Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - May 19, 2026

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on May 19, 2026 at the Blacksburg Motor Company. The meeting included presentations on a town branding initiative, review of upcoming public hearings, a stormwater utility stakeholder group work plan, and a wastewater system policy discussion. The council also held a closed meeting regarding potential real property acquisition.

Town Branding Project Update

Ben Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates presented findings from a community branding initiative. Key themes identified for Blacksburg include small-town character, academic influence, outdoor amenities, and creativity. The study also highlighted housing challenges, such as low homeownership and high renter occupancy. Full brand launch is anticipated by mid-August 2026.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for June 9, 2026

• Ordinance 2116 (Police Grant Funding): Town Manager Marc Verniel explained the ordinance accepts and appropriates $284,476 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for stratified policing initiatives and forensic/analytical technology. Further discussion is scheduled for the June 2 work session.
• Ordinance 2111 (Stormwater Grant Funding): Engineering Director Carolyn Howard detailed the ordinance appropriating $501,124 for a Flood Resilience Plan and Watershed Study, funded through a state grant with a Town match. The study will address flooding and drainage issues in downtown, Webb Street, and Toms Creek Road.

Stormwater Utility Stakeholder Group Work Plan

Engineering Director Carolyn Howard noted that a ten-member Stormwater Utility Stakeholder Group has been formed to review the utility fee structure and provide input on capital improvement plans. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

Wastewater System Planning – STEP/STEG Policy Discussion

Town Engineer Shawn Veltman reviewed the current policy requiring STEP/STEG systems in the Tom’s Creek Basin. Staff recommended replacing the mandate, citing aging systems, frequent failures, and growing maintenance costs and liability. The proposed policy would allow flexible use of gravity sewers, grinder pumps, or on-site septic systems based on site conditions and development needs.

Key Outcomes

• The work session adjourned at 12:17 p.m., after which the council entered a closed meeting (motion by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Ford, passed unanimously on a roll call vote) to discuss potential acquisition of real property in central Blacksburg for a public purpose.
• Council reconvened at 1:00 p.m. and unanimously adopted Resolution 5-B-26 certifying the propriety of the closed meeting.
• No other votes were taken during the work session.