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Garrett Hart to Retire as Director of Chesterfield Economic Development
 H. Garrett Hart III, a 20-year Chesterfield employee who has served as director of the county’s Economic Development Department since 2015, has announced his retirement effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Chesterfield has experienced significant economic growth during Hart’s tenure as director, attracting companies such as LEGO, Google, Niagara, and most recently, Commonwealth Fusion Systems. These projects and many others represent more than $12 billion of capital investment and 10,000 new jobs, expanding the local economy and diversifying the county’s commercial tax base.
“It has been a great honor to be part of Team Chesterfield for the past two decades, working alongside the finest group of elected and appointed officials and local government employees to serve the citizens and businesses that call Chesterfield home,” Hart said. “I’m exceedingly proud of what we’ve accomplished in taking the county to the next level as an exceptional place to live, learn, work and play.”
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Chesterfield Public Library has announced a temporary closure of Chester Library to perform facility maintenance.
The project, which will include a new roof, a new HVAC system, and interior upgrades, among other updates, will require the facility to close for approximately eight months.
The library, which has been located at 11800 Centre Street since 2001, will close July 1 to begin packing up equipment and materials ahead of the planned work. The library is expected to reopen in spring 2027.
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In the News
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Farmers Market Opens for 2026 Season Wednesday
The Chesterfield Farmers Market opens for the 2026 season Wednesday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6701 Mimms Loop on the county government complex. During season, which continues through Sept. 30, view the county calendar and visit the market's Facebook page for weekly updates and vendor lists.
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Residents Have Several Options for Tax Payments
The Chesterfield Treasurer’s Office continues to offer a growing list of options this spring for residents to pay their county taxes. Payments for both personal property and the first-half installment of real estate taxes, which are due by Friday, June 5, can be made anytime at a variety of locations.
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2026 Community Champions Awards Recipients Honored
Four individuals and groups were recognized April 27 at the county's annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration as recipients of the 2026 Chesterfield Community Champions awards. The program honors residents who volunteer their time and resources to benefit their communities.
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HVAC Replacement at Jail to Cause Road/Lobby Closures
Due to ongoing upgrades to the facility’s HVAC units, the adjacent roadway and front lobby of the Chesterfield County Jail will undergo a series of six temporary closures in day-long phases this spring and summer. The HVAC replacement project at the jail is expected to be finished in September.
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Adopt a Four-Legged Friend at Petals and Paws Event
Chesterfield Animal Services will host an open house on Saturday, May 16 from noon-4 p.m. All adoption fees will be waived during the Petals and Paws Adoption Event. Every adoptable animal will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, heartworm tested (dogs) and FELV/FIV tested (cats).
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Download Free Eye On Water App to Monitor Water Usage
In honor of Drinking Water Week, we’re celebrating the clean, reliable water that keeps our community running. If you haven’t already, download the free Eye On Water app to support a more sustainable future. Eye On Water is a powerful tool to help you stay in control of your water use.
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beulah Recreation Center
This free event includes entertainment, safety programming and vendor resources for older adults, while providing local businesses and organizations with an opportunity to interact with Chesterfield's older adults.
Bon Air Victorian Day Festival
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. at Bon Air Christian Church
Join the Bon Air Historical Society as it celebrates the village's rich Victorian history. The free festival is designed to echo the spirit of earlier Bon Air gatherings—families, neighbors, and friends coming together for food, games and entertainment. The annual parade begins at 11 a.m. at Bon Air Baptist Church.
Chesterfield PAL's Star Wars Day
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to noon at North Courthouse Road Library
Join the Chesterfield Police Activities League for its fifth annual Star Wars Day celebration. Come for story time at 11 a.m., followed by the fan favorite kids costume contest. The free event will conclude with a raffle to win a Star Wars Black Series Helmet. There will be giveaways, food trucks and emergency vehicles on site. All ages are welcome.
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Get Ready for Summer: Learn Water Safety Tips with Chesterfield Fire and EMS
Chesterfield County is rich in water. From the calm stretches of Swift Creek Reservoir and Lake Chesdin to the wide, powerful currents of the historic James and Appomattox rivers, the county’s waterways are popular destinations for swimming, boating, fishing and relaxing outdoors.
They also serve as one of the community’s greatest assets by supplying high-quality water to residents for everything from morning coffee to an evening bath. Behind their beauty is a reality first responders know well: Accidents can happen in a moment.
Understanding water safety doesn’t require special training. It starts with awareness and a few key habits.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, which drops tomorrow, Chloe Carter and Joseph Carter join the show to talk about ways the county engages with its younger residents, why the Youth Advisory Board and Teen Summit have caught on, and what kinds of topics and issues matter most to young people.
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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 Soakzooka!
The fun never has to end with this sweet boy! He's such a happy guy who always has a big smile on his face. The couch is by far his favorite place to be – he'll get super cozy and just beg you to pet him. Then when it's playtime, it's time for zoomies! Soakzooka met a very excitable dog here at the shelter and was very tolerant, even when being jumped on. He was happy to play as well, so he'd probably like having a doggy sibling in the home. Soakzooka is a 3-year-old neutered male Husky mix weighing around 50lbs.
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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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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Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Get your weekly dose of Chesterfield news by signing up for Happening in Chesterfield.
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 It's Teacher Appreciation Week!
This week, May 4-8, we are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week across Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Teachers play an important role in the daily experiences of our students, building relationships, supporting growth and helping each child move forward. Throughout the week, schools and the school division will recognize the work teachers do and the impact they have in our classrooms and communities.
Families are invited to join us in showing appreciation in whatever way feels meaningful. A note, a message or a simple “thank you” can go a long way.
 Student Art Featured at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Through May 25, Swift Creek Middle students are showcasing their artwork in the “Emergence” exhibit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Eighth grade students researched insects from different countries, blending scientific study with creative expression, while seventh grade students crafted yarn paintings of butterflies and moths. Guided by art teacher Sheila Donahue and inspired by E.A. Séguy, students explored pattern, color, and texture. The exhibit is free to view; garden admission fees apply.
VIDEO: Weaving a Lesson About Wastefulness
When we donate clothes, they don’t always end up in the hands of those in need. They instead sometimes end up as pollution on the shores of other parts of the world. A Hopkins Elementary art teacher taught her students about the importance of reducing and recycling with an amazing large-scale collaborative art project using recovered materials. Watch this video to see how it came together.
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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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