Get engaged in your City government. This page will provide ways for you to get involved and be a part of the decision-making process. More opportunities are added, and information is updated regularly. Bookmark this page and check back often. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you soon!
Want more City of Winchester information? Click here for a list of ways to get it.
Workshops
Each month, the City hosts workshops to educate the community on a topic and allow for open discussion and questions.
The next workshop is also a community input sessions for the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funding the City receives. More info here.
Virtual Sessions (WebEx):
- May 19 & May 20, 10 am–12 pm
- Use this WebEx link to attend.
In-Person Session:
- May 20, 10 am-12 pm
- Rouss City Hall, 15 N. Cameron Street
Questions? Contact Nasser Rahimzadeh via email or phone (540-667-1815, ext. 1433).
Public Meetings
Public Hearings
Provide your feedback directly to the City on the following public hearings. Check back often for updates.
Public hearings are designated for certain agenda items and feedback is solicited after Council President announces the item during the meeting. If you'd like to submit your comments in writing, use the online form (deadline: 12 pm on the Monday prior to the Council meeting to be included in the agenda packet).
| Public Body | Meeting | Agenda | Item # | Public Hearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Council | May 9 6 pm |
Agenda | O-2023-11 | Ordinance amending the City Code regarding the transient lodging tax rate |
| City Council | " | " | CU-22-390 | Conditional Use Permit to construct a 95-ft wireless telecommunications tower at 234 Millwood Ave |
| Planning Commission | May 16 3 pm |
Agenda | TA-23-170 | Ordinance to amend and re-enact articles of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to artisan manufacturing uses |
| Planning Commission | " | " | TA-22-983 | Ordinance to amend and re-enact articles of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to min. requirements for open space and improvements and standards for landscaping |
Public Comment Periods
Several City of Winchester public bodies offer a public comment period at their meetings for general topics and relating to Public Hearings. Local residents can address the body on any topic, but the members cannot respond, answer questions or engage in conversation. If you wish to speak during the public comment period, sign in upon arrival and wait for your name to be called.
See below for a list of public bodies that offer public comment during meetings:
| Public Body | Public Comment Speaking Limit During Meetings | Contact for Written Comments |
|---|---|---|
| City Council Meetings (regular, work session & committees) | Limit 3 minutes per speaker | Online Form (deadline: 12 pm on the prior Monday) |
| Community Policy & Management Team | Time limit is at the discretion of the Chairman | winchestercsa@winchesterva.gov |
| Economic Development Authority | Time limit is at the discretion of the Chairman | Jenny McDonald |
| Parks & Recreation Advisory Board | Time limit is at the discretion of the Chairman | wincparks@winchesterva.gov |
| Planning Commission | Time limit is at the discretion of the Chairman | plngdept@winchesterva.gov |
| Social Services Advisory Board | Limit 3 minutes per speaker | Amber Dopkowski |
| Tourism Board | Time limit is at the discretion of the Chairman | director@visitwinchesterva.com |
Give Feedback
Communications Feedback
The City strives to provide the information our residents, property owners, and business owners want to know. Not getting what you want? Help us improve by telling us what you'd like to receive and how.
Open Town Hall
Check our Open Town Hall website for current public input opportunities and check back often.
Volunteer
Pickup Parties
Help keep Winchester beautiful while having fun with each Pickup Party theme (the City's new twist on the traditional Community Cleanup event). Come dressed in the theme for that party and participate in activities to accumulate points for prizes. The more you participate the more you win! We'll bring the bags, gloves, and pickers. You bring the FUN!
Community Liaison Program
The City is seeking representatives from Winchester city community and neighborhood groups that can partner with the communications team and help disseminate information to residents. The representatives will serve as liaisons between the group/neighborhood and the City. When Council and City staff are discussing topics that may impact residents, the liaisons will help keep their group informed. Also, when community members have questions or comments, the liaisons will gather and relay the information to the City and start the two-way conversation.
If you're interested in participating, submit the online form or contact the City's Communications Director at 540-667-1815, ext. 1670 or email.
INSIGHT Citizen's Academy
Learn about your local government by registering for the City's annual INSIGHT Citizen's Academy. During the academy, you can meet City leaders, learn about government services and programs, tour facilities, and ask questions allowing you to better understand why decisions are made and how you can get involved. The program begins every January. Visit the INSIGHT Citizen's Academy website for details.
Citizen Police Academy
Winchester Police Department's Citizen Police Academy provides an inside look at local law enforcement operations and challenges. During this popular program, learn more about community policing, officer requirements/training, criminal investigations, E-911 communications, defensive tactics, school resource officer program, K-9s, criminal law/court proceedings, adult and juvenile detention centers, radar operations, coordination with social services, polygraphs, crime scene processing, and much more. Visit the WPD's website for details.
DID YOU KNOW? Citizen Police Academy graduates are eligible (but not required) to apply to become a member of the WPD's Volunteers in Policing Program.
Contact
For questions about the information provided on this page, please contact the City's Communications Office at 540-535-3659 or email.