Oct. 22, 2026 Work Session and Regular Meeting of Staunton City Council

At the October 22, 2026 work session and regular meeting of Staunton City Council, council reviewed a draft master plan for the remaining District Court site. Consultants from Mosley presented alternatives for parking, a community plaza, green space and walking paths, and stormwater detention. Council feedback favored a flexible plaza and green space; members also raised adding public restrooms and considering a covered market shelter. The plan is still being refined, with completion expected by December, and no construction contract or spending decision was approved. The mayor also noted that Bessie Weller Elementary School renovations and upgrades are being considered with potential support from a 1% sales tax, but no allocation was made at this meeting.

Council discussed legislative priorities, including support for grandfathering Staunton’s existing web and email domain rather than requiring a change to .gov; the discussion focused on the potential operational and rebranding burden. A proposed centralization of short-term rental tax collection was also raised. The Lewis Creek Watershed Advisory Committee presented recommendations to name six streams, with formal adoption deferred to a future meeting. Public comments focused on data centers, surveillance and police oversight; council stated that the Economic Development Authority is updating a business marketing plan for its property and plans to collect public input through a survey. No procurement awards, bids, or contract approvals were identified.