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Dr. Joe Casey, County Administrator Since 2016, to Retire Effective July 2026
Dr. Joseph P. Casey, Chesterfield’s county administrator since 2016, has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2026.
That will mark 10 years to the day Casey began his tenure as chief executive of Virginia’s fourth-largest county, where he leads a local government with more than 4,000 full-time county employees and a $2.4 billion budget.
A New Jersey native, Casey began his career in public service with Hanover County in 1990. He was working as a deputy county manager in Henrico when he was hired to succeed James J.L. Stegmaier as Chesterfield’s county administrator.
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Chesterfield's Nash Road Extension opened to motorists last Wednesday, Dec. 3, about six months ahead of schedule.
Construction began in 2023 on the $35 million project, which includes a 600-foot bridge spanning Swift Creek, a roundabout at the intersection of Beach and Nash roads and a new signalized intersection on Route 10.
The two-lane roadway is intended to improve traffic safety in the area, provide redundancy in the transportation network and alleviate peak-hour backups at the Beach Road-Route 10 intersection.
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In the News
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Midlothian Tree Lighting Postponed Until Dec. 14
Originally scheduled for Dec. 8, the Midlothian District holiday tree lighting was postponed because of snow and rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 14 at Mid-Lothian Mines Park. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served at 6 p.m., then the tree will be lit at 6:15 p.m.
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VSU Recognizing Holland with Posthumous Degree
Virginia State University will recognize late Dale District Supervisor James M. “Jim” Holland with a Posthumous Honorary Degree during its Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony this Saturday, Dec. 13. Holland passed away in October at age 73.
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First Responders Take Polar Plunge at Pocahontas
Representatives of Chesterfield’s police, fire and sheriff’s departments were among more than 100 hearty souls who participated in the Richmond Polar Plunge last Saturday, Dec. 6 at Pocahontas State Park. The event raised $63,000 to support athletes with Special Olympics Virginia.
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Upcoming Access On Demand Fare Changes
To help sustain the Access On Demand program and ensure continued service for essential trips, new fare adjustments will become effective Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Trips within Chesterfield will increase from $6 to $10 one-way and trips outside of Chesterfield will increase from $6 to $15 one-way.
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 Find Chesterfield's Tacky Light Houses
Chesterfield is glowing with holiday cheer! As mentioned by the Richmond Times Dispatch, we made a Google map of the tackiest, brightest, most magical holiday houses in Chesterfield! Use the map to plan your driving routes, or call a guided tour provider so you can sit back, relax & just enjoy the glow.
Got a house that’s not on the map yet? Send an email to experience@chesterfield.gov and we’ll add your home to the list. Help us build the ultimate Chesterfield lights list. For more holiday festive fun, visit our Holiday Hub at www.experiencechesterfield.com/holidays.
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Upcoming Events
Nov. 15 through Dec. 27 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre
Celebrate the start of the holiday season and step inside a 1940s radio studio where six actors bring George Bailey’s story to life through live voices, music, and sound effects. A heartwarming classic that reminds us how every life touches so many others. Tickets and dining experiences are available for purchase at the Swift Creek Mill Theatre website.
Friday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Perkinson Center
It’s Christmas time at the Cincinnati Zoo, and everyone there eagerly anticipates the birth of Bella, the zoo’s first baby hippo. Seven-year-old Lois Jean, the zookeeper’s daughter, is especially excited—she’s counting on Bella to reunite her family in time for the holidays. Then the unexpected happens, and only one person can prevent tragedy. Will Santa arrive in time to save Bella—and Christmas? It's a heartwarming musical adventure for the whole family.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. at Henricus Historical Park
The 17th through 20th centuries in England, the American colonies, and the United States transformed Christmas into what we know today. Explore what Christmas looked like, smelled like, and sounded like to Virginians throughout these centuries. Your journey through time will end with a greeting from Father Christmas.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. at Midlothian Mines Park
Step into a tacky wonderland filled with lights, elves, the big man himself and more! We've turned Richmond's favorite holiday tradition into a can't miss experience for anyone and everyone! Travel to the North Pole and spend a night immersed in holiday cheer.
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Local Leaders Seek Legislators' Support in Securing State Infrastructure and School Funding
County and school leaders convened with members of Chesterfield’s General Assembly delegation Tuesday, Dec. 2 for their annual legislative breakfast at Beulah Recreation Center.
The focus of this year’s meeting was infrastructure and workforce development, both of which are critical to bolster Chesterfield’s $22.4 billion economy and accommodate population growth in Virginia’s most desirable locality for new residents.
“Quality of life for us means people want to be safe, they want a low tax burden, they want good schools and they want jobs and other opportunities that arise for them and their families,” said Dr. Joe Casey, county administrator. “We try to do what we can as local government, but we are very dependent on the state to do its share. That’s why we’re here today."
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
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On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we welcome the 2025 Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Carol Ricker to the program to talk not only about her background and how she was chosen for such an important role but also the Christmas Mother program, what it does, and how you can help them spread joy this year.
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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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A Warm Welcome to Nutmeg!
Little Miss Nutmeg is ready to get out of the shelter! She's a very sweet girl who is a little on the shy side so she will need a little extra TLC to help her learn how to dog . She's very sweet though once she's comfortable and loves cuddles. She would love to be your cuddle buddy on the couch, especially as the weather gets colder.
We've figured out that she does enjoy treats and also peanut butter, but only when she feels like it. Nutmeg met another dog here and was very very submissive, practically melting into the floor! She'd probably get along with most dogs and might even benefit from a doggy sibling to help her gain confidence in her new home environment. Nutmeg is a 1-year-old spayed female Pitbull mix weighing around 30 lbs.- she's a petite girl!
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 Concerns or Request Assistance
Chesterfield County is dedicated to upholding the highest standards through efficient uses of resources, promoting integrity and accountability and ensuring Chesterfield is the best place to live, learn, work and play.
As part of that commitment, the county welcomes and encourages citizens to provide feedback, concerns, report fraud, waste or abuse.
If you are experiencing an emergency or to report a crime in progress, call 911. For more information, please visit chesterfield.gov/report.
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GRTC's LINK Service Now Operating on Hull Street Road
LINK, the on-demand microtransit service from GRTC, is now available in the Clover Dale Zone.
LINK runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m., connecting you anywhere in your community. Simply download the GRTC on the Go app and select your pick-up and drop-off locations anywhere within our service area, and we’ll be there within 20 minutes to get you where you need to go.
The Clover Dale Zone provides quick and convenient service along Hull Street Road from Chippenham Mall to Harbourside Centre, with direct connection to downtown Richmond via GRTC’s Route 1C and 82x. LINK vehicles are fully ADA accessible, and feature on-board WIFI and USB charging ports – and right now, LINK is entirely fare-free!
For more information, visit ridegrtc.com/link or call 804-358-4792.
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Virginia Has Resources for Aspiring Childcare Providers
Did you know that the state has resources available for becoming a childcare provider?
The Virginia Department of Education offers the following tools for those looking to become a childcare provider and existing providers:
- Standards for licensed child day centers
- Emergency preparedness
- Low-interest loan programs
- Family and community engagement information
- Trauma toolkits
- Family childcare tool kits and much more
Find more information, visit the state's 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
✅ So much more
Request a speaker online.
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Family Workshop Dec. 11: Anatomy of an IEP
Feeling overwhelmed by the IEP process? You’re not alone. Learn more and find support at an in-person workshop Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Gates Elementary (10001 Courthouse Road).
This parent-friendly presentation breaks down each part of the Individualized Education Program in clear, simple terms. You’ll learn what each section means, why it matters, and how it all works together to support your child’s learning and growth.
You’ll walk away with practical tips and insights to help you confidently participate in the IEP process and advocate for your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education.
Register to attend the workshop here. This event is organized by PEATC and the Gates Elementary PTA.
VIDEO: Families “Glow Crazy” at Swift Creek Elementary
Students at Swift Creek Elementary transformed their gym into a glow-in-the-dark, underwater bowling alley and art show with neon paintings and posters. Teachers worked with every art student at Swift Creek to create an immersive experience that brought out the school community for an evening of fun. Watch this video to see how this glow show got rolling!
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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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