# 9 a.m. Roanoke City Council Meeting on October 5, 2026

At the October 5, 2026, Roanoke City Council Legislative Committee meeting, members reviewed draft state and federal legislative priorities for refinement before a future council approval. Funding-related priorities included supporting a proposed $17.5 million state investment for planning Radford University’s Roanoke academic health sciences building, backing airport terminal upgrades and expansion studies, and making a downtown Amtrak station a priority. Federal representatives reported that Roanoke’s requests for $3.5 million for the river kayak park, $10 million for the Mill Mountain Greenway Bridge, and $10 million for the first phase of the Amtrak station were unsuccessful. Two airport requests—a reported $8.5 million for tower and facilities upgrades and a runway study—had advanced in the appropriations process, but final funding was not yet confirmed.

The committee also discussed state legislative priorities concerning affordable dwelling unit authority, emergency custody transportation, public safety workers, and data-center safeguards, along with federal housing, transportation, and Norfolk Southern merger issues. Staff and committee leadership were asked to refine the draft agenda, circulate updated language, and provide council members with the affordable-housing study when available; the agenda was expected to return for further review. No contract awards or purchasing approvals were identified. At the council session, members approved motions to enter closed meetings, including one concerning disposition of publicly held property; these were not procurement awards.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 05, 2026

### Sources
- [9 a.m. Roanoke City Council Meeting on October 5, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga4Evxk1IQ4) - City of Roanoke