,059 midyear appropriation (lease-revenue borrowing and FEMA grant), directed staff on carryover priorities from a $3M unaudited surplus, and approved a $125,000 one-time appropriation to begin paying accumulated comp time in the sheriff’s office.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 1:37 AM