Government
West Ridge High School, $60M road project on pace for 2027
West Ridge High School and a $60 million north-south road connector in western Chesterfield County are both scheduled to open in August 2027.
Nearly 96-Year-Old Nurse Inducted into Volunteer Hall of Fame
Edith Lumpkin, a retired nurse approaching 96, was inducted into the Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame in June for her years of community service.
Google Proposes Filling Chesterfield Creek; Comments Due Tuesday
Google's proposed data center projects in Chesterfield County would impact streams and wetlands, prompting environmental concerns, though claims about creek filling remain unverified.
Free Summer Events Bring Family Fun to Chesterfield
Chesterfield County offers free family-friendly summer activities this week, including therapy dog reading sessions, outdoor parks programming, and water play.
State, County Align on Shoosmith Landfill Remediation Plan
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Chesterfield County are executing a coordinated long-term remediation plan for the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill, prioritizing leachate removal, temperature control, and facility closure over 30 years at an estimated cost of $173 million.
Shoosmith cleanup funding expires this fall; county seeks solutions
Chesterfield County officials are seeking solutions as state funding for the Shoosmith Landfill cleanup runs out this fall, with the bankrupt landfill generating tens of thousands of gallons of toxic leachate daily.
Public Hearing on Alverser Drive Roundabout Project Set for August
Chesterfield County Transportation will hold a public hearing Aug. 18 on plans for a roundabout at Alverser Drive and Old Buckingham Road, with written feedback accepted through Aug. 31.
Matoaca District Capital Improvement Projects Updated
Supervisor Kevin P. Carroll provided updates on capital improvement projects in Chesterfield County's Matoaca District, though specific project details from the video source could not be verified.
11-Year-Old Voices Opposition to Data Centers at County Meeting
An 11-year-old Chesterfield resident drew a standing ovation at a Board of Supervisors meeting on July 23 after opposing Google's three proposed data center campuses, citing concerns about scale and water consumption.
County Board Authorizes School Capital Sales Tax for November Ballot
Chesterfield Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on July 23 to place a 1% sales tax referendum on the November ballot to fund school capital projects, potentially raising $65-70 million annually over 20 years.
Chesterfield Taps Data Centers to Diversify Tax Base, Ease Homeowner Burden
Chesterfield County is pursuing data centers, particularly Google's $3 billion-plus investment, to shift the tax burden from homeowners to businesses and diversify its historically residential-heavy tax base.
Chesterfield Hosts Free Nonprofit Resource Fair Friday
Chesterfield County is hosting a free nonprofit resource fair Friday at Beulah Recreation Center, bringing together over 30 organizations offering services in senior care, recovery, and health equity.
Board Discusses Shoosmith Landfill State Budget Amendments
Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors heard from Virginia DEQ officials about cleanup operations at the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill during their July 22 meeting, as the facility continues producing tens of thousands of gallons of leachate daily.
Proposed 199-home development raises traffic, school concerns near Spring Run
East West Communities' proposal to build 199 homes on 102 acres near Spring Run Road has won planning commission approval and now heads to the Board of Supervisors, with residents expressing concerns about traffic and school capacity.
Parks and Recreation Expands Services Through Community Partnerships
A podcast episode featuring Chesterfield Parks and Recreation's assistant director discussing park updates and community partnerships could not be verified as publicly accessible.
Dual Left Turn Lanes Coming to Lewis Road at Route 10
Chesterfield County is constructing dual left turn lanes on Lewis Road at Route 10 westbound, with right-of-way acquisition beginning in fall 2026.
County Welcomes 16 Summer Interns to Departments
Chesterfield County is hosting 16 college interns across 14 county departments for its 2026 Summer Internship Program, which runs May 26 through July 30.
Chesterfield's Data Center Bid Ranks Second to Last in State Study
A claim that Chesterfield County's data center proposal ranked second to last in a Virginia state evaluation of 11 proposals could not be verified from official sources or news coverage.
Chesterfield County Launches Data Center Information Website
Chesterfield County has launched a dedicated website providing residents and businesses with information about data center projects underway in the county.
Toxic Wastewater Leaks From Bankrupt Chesterfield Landfill
A bankrupt Chesterfield landfill is generating 65,000 gallons of toxic leachate daily, with state officials estimating a $173 million cleanup effort as the investigation continues into contamination flowing toward Swift Creek and the James River.
Lifelong Sports Passion Shapes Chesterfield Events Leader
Matt Mullen, Chesterfield County's assistant director for sports and events, draws on his lifelong sports passion and six years of experience in sports tourism to shape the county's athletic programs and attract major events.
Chesterfield's 2022 Bond Projects Now Taking Shape
Four years after voters approved Chesterfield's $540 million bond referendum, schools, public safety facilities, libraries, and parks across the county are now under construction or completed, with over $320 million already spent.
Subdivision Rezoning, Sawmill Station Bonds Head to Chesterfield Votes
Chesterfield County is advancing a residential subdivision rezoning, bond financing for the 860-home Sawmill Station development, and a school sales-tax referendum toward votes this week.
Meet Myra, Chesterfield's Narcotics Detection K9
Myra is a narcotics detection K9 officer with the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office bringing specialized experience to the county's drug interdiction efforts.
Chesterfield Recognized as Top Digital County Nationwide
Chesterfield County ranked No. 2 among mid-sized U.S. counties in the 2026 Digital Counties Survey for its technology-driven government modernization.
Chesterfield plans 'Drone as First Responder' public safety program
Chesterfield County announced a Drone as First Responder program that will deploy unmanned aircraft to priority 911 calls to provide real-time video to responding units.
Chesterfield Pauses Data Center Expansion
Chesterfield County's Board of Supervisors signaled they will not approve new data center projects beyond Google's three approved campuses, citing infrastructure constraints and community concerns.
Chesterfield Offers Summer Events and School Bus Prep This Week
Chesterfield County offers three free community events through late July: My First School Bus preparation at libraries, Summer in the Park programs at county parks with music and activities, and a nonprofit resource fair.
Dominion Transmission Project to Reduce Chesterfield Backyards
Dominion Energy's new transmission line project approved to run through western Chesterfield will require property line adjustments affecting Hallsley and other residents, with construction slated to begin in February 2027.
Sidewalk construction begins next month on Midlothian Turnpike
Chesterfield County will begin construction in August 2026 on a $4.7 million sidewalk project along Midlothian Turnpike from Ruthers Road to Karl Linn Drive.
Google data centers arrive as board resists expansion
Google data center construction has begun in Chesterfield County as the board of supervisors signals it will reject future expansion beyond the company's three planned campuses.
Chesterfield County Urges Heat Safety as Temperatures Climb
Chesterfield County opened cooling centers and adjusted public events as an extreme heat warning brought record-breaking temperatures to the region in early July 2026.
Bankrupt Landfill Faces New Setback From Richmond Violation
Richmond issued a violation notice to the private wastewater company treating Chesterfield's bankrupt landfill's leachate, threatening the facility's operations and straining efforts to prevent toxic discharge into waterways.
Primary Election Coming Tuesday, August 4
Chesterfield County voters will head to the polls Tuesday, August 4 for primary elections featuring races for U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and a county Board of Supervisors seat, with voting open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and early voting available through August 1.
Google Proposes 11 Data Centers Across Chesterfield County
Google is proposing to build 11 hyperscale data centers across three campuses totaling more than 1,500 acres in Chesterfield County, with residents raising concerns about water usage, noise, and energy costs at ongoing community meetings.
Chesterfield Asked to Conserve Water Amid Dry Conditions
Chesterfield County residents and businesses are asked to voluntarily reduce water consumption as drought conditions lower the James River, which supplies water to six regional counties.
New Boat Launch Coming to Falling Creek
Chesterfield County Parks will build a new boat launch and parking facility at Falling Creek on the James River, replacing the current launch at Dutch Gap, with completion expected in summer 2028.
Matoaca and Hickory roads close week of July 20 for pipe replacements
Virginia Department of Transportation will close sections of Matoaca and Hickory roads during the week of July 20 for pipe replacement work.
Extreme Heat Wave Expected This Week in Chesterfield
Chesterfield County is warning residents to prepare for extreme heat conditions this week with recommendations to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and monitor vulnerable populations.
Bankruptcy Trustee Releases Shoosmith Landfill Environmental Assessment
Bankruptcy trustee Lynn Tavenner released an environmental assessment of Shoosmith Landfill highlighting significant infrastructure failures and contamination threats threatening water quality in the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
Richmond Halts Improper Wastewater Discharge from Chesterfield Landfill
Richmond has directed a waste treatment company to cease improper discharge of landfill leachate-derived wastewater into the city's treatment system, citing permit violations.
Chesterfield Fire and EMS launches prehospital blood transfusion program
Chesterfield County Fire and EMS launched a prehospital whole blood transfusion program in July 2023 that delivers advanced trauma care at emergency scenes before patients reach hospitals.
Officials Push for Transparency on Shoosmith Landfill Testing
Officials convene at Chesterfield's bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill to address a daily leak of 50,000 gallons of toxic leachate, with state senators calling for public release of testing data amid an estimated $173 million cleanup bill.
County data center project halted amid legal challenges
Chesterfield County's proposed data center project near I-95 is on hold after the county's Board of Zoning Appeals rejected the developer's vesting rights claim on June 3, 2026, forcing the dispute to circuit court.
County Plans Shoosmith Landfill Closure, Seeks Resident Input
Chesterfield County is working with state and federal officials on closure and remediation plans for the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill and has launched a web portal for resident questions ahead of a July 22 Board of Supervisors update.
AG's Office Investigates Shoosmith Landfill Owners
The Virginia Attorney General's office is investigating actions by the owners of the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill in Chesterfield County amid a toxic leachate crisis that could cost taxpayers over $170 million to remediate.
Jury Trial Set in County Widening Project Dispute
Chesterfield County faces a jury trial set for September 2027 in a dispute with contractor Branscome Operating LLC over $2.5 million in additional costs for the Iron Bridge Road widening project, one of three lawsuits totaling nearly $20 million against the county.
Democrats Hylton, Crosby vie for Chesterfield supervisor seat
Two Democrats are competing in an Aug. 4 special election to fill the rest of Jim Holland's term on the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors after his death last October.
Chesterfield Reaffirms Top Quad-AAA Bond Rating
Chesterfield County reaffirmed its Quad-AAA bond rating from all four major rating agencies, positioning it to borrow at the lowest interest rates for capital projects like schools and infrastructure.
Chesterfield exits Head Start program
Chesterfield County Public Schools is exiting the federal Head Start program after the 2024-25 school year, shifting preschool funding to Virginia's state-funded program.
Robert Teal Appointed to Chesterfield School Board, District 7
Robert Teal has been appointed to represent District 7 on a Chesterfield County school board.
Chesterfield cancels July Fourth celebration due to extreme weather
Chesterfield County cancelled its Fourth of July celebration at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on July 4, 2026, citing extreme heat and severe thunderstorm risk.
Virginia's HIV funding cuts reach Chesterfield — and where residents can still get help
Virginia cut roughly two-thirds of its Ryan White funding for HIV clinics and case management in 2025, then partially restored $13.2 million this June — but patients are still struggling to keep care and prescriptions on track. In Chesterfield County, where 943 residents were living with HIV as of 2023, that care runs mostly through Richmond-area clinics hit by the cuts. Here's what happened, and where local residents can get help.
Harper Brings Comfort to Chesterfield County Jail
Chesterfield County Jail integrates canine therapy into its nationally recognized HARP addiction recovery program to support inmate mental health and well-being.
North Chesterfield executive charged in alleged $49.6M Medicaid fraud scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged a North Chesterfield woman, Mikia Noble, 37, in an alleged scheme to bill Virginia Medicaid roughly $49.6 million for crisis mental-health services that recipients never received or did not need. The charge is an accusation; Noble has not been convicted.
County Urges Voluntary Water Conservation Starting Today
Chesterfield County and five surrounding jurisdictions are asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use starting July 1 as extreme drought lowers James River levels.
37 Data Centers Strain Schools' Power Budgets
Henrico County's 37 data centers are driving a 25% electricity rate increase, prompting county officials to ask school staff and employees to dim lights and conserve power starting July 1, 2026.
Vandalism Suspect Ordered for Mental Health Evaluation
A Midlothian resident accused of damaging four county buildings, including the courthouse, in a May vandalism spree has been ordered to undergo mental health evaluation.
USACE Provides Update on Google's $9B Data Center Project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has updated information on Google's Project Skye data center campus in Chesterfield County, Virginia, which will impact over 20 acres of wetlands and 8,000 feet of streams.
Smith Named Director of Chesterfield Juvenile Justice Services
Chesterfield County has appointed Michelle Smith, a veteran juvenile justice administrator with nearly three decades of experience, to lead its Juvenile Justice Services department.
Six Chesterfield High School Seniors Win Leadership Scholarships
Six Chesterfield County high school seniors received $2,500 Leadership for the 21st Century scholarships at a February 20 Black History Month breakfast recognition event.
Register to Vote or Request Absentee Ballot by Oct. 24
Chesterfield County voters must register or apply for an absentee ballot by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, to participate in the November General Election.
Jensen Named New Director of Chesterfield Public Library
Carolyn Jensen, who has spent 17 years with Chesterfield County and nine years as assistant director, has been named the new director of Chesterfield Public Library.
Fourth-Annual Earth Day Festival Set for April 11
Chesterfield County's fourth-annual Earth Day Festival returns April 11 at the county fairgrounds with free family activities, environmental education, and a new document shredding program.
Five-Term Dale District Supervisor Jim Holland Dies
Jim Holland, the longest-serving member of Chesterfield County's Board of Supervisors who represented the Dale District for five consecutive terms, died October 14 at age 73 following a battle with cancer.
Early Voting Under Way for April 21 Special Election
Chesterfield County residents can vote early in person or by mail for an April 21 special election on a Virginia constitutional amendment that would temporarily allow the state legislature to redraw congressional districts.
Developer files third proposal for Genito Crossing
D.R. Horton has filed a third proposal for the Genito Crossing residential project on a 14-acre former cinema site in Chesterfield, following a nine-month gap after withdrawing a scaled-down plan before the Board of Supervisors could vote.
Chesterfield Wins Six VACo Achievement Awards
Chesterfield County won six Virginia Association of Counties Achievement Awards in 2025, with its Court Navigator juvenile justice program earning the Best Large County designation.
Chesterfield Dedicates Historical Marker for Dupuy Elementary
Chesterfield County unveiled a historical marker on June 29 honoring Dupuy Elementary School, a 1962 school built for Black students that later became a hub for desegregation efforts, with its former site now home to affordable housing.
Chesterfield County Earns GFOA Triple Crown for Fiscal Management
Chesterfield County has earned its fifth consecutive GFOA Triple Crown award for excellence in financial reporting, budgeting, and fiscal transparency.
Chester Library Closes for Maintenance, Returns Spring 2027
Chester Library closes July 1 for an eight-month facility maintenance project including a new roof, HVAC system, and interior upgrades, with spring 2027 reopening expected.
Board Chair Forms Plant Medicine Ad Hoc Committee
Chesterfield County Board Chair Mark Miller has formed an 18-member ad hoc committee to study plant medicine therapies, particularly psilocybin, as a potential treatment for veterans with PTSD and others struggling with depression and anxiety.
Access on Demand Fares Rising to $10 in 2026
Chesterfield County is raising Access on Demand fares from $6 to $10 for in-county trips and to $15 for out-of-county trips, effective January 1, 2026, citing rising operational costs.
Supreme Court Restricts Geofence Warrants in Chesterfield Case
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police use of geofence warrants to access cellphone location data is a Fourth Amendment search, limiting a powerful law enforcement tool that has grown to tens of thousands of cases annually.
State official calls meeting on bankrupt Chesterfield landfill
Virginia's Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources is convening stakeholders at the Patrick Henry Building Wednesday to address the crisis at Shoosmith Landfill, a bankrupt Chesterfield County facility discharging 65,000 gallons of toxic leachate daily.
County Administrator Casey Reflects on Chesterfield's Shifting Demographics
Retiring County Administrator Joe Casey describes a dramatic demographic shift in Chesterfield County, where households with school-aged children have fallen from roughly 70 percent to 27 percent in a generation, driven by aging population and attraction of young professionals without families.
Chesterfield Names New Administrator, Opens River City Sportsplex Park
Chesterfield County supervisors named Dr. Kevin Catlin, the county's first Black county administrator, and officially opened a $17 million park at River City Sportsplex featuring a splash pad, accessible playground, and multi-generational amenities.
Chesterfield reviews Marlbank Farms neighborhood development
Chesterfield County is reviewing a proposal to develop 309 homes on farmland near Matoaca Middle School, with community meetings addressing resident concerns about density and rural character.
New Chesterfield Administrator Catlin Discusses Data Centers, Housing
New county administrator Kevin Catlin takes the helm of Chesterfield amid competing demands around Google's multi-billion-dollar data center expansion, rising housing costs, and fluctuating tax revenue.
Free Shredding and E-Cycling Drop-Off at Thomas Dale
Chesterfield County is hosting a free document shredding, e-cycling, and household hazardous waste drop-off event Saturday at Thomas Dale High School from 9 AM to noon.
County Bonds Earn Top AAA Credit Rating
Chesterfield County earned AAA credit ratings from all four major bond rating agencies in 2025 and 2026, becoming the first Virginia locality to achieve a Quad-AAA rating and among only three in the nation, reflecting decades of strong fiscal management and conservative budgeting.
Chesterfield Schools Add Stop-Arm Cameras to School Buses
Chesterfield County Public Schools equipped its fleet of nearly 700 buses with artificial intelligence-powered stop-arm cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses, with enforcement beginning in October 2025.
State emergency funds aid Chesterfield landfill closure
Virginia legislature allocated $10.6 million in emergency state funds to help contain a toxic leachate crisis at the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill in Chesterfield County, though the full closure is estimated to cost $173 million.
County Board Addresses 2026 State Legislative Changes
Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors received a briefing on state legislation passed during the 2026 General Assembly session, categorizing bills as mandatory, discretionary, or informational for county implementation.
Chesterfield Water System Declared Lead-Free
Chesterfield County Utilities completed a comprehensive water service line inventory and declared the entire system lead-free following EPA-required testing completed in September 2024.
Chesterfield Residents Seek Clarity on Data Center Expansion Plans
Chesterfield County residents packed a June 24 board meeting to demand transparency and answers about three massive Google data center projects worth $9 billion, citing concerns over energy demand, water usage, and utility costs.
Chesterfield Names New County Administrator, Catlin Starts in August
Chesterfield County appointed Dr. Kevin Catlin, currently Kalamazoo County's administrator, to lead the county starting Aug. 24, replacing retiring Dr. Joe Casey.
Parks and Recreation Presents Annual Update to Board
Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Director Neil Luther and Assistant Director Marlie Smith presented an annual update to the Board of Supervisors highlighting 700+ seasonal programs, 12 athletic facilities across 67 parks, and multiple capital projects nearing completion in 2026.
County Appoints Donohoe as New Planning Director
Chesterfield County has appointed Stephen Donohoe, the assistant planning director since 2021, to lead the Planning Department beginning in July 2026, replacing retiring director Andrew Gillies.
Summer Events Fill Chesterfield's Schedule This Week
Chesterfield County residents can enjoy a variety of summer activities this week, including live music, library events, historic tours, and waste disposal services.
Lawmakers Debate Cost of Shoosmith Landfill Cleanup
Virginia lawmakers debate how to fund the cleanup of a bankrupt Chesterfield County landfill that generates 65,000 gallons of toxic leachate daily, with estimated cleanup costs reaching $173 million while the state allocates only $10.6 million.
Chesterfield Planning Commission member steps down to return to school
Tommy Owens, chairman of the Chesterfield Planning Commission for six and a half years, has resigned to pursue a remote PhD in business administration starting in August 2026.
Chesterfield Introduces Incoming County Administrator Dr. Kevin A. Catlin
Chesterfield County has appointed Dr. Kevin A. Catlin, 35, the current Kalamazoo County administrator, as its new County Administrator, effective August 24, making him the first Black person in the role.
Chesterfield private landfill files for bankruptcy
Shoosmith Landfill in Chesterfield County has filed for bankruptcy, leaving an estimated $173 million environmental cleanup burden and raising questions about financial responsibility and water safety.
VDOT Stops Trimming Roadside Overgrowth at Chesterfield Home
A disabled veteran and his wife in Chesterfield County say VDOT has stopped trimming roadside overgrowth near their property, creating maintenance challenges they say they cannot afford to address themselves.
How Many Chesterfield Residents Live in Subsidized Housing?
Chesterfield County residents access subsidized housing through federal voucher programs and income-restricted apartments, though exact enrollment figures remain limited public information.
Chesterfield's new animal cruelty registry goes live
Chesterfield County has activated a felony animal cruelty registry to prevent convicted abusers from adopting animals from county shelters and rescue organizations.
Suspected radiation exposure temporarily closes Chesterfield ER
A Chesterfield County emergency room was briefly closed Wednesday night after a patient arrived saying they may have been exposed to a radiological agent, prompting a HAZMAT response. Testing found no radiation and no threat to the public, and the ER resumed normal operations.
Supervisor Hylton Discusses 2026 County Priorities, Dale District Projects
Interim Dale District Supervisor Dr. LeQuan Hylton discusses the county's 2026 priorities, emphasizing education investment, infrastructure development, and public safety in the context of major school construction projects underway in his district.
State Senator Lucas Pushes Data Center Regulations in Chesterfield
State Senator L. Louise Lucas is pushing to eliminate or heavily tax Virginia's data center tax exemption, citing $1.6 billion annual cost and unfair burden on taxpayers amid rapid facility expansion in Chesterfield County.
Judge Denies Bond for Man Accused in Teen's Death
A Chesterfield County judge denied bond for Nekyi Cherry, 20, charged with murder in the January 1, 2025 shooting death of Richmond teen Andrew Giles.
Iron Bridge Road in Chester reopens after power line repairs
Iron Bridge Road in Chester reopened after VDOT completed repairs to downed power lines that temporarily shut down the route.
Chesterfield Adds Signal and Crosswalk at Safety Problem Intersection
Chesterfield County completed installation of a traffic signal and crosswalk at the Robious Road and Cranbeck Road intersection, marking the start of a broader pedestrian safety improvement program.
Planning Commission approves master plan for Southside Speedway revival
Chesterfield County Planning Commission approved a master plan for reviving Southside Speedway, clearing the way for a phased reopening of the historic racetrack by late 2027.
Early Voting Starts June 18 for August Primary Elections
Early voting for Chesterfield County's August 4 primary elections begins June 18 with weekend voting options on two Saturdays and two Sundays.
County Gives Young Resident Behind-the-Scenes Administrative Look
Chesterfield County offered a youth a behind-the-scenes look at county government operations through a special program opportunity.
Chesterfield Opens Comprehensive Plan Review, Seeks Development Site Ideas
Chesterfield County is inviting public input on where future development should occur as part of its comprehensive plan modernization, with a July draft set for community review.
Search Warrants Reveal Details of Chesterfield Officer Shooting
Recently unsealed search warrants from a May 31 officer-involved shooting in Chesterfield County reveal investigators seized weapons, ammunition, body armor, and tactical gear from the suspect's home.
Chesterfield Week Ahead: Juneteenth Celebrations, Blood Drive, Father's Day
Chesterfield County hosts Juneteenth celebrations this week, a blood drive at Central Library on Thursday, and government closure on Friday, with Father's Day activities available throughout the county's parks and trails.
Chesterfield Approves 1,500-Home Development in Western County
Chesterfield County supervisors approved zoning changes in May 2026 for two adjacent residential projects totaling 1,537 homes in western Chesterfield near Magnolia Green Golf Club.
New Trail and Parking at Winterpock Area Park Coming This Fall
Chesterfield County Parks is opening a new 10-space parking lot, 1.5-mile wooded trail loop, and paved pedestrian path at Winterpock Area Park in fall 2026.
Chesterfield Advances Plans for New Falling Creek Police Station
Chesterfield County is advancing construction of its first permanent police precinct in Falling Creek, a $8.8 million facility expected to open in early 2027 as part of a voter-approved $39.1 million public safety bond.
Chesterfield Planning Commission Meets June 16
Chesterfield County Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on June 16 where residents can submit comments online, by phone, or in person on cases and development proposals.
Chesterfield County Celebrates New Emergency Room
HCA Virginia opened a $16.4 million freestanding emergency room in Chesterfield County on June 10, 2026, marking the expansion of emergency medical services for the region's fast-growing population.
Tall Ships Sail Into Chesterfield for 250th Celebration
Chesterfield County kicked off its 250th anniversary celebration with tall ships passing Henricus Historical Park on June 11, part of the broader Sail250 Virginia maritime festival.
Energy Medicine Experts Lead Therapy at County Jail's HARP Program
Energy medicine pioneers Donna Eden and Dr. David Feinstein led a therapy session at Chesterfield County Jail's HARP addiction program, teaching inmates energy-manipulation techniques as part of the jail's comprehensive recovery approach.
Three Chesterfield Residents Honored in Volunteer Hall of Fame
Three Chesterfield County residents—John Hilliard Jr., David Lipp, and Edith Lumpkin—were inducted into the 44th-annual Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame on June 8, 2026, bringing total Hall of Fame membership to 101 honorees.
Upcoming Planning Community Meetings
Chesterfield County is hosting six development proposal community meetings in June 2026, where applicants will present rezoning and modification requests to nearby residents ahead of formal Planning Commission hearings.
School Board Recognizes Chesterfield Staff Success
Chesterfield County School Board honored district staff achievements at its June 2 meeting, recognizing teachers in specialized areas and celebrating district initiatives.
School Board Honors Outstanding Bus Drivers
Chesterfield County Public Schools Board of Education honored bus drivers for excellence in safety and service at its June 2, 2026 meeting.
School Board Celebrates Community and Business Partners
Chesterfield County School Board recognizes its network of more than 200 community and business partners who support student achievement across the district.
I-95 Lane Closures Planned at Coxendale Road Overpass
VDOT will close two northbound I-95 lanes nightly at the Coxendale Road overpass in Chesterfield County for structural repairs.
Chesterfield County Strengthens Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Chesterfield County dedicates $1.68 million in annual service increases and $4.95 million in capital programs to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure, citing emerging threats from artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Chesterfield Establishes Local Animal Cruelty Registry
Chesterfield County adopted an ordinance on May 27, 2026, creating a publicly accessible registry of people convicted of felony animal cruelty since 2009, launching within weeks.
School Board Meeting Materials Now Available Online
Chesterfield County Public Schools now makes School Board meeting materials, indexed videos, and comprehensive information available online through a centralized portal for public access.
Chesterfield Library Encourages Residents to Join Summer Library Game
Chesterfield County Public Library's 2026 Summer Library Game, running through September 1, offers reading challenges, prizes, and community service opportunities across all 10 county branches and via the Beanstack app.
Chesterfield Discusses Cannabis Safety Amid Evolving Drug Landscape
Chesterfield County's Prevention Services is educating residents about modern cannabis safety, highlighting how today's products are far more potent and varied than past decades, posing particular risks to children and adolescents.
Chesterfield accused of destroying public records in lawsuit
Chesterfield County faces sanctions and litigation cost demands after allegedly destroying public records at the center of a nearly four-year-old lawsuit filed by a local woman who criticized police handling of a child abuse report.
State approves hospital expansion doubling Chesterfield facilities
Virginia approved $672 million in hospital expansion across three healthcare systems in Chesterfield County, adding 166 beds and doubling the county's hospital capacity by 2030.
Chesterfield County Eyes Budget, New Administrator
Chesterfield County is finalizing its $1.1 billion general fund budget while recruiting a new county administrator to replace Dr. Joseph P. Casey, who retires July 1 after a decade leading the 10,000-person government.
Chesterfield supervisors approve $2.3B budget for fiscal 2027
Chesterfield County supervisors unanimously approved a $2.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, featuring a 10-cent car tax cut, 5% employee raises, and record school funding.
Chesterfield Supervisors Challenge Two State Bills
Chesterfield County supervisors opposed two state bills in early 2026—one expanding by-right multifamily housing in commercial zones and another legalizing public-sector collective bargaining—citing threats to local government authority.
Powhite Parkway Tolls Coming to an End
Virginia's Powhite Parkway will become toll-free in December 2026 after 38 years of tolling, once construction bonds are fully repaid.
Icy Conditions Trigger Wave of Fall-Related Emergency Calls
Chesterfield County emergency responders handled over 60 fall-related calls during an icy weather event in late January 2026, highlighting winter hazards for residents.
County Opens Call Center for Winter Storm Questions
Chesterfield County opened a dedicated call center on January 25, 2026, to handle non-emergency winter storm questions during Winter Storm Fern.
Special Elections Held Jan. 6 in Parts of Chesterfield
Democrats Mike Jones and Charlie Schmidt won special elections on January 6 to fill state Senate District 15 and House District 77 seats, maintaining Democratic control of these Richmond-area districts.
Google Advances Chesterfield Data Center Despite Resident Concerns
Google advances plans for a 307-acre data center campus in Chesterfield County despite resident and researcher concerns about water usage, environmental impacts, and inadequate disclosure of project details.
Longtime Administrator Joe Casey Announces Retirement
Dr. Joseph P. Casey, Chesterfield County administrator for a decade, announced his retirement effective July 1, 2026, prompting a leadership search by the Board of Supervisors.
Court declines to rule on Chesterfield officer's immunity
Virginia Supreme Court declined to rule on Chesterfield officer's immunity claim in a case stemming from a 2023 police chase that killed a Petersburg woman.
Chesterfield County names interim supervisor to replace Holland
Chesterfield County appointed Dr. LeQuan M. Hylton as interim Dale District supervisor following the October death of longtime Supervisor Jim Holland, with a special election set for November 2026 to fill the position permanently.
Audit flags $31,000 in unapproved school fundraisers
An October 2025 county audit uncovered $31,000 in fundraiser revenue raised through unapproved channels by Chesterfield Schools staff, with most fundraisers lacking principal approval and proper financial tracking.
I-95 nightly traffic pattern changes coming to Chesterfield
VDOT announced nightly traffic pattern changes on I-95 in Chesterfield County, including lane closures and slow rolls for bridge and infrastructure work through June 2026.
VCU Accounting Professor and Chesterfield Leader Jim Holland Dies at 73
James M. "Jim" Holland, a VCU accounting professor and five-term Chesterfield County Board supervisor, died Oct. 14, 2025 at age 73 after a battle with cancer.