Chesterfield County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chesterfield County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Tax Increase
A resident urged the board to reject the proposed 1% sales tax increase, arguing the county has unused borrowing capacity, underestimated school build-out costs, and a multi-billion-dollar road deficit that the tax would really be covering.
HR 1 Medicaid work requirements and eligibility reviews
Starting next July, federal HR 1 changes mean Medicaid expansion recipients face eligibility reviews twice a year instead of once, and roughly 11,000 of the 80,000 people served are projected to be at risk under new work requirements. Social Services is ramping up outreach, employment services, and partnerships to keep people covered.
Nunnally Village Large-Scale Residential and Commercial Development
A major mixed-use development on Hull Street Road will bring a 200-bed HCA hospital, commercial shopping, and up to 1,000 homes to western Chesterfield.
Whitby East Genito Road Residential Rezoning
The board approved a 380-unit multifamily and condominium development on a 35.8-acre site off River Haven Avenue, bringing new housing and road improvements to the Bermuda District.
Twin Rivers Master Plan & Density Modification
Residents in a 55+ Chester community strongly opposed shifting 150 apartment units closer to their neighborhood, citing severe traffic gridlock and loss of privacy.
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.
School Construction Referendum
Chesterfield voters are deciding on a sales tax referendum to fund six brand-new high schools and major upgrades for 68 other local learning facilities. It's a massive investment that will reshape local schools, but it also means a new tax to pay for it all.
Data Center Tax Revenue Allocation
How data center tax money gets spent each year is up for a code amendment — but the Board punted to November 18 to let the process breathe.
Greenbrier Subdivision Wastewater Infrastructure
A Chester resident says failing septic systems in the Greenbriar subdivision are pooling sewage and threatening the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Utilities has begun exploring an assessment district process.
School Construction
Chesterfield County is trying to figure out where to build a brand new Midlothian Middle School to replace the crumbling, century-old building, but neighborhood fights over nearby data centers are throwing a wrench into the plans.
Powhite Parkway Extension Project
The county is moving forward with the multi-phase Powhite Parkway Extension to improve north-south connectivity and traffic flow in the western part of the county, backed by millions in regional and federal funding.
Tax Reduction and Zoning Moratorium
Chesterfield County is hitting the brakes on new data centers while looking at a massive cut to your car tax that could slash your bill nearly in half. It's a double-whammy of local policy changes that affects both neighborhood development and your annual vehicle expenses.
The Reserve Residential Development & Neighborhood Buffering
A developer wants to build 32 single-family homes on 19.52 acres at 16200 Beach Road. Neighboring residents expressed concerns about a lack of privacy, tree clearing, and single-point access, though the developer added a 35-foot buffer and agreed to meet with homeowners.
Walton Station Residential Rezoning (24SN1115)
A developer wanted to build 157 age-restricted homes on Coalfield Road, but neighbors and planning staff worried the high-density project didn't fit with nearby neighborhoods. The Planning Commission voted to deny the request.
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.
Public Safety Technology
Chesterfield is launching a new drone program to give police and fire crews a quicker look at emergency scenes. These high-tech flyers will help first responders assess situations and plan their response before even arriving on the scene.
Elder Property Residential Development
A developer plans to build up to 222 homes on 61 acres at Route 10 and Point of Rocks Road, addressing Enon area housing needs while removing a contentious connection to Scully Road.
Spring Run Road Rezoning and Traffic Safety
Residents expressed concerns regarding increased traffic, road safety, and environmental impacts associated with a 199-home subdivision on Spring Run Road.
Data Center Development and Environmental Impact
Community members voiced strong opposition to proposed data centers, citing massive water consumption, wastewater concerns, and air pollution from emergency generators.
Transmission Line Setbacks and Self-Storage Code Amendments (26PJ0005)
Residents expressed safety concerns regarding high-voltage transmission lines and potential induced voltage near parks and sports complexes, urging better public disclosure and warnings.
Data Center Development and Environmental Impact
Community members voiced strong opposition to proposed data centers, citing massive water consumption, wastewater concerns, and air pollution from emergency generators.
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.
Southside Speedway Master Plan and Redevelopment
Competitive Racing Investments is seeking master plan approval to reopen and redevelop the historic Southside Speedway on Genito Road, prompting commissioner review of parking layouts and phasing.
Taylor Ridge Mixed-Use Development Rezoning
A massive 116-acre rezoning project on Hull Street Road was approved to bring up to 677 residential units and commercial space, adding new housing and amenities while raising local traffic and infrastructure questions.
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.
Marlbank Farms Residential Development and Density
A developer is seeking to rezone 213 acres on Hickory Road for a 302-unit residential community, lowering density from a previous 2006 approval while facing stiff local opposition regarding traffic, roads, and wildlife.
Establishment of Animal Cruelty Registry and Shelter Expansion
The county is moving forward with a local animal cruelty registry ordinance set for a May public hearing, alongside construction of a significantly larger animal shelter to improve rescue and vet services.
Rivermont Multifamily Development Approval
The board approved a 380-unit multifamily and condominium development on a 35.8-acre site off River Haven Avenue, bringing new housing and road improvements to the Bermuda District.
Department of Utilities Fee Adjustments
Utility connection fees and monthly service charges are increasing to fund necessary infrastructure rehabilitation and capital projects.
Automated License Plate Readers Concern
Residents voiced strong concerns regarding the county's contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate readers and data privacy implications.
Robious Road Townhome Development (25SN1254)
Main Street homes is proposing a 27-unit townhouse community on Robious Road, which drew concerns from neighbors regarding traffic congestion and density.
Eminent Domain for Infrastructure Projects
The board authorized eminent domain actions to secure right-of-way for pedestrian and road widening projects to keep construction on schedule.
Board of Supervisors Update
Catch up on the latest Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors roundup to see what local decisions and policy updates might affect your neighborhood.
Satellite Absentee Voting Location Expansion
The county established the North Courthouse Road Library as a temporary satellite absentee voting location for the upcoming April 21 special election to make voting more accessible.
Otterdale Road Land Acquisition Deferred
Following community discussion and board review, supervisors decided not to purchase the 99-acre Otterdale Road parcel right now, opting to explore alternative sites and county-owned land.
Digital Zoning Portal and Public Transparency
The planning department launched a new interactive code portal website, making it much easier for residents and developers to search county zoning codes and comprehensive plans online.
Bella at Westchester Phase 2 Multi-Family Expansion
The commission advanced plans for 161 new multi-family units in Midlothian, adding density and amenities to the existing Westchester Commons area.
2026 Board Leadership and Governance
The board organized for the new year by electing new leadership, setting rules of procedure, establishing regular meeting dates, and making key appointments to various local and regional boards.
Board of Supervisors Roundup
Catch up on the latest Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting to see how new local decisions might impact your daily life and neighborhood. It's a quick way to stay in the loop without reading through boring government documents.
Land Bank Creation
Chesterfield just greenlit a new land bank to snatch up vacant, tax-delinquent lots and turn them into affordable housing, parks, and community gardens. It's a major win for cleaning up blighted eyesores right in your backyard.