2019 Citizen of the Year

The Council of the City of Roanoke invites nominations for the 2019 Citizen of the Year.  Information describing the criteria and nomination form are available at www.roanokeva.gov/citizenoftheyear and in the City Clerk’s Office, Room 456, Noel C...

Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence Meeting Dates

On June 3, 2019, City Council adopted Resolution No. 41454-060319, appointing a task force to review current community practices regarding reduction of gun violence and make recommendations to City Council to further reduce incidents of gun violence withi...

Valley Metro Accepting Applications for Transit Passenger Advisory Committee

Valley Metro is currently accepting applications for the newly formed Transit Passenger Advisory Committee (TPAC). This committee will provide its members the opportunity to help direct the future of Valley Metro's transportation services. Do you ride the...

Citizens for Clean & Green to Hold 9th Annual Green Academy

Citizens for Clean and Green has opened registration for the 9th Annual Green Academy Fall Session 2019. This popular series begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and runs through Wednesday, Oct. 9. Each week, the evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a light meal, f...

Williamson Road Branch Library to Temporarily Close for Water Service Repairs

Williamson Road Branch Library will be temporarily closed on Thursday, Aug. 15, due to water service repairs in the Williamson Road area. The branch library will reopen on Friday, Aug. 16.

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Read on...

City to Hold Stream-Monitoring Demonstration at Brown Robertson Park

August is Water Quality Month. To celebrate, the City's Stormwater Utility will be hosting a stream-monitoring session on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Brown Robertson Park. This event is free and open to the public; no registration is required. Stream sampling w...

Census 2020 Address Canvassing Begins

Census Bureau representatives working for Census 2020 have begun Address Canvassing nationwide, including in the City of Roanoke. In an effort to keep our citizens informed, the City is sharing the following information provided by the Census Bureau about...

National Book Award Winners to Speak at Melrose Branch Library

National Book Award winners Ibram X. Kendi and Justin Phillip Reed will be coming to Roanoke on Thursday, Aug. 29, to speak at an event titled “Indecent Histories” at the new Melrose Branch Library. This event is part of “NBF...

New School Zone Speed Limit to Take Effect in August

In response to the recent ordinance approved by Roanoke City Council, effective Aug. 15 the speed limit will decrease from 25 mph to 15 mph in certain neighborhood school zones in the City. New signage indicating this change in the speed limit is being in...

Prepareathon to Offer Information for Disaster Readiness

Disasters don't plan, but you can! Citizens are invited to attend the City of Roanoke’s Prepareathon on Saturday, Aug. 31, and take an active role in protecting yourself, your family, and your community from disasters. The event will take place from 10 a....

City Cancels August Meeting for Melrose-Orange Target Area Stakeholders

The Aug.12 meeting of the stakeholders of Melrose-Orange Target Area (MOTA) has been cancelled. However, a full agenda is scheduled for the Sept. 9 meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m. at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys on Melrose Avenue. Discussion wil...

Department of Energy Recognizes City of Roanoke for Exceeding Better Buildings Challenge Goal

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently recognized the City of Roanoke for surpassing a 20 percent energy reduction goal as a partner in the Better Buildings Challenge. Through their efforts, the City has achieved an energy savings of 23 percent due ...

Roanoke Receives New Pacesetter Honors from Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

The National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR) has recognized the City of Roanoke with Pacesetter Honors for the work done in 2018 through the Star City Reads initiative. Roanoke was recognized as a Pacesetter in all three of 2018’s catego...

City Adds New Regional Works to Public Art Collection

The City of Roanoke, through the Roanoke Arts Commission, recently purchased two regional works of art selected from the 2019 Roanoke College Biennial Art Exhibition: Lotus by Sarah EK Muse and We Used What We Had by Haden King. Muse’s ...

City of Roanoke E-911 to Conduct Survey

The City of Roanoke’s E-911 Center, in an effort to determine the effectiveness of services provided to its citizens, will conduct a survey from July 1 to July 14. The survey will be accessible on the E-911 Center’s webpage (https://ro...

Task Force to Host ‘Roanoke Remembers’ Event in July

At 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, the City’s Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence will host an event, “Roanoke Remembers: Healing the Wounds of Gun Violence in our Community,” at William Fleming High School in Dickinson Auditorium. Doors will open at 4 p.m. as a...

Roanoke Parks and Recreation to Host ‘Fireworks on the Fourth’

Roanoke, VA- On Thursday, July 4, Roanoke Parks and Recreation will host the annual “Fireworks on the Fourth” celebration at River’s Edge South. Sponsored by WFXR, this free event begins at 7 p.m., and the fireworks ...

Roanoke Named All-America City Hall of Fame Winner

The National Civic League has selected the City of Roanoke as the first ever All-America City Hall of Fame Winner. Roanoke has a long history with the All-America City Award, receiving this recognition for a record seven times. The Hall of Fame Award reco...

Roanoke Parks and Recreation Participate in USDA Summer Food Program

Roanoke Parks and Recreation is participating in the USDA Summer Food Service Program.  Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, an...

Update on Escalators in Market Pedestrian Walkway Bridge

The escalators in the Market Pedestrian Walkway Bridge continue to be temporarily out of service. Repairs are underway, but are not expected to be completed until Monday. During this time, citizens may use the elevator in the Tower Parking Garage to enter...

Market Pedestrian Walkway Bridge Escalator Temporarily Out of Service

The escalator that provides access from the second floor to third floor in the Market Pedestrian Walkway Bridge is temporarily out of service. Repairs are underway, and are anticipated to be complete by Friday afternoon. During this time, citizens may use...

How to Support Virginia Beach Families Affected by Recent Shooting

The City of Roanoke extends its heartfelt sympathy to the Virginia Beach community at large, and to the families and co-workers affected by the May 31 shooting at their Municipal Center. Information about how to help those affected by the shooting is avai...

Cooling Assistance Program to Begin in June

The city’s Department of Social Services announces that the Cooling Assistance Program will begin in June. Cooling assistance provides purchase or repair of cooling equipment and/or payment for electricity to operate cooling equipment.  Applicati...

Art in Roanoke in Elmwood Park - Vote for the People’s Choice Award

Addressing the theme “Roanoke Rising,” eight new Art in Roanoke (AIR) sculptures will be on display in Elmwood Park for two years. During Festival in the Park on May 24-26, the public will have a chance to vote on their favorite piece and the winning arti...

‘Trojan Dog’ to Return from His Vet Visit

On Friday, May 24, the “Trojan Dog,” Roanoke’s four-legged friend, will take up temporary residence at the Raleigh Court Branch Library until the completion of the new Fire Station 7, after which he will once again stand guar...

Solid Waste Collection Schedule Changes for Memorial Day Week

City offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday.  As a result, collection of trash, bulk, brush, and “A” week single-stream recycling will be collected according to the following schedule:

Residentia...

Friendly Reminder to All Event Organizers and Residents

Special Events Policy Details

Public Assembly Permits are required for Special Events that utilize public spaces, such as streets, greenways, public parks, and plazas. Events contained to private property do not require a Public Assembly Permit. T...

Roanoke Receives Gateways for Growth Challenge Grant

The City of Roanoke has received the Gateways for Growth Challenge grant, which will provide technical assistance in creating an immigrant integration plan to help make our community more welcoming and equitable for all people. City staff will share this ...

City to Place Eight New Sculptures in Elmwood Park

The City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) announce the third temporary art exhibit (Art in Roanoke) for the Artwalk in Elmwood Park.  In May, eight new sculptures will be installed. Addressing the theme “Roanoke Rising,” the works...

Roanoke Public Libraries Seeks 1940s Photographs for Roanoke History Book

Roanoke Historian Nelson Harris is partnering with the Roanoke Public Library Foundation to write a sequel to Raymond Barnes’ book, "A History of the City of Roanoke." The new book will cover the history of the Roanoke area in the 1940...

Public Invited to Final Community Meetings for ‘Reimagine Oak Grove’

The public is invited to view the first draft of the Oak Grove Center Plan’s vision, strategy and recommendations at two open house meetings this week. The meetings will be held at Oak Grove Elementary School, 5005 Grandin Road Extension on Thursday, May ...

City to Hold Renaming Ceremony for Roanoke City Courthouse

At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, the City of Roanoke will hold a special ceremony to rename the Roanoke City Courthouse in honor of Roanoke native and civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill. The ceremony will take place on the steps in front of the courthouse...

Citizens Invited to Attend Roanoke Paw Watch Community Outing

The Roanoke Police Department invites citizens to join them at the Roanoke Paw Watch community outing at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, at the dog park located in Highland Park, 641 Walnut Ave. SW.  Roanoke Paw Watch is designed to encourage neig...

Roanoke Parks and Recreation to Host Ribbon Cutting for Mountain Biking Trail in Morningside Park

Roanoke, VA- On Thursday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m., Roanoke Parks and Recreation, along with Star City Cycling and Roanoke Outside, will host a ribbon cutting for the new beginner mountain biking trail at Morningside Park.

While there are still some finishin...

City of Roanoke E911 Center Launches Automated Secure Alarm Protocol

The City of Roanoke E911 Center announces the recent successful installation and deployment of its Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) system.  ASAP is part of the new Motorola Solutions PremierOne Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The cit...

Roanoke Parks and Recreation to Host Ribbon Cutting for Big Ol’ Bikes Statues

Roanoke, VA- On Monday, April 22, Roanoke Parks and Recreation will host a ribbon cutting for the new bike statues, Big Ol’ Bikes, on top of Mill Mountain. The ceremony will be held at the Mill Mountain spur where the road turns to head up to Mi...

Homelessness in Roanoke Region Increases Minimally in 2019

The Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness conducted this year’s Point-in-Time (PIT) count for the Roanoke region (Alleghany County, Botetourt County, Craig County, Roanoke County, the City of Covington, the City of Roanoke and the City ...

Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Available for Public Comment

The draft Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Hazard Mitigation Plan is available for public comment. The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) will hold public meetings where information about the region’s natural hazards, including mapping...

City to Observe National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The City of Roanoke will celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 14-20, to honor the men and women who serve as public safety communications officers.  The city will recognize its dispatchers with various forms of appreciati...

Notice of Community Meeting

Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., will host a Community Meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., at Garden of Prayer #7, 1301 Cove Rd. NW, to update citizens with regard to the Cove Road repaving and 10th Street project updates. 

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City to Hold Meetings to Invite Citizen Input for Comprehensive Plan

The City of Roanoke will hold a series of Open House Community Meetings in March and April to invite citizen input on the city’s Comprehensive Plan 2020-2040, which is being developed over the next several months. The meetings are scheduled as f...

New Franklin Road Bridge to Open in March

On Friday, March 22, at 11:30 a.m., the City of Roanoke will hold a ribbon-cutting/dedication ceremony for the opening of the new Franklin Road Bridge. The event will take place at the southern end of the bridge.

Public art will also be part of the new bri...

City to Hold Dedication Ceremony for ‘Global Harmony’ Artwork

The City of Roanoke will dedicate a new sculpture at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, in Entranceway Park at the corner of Williamson Road and Wells Avenue. “Global Harmony” by Stephen Fairfield of St. David, Ariz., is the latest additi...

City to Host Public Works Jobs Fair

The City of Roanoke will host a Public Works Jobs Fair on Wednesday, March 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Public Works Service Center, located at 1802 Courtland Rd. (behind Berglund Auto Group). The event will be free and open to the public. Job seekers will...

AUSA to Host Regional Event Recognizing Vietnam Veterans Day

Residents of the Roanoke Valley are invited to attend an event to recognize National Vietnam Veterans Day at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 29, at the Vinton War Memorial, located at 814 East Washington St. in Vinton.  Hosted by the Association of the U...

City to Hold March Meeting for Melrose-Orange Target Area Stakeholders

The next scheduled meeting of the stakeholders of Melrose-Orange Target Area (MOTA) will be held on Monday, March 11, at 6 p.m. at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys on Melrose Avenue.  The primary focus of this meeting will be a discussion of ho...

Valley Metro to Resume Normal Bus Routes Today

Valley Metro has announced that buses will resume normal routes today, Feb. 20, starting with the 12:15 p.m. trip leaving Campbell Court Transfer Center.

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Roanoke River Greenway: Aerial Way to Norfolk Southern Materials Yard Ribbon Cutting

On Thursday, Feb. 28, at 2:30 p.m., Mayor Lea and City officials will join Roanoke Parks and Recreation to celebrate the official opening of a new section of the Roanoke River Greenway at 3304 Aerial Way Dr.

Completed in just 18 months, this new, half-mile...

Stormwater Division to Host Informational Meeting on Citizen Science Water Monitoring Program

The Roanoke Stormwater Division, Clean Valley Council, and the Upper Roanoke River Roundtable have partnered to create a Citizen Science Water Monitoring Program. An informational meeting to learn more about this program will be held at the Raleigh Court ...

Valley Metro Operating on Snow Routes

Citizens are advised that Valley Metro is operating on snow routes today, Feb. 20, due to weather conditions.

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City Temporarily Closes Wiley Drive Through Smith Park

Citizens are advised that Wiley Drive through Smith Park is temporarily closed and will remain closed due to the level of the Roanoke River from rainfall from the past weekend, and in expectation of added precipitation throughout the week ahead.

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City Alters Solid Waste Collection Schedule for Presidents’ Day Holiday Week

City offices will be closed on Monday, Feb.18, for the Presidents’ Day holiday.  As a result, the following schedule will be in effect for collection of trash, bulk, brush, and “A” week single-stream recycling during...

City Council to Change Names of Branch Library, Park

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Roanoke City Council will vote to adopt resolutions changing the name of the Jackson Park Branch Library, located at 1101 Morningside St. SE, to the Belmont Branch Library, and the name of Jackson Park, located at 923 Montrose Ave. S....

Google to Offer Free Digital Training at Roanoke’s Main Library

This month, Google announced that it is coming to Roanoke as part of its Grow with Google initiative to help create economic opportunity in communities across the United States. Google will kick-start this work locally by hosting a free, one-day event on ...

City to Hold Stakeholder Meeting for Melrose-Orange Target Area

The next scheduled meeting of the stakeholders of Melrose-Orange Target Area (MOTA) will be held on Monday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Goodwill Industries of the Valleys campus on Melrose Avenue. Residents, businesses, and property owners are encouraged to...

Stormwater Division Invites Vendors to Participate in ‘Preparathon’ Event

The Stormwater Division of the city’s Public Works Department will host Roanoke's first “Preparathon” event on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Center in the Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Division is looking for vendors to showcase ...

City Combines News Categories for MyRoanoke Email Notifications

Thank you for subscribing to the City of Roanoke’s email notification system, MyRoanoke. Our goal is to keep you updated and aware of what you need to know as a citizen.  Over the years we have done this by offering subscriptions to mul...

City Connects Garden City Neighbors to Greenway Network

Roanoke, VA – On Thursday, Jan. 31, Congressman Ben Cline, Mayor Sherman P. Lea, and City officials gathered to celebrate opening the second Garden City Greenway segment to the public. After several years of construction, this project connects t...

Clerk of Circuit Court Makes Changes to Improve Services

The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office has made the following changes to improve its services to citizens, as well as enhance the operation of Circuit Courtrooms.

Presently, citizens who are selected for jury service receive a questionnaire from the Clerk...

Blue Ridge Interagency Advisory Council on Homelessness to Conduct Annual Point-In-Time Count

On Jan. 23 and 24, the Blue Ridge Interagency Advisory Council on Homelessness (BRICH) will conduct the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) count. The Point-In-Time count is a statistically reliable, unduplicated count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless individ...

City Council Appoints Patricia White-Boyd to Fill Unexpired Term

Update: Roanoke City Council has appointed Patricia White-Boyd to fill the unexpired term of John A. Garland ending on June 30, 2020. 

Roanoke, VA -- Roanoke City Council will reconvene in open session at 2:00 p.m. today in City Council Chambers. ...

City Alters Solid Waste Collection Schedule for MLK Holiday

City offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 21, in recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. As a result, the following schedule will be in effect for collection of trash, bulk, brush and “A” week single-stream recycling during that week.

All ...

City Reminds Residents of Process for Snow Removal

The National Weather Service has forecasted snow for the Roanoke area this weekend. With this in mind, the city reminds residents of its process for snow removal.  If snow accumulates on streets, the city will aim to clear 95 percent of the snow ...

City of Roanoke Wins Gateways for Growth Award in National Competition

Roanoke, VA – The City of Roanoke has been selected by New American Economy (NAE) and Welcoming America to receive a Gateways for Growth award. Launched in 2015, the nationwide challenge is a competitive opportunity for local communities to deve...

Municipal Building Closed Until Friday, Dec. 14

Roanoke, VA - The City of Roanoke’s Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building has received a serious bomb threat. As a result, the building was evacuated before 4:00 p.m. and will reopen for regular business hours tomorrow morning on Friday, Dec. 14.&am...

City’s Recycling Campaign Earns Gold PRSA Summit Award

Roanoke, VA – In June, the City of Roanoke launched a multi-channel awareness campaign to inform and engage residents in a conversation about recent changes to the region’s recycling program. Reaching 76,000 people through social media and resulting in mo...

Roanoke Selected for NLC City Innovation Ecosystem Program for Innovation Corridor Expansion

The City of Roanoke has been selected by the National League of Cities (NLC) "City Innovation Ecosystem Program" as one of 47 cities to participate in local partnerships to expand America’s innovation economy. Over the past year, NLC, with suppo...

Roanoke Police Launch New Community-Based Paw Watch Program

Roanoke, VA - The Roanoke Police Department is rolling out a new neighborhood watch program called Paw Watch. Inspired by National Night Out's Dog Walker Watch program, Paw Watch is designed to increase a community member's situational awareness. The prog...

City Selected to Develop Financial Counseling as Free Public Service for Low-Income Residents

Roanoke, VA – The City of Roanoke, in partnership with the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), announced today their selection to replicate the proven Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) model under its na...

Arts Commission Promotes Public Art with New Contest

Roanoke, VA - The Roanoke Arts Commission has launched a new campaign, Find the Art, to promote Roanoke's extensive public art collection.

Each month, the City will promote a new piece in the collection by posting an image on the Arts Commission's Facebook...

Roanoke Kicks Off Welcoming Week with Soccer Party

On Friday, Sept. 14, the City of Roanoke and local partners are hosting the first of seven Welcoming Week events: a free soccer party. The party will take place between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at Star City Soccer's indoor facility located at 3624 Aerial Way Dr...

Roanoke Prepares for Inaugural Welcoming Week Celebrations

Upcoming Weekend Street Closures

ROANOKE, VA - There will be street closures beginning on Saturday, August 24th due to several events this weekend.

"Light up the Night 5k" (Saturday, 8/24/19) - 7:30pm to 10:30pm

• Williamson Road, between Elm Avenue and Jefferson Street
• Walnut Avenu...