The City is organized under the Council-Manager form of government. The governing body, the Common Council, is elected by voters under a ward system defined in Section Four of the Winchester City Charter. Two council members are elected from each of the four wards, and the Mayor is elected at-large.
City Council and City departments rely on numerous boards, commissions and authorities to assist in the decision-making process. Members are knowledgeable volunteers and appointed by either City Council or the Circuit Court following a recommendation by City Council.
City Council Meetings
Regular Meetings, Work Sessions & Committees
| Location | Rouss City Hall, Council Chambers 15 N. Cameron Street, Main Floor |
| Monthly Dates/Times | Regular Meeting & Work Sessions: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6 pm Finance Committee: First Tuesdays, 1:30 pm Boards & Commissions Committee: Third Mondays, 1 pm Health & Public Safety Committee: Every other Third Wednesdays, 5 pm Planning & Economic Development Committee: Last Thursdays, 2 pm |
| Agendas/Minutes | Agenda portal |
| Watch Live | In-person, on the agenda portal, or Comcast cable ch. 6 |
| Watch On-Demand | On the agenda portal |
NOTE: Special accommodations to attend the meeting can be arranged by calling Rouss City Hall at (540) 667-1815, ext. 1502 or email.
Addressing Council
- During a Meeting - To address Council during a regular meeting, please sign up at the podium prior to the start of the meeting. The President of Council will call your name when it is your turn to speak. Click here for more information about public comments.
- Other - Feel free reach out to any Council member via phone or email. Council Contact Information
Public Meeting Procedures
Depending on the item (resolution, ordinance, conditional use permit), the approval process differs. Click the button below for an explanation.
Questions?
Submit this short form or call the Deputy Clerk of Council at (540) 667-1815, ext. 1502.
Public Comments
Many City of Winchester boards, commissions and authorities (public bodies) offer a public comment period at their meetings. 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.
Public hearings during Council meetings 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 general or public hearing 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).
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 Regular Meeting | 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 (Email) |
| 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 (Email) |
| Tourism Board | Time limit is at the discretion of the Chairman | director@visitwinchesterva.com |
Our Mission Statement
To provide a safe, vibrant, sustainable city while striving to constantly improve the quality of life in our community and the business climate for economic partners.
Vision 2030
To be a beautiful, vibrant city with a thriving downtown, growing economy, safe neighborhoods with a range of housing options, and easy movement.
Strategic Planning
The City utilizes the strategic planning process to study and endorse broad issues of organizational direction and propose direct tasks that will be implemented in the City's pursuance of the strategic plan goals. Through these ongoing strategic planning efforts, the City of Winchester continually renews its vision and reformulates strategies for realizing the City's vision on a periodic basis. Current Strategic Plan
Service Delivery Policy
The City of Winchester's Service Delivery Policy is to provide services to the public equally and fairly without regard to the person's age, sex, race, religion, national origin, creed, political affiliation or disability. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to affirmative action. Any member of the public requiring special accommodations such as an interpreter or reader should contact City Hall at (540) 667-1815, ext. 1454.
Notice and Prohibition Against Discrimination
All City Councilors, employees and Council appointed Board and Commission members have an obligation to conduct their official duties in a manner that serves the public interest, upholds the public trust and protects the City’s resources. To this end, City Councilors, employees and Council-appointed Board and Commission members have a responsibility to perform their duties to the very best of their abilities, treating the public and each other in a courteous manner that is fair and equitable, without regard to race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to the impartial conduct of City business.
All City Councilors, employees and Council appointed Board and Commission members demonstrate integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in the conduct of all City business.
The City of Winchester strives to obtain the best-qualified applicants available for each vacancy as it occurs, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, disability, gender, age, or other non-merit, non-job-related factors. The City of Winchester local government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Any unlawful discrimination should be reported immediately to a member of the City’s senior management team, or to the City Manager. Such discrimination also may be reported to any state or federal agency which is responsible for compliance with nondiscrimination laws, such as the U.S. Justice Department, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any other federal or state agency with jurisdiction.
The City of Winchester also prohibits unlawful retaliation against any person who files a report or complaint about discrimination. To contact the City of Winchester to report any unlawful discrimination or retaliation or to request special arrangements because of disability, please call 540-667-1815, ext. 1454.