Subscribe now

Williamsburg hotel rates increased 9% in July to an average of $166 per night, driven by July 4th celebrations. However, demand fell 2%. Hotels earned more overall as the rate increase offset the occupancy decline.

Share

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

The United States Department of Justice recently informed the College of William & Mary of an investigation into alleged illegal race-based scholarship and aid programs at the school. The letter from the DOJ to the College dated August 17, 2026 states that the Department “recently became aware that W&M offers or administers scholarships and other educational benefits that may include unlawful racial criteria.”

In response to an email sent by the Williamsburg Independent seeking clarification on how the Department was made aware of the information, a press official directed the writer to an official statement. There the DOJ warns that it “will find out if scholarships or other student benefits at William & Mary favor applicants of certain races.” The letter sent to the College similarly states that “[t]he Department has reviewed other public-facing materials.” But neither specify what instigated the review of W&M practices. Subsequent emails seeking further explanation went unanswered by the press office.

DOJ outlines multiple alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which they say “prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin”. The allegations center around a variety of scholarship and financial-assistance programs at the school. For example, initiatives under review at the W&M Law School include the Lemon Legal Scholars Program and the “Reaching Back Scholarship”. The DOJ also identified several programs at the W&M School of education as potentially violating Federal law, including the preferences of the Martha L. Muguira Fellowship and the Holmes Scholar Program.

A statement on the the William and Mary website regarding the investigation reads: “William & Mary is committed to nondiscrimination and compliance with all state and federal laws. We are reviewing the information received on August 17, 2026 and gathering the data that has been requested. As a matter of practice, the university doesn’t comment on pending legal matters.”

The investigation of William & Mary follows similar actions at the University of Virginia and George Mason University. The DOJ announced an agreement with UVA in October 2025, requiring the school to submit to quarterly review of their policies to ensure there is no “unlawful racial discrimination in its university programming, admissions, hiring, or other activities.” The investigation of George Mason is ongoing.

Share

In other news:

Government

York schools release fact sheet on proposed sales tax hike York County School Division published a new fact sheet explaining a proposed one percent local sales tax increase set for the November 3, 2026 ballot. According to the division, revenue from the tax, estimated near 12 million dollars annually, would fund school construction and major renovations only, not salaries or daily operations. The fact sheet, posted by the school division’s finance department, states the school system takes no position for or against the referendum but wants families and residents informed before they vote.

Education

WJCC kindergarten orientation program expands, to begin next week WJCC Schools is expanding its Kindergarten Orientation Model to six elementary schools this year, adding J. Blaine Blayton, James River and Matoaka to the program. According to the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools webpage for the program, the orientation runs August 24 through 31, with four student days followed by two planning days for teachers. Kindergartners at participating schools will not receive classroom assignments until after staff observe them, letting teachers build more balanced classes based on each child’s needs.

WJCC launches first-ever Freshman Transition Academy for new students WJCC Schools held its first Summer Freshman Transition Academy, a two-day program helping rising ninth graders build confidence and connections, according to the district’s newsroom announcement.

WJCC seeks residents for advisory councils and committees WJCC Schools is inviting public applications for advisory councils and committees, according to the district’s newsroom post. Superintendent’s Advisory Councils, application deadline August 28: Family Advisory Council, Community Advisory Council, Business Advisory Council. School Board Citizen Advisory Committees, application deadline September 3: Career Ready Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee.

Business

James City County entrepreneurs prep for Start Peninsula pitch contest James City County is promoting Start Peninsula’s Pitch Perfect workshop, set for Thursday, September 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., helping local entrepreneurs sharpen their pitches. According to a James City County government news flash, the session teaches attendees how to craft a strong business pitch through tips and practice, ahead of the peninsula-wide Start Peninsula competition that offers cash prizes and mentorship to entrepreneurs across Hampton Roads.

Community & Services

Regional chemical collection and shredding event set for York County York County Public Works announced a household chemical collection event for September 12 from 8 a.m. to noon, serving residents of Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County. According to the York County government notice, the event, run by VPPSA, accepts paints, fuels, pesticides and automotive products, along with computers and related electronics. Televisions are excluded. A shredding truck will also be on site, letting residents destroy up to five boxes of personal paperwork.

FISH Williamsburg awaits certificate of occupancy for new food pantry building FISH Williamsburg is preparing to relocate from its Second Street site to a new building at 7129 Pocahontas Trail, pending final inspections and a certificate of occupancy from James City County, according to the group’s August newsletter, penned by FISH President Jill Holroyd. Volunteers recently sorted a large food donation from Saint Bede Catholic Church, and the group is also collecting school supplies and appearing as a Headliner at the Kiwanis Club’s Shrimp Feast on September 12.

Recreation & Events

Fossil Frenzy hike to explore ancient marine life August 22-23 York River State Park is hosting Fossil Frenzy on August 23 from 1 to 3 p.m., with an additional session on August 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Participants hike to a fossil beach where traces of early whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails, left behind more than 6 million years ago when the area was a shallow sea, can still be found. The family friendly event welcomes children, requires no registration, and only the standard park admission fee applies.

11th annual Adventure Race to return to Williamsburg on September 19 Williamsburg’s 11th annual Great Williamsburg Adventure Race takes place Saturday, September 19, with teams tackling business challenges and puzzles downtown. According to a city release, this year’s event coincides with William and Mary’s Family Weekend, and any team with a current W&M student can race free, courtesy of the City of Williamsburg.

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

Average daily rates at Greater Williamsburg hotels rose 8.8% in July compared with a year earlier, reaching $165.74, according to data from the Virginia Tourism Council shared by Visit Williamsburg. The tourism council attributed the increase to Independence Day celebrations tied to the country’s 250th commemorations. While average hotel rates increased, overall room demand was down slightly in July year over year, dipping 2.1%.

RevPAR, or revenue per available room, a combined measure of occupancy and rate, rose 16.3% to $113.48 from $97.60. Room Revenue increased 6.6%. Year to date, Williamsburg’s numbers follow a similar pattern. Occupancy is up 7.0% through July, while ADR has grown 1.2% and RevPAR 8.2%. Room Revenue is down 2.7% for the year, with room supply off 10.1% and room demand down 3.8%.

By comparison, Virginia statewide saw July ADR rise 5.6% alongside a 4.9% increase in room demand, and the Norfolk-Virginia Beach region posted a 5.3% ADR gain with room demand up 3.4%. Nationally, ADR grew 5.7% as room demand rose 2.8%. Williamsburg’s rate growth outpaced each of these markets even as its room demand moved in the opposite direction.

In other news:

Education

William & Mary Law School sees record giving in 2025-2026 fiscal year William & Mary Law School reported its third-largest fundraising year, according to Emily Webb writing for the William & Mary Law School news site. Donors gave $6,219,768 through 2,667 gifts, supporting scholarships, public service internships, loan repayment assistance, and new initiatives like the Center for Energy Law & Policy. Dean A. Benjamin Spencer credited alumni and friends for helping the Williamsburg school recruit top students and faculty while easing financial burdens for future citizen lawyers.

WJCC Schools outlines rules and expectations for 1:1 device program Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools details its 1:1 device program, which supplements student learning with digital tools for research, collaboration, and accessibility features. Elementary students use classroom device sets, while those in grades 6 through 12 take an assigned device home. Participation stays optional though encouraged, and WJCC clarifies its acceptable use policy, filtering practices, damage protection, and lack of a bring your own device option, giving Williamsburg and James City County families clear guidance on device rules.

Jefferson Lab physicists find new particle structures in quark research William & Mary physics professor Justin Stevens, spokesperson for Jefferson Lab’s GlueX Collaboration, said newly discovered subatomic structures help investigate whether excited gluons contribute to particle formation, calling the results just the beginning of new hadron spectroscopy work. Newswise, a technology news site, reports the GlueX team detected two unexpected structures while searching for a known strangeonium particle using a photon beam. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, connect Williamsburg based research to a significant advance in particle physics.

William & Mary named friendliest students in Princeton Review’s 2027 college rankings The Princeton Review released its annual Best Colleges rankings for 2027, based on survey responses from 172,000 students across 392 schools. Among the 50 category lists, William & Mary topped the Friendliest Students ranking, earning the top spot nationally in that category. The Williamsburg school’s recognition appears alongside honorees like Reed College and Vanderbilt in the newly published guide, The Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition, from Penguin Random House.

William & Mary welcomes new faculty across Arts and Sciences for 2026-2027 William & Mary’s College of Arts & Sciences announced 16 new full-time faculty members joining for the 2026-2027 academic year, alongside 24 visiting or adjunct professors, according to the school’s staff report. The new hires bring expertise spanning government, biology, economics, health sciences, mathematics and the arts, with backgrounds from institutions like Princeton, UC Berkeley and Johns Hopkins. Their arrival strengthens teaching and research across the Williamsburg campus in fields ranging from European politics to cardiovascular physiology.

Business

Williamsburg based OTH Hotels Resorts expands portfolio with two East Coast hotels OTH Hotels Resorts added two East Coast properties to its third party management portfolio, the Heritage Hotel & Conference Center in Southbury, Connecticut, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton in New York, according to LODGING Magazine. The additions mark OTH’s entry into both state markets and bring 370 guestrooms and more than 33,000 square feet of event space under its management. Chief Development Officer Scott McMahon said the deal builds on the properties’ existing amenities. Over the past year, the company also acquired multiple properties in Maryland, including hotels in Jessup and College Park and one in Pikesville, along with a Courtyard by Marriott near Washington, D.C.

Recreation & Events

James City County Library to host second annual fall plant share The John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society reports that the second annual Williamsburg Regional Library Fall Plant Share will take place October 25 at the James City County Library on Croaker Road. Gardeners can donate potted plants, browse information tables, and take home free native plants and seeds. Tracy Melton of the Historic Rivers Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists will speak on replacing non-native species to support local wildlife in James City County.

Yorktown museum lecture to explore life in revolutionary Virginia backcountry The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation announces that William & Mary professor Sarah McCartney will give a talk on Virginia backcountry settlers during the Revolution at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on November 12 at 6 p.m. The event ties into the museum’s Give Me Liberty exhibition and lets guests preview the exhibit starting at 5 p.m. Tickets cost 5 dollars, with a discount for members, bringing scholarly programming to the Yorktown museum campus this fall.

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

York schools win $15.5M federal grant for upgrades. Military-connected enrollment brings funding to Bethel Manor Elementary and Tabb High.

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

The York County School Division secured a $15.5 million competitive federal grant to help fund facility improvements at Bethel Manor Elementary and Tabb High School. The funding comes from a program run by the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA), which supports schools serving military-connected students. According to the information released by the school divsion last week, the initiative is meant to help localities offset the costs of school construction, modernization and maintenance.

The news of the funding comes as York residents weigh a referendum on the November 3rd ballot asking voters to approve a 1% sales tax for school construction and maintenance. The County estimates that a successful referendum, authorized by recent Virginia legislation, could raise $12 million yearly for school capital projects. Overall, the division’s FY2027 budget totals roughly $206 million, funded through a mix of federal ($18 million), state ($120 million), and local (roughly $68 million) sources.

Significant needs at the two selected schools drove their inclusion in the “Military-Connected Schools Construction, Modernization, and Facilities Maintenance Program”. For example, necessary upgrades at Bethel Manor Elementary include classroom additions, a full-sized gymnasium and other infrastructure upgrades expected to cost a bit under $10 million, with over $8 million covered by the federal support. York schools explained that the existing cafetorium’s expansion and renovation is covered separately through FY27 federal funds. The list of projects lined up for Tabb High represent the largest investment in the school since it opened in 1972. Those include upgraded classrooms and replacing aging systems, and are expected to cost around $43 million with around $10 million in federal funding secured.

Statistics published by the DoWEA indicate that 80% of military-connected students attend public schools. Virginia hosts several major military installations and serves more than 77,000 military-connected, school-age students in public schools, not including veterans’ children attending public or private schools, according to the Virginia Department of Education.

The County’s push for the sales tax referendum stems from broader facility needs across the division beyond the two schools recommended for the grant. At a recent meeting, the York County Board of Supervisors received a presentation from Superintendent James Carroll, Ed.D., who reviewed the school division’s facility needs and a $117 million capital improvements program covering fiscal years 2027-2032.

During the presentations, system administrators pointed out that buildings across the division are aging significantly, with and average of 55 years old. The county’s desire to expand schools rather than building new facilities complicates resource allocation and planning, they noted. Capacity is uneven as several elementary schools experience crowding while others run well below capacity. New housing is adding to the pressure in some part of the county such as Queens Lake, Bruton, Yorktown, signaling sustained capacity strain as new families move into the communities that are already planned for the area.

Share

In other news:

Local AI

NCSC Continues AI Leadership Role With Webinar on Testing Court Tools The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, is continuing its role as a leading voice on artificial intelligence in the court system with a webinar this week on how courts and legal aid groups should test AI tools before releasing them to the public. Per the event description, the session is part of an ongoing consortium NCSC leads with the Thomson Reuters Institute to examine AI governance, ethics, access to justice, and workforce readiness for courts nationwide.

William & Mary Launches New Applied AI Undergraduate Major William & Mary is launching a new undergraduate major in Applied AI through its School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, as reported by W&M News writer Randy Ready. The program is described as the first Applied AI major at a Virginia public university, focusing on practical use of existing AI tools rather than building AI systems.

Government

Williamsburg to Launch Four Part Zoning Matters Forum Series The City of Williamsburg is launching a four part forum series called Zoning Matters, running the first Wednesday of each month from September through December, as stated in the city’s newsflash. Zoning Administrator Heather Markle will host each session from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Stryker Center, covering topics like housing, tree regulations, and signage, followed by audience questions so residents better understand how the rules affect their property.

Community & Services

WJCC Schools Hosts 5th Annual SPARK Back to School Event Williamsburg-James City County Schools held its 5th annual SPARK event, short for Supporting Parents and Reaching Kids, to kick off the new school year, as noted by the WJCC Schools newsroom. The back to school gathering brought school staff, community partners, and volunteers together to serve more than 250 WJCC families with resources, school supplies, and early screening through the Bright Beginnings program. Community partners provided donated meals, haircuts, clothing, groceries, and a free vaccination clinic during the event.

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Finance Director to Speak on Museum Stewardship Will Nixon, senior director of finance for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, will lead a Virginia Association of Museums webinar on September 23 framing fiscal stewardship as a responsibility shared across every museum role, not just finance departments, according to the event listing. Nixon, who holds an MBA from William & Mary, will speak to museum professionals on how to evaluate decisions through mission, public trust, and sustainability, and to distinguish responsible stewardship from simple cost cutting.

Recreation & Events

New Town Tunes to Return This Fall With Free Concerts James City County Parks & Recreation, along with CultureFix and the New Town Commercial Association, is bringing back New Town Tunes this fall. The free outdoor concert series runs Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Sullivan Square starting September 9 through October 14, featuring bands like The Deloreans and U2topia. Food and drinks will be sold onsite.

Williamsburg Players to Hold Auditions for Comedy Play The Williamsburg Players will hold auditions for The Play That Goes Wrong on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 at 7 p.m., as detailed on the theater’s website. Director Lisa Velardi’s production, running October 30 to November 15, 2026, follows an amateur troupe whose murder mystery spirals into physical comedy chaos. Auditions involve cold readings and improvisation, and the theater notes the show is physically demanding, requiring cast members to climb, jump, and perform confined and fight scenes.

“Celebricat” Patches to Appear at 2026 Virginia Cat Festival AVAdventure Productions and the City of Williamsburg announced that Patches, the cat who lost over 24 pounds after his 2023 adoption, will meet fans at the November 7-8 festival, sponsored by the City.

Registration Now Open for 29th Annual Healthy Aging Conference York County Parks & Recreation invites the community to attend the 29th Annual Healthy Aging Conference on Tuesday, September 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. The free event will feature a moderated panel with state, local, and federal perspectives, an update from AARP Virginia State President Joyce Williams, and presentations on positive mindset, personal connections, and resilience. Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast, browse vendor displays, and have a chance to win door prizes. Registration is open through September 8 and can be completed online, by email, or by phone at 757-890-3500.

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

Last week, the Williamsburg City Council all but approved construction of a new downtown library; the official vote is expected next month. While multiple cost estimates were tossed around, the price tag for the new library is now $37 million total to build and equip. That’s according to information presented by the city’s financial advisor at the meeting.

It’s not really news that that projected costs have steadily grown since it was first proposed years ago. Everyone’s seen the effects of inflation, but the city’s “while we’re at it” image-conscious attitude usually costs extra cash to satiate. And from the images shown at the meeting last week, Williamsburg will have a very nice new library. It should be a nice complement the new $25 million library that James City County plans a few miles away. Though I don’t think that project was brought up at the City Council meeting for some reason.

The meeting did include presentations from the library system’s administration and potential builders. The gist is that it’s worth every penny and they are really excited to build it. The city’s financial advisor also addressed the Council about how to pay the inflated costs. Looks like one of the funding sources will now be $5 million in COVID-related relief funds that the City has squirreled away for years.

Those funds were previously earmarked for a some kind of new live performance venue, which would be built and run by the Historic Triangle Recreation Facility Authority (HTRFA). At one point, the city passed that $5 million money to that regional authority (which also built and runs the new sports center), though the purpose was never quite clear. Ultimately, the City was forced to take the money back after procedural and approval issues surfaced.

Easy come, easy go, and now it looks like the HTRFA may not get that cash at all. According to the city’s financial advisor, the “City is considering redirecting $5 million from the Live Performance Venue” for the library. They state that their financial analysis of how to pay for the library “assumes the City utilizes the redirected $5 million”. Ultimately, the advisors expect the city to borrow $32 million, though maybe someone is going to do some fundraising to lower that number. Either way, no big deal, we can cover this.

The folks presenting the live performance venue also happened to be at the meeting last week to discuss their $80 million concept. It’s likely they took notice that $5 million slipped through their fingers. Still, their presentation was also pretty amazing, filled with supporters making compelling statements about community need and potential economic impact. Most involved in the discussion about the performance venue also agreed that it would be really great too.

One thing that must be appreciated, perhaps admired, about the city’s leadership is its single minded focus once an outcome has been predetermined, even (especially?) if they don’t know the scope, cost or how to pay for it. That truly takes courageous leadership with a vision for innovating a modern city. While it may appear right now that the Council is robbing Peter to pay Paul, don’t count the live performance venue out yet. Because you have deep pockets. Just ask the city’s financial advisors, not your own.

Share

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

The Williamsburg Redevelopment Housing Authority approved a $1.335 million budget for fiscal year 2027, up 3.5% from last year. The authority manages 104 apartments across four communities, earning HUD’s highest performance rating with a score of 94 out of 100.

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

The Williamsburg Redevelopment Housing Authority (WRHA) Board of Commissioners approved a $1,335,000 fiscal year 2027 operating budget at its August 10th meeting. The budget represents a 3.6% increase from the previous year and was presented by Executive Director of Redevelopment Housing Tyrone Franklin to the 7-member Board, which includes several current City Council members. Franklin addressed both expenses and expected revenue streams, including rental income from the authority’s 104 public housing units and federal subsidies from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Key takeaways:

High Performer status

The Williamsburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority holds HUD’s highest “High Performer” designation, scoring 94 out of 100 on its June 2026 NSPIRE inspection (following a 98 in May). HUD evaluates financial management, physical maintenance, and operational efficiency.

104 apartments across 4 communities

• Blayton Building — Scotland Street — 38 apartments — 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

• Katherine Circle Apartments — Dunning Street — 24 apartments — 2–4 bedrooms/1 bathroom, or 5 bedrooms/1.5 bathrooms

• Mimosa Woods Apartments — Mimosa Drive — 14 apartments — 2–4 bedrooms/1 bathroom, or 5 bedrooms/1.5 bathrooms

• Sylvia Brown Apartments — New Hope Road — 28 apartments — 2–4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Source: Williamsburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority community website

---

Diversified funding sources

• Rental Income — $490,000 annually

• HUD Operating Subsidy — $380,000 annually

• HUD Capital Fund Subsidy — $380,000 annually

• Excess Utility Charges — $10,000 annually

• Laundry Room Coins — $6,000 annually

• Vending Machine Contracts — $1,000 annually

• Interest — $100 annually

• Other Maintenance Charges — $18,000 annually

• City funded contingency — $50,000 for FY27

Source: Williamsburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority, agenda August 10, 2026

The authority operates a comprehensive budget addressing multiple revenue sources and operational needs. The FY2027 budget totals $1,335,000, reflecting careful planning across several revenue categories and operational areas. The authority depends on a diversified funding approach, combining rental income from its housing portfolio with federal support and other revenue streams. This mixed-revenue model allows the authority to maintain its housing stock while managing operational costs. Watch the full discussion beginning at 0:59.

Rental income generates primary operating revenue for housing operations. The 104 public housing units managed by the authority are projected to generate approximately $40,833 per month, based on an annual rental income estimate of $490,000. Franklin explained that this projection accounts for tenant income fluctuations and varying ability to pay. Additional budgeted revenues include $10,000 from excess utility charges, $6,000 from laundry room operations, $1,000 from vending machines, $100 in investment interest, and $18,000 in other miscellaneous income. View the full discussion beginning at 2:36.

The authority requested $50,000 in contingency funding from the city. The funds are designated to address unforeseen expenses related to cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases, and employee benefit insurance costs. Franklin noted that the contingency funds would not be automatically transferred to the authority but would only be accessed upon the executive director’s request to the city manager. This arrangement provides flexibility for addressing unexpected operational needs while maintaining fiscal accountability. Listen to the full discussion beginning at 3:37.

Federal HUD subsidies provide substantial support for housing authority operations. The HUD Operating Subsidy is estimated at $380,000, representing a $167 decrease from the FY2026 budget. The HUD Capital Fund Subsidy is projected at $380,000, providing level funding for capital improvements compared to the previous year. These federal resources form a critical component of the authority’s financial structure, Franklin told the commissioners. Listen to the full discussion beginning at 4:30.

Staffing resources support five full-time and one part-time employee. The salaries and benefits line item within the budget provides compensation for the authority’s workforce, enabling daily operations and management of the public housing portfolio. Employee compensation and benefits represent significant operating expenses that the authority carefully budgets each year. Watch the full discussion beginning at 5:54.

Maintenance efforts modernize aging public housing stock. The authority prioritizes maintenance as a driving force for operations, working to modernize its existing housing units affected by age-related deterioration, according to Franklin. These efforts aim to provide physically sound, safe, decent, and energy-efficient housing environments that meet HUD housing quality standards. The ongoing commitment to maintenance supports the authority’s core mission of providing quality public housing. View the full discussion beginning at 6:10.

Share

In other news:

Government

James City County details Collington Court Stream Restoration project steps James City County posted a video on the Collington Court Stream Restoration project, outlining the comprehensive process used to restore and protect local waterways in the community. The county states that the project demonstrates a commitment to maintaining and improving existing streams throughout the area.

Education

William & Mary Hosts 100 Educators from All 50 States for Civics Training Congress One hundred history, civics, and social studies teachers from across all 50 states gathered at William & Mary for a weeklong professional training program focused on American history and civic education, as reported by Danny Devlin for W&M News.

JYF Museums Explores John Dickinson, Overlooked Founding Father JYF Museums shared a video exploring John Dickinson, a Founding Father whose significant role in American history which the museum believes often receives too little recognition.

Community & Services

York County Commissioners and Cans Food Drive Collects Donations Through August 31 York County residents can help fight hunger through August 31, 2026, by donating to the Commissioners and Cans Food and Fund Drive, as announced by York County Commissioner of the Revenue's Office. The annual initiative benefits the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and six other food banks across Virginia. Community members can contribute most needed items including canned meats, fruits, vegetables, cereals, pasta, peanut butter, and shelf-stable milk, or make monetary donations online or by check. Donations can be dropped off at the York County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at 120 Alexander Hamilton Boulevard in Yorktown or arranged by contacting the office at 757-890-3381.

Public Safety

James City County Police to Launch 30-Day Warning Period for Work Zone Speed Cameras on I-64 James City County Police Department announced that a 30-day warning period for vehicle-based enforcement cameras will begin August 14 in the I-64 construction zone, with live enforcement starting September 13. According to the department, injuries on the county’s section of I-64 increased by 85.48 percent from 62 in 2024 to 115 in 2025, with fatalities totaling four and one respectively, while 2026 has already seen 51 injuries and one fatality. During the warning period, drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph or more will receive mailed warnings, while violations after September 13 will result in $100 civil fines without license points or insurance penalties. The cameras will operate only on days with active construction, and additional road signage will alert motorists to the photo-enforced work zones ahead.

Recreation & Events

James City County Seeks Public Input for New Grove Community Park James City County Parks & Recreation announced the start of community engagement for Grove Community Park, inviting residents to help shape the nearly six-acre park along Pocahontas Trail. As reported by James City County Parks & Recreation, the new park will feature a swimming pool, walking trails, picnic areas, fitness spaces, and play areas designed to be safe, accessible, and inclusive. Residents can share their ideas by completing an online survey through August 31, visiting listening stations at four county facilities between August 14 and September 13, or attending community design conversations on September 17 and October 15 at James River Elementary School. Johnson notes that the park is expected to be completed in summer 2028.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra to Perform Free Concert at William & Mary The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform a free outdoor concert on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka, as reported by Susan Corbett for W&M News.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

York County’s Economic Development Authority approved a resolution at its July 28, 2026 meeting to purchase several lots just down the street from another site that attracted quite a bit of attention for the county in the past. A county spokesperson confirmed the approval, noting that there is no specific project associated with the property at this time. The two parcels, located at 7214 and 7216 in Yorktown along Route 17, are listed for sale at $395,000. Together they total 0.87 acres and are zoned General Business, which the listing states allows for a wide range of commercial uses. Sellers tout the site’s road frontage on George Washington Memorial Highway, which is described as providing strong visibility and access for prospective buyers.

The potential property purchase reflects the county’s long-standing interest in redeveloping that particular stretch of road. The two adjacent properties, north of Grafton on Route 17, are just a few addresses down from The Kitchen by Virginia Beer Company, which opened in February 2026 in a building originally built for another brewer. That building sits on a 1.2-acre site that the EDA acquired in 2017 and ultimately sold to Waukeshaw Development, which controls the Beale’s beer brand, in 2018 for $400,000, as reported in 2024 by Ben Swenson in the Virginia Gazette. The company broke ground for the facility in late 2020.

But that project stalled when its owners had to step away due to unforeseen circumstances. The company’s management posted an update at the time apologizing to those who had reached out during the long silence and explaining they wouldn’t be able to say more at the time “for reasons too complicated to explain over social media.” Waukeshaw still owns the building but rented it to The Virginia Beer Company instead, though it’s unclear how the original terms with Waukeshaw were ultimately resolved.

The EDA has continued to invest in the project since Virginia Beer Company took over the space. At its July 22, 2025 meeting, the board approved a $100,000 Economic Development Incentive Grant for an exterior build-out, funding a retaining wall and expanded outdoor seating that added 100 seats, bringing the location’s total capacity to 225. That full project, including both interior and exterior work, was expected to cost $690,000, with the exterior build-out alone estimated at $350,000.

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

In other news:

York’s new admissions tax could generate $900K-$1.8M annually. Board reviewed tax classifications, an implementation timeline, and rates in nearby localities.

York Schools admin details mounting facility needs ahead of sales tax referendum; $117M planned over six years to address aging schools and enrollment growth.

Busch Gardens’ tax battle continues with James City County. Plus: profits decline for theme park’s owner; W&M’s new AI ethics minor and dining changes; tools for local writers, and Labor Day park events

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

The York County Board of Supervisors recently reviewed the school division’s facilities needs as Division Superintendent James Carroll, Ed.D. and other division administrators presented findings from an ongoing capital improvements study. The presentation outlined a range of concerns across the division’s 18 school buildings, including aging infrastructure, uneven enrollment capacity between schools, and deferred maintenance at several facilities. During that work session on August 4, 2026, Carroll highlighted specific pressure points, including schools with high facility condition index scores signaling urgent renovation needs, alongside growing enrollment corridors driven by new housing development. Watch the full presentation.

The division’s presentation underscored the scale of capital investment required to keep pace with their projected $117 million capital improvements program covering fiscal years 2027 through 2032. The Board of Supervisors recently decided to place a referendum on the November 3rd ballot asking voters to approve a 1% sales tax dedicated to school construction and maintenance, authorized by a recent Virginia General Assembly legislation.

The County states that a successful referendum could generate $12 million annually for school capital projects. The school division’s FY2027 educational budget totals approximately $205.99 million, funded through $18.4 million from federal sources, $120 million from the state, $65.4 million in local appropriations, and $2.2 million from other local revenues.

Below are some of the issues identified by the schools division’s leadership related to capital improvements, such as new construction and renovations.

Share

School buildings in the division are significantly aging. The average age of school buildings across the portfolio is 55 years, with several facilities constructed in 1954 still actively serving students. Fourteen of eighteen schools, or 78%, were built before 1980. The oldest buildings currently in use include Grafton Bethel Elementary School, Yorktown Middle School, and York High School, all constructed in 1954 and now 72 years old. Since the typical lifespan for school buildings is approximately 75 years, several facilities are approaching or nearing the end of their intended service life. Watch the full discussion beginning at 18:07.

The division faces significant capacity imbalances across its school network. While the division maintains adequate overall capacity, utilization rates vary considerably by individual school and attendance zone. Six elementary schools are currently operating above their designed capacity, creating crowding concerns. Conversely, other facilities operate well below capacity, with Dare Elementary and Yorktown Middle School operating at 72% and 74% utilization, respectively. This uneven distribution of students presents challenges for resource allocation and facility planning. Watch this and related discussion at 42:37.

Housing development is driving sustained enrollment pressure in specific areas. As of October 2025, over 1,200 approved, pending, or planned housing units were identified in the Queens Lake and Bruton attendance zones, with an additional 400 units planned for the Yorktown and York zones. This substantial pipeline of new residential development signals continued enrollment growth that will strain existing facilities in affected areas. The division anticipates sustained pressure on capacity in these zones as new families move into the community.

Enrollment growth is not uniform across the district’s attendance zones. The Bruton Zone is experiencing the strongest growth trajectory among the division’s attendance areas. Waller Mill Elementary has been identified as the most vulnerable school to rapid enrollment growth within this zone. Seaford Elementary is also experiencing meaningful growth that warrants attention in facility planning. These growth corridors indicate where capacity and infrastructure challenges will likely intensify in coming years.

The division’s portable classroom units require lifecycle management consideration. Eighteen modular units are currently in use across the school portfolio, providing temporary classroom space. The majority of these units were installed between 1992 and 2009, meaning most have now exceeded their intended service life. As these aging portables approach the end of their operational viability, the division must plan for their replacement or removal. Lifecycle management of these temporary structures represents an important component of the overall capital planning process.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Take 33% off the first year of an annual subscription.

York County’s board of supervisors recently signaled their interest in imposing a new tax on admissions to some events and attractions in the county after discussing issues such as how much tax would be required of which venues and events. During the work session on August 4, 2026, the board ultimately directed staff to prepare for formal adoption of a 5% tax at an upcoming meeting, focused on tourism related attractions. County staff indicated that the new taxes are expected to generate revenue of around $900,000 annually to start, potentially growing to $1.8 million as the program is fully implemented.

York County gained new revenue authority through state legislation. Effective July 1, 2026, the Code of Virginia authorized York County to levy an admissions tax of up to 10% and since then, County staff collaborated to evaluate implementation options and operational considerations for the new tax authority. The FY27 budget includes $200,000 in anticipated admissions tax revenue, though future projections indicate more is likely. Watch the full discussion beginning at 1:04:43.

Multiple admission classifications will affect taxation. Staff evaluated which categories warrant taxation based on revenue potential and tourism orientation, ultimately recommending taxing water parks, tours, private sporting events, and performances, as these represent the overwhelming majority of potential revenue and are primarily visitor and tourism oriented. Optional activities include arcades, laser tag, escape rooms, and mini golf. Taxing charitable organizations, nonprofit fundraising events, sports participation fees, school events, and museums was not recommended. Watch the full discussion beginning at 1:05:41

Implementation requires adequate time for operational preparation. County staff recommends an effective date of January 1, 2027, to provide adequate time for software modifications, taxpayer education, and administrative implementation. This timeline allows the county to properly prepare systems and ensure businesses understand their obligations under the new tax. Watch the full discussion beginning at 1:07:17.

Share

Nearby localities have adopted varying admissions tax rates. Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg impose 10% tax rates on admissions. James City County, a nearby locality, adopted a 5% rate instead. These comparisons informed the board’s considerations regarding York County’s approach. Watch the full discussion beginning at 1:07:50.

Staff evaluated three distinct implementation approaches with different revenue outcomes. A moderate 5% rate would generate approximately $450,000 for half-year collections and $900,000 annually. A phased approach reaching 10% by 2029 would generate $1.8 million annually. The board provided direction to implement a 5% rate on amusement and water parks only, effective January 1, 2027, aligning with James City County’s rate. Watch the full discussion beginning at 1:11:42.

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Subscribe now

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Read more

Subscribe now

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Read more

Subscribe now

Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy

Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook | X

Need a speaker?

Read more

Subscribe now

Read more