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 Amid Uncertain Economic Conditions, Proposed Budget Takes Measured Approach
 Against a backdrop of increasing economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty, Chesterfield has crafted a proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 that makes measured progress on several longstanding priorities, provides tax relief to households and businesses and maintains adequate flexibility to respond quickly to changing conditions.
As he presented the $1.04 billion operating budget to the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris noted Chesterfield is employing the same strategy it used early in the COVID-19 pandemic, when the county scaled back spending while it evaluated the economic impact of the global health emergency.
“We took a very measured approach to building a budget in that environment and were able to add stuff back over the course of the year when opportunities presented themselves. That served Chesterfield very well and I think we’ve learned from those successes,” Harris said.
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In the News
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Rent a Community Garden Plot at Rockwood Park
Chesterfield Parks and Recreation is currently accepting applications to rent plots in the renovated community gardens at Rockwood Park. Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2025 season will open for gardening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 1.
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 Second Annual Restaurant Week Takes Place April 4-13
Get ready to visit all your favorite spots: Chesterfield Restaurant Week is back! More than 50 local establishments are participating in this year's event April 4-13, including restaurants, wineries, breweries, dessert shops and more. Proceeds will benefit the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center.
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Donations Being Collected for 2025 Diaper Drive
The Chesterfield Diaper Drive is back for its 12th year and we need the community’s help more than ever to collect newly packaged baby diapers and wipes. It benefits families enrolled in Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Families First and Infant and Toddler Connection of Chesterfield.
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 Submit Nominations for 2025 Sr. Volunteer Hall of Fame
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame, which celebrates local seniors who have rendered outstanding services to their community. To qualify, nominees must be at least 60 years old and reside in Chesterfield County. Nominations are due by April 18.
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 Pick Up Free Medication Pouches and Locking Bags
Abuse of prescription drugs remains a national epidemic. Through the county's “Count It, Lock It, Discard It: Don’t Be an Accidental Drug Dealer” campaign, free medication disposal pouches and locking bags are available for pickup at various locations across Chesterfield while supplies last.
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 Attend Earth Day Festival April 12 at Fairgrounds
Join a host of environmentally savvy county departments, local organizations and businesses during Chesterfield's third annual Earth Day Festival.The free, family-friendly event will be held Saturday, April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road.
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Upcoming Events
History Lives! in the Halls of a Local High School
Friday, March 21, 6 p.m. at Beulah Recreation Center
As part of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia's Winter Lecture Series, James Thompson, a history teacher at Thomas Dale High School, will share how he brings history to life for the students who attend Thomas Dale, the county's oldest high school.
The Lynn Theatre Presents Alice by Heart
Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 30 at Brightpoint Comm. College
Set in the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, it follows Alice Spencer, a teen whose life has been turned upside down. When her dear friend, Alfred, is ailing and quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book. Together, they journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.
Shred and E-Cycling Event
Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m.-noon at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
Accepted items include up to two small boxes or three grocery bags of personal papers for shredding per person (no fee); televisions; hard drives, cell phones, tablets and other electronics.
Present Peace Will Be Disturbed: Falling Creek 1621
Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Henricus Historical Park
Experience a multi-faceted historical event illuminating the creation and destruction of the first iron industry in English Virginia: the Falling Creek Ironworks of 1621. In addition to living history demonstrations presenting the everyday life of ironworkers from the Virginia Company of London, there will be guided tours from Henricus to Falling Creek Ironworks Park.
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 A Park Within a Park: Enhancements Making River City Sportsplex More Than Just an Athletic Facility
Chesterfield leaders hosted a groundbreaking last Thursday, March 13 at the future site of The Park at River City Sportsplex, a “park within a park” that will be the first of its kind in the county.
In a November 2022 referendum, Chesterfield voters authorized the issuance of $540 million in general obligation bonds for a series of county and school capital projects. More than $17 million was slated for enhancements at River City Sportsplex to create a new cornerstone for outdoor activities and community gatherings.
Planned improvements include a 2,000-square-foot spray park with water features, a destination playground, a game space for tweens and teens, an accessible climbing structure and multiple walking and exercise trails. The park will also offer fitness zones, additional picnic areas, shade structures and ample parking.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
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 On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, which drops tomorrow, Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris and Budget Director Gerard Durkin go in depth on the county's proposed FY2026 budget, what is included, the methods by which Chesterfield made the decision to propose changes to the tax rate, and much more.
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Every Monday, This Week in Chesterfield points residents to fun, exciting and interesting things going on around their community.
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 Chesterfield Behind the Mic is an audio and video podcast focusing on the people, stories and happenings of #Cfield.
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 Subscribe to our Chesterfield on Point blog to stay informed about a variety of topics and events important to the community.
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Adoptable Pet Spotlight
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Introducing Agnes!
Agnes is a Hound mix, around 4 years old, and weighs 40 lbs. She is an easy-going gal. She will calmly lay with you on the couch, but also has some get up and go if you want to play. When she gets really excited, she jumps up with all four legs off the ground like a deer. She really had us laughing during her photo shoot. Agnes also gets along well with other dogs that match her calmer energy level.
If you are interested in meeting this pet, please contact Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1683, option "2," to schedule an appointment. Office staff are available by phone 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Our shelter is located at 9300 Public Works Road.
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Resources and Useful Information
Report Illicit Discharges to County's Storm Sewer System
Chesterfield’s stormwater ordinance prohibits unmanaged and intentional non-stormwater discharges to the county’s storm sewer system, including the disposal of leaves. It also prohibits connecting any structure or device that conveys any liquid other than stormwater to the county’s storm sewer system without prior authorization.
What classifies as illicit discharge?
- Automotive fluids
- Herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers
- Paints, solvents, and household chemicals
- Pet waste
- Sewage
- Yard waste, grass clippings, and leaves
To report an illicit discharge, please call our 24-hour hotline at 804-717-6161. For more information, please visit the Reporting Illicit Discharges page on the Chesterfield County website.
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Get Accurate, Up-to-Date Information from Chesterfield Alert
Now is the time for residents to familiarize themselves with all of the different ways that Chesterfield County puts out emergency information.
One of those is Chesterfield Alert, an opt-in system that sends messages directly to you in the event of an emergency. This system can send out alerts via text, email, and phone call depending on how the subscriber chooses to receive the messages. Sign up today!
Click here to learn more about how you can get accurate, up-to-date information from Chesterfield in the event of an emergency.
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Request a Speaker Today!
Did you know your group or organization can request a speaker from the #Cfield Speakers Bureau? The Speakers Bureau features a variety of topics on current and timely subjects from county leaders who are eager to talk to your group or organization.
Our subject-matter experts want to be your best resource for getting answers to important questions about Chesterfield. Topics include:
✅ District update – Request your board member to speak
✅ Preparing for an emergency - Emergency Management
✅ Senior resources in Chesterfield - Office of Aging and Disability Resources
✅ Chesterfield Cooperative Extension - Master Gardeners
✅ So much more
Request a speaker online.
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Chesterfield School Wins Virginia School Breakfast Award
On March 6, the Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy (CECLA) received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education. The award, given yearly during National School Breakfast Week, recognizes excellence in prioritizing school breakfast. CECLA was one of only three schools across the state to receive this yearly award.
“CECLA is honored to receive this award. Our cafeteria staff go the extra mile each day to provide nutritious breakfast options for our students,” said Principal Dr. Lesley Harris. “Young children learn through play and a healthy breakfast gives them the fuel for a day full of fun and learning!”
Two other Chesterfield County public schools have previously received this award: Reams Road Elementary in 2021 and Manchester Middle in 2022.
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Registration for Summer Enrichment Camps Now Open
Registration opened March 6 for summer enrichment camps offered by Chesterfield County Public Schools. This year, CCPS is offering seven camps focused on cultural arts, career pathways, basketball, art or world languages. These camps are a wonderful way for Chesterfield County students to build skills, expand knowledge and make new friends. Seats in the camps are limited and registration is first-come, first-served. Learn more about our summer enrichment camps and sign up here.
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Explore career opportunities in Chesterfield and join our team of dedicated professionals in Government and Public Schools—apply today to shape our community’s future.
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Discover who represents you in Chesterfield and learn more about your magisterial district to stay connected and informed.
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