Roanoke City Council Meeting on April 20 2026 at 7:00pm

The Roanoke City Council held a meeting on April 20, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. The council confirmed appointments for two assistant city managers and conducted a public hearing on the appointment of two school board trustees. A significant portion of the meeting focused on public concerns regarding budget cuts to Roanoke City Public Schools, highlighting the impact of staff reductions, program eliminations, and increased class sizes on educational quality. Speakers urged the council to reconsider budget allocations to support schools adequately. Additionally, there was debate over the procurement of surveillance technology (Flock Raven devices) funded by a federal grant, with citizens expressing concerns about privacy and the scope of the technology's use. The council acknowledged these concerns and indicated the contract had not yet been signed, leaving room for further discussion. The meeting concluded with a recess until a subsequent public hearing focused on the budget and real estate tax rate.