City Council

Agenda — 3 items

1. A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel regarding a certain legal matter requiring the provision of legal advice by the City Attorney concerning contract obligations involving a City-owned facility in the Central part of the City of Roanoke, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(8), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.(7-0)
2. Acceptance of a Subaward Agreement for the Greater Roanoke & New River Valley Small Business Development Center.Adopted Resolution No. 43371-040626. (7-0)
3. COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER.The City Manager shared the following comments:I’m pleased to share information about a meaningful international partnership that brings both a global perspective and local value to our community. The city has been selected by the international City County Management Association to host a fellow through the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative on what they call YSEALI. This program, sponsored by the US Department of State, provides emerging leaders between the ages of 25 and 35 from Southeast Asia with a four to six-week fellowship experience here in the United States. The focus is on sustainability, governance and civic engagement, areas that align closely with the work we do every day in local government. I am honored to host Ms. Puteri Bendera. Puteri as she likes to be called, is here for a five to six-week placement with our city. She is a PhD candidate and a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Sains Malaysia, where she specializes in Hydrology, Climate Adaption and Disaster Risk Reduction. Her research is particularly relevant to communities like ours as she focuses on developing climate-resistant water and agricultural systems using watershed modeling and nature-based solutions. In addition to her academic work, Puteri brings impressive practical experience. She is contributing to international climate initiatives through an internship with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Changes Local Communities and Indigenous People's Platform, where she supported data-driven efforts to document indigenous knowledge of climate resilience. She also serves as a Program Officer with the ASEAN Youth Organization and is actively involved in Water Watch Penang, promoting water conservation and climate education. During her time with us, Puteri aims to deepen her understanding of how local governments integrate climate data, community engagement, and policy innovation to strengthen resilience. At the same time, our staff will benefit from her global perspective, technical expertise, and fresh ideas. This fellowship is an opportunity not only to support the development of an emerging global leader, but also to strengthen our own capacity as a City to address complex challenges like climate adaptation and sustainability. We are proud to participate in this program and to welcome Puteri to our community. I know her time here will be both impactful and mutually beneficial.<br><br>I’m pleased to share that the City of Roanoke has been selected as one of twenty finalists for the 2026 All-America City Award. This recognition reflects the strong partnerships across our community to expand civic engagement, build trust, and create a more inclusive city. Roanoke was recognized for three key initiatives:• First, our Response to Homelessness, where we’ve shifted to a coordinated, human-centered approach through the STAR Initiative and the Hope and Home Task Force—connecting individuals to care, services, and long-term solutions.• Second, Engagement Ready / Grant Ready Roanoke, in partnership with the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance, which strengthens resident engagement and equips community organizations with the tools to lead and access funding.• Third, Arts Connect Neighbors, which uses arts and culture to bring people together through free, neighborhood-based programs that build connection and belonging.The next stage will take place in Denver from June 26–28, where we will present to a national jury. If selected, Roanoke would become a nine-time All-America City. We’re proud to represent our community on the national stage.

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