Harrisonburg City Council Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The agenda included a public hearing on the real estate tax rate, presentations on homelessness, the CDBG action plan, budget adoption, VDOT funding, a downtown planting plan, and an update on the stormwater program. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the May 12, 2026 special and regular meetings.
• Approved on second reading a request from Collicello North LLC to amend the approved master development plan for addresses on Collicello Street and Kates Lane.
• Adopted on second reading an ordinance for administrative issuance of Encroachment Licenses in downtown.

Public Hearing

• Real Estate Tax Rate for FY 2026-2027: Larry Propst, Finance Director, presented the proposed rate of $1.01 per $100 of assessed value, unchanged from the prior year. A public hearing is required because reassessments increased by 2.5%. No members of the public spoke. Council voted 5-0 to approve the rate.

Discussion Items

• Point in Time Count (PIT) Presentation: Kaitlin Heatwole, HMIS Administrator for the Western Virginia Continuum of Care, presented data on homelessness. Key statistics: 422 people experiencing literal homelessness in the region, with 191 in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County; 15% of Harrisonburg's homeless are unsheltered, down from 26% in 2024 due to the Navigation Center. An estimated 4,000 additional people in the region are in "hidden homelessness" (doubled up or in self-paid hotels), with roughly 2,000 in Harrisonburg. 86% of homeless individuals are local. The top factors contributing to homelessness are lack of income/unemployment (58%) and housing affordability. 52% have some income, often fixed. Council discussed the need for prevention programs, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing units. The presentation was received and filed.
• 2026 CDBG Action Plan Approval: Kristin McCombe, CDBG Program Manager, presented the plan. Total allocation is $555,809.29 ($487,477 annual allocation plus $68,332.29 rollover). Funding includes $199,500 for the city's infiltration/inflow program, public services for two organizations, and city projects (school zone safety signage, basketball court resurfacing, ADA sidewalk). No public comments were received during the 30-day comment period. Council voted 5-0 to approve.
• FY 2026-2027 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance: City Manager Ande Banks noted that the budget was amended due to the final school budget and confirmed CDBG allocation. Finance Director Larry Propst stated the total budget decreased by approximately $1 million from the previously presented $407 million budget, primarily due to adjustments in school funding. Council voted 5-0 to adopt.
• VDOT Project Funding and Signature Authority Resolution: Tom Hartman, Public Works Director, explained the resolution commits matching funds for VDOT grants and authorizes the city manager and deputy city manager to sign agreements. This resolution is renewed every four years. Council voted 5-0 to adopt.
• Downtown Master Planting Plan Presentation: Jeremy Harold, Greenspace Manager, presented the plan developed with Virginia Tech. The plan has a "lean" (phase one) and "dream" (phase two) approach, focusing on gateways, intersections, Court Square, and parking lots. Goals include improving pedestrian experience, native plantings, heat mitigation, and tree canopy. Council discussed invasive species (staff assured no invasives will be used), food forests, maintenance, and budget. City Manager Banks noted that budget constraints limit implementation to the lean plan. The plan was received and filed.
• Stormwater Improvement Plan (SWIP) Update and Program Update: Keith Thomas, Sustainability and Environmental Manager, presented the updates jointly. The SWIP update identifies priority best management practices (BMPs) to meet Chesapeake Bay 2028 targets and local TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) for Blacks Run and Cooks Creek. The TMDL standard was described as nearly unattainable (estimated 300+ years at current pace); the city plans rolling five-year cycles extending to 2073. Public engagement included surveys in eight languages. The update also covered a proposed MOU with Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) for BMP maintenance: Public Works will handle non-routine maintenance and potential upgrades, with HCPS reimbursing the city. Council discussed the long-term cost and the stormwater utility fee credit program for residents. Council voted 5-0 to approve the SWIP update; the program update was received and filed.

Public Comments (Non-Agenda)

• Michael Alexio, a resident, advocated for a 5-cent fee on plastic bags at grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies, citing environmental harm and litter. He referenced Virginia Code §58.1-1745, which enables local governments to adopt such a tax. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Votes (all 5-0):
  • Approved real estate tax rate of $1.01 per $100 assessed value for FY 2026-2027.
  • Approved the 2026 CDBG Action Plan.
  • Adopted the FY 2026-2027 budget and Appropriation Ordinance (decreased by ~$1M).
  • Adopted VDOT Project Funding and Signature Authority Resolution.
  • Approved the Stormwater Improvement Plan update.
• Received and Filed: Point in Time Count presentation and Downtown Master Planting Plan; Stormwater Program update.
• Closed Session: Council voted 5-0 to enter closed session under Va. Code §2.2-3711(A)(7) for consultation with legal counsel regarding actual or probable litigation. The closed session ended at 9:54 PM, and Council certified compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.