Subscribers' Digest (3-2-25)
Local interactive budget graphics, Williamsburg FOIA issues, Fallen Acorn Bookshop
Since the last Subscribers’ Digest, the Williamsburg Independent covered a wide range of topics, from FOIA issues, to budget season and even independent local business.
My goal is to deliver news, commentary and insight that you won’t find anywhere else. I’m not printing press releases or posting content from other news services. Every piece is unique, local and focused on topics that others have neglected. With your help, we can continue to provide this needed reporting.
In the Williamsburg Independent, you will continue to find news, data and analysis presented in unique ways that you won’t see anywhere else locally. The site also will continue to present plenty of fact-based commentary (which is always clearly labeled). But as our About Us page says right at the top, “Decide for Yourself.” Thanks for reading!
INFOGRAPHICS
INFOGRAPHICS: Interactive Budget Data for Historic Triangle Communities
Primers for Williamsburg, James City and York, just in time for budget season
As budget season around the Historic Triangle ramps up for FY26, we thought it might be helpful to put together a few numbers as a bit of a refresher. First up in our review is a broad look at tax rates and adopted budgets across our region. Then, we dive into details about each of the jurisdictions that make up the Historic Triangle — Williamsburg, James City County and York County. We cover both what could happen in FY26, as well as a look back at what has happened since FY21.
Many of the maps and graphics below are interactive. So click on them to dive into some of the budget numbers that help shape our local communities. SEE THE DATA…
COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY: Williamsburg FOIA Policy Excludes All City Manager Correspondence from Review
City's choice to limit public access extends to more than just sensitive information
In response to a FOIA request last week concerning a discretionary art program funded by the City, the City’s Assistant Attorney informed me that Williamsburg’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) policy is to exempt all working papers and correspondence from City Manager Andrew Trivette. They cite Virginia State Code 2.2-3705.7(2) as justification, and according to experts on FOIA law, they’re well within their right to apply this code and keep everything they want secret. But apparently, they don’t have to — it’s simply a choice they’re making.
(Editor’s Note 2-22-25: Point of clarification, the program in question was created as a tourism funding program. One of this year’s recipients was the Muscarelle Museum of Art, who intends to use the funds for out-of-town marketing efforts. According to the City, recent recipients included several conferences, as well as a group dedicated to building a live performance venue and for studying mobile vendor payment options for Merchant Square). READ MORE …
CULTURE
CULTURE: The Fallen Acorn Bookshop in Williamsburg
This independent book seller near Merchants' Square is the perfect place to spend some time and money
By the end of 2025, Amazon could control almost 80% of the consumer book market in the United States. Meanwhile, local independent bookstores continue to struggle to make ends meet. The reasons are numerous. People are busier and have less time to go and browse. Or we’re less able to get out and about like we once did. But maybe you’ve thought about making some changes in your buying habits — a small step here or there can ultimately pay big dividends. And despite Amazon’s dominance, there are still much better alternatives, even online.
The good news is that Williamsburg has several independent bookstores, one of which is The Fallen Acorn. The magnificently renovated space that’s home to the shop is located on St. George St. near Merchant Square, in the basement under the Kilwins Ice Cream and Candy shop (you may remember that the space was once home to Mermaid Books). READ MORE …
POLLS
We’re keeping the polls open for those that haven’t seen them or voted yet. Here’s some that are on the site:
POLL: Biggest 'Town & Gown' Issue
Since the City's recent report lacks both resident and student input, here's an online poll
The question is: “What is the biggest ‘Town & Gown’ issue in the City?” Is it a shortage of housing, parking issues, traffic and congestion, property code violations, noise concerns?
POLL: Biggest Issue for The City's Budget
Proposed water rate increases, school system contract, keeping real estate tax rate low, City debt load
The City Council recently met on a Friday morning at 8am in the firehouse to discuss the FY26 budget. Just in case that wasn’t a convenient time for you, we wanted to know what you think about the biggest issue facing the City in terms of its budget?
POLL: Downtown Children's Splash Park
How much do you know about Williamsburg's plans to borrow $6.5M to build a history-themed play area in Peacock Hill neighborhood?
I’m wondering what you’ve heard about the $6.5M to build a splash park near Colonial Williamsburg. I’m starting to wonder if I was the only one in the dark about the splash park (entirely possible).
(Update 3-2-25 fixed grammar issues)
George Arbogust is Founder and Editor of the Williamsburg Independent. Consider buying him a cup of coffee.