The original item was published from September 24, 2021 10:20 AM to September 24, 2021 11:48 AM
If you are reading this blog for the first time and wish to receive an email notification when a new blog is posted, please contact us.
Construction Begins on New Transit Facility
This week, the City of Roanoke and Valley Metro announced that MB Contractors was given notice to proceed on Sept. 21, 2021, to start construction on the new Transit Facility, which will be located at the 300 block of Salem Avenue. MB Contractors has begun initial preparatory activities for construction. This project is estimated to take 24 months of construction.
City Selects Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator
The City of Roanoke has announced the selection of Christopher Roberts as Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator, a two-year grant position funded by the $500,000 Virginia Gun Violence Intervention Program Grant awarded to the City in July. Roberts will coordinate activities and programs between the City departments, community groups, stakeholders, and agencies in the awareness, suppression, intervention and prevention of youth and gang-related activity. Read more here.
Roanoke Hosts Events to Share Star City Reads Success Story With Other Communities
On Sept. 22 and 23, Roanoke Public Libraries hosted representatives from the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR). These CGLR staffers brought community members, funders, and nonprofit employees from Winchester, VA, and Dorchester County, MD--two communities that are considering whether to join the CGLR network. The visit celebrated Roanoke's creative collaborations, which have led to measurable improvements in third grade reading rates in the City of Roanoke, particularly for low-income children. Activities planned for this visit can be found here.
Star City Reads Program Wins VML Innovation Award
The Virginia Municipal League (VML) recently announced the winners of its 2021 Innovation Awards, which spotlight excellence in local government. The statewide competition annually recognizes innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, citizen participation, and improved services to citizens. The City of Roanoke’s Star City Reads program was selected as the award winner in the “Working With Youth” category. Details can be found here.