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Annual State of the County Presentation Highlights Innovation in Local Government
One day after he announced his intention to retire next July, Dr. Joe Casey joined a team of county and school leaders at the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon last Wednesday, Dec. 10 to deliver his final State of the County presentation as county administrator.
Watch a recording of this year's event on the county's YouTube channel.
This year’s panel discussion focused on innovation in the local government and a workplace culture that invests in employees, values their experience and expertise, and encourages them to think outside the box to enhance the quality of services provided to Chesterfield’s residents and businesses.
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On the site of what once was a mostly vacant shopping center, a world-class hotel and conference center is poised to rise at Springline at District 60, the $1 billion public-private, mixed-use development that continues to breathe new life into an important gateway property in northeastern Chesterfield.
County leaders joined Gov. Glenn Youngkin, representatives of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and members of the local business community last Wednesday, Dec. 10, at a ceremonial groundbreaking for Shamin Hotels’ new Hilton Richmond The Mondelle.
The $160 million project, which will include 270 guest rooms across 11 floors, is the first full-service hotel and conference center to be constructed in the Richmond region since 2009.
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In the News
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Access On Demand Fares to Increase Beginning Jan. 1
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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Board of Supervisors to Hold Monthly Meeting Wednesday
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 17, starting with a work session at 2 p.m. in Room 502 of the County Administration Building, 9901 Lori Road, then a business meeting that begins at 6 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road.
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Early Voting for Special Elections Starts Dec. 27
Early voting begins Saturday, Dec. 27, at Central Library, 7051 Lucy Corr Blvd., and ends Saturday, Jan. 3, for Chesterfield voters residing in state Senate District 15 and/or House of Delegates District 77. Special elections to fill both vacant seats in the General Assembly will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6.
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Henricus Closing Friday
for Winter Maintenance
Henricus Historical Park will close for winter maintenance this Friday, Dec. 19 through Friday, Jan. 16. Staff uses the time while schools are out of session and there are fewer visitors to perform maintenance and tasks that would otherwise detract from the immersive historical experience.
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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.
Dec. 19-21 at the Perkinson Center
Stavna Ballet returns with its breathtaking production of The Nutcracker, bringing Clara’s dreamland to the stage in a magical celebration of the season. With gorgeous costumes, exquisite dancing, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this beloved classic is the perfect way to share the wonder of the holidays with family and friends.
Dec. 19-20 at Henricus Historical Park
Follow the merry Lord of Misrule to England in the 1590s and enjoy a multi-course feast including roasted meats, pies, ale, cider and more, served at a table in the spacious Guest House at Henricus Historical Park. The candle-lit dinner will be accompanied by a Yule log fire and period music.
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Get to Know Richmond Executive-Chesterfield County Airport
Your next trip starts at the Richmond Executive – Chesterfield County Airport (FCI). Whether you’re a private pilot, business traveler, or someone who simply enjoys aviation, FCI provides the perfect combination of convenience and community in one location.
Nestled in Chesterfield County right off Iron Bridge Road, just 12 miles south of downtown Richmond and two miles from the government complex, FCI serves as a gateway to central Virginia.
Since opening in 1973, the airport has grown steadily to meet the region’s aviation needs but it isn’t just for pilots. The airport also hosts events that invite the public to enjoy family-friendly activities, learn about aircraft, and even tour the facility.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
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On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we share a special broadcast of this year’s State of the County presentation. Moderated by Human Resources Director Mary Martin Selby, the panel discussion focuses on the work of the organization and the way various departments are looking for innovative ways to serve residents.
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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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Say Hello to Cinnamon Roll Crocs!
Cinnamon Roll Crocs came to our shelter scared of the world. We have taken the time to show her that people are nice and she has come so far with her confidence. She is sweet and submissive with people and loves to play with other dogs. She enjoys rolling over for belly scratches and being the center of your attention.
She is still learning a lot about life but one thing she gets is toys! She loves them so much she just can't pick a favorite. Everyone here at the shelter just loves her floppy ears. Cinnamon Roll Crocs is a 35 lb., spayed female, shepherd mix and we estimate her age to be around 2 years old. Come to the shelter today so she can show off her toy collection.
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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 Ettrick Elementary Principal in the Running for National Award
Dr. Randi Smith, principal of Ettrick Elementary, is one of nine finalists for the national Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award based on her work to lift up family, school and community partnerships. Cast your free vote for Dr. Smith online before Jan. 30, 2026. You’ll have to provide your name; email address; and affiliation (educator, parent, community member, etc.). She has led Ettrick Elementary since 2015, helping the school overcome challenges and emerge as a beacon of educational excellence.
The winner of the Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award will receive $10,000 and other prizes. Learn more about Ettrick Elementary and watch this video for a closer look at the school’s family hub.
Inaugural Class of Play Chesterfield Scholar Athletes Chosen
Two students from every Chesterfield County high school make up the inaugural class of the Play Chesterfield Scholar Athlete Program, which is a collaborative effort by Chesterfield County, Chesterfield County Public Schools and CBS 6 (WTVR-TV). High schools selected student-athletes based on their academic excellence, athletic performance, leadership, sportsmanship, community involvement and character development. The 22 students will be featured two at a time on CBS 6, starting the week of Jan. 11 and continuing weekly. Each honoree will receive a $500 scholarship. See the full list of 2026 Play Chesterfield Scholar Athlete honorees here.
 Chesterfield Art Educators Earn Statewide Recognition
Congratulations to Jimi Herd and Shannon Sissokho for earning statewide honors from the Virginia Art Education Association this year.
Jimi, CCPS visual art curriculum specialist, was named Virginia’s Art Educator of the Year. Shannon, of Thomas Dale High, was named the state’s Secondary Art Educator of the Year. Earlier in 2025, she was selected as the High School Visual Arts Educator of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Read more about their impact on arts education in the full story on our website.
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