HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/28/2024 - Virginia America 250Virginia America 250
Board of Supervisors Work Session
May 28, 2024
Madeline Hanlon, Kelly Brammer, and Kaelyn Spickler
ROANOKE~ COUNTY
VllllilNIA ~ Es I'. 1838
Virginia America 250 Commission
• The Virginia America 250 Commission (VA250) was created in 2020 by
the General Assembly for the purpose of preparing for and
commemorating the 250 th anniversary of Virginia's participation in
American independence (July 4, 2026)
• Delegate Terry L. Austin appointed Chair of VA250 Commission
Virginia America 250 Commission
• Theme for Virginia's semi-quincentennial is "To Form a More perfect
Union"
• VA250 has asked that each locality form a committee to aid in planning
for the commemoration period
• Surrounding localities that have formed committees
• Bedford County
• Botetourt County
• Craig County
• Franklin County
• Salem City
Staff Activity To Date
• VA250 Common Cause for All conference in
Williamsburg on March 18-20, 2024
• VA250 Regional Meeting on June 1, 2023
• Botetourt's Committee meeting on May 8, 2023
Staff Activity To Date
• Conversations with Town of Vinton, County of Botetourt, and County of
Franklin
• Creation of a microsite for Roanoke County (pictured on next slide) and
information provided to the VA250 Commission
• Created a draft resolution
llOANOKE ~ COUNTY
5 V11u;1NIA ~ 1,r. 1838
Roanoke County's VA250 Microsite
VA250 AIOUT ,.. DIICOVU .,.
Roanoke County
About
Roanoke County.
named after the
Roanoke River. was
formed In 1838 from
a portion of
Botetourt County,
and In 1849 a portion
of Montgomery
County was added .
Most or the Coumy
was rural in nature
and farming was
predominat.e
throughout the area,
with the County stat and the County Courthouse located in the town of Salem. In 1888. the
area known as Big lick Incorporated as the City of Roanoke.
After World war II , however. the County landscape changed, adding retail, manufacturing,
office space, and residentlal subdivisions. The population greatly expanded as famllles moved
to areas with more space and affordable housing choices. In 1967, the Town of Salem became a
city, and although u remains the County Seat, both Salem and Roanoke are Independent cities,
and not part of the County.
Today. Roanoke County has a population of approximately 94,000 and Its 251 square miles
Include the Town or Vinton, and the unincorporated areas of Holllns, Bonsatk, Cave Spring,
Mount Pleasant, Glenvar, Catawba and Bent Mountain. A diversified economic base helps
provide secu rity from market fluctuations, and County residents enjoy an outstanding quality or
llfe. with many op1lons for recrea1ion , housing and entertainment .
Local Events
While there are currently no events llsted specifically for Roanoke County. search the
VA2SO Statewide Calendar of Events for a comprehensive listing of programs across
the stale.
on INVOLVED .,
Contact
Madeline Hanlon
540-772-20 17
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Roanoke Co-• ,,_.,..,... !
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, Andrew Lewis V *ioii,'""''
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Next Steps
• Form a committee
• Appointed by the Board and two Roanoke County employees
designated by the County Administrator
• Committee expiration of December 31, 2026
• Board of Supervisors Approval of VA250 Resolution
• Begin committee meetings for planning of VA250
events/programs/ activities
ROANOK E ~ COUN T Y
7 VIRG I N I A ~ FST. 1838
'
Next Steps
• General Board Feedback
• Level of interest in this topic
• Thoughts regarding level of potential investment of County funds
I Staff resources into this project
• Preferences for partnered vs County only type events
• Any other feedback
S ROA~,2~~ • s~,~-~TY
Questions