The annual Chesterfield State of the County address was presented by County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey on Wednesday, Dec. 8. The 2021 address provides a wide-ranging review of accomplishments, economic events, business developments, quality of life improvements and much more that occurred in Chesterfield in 2021. In addition, Dr. Casey offered his vision for Chesterfield’s future in 2022 and beyond. The 2021 State of the County was hosted by the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce. View the State of the County 2021 presentation (PDF).
Learn More About Chesterfield
Review some of the county's highlights from the past year, including major awards and accomplishments earned by departments throughout Chesterfield County Government.
Chesterfield County Named as one of America’s Best-in-State Employers by Forbes Magazine
Forbes magazine recognized Chesterfield as one of America’s Best-in-State Employers for 2021. In a survey of 80,000 U.S. employees across 25 industry sectors, Forbes collected direct recommendations from employees as well as indirect recommendations from workers in the industry. The survey considered every aspect of an employee’s experience, such as working conditions, salary, potential for growth and diversity. Of the thousands of companies eligible for this recognition, only a select few are awarded in each state. The title reinforces the county’s reputation as an organization that provides excellent employment experiences.
Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Selected as a Finalist for the 2021 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management
The Gold Medal Award is administered in partnership by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Founded in 1965, the award program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Chesterfield’s application reflected accomplishments such as cross-training of maintenance staff to handle additional responsibilities, development of a trails web application, collaboration with Sportable and Sports Backers, development of virtual recreation programs, and many successful events and new facilities designed to serve all facets of the community.
Chesterfield Schools Goes Electric
Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) added two electric buses to their fleet of 630 buses in collaboration with Dominion Energy. These buses are emissions-free at the tailpipe and they’re also free of noise pollution and fossil fuels. They have new safety belt features to keep children safe as they ride to and from school. Replacing one diesel bus with an electric bus is the equivalent of removing roughly five cars from the road. Additionally, an electric bus reduces operation and maintenance costs for schools by 60% as compared to a diesel model. Each bus can seat up to 77 students and travel approximately 135 miles on a three-hour charge.
Entertainment for Residents and Visitors Alike
Chesterfield County continues to be a mecca for sports tourism with world-class facilities and fields. The county fairgrounds hosted the After Hours Series, bringing nationally recognized recording artists. County leaders toured the Metro Richmond Zoo in Chesterfield County and learned more about new exhibits and future plans.
The Baxter Perkinson Center for Arts and Education, Chesterfield’s new arts center, is a 20,500-square-foot venue featuring the 354-seat Jimmy Dean Theater, the Baxter and Elaine Perkinson Art Gallery, a 1,500-square-foot multipurpose education center, a 750-square-foot classroom and several dressing rooms.
The Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the opening of the Clover Hill Dog Park which includes a small dog run area, large dog run area and a paved and gated release foyer. The park was a result of community need and input. Also to note, Chesterfield launched Woof and Wag, a new resource for dog owners that lists a variety of dog-friendly places around Chesterfield County including county dog parks, local pet shops, dog-friendly patios, parks and trails, breweries and wineries and much more. Grab your dog, a leash and go explore all the county has to offer with your furry friend in tow.
Keeping the Community Informed
Chesterfield Behind the Mic, the county’s audio and video podcast, launched in September 2021. It features guests from all walks of life and covers stories throughout all corners of the county. It can also be found on Chesterfield’s Youtube channel or any podcast platform by searching Chesterfield Behind the Mic.
Chesterfield on Point, the county’s blog, launched in October 2021. It explores timely, relevant topics across Chesterfield, with depth and attention. The blog includes news and feature articles, photos, graphics and videos.
Chesterfield County continues to lead the metro Richmond area in population growth. The county launched its own 2020 census webpage to help area residents and businesses navigate Chesterfield’s 2020 population growth.
Online Portals for Comments and Feedback
During the pandemic, the county implemented an online portal to collect citizen comments. We have seen a significant increase in participation from our citizens using this resource. Recognizing this is a valuable tool for citizens to contribute their comments, the county will continue to offer this platform for citizens to engage.
Furthermore, last year the county rolled out a new online resource for citizens to submit their concerns and provide general feedback. Chesterfield residents and businesses can access a variety of topic areas in one convenient location – making it easier to report potential abuse of county resources, and submit concerns, complaints or feedback. Public Portal for Citizen Concerns and Assistance.
Chesterfield also launched a portal to receive and respond to citizen requests for public records. The Public Records Request Portal is powered by technology developed by GovQA and has enhanced how citizens may request and access public records. Additionally, staff is able to respond to public records requests much more efficiently while also ensuring Chesterfield remains compliant with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Over the next few years, Chesterfield Utilities plans to replace all existing water meters in the county with smart meters, which will help customers manage water use with nearly real-time data and high consumption alerts, improve operational efficiency and enhance environmental stewardship. The first smart meters were deployed within a limited service area last summer. Countywide installations are expected to be completed by 2024.
In the past year, the county has worked with Project: HOMES and the Virginia Community Development Corporation on a pilot program designed to create high-quality, durable manufactured homes to replace the current modular units along Route 1 at Bermuda Estates.
Located in Magnolia Green, at the intersection of Woolridge and Otterdale Roads, Station 25 provides 24-hour coverage of 74 square miles of the district, protecting 170 miles of roads and servicing 10,599 addresses. View the video tour of Station 25.
Fire Safety Prevention Week
Chesterfield Fire and EMS recognized Fire Safety Prevention Week with the goal to raise fire safety awareness and help ensure citizens’ homes and families stay protected.
National Night Out
Annually, residents in neighborhoods throughout Chesterfield County and across the nation lock their doors, turn on the outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, as well as generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts.
Ways to Connect and Stay Informed
Chesterfield Alert
Receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Chesterfield Alert, our emergency alert program. Learn about critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations and more.
Chesterfield Behind the Mic is produced by the Chesterfield Communications and Media Department. Using the podcast medium to create a more one-on-one relationship with listeners and viewers, our goal is to speak directly to residents sharing the many stories of Chesterfield.
Staying informed is vital for everyone in our community. That’s the purpose of Chesterfield on Point, a blog that explores the timely, relevant topics across the Chesterfield County. We’ll not only tell you who, what, when, where and how but also why it matters.
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On cable. Online. On the go. WCCT Chesterfield Community Television is your source for news and events around Chesterfield County. Watch our programming and feature videos on Comcast channel 98, Verizon channel 28 and streaming live on our YouTube channel.