Newsletter — April 2024

Hello, friends and fellow community members!

As your trees blossom and the air fills with the scent of spring, I’m here to share some colorful and inspiring updates from our community for the month of April. I’ll profile 4 items from the past and 1 for the future.

1. A New Mural to Admire — Last week, the vibrant “Tulips and Lanterns” mural by the talented Iker Muro was unveiled, enhancing the walls of Midtown Row. City Council members, the Williamsburg Public Art Council, and City staff celebrated this artistic addition, which enriches our city’s cultural landscape. This stunning piece has already become a beloved landmark, embodying our city’s spirit and creativity. Pictured above.
2. W&M Entrepreneurship Hub Topic Talk — The Hub introduced a dynamic new event series this year called Topic Talks, designed to foster innovation and discussion among local entrepreneurs. I’m thrilled to have attended the final talk of the semester to speak on clean energy ventures and how Williamsburg empowers the business community.
3. Update on Landmark Village Development — In more recent news, Cale Development has decided to withdraw their proposal for rezoning 180 Strawberry Plains for the Landmark Village high-density housing project. This decision concludes nearly two years of negotiations, reflecting our commitment to thoughtful and community-focused urban planning. We continue to explore development options that align with the needs and values of our Williamsburg residents.
4. Independent Schools Study, Update — Dr. Jeffrey Smith from Inspiring Results, LLC, presented a crucial discussion on the feasibility of creating an independent City of Williamsburg School Division just this past Monday. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to engage public input and ensure our educational strategies serve the best interests of our community. We will next speak on the matter on Thursday, though we are still months away from a decision.
5. Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Approval — Finally, the future update. I am pleased to announce the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, emphasizing collaboration and public engagement… and no tax increases. This budget was meticulously crafted, incorporating Goals, Initiatives, and Outcomes (GIOs) developed with valuable input from our community, city staff, and the City Council. Each department played a pivotal role in aligning their budget requests with these strategic priorities, ensuring a balanced approach to our city’s growth and financial health.

Thank you for staying connected and engaged with our community efforts. Your involvement is what makes Williamsburg a very special place to live.

Yours in service,

Caleb

**this Newsletter is mine alone and does not represent the input of the entire City Council