Williamsburg City Council extends events contract, approves tourism and planning measures

Plus, York County Fire Department celebrates EMS Week with lifesaving story, grand opening for new Williamsburg Police Station

The Williamsburg City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary Street. Among the key outcomes, the council voted unanimously to extend the year-round event management services contract with AVAdventure Productions through FY27, approved a $28,000 tourism grant for a virtual tour of the African-American Heritage Trail, and authorized a $575,000 contract with planning firm WRT for a comprehensive plan update.

The council voted 5-0 to extend the AVAdventure Productions contract through FY27, allowing continuation of signature city events including the Last Word Comedy Festival, Williamsburg Wine and Whiskey Weekend, BurgQuest, and the Virginia Cat Festival. Tourism Division Manager Joanna Skrabala noted that the comedy festival has seen a 71 percent increase in attendance over time and that both BurgQuest and the Cat Festival are moving to the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center this year.

Council members expressed broad support for the events program, with Mayor Douglas Pons describing it as “real economic development” and “real community building.” Council Member Stacy Kern-Scheerer said she smiled every time the Virginia Cat Festival was mentioned, noting that its growth to a larger venue reflects its success.

The items covered below include the events contract, tourism grant, comprehensive plan consultant, zoning decisions, budget amendment, and other business, each linking directly to that moment in the full meeting recording on YouTube.

AVAdventure Productions contract extended through FY27

The council authorized the interim city manager to execute an amendment extending the year-round event management services contract with AVAdventure Productions to include FY27, with options to renew subject to annual appropriation. Staff also noted a metrics report with nearly three years of data is in development. Watch the full presentation and vote from 1:24:20

$28,000 grant approved for African-American Heritage Trail virtual tour

The council awarded a $28,000 Tourism Promotion Contingency Fund grant to the Let Freedom Ring Foundation to develop a virtual tour for the soft launch of the African-American Heritage Trail. Visit Williamsburg is contributing $40,000 toward the total project budget of just over $72,000. The tour will be used during Juneteenth, July 4th, and the 250th anniversary of the First Baptist Church. Watch the vote and staff presentation from 2:12:19

Visit Williamsburg selfie station approved for Library Square Park

The council voted 5-0 to authorize a long-term special event license allowing Visit Williamsburg to install a selfie station in Library Square Park through December 31, 2026, in connection with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Staff noted installation could follow within approximately one week of approval once insurance is finalized. Watch the vote from 24:23:39

Council approves $575,000 contract with WRT for comprehensive plan

The council voted 5-0 to authorize the interim city manager to execute a contract with Wallace Roberts and Todd LLC (WRT) for the comprehensive plan update, budgeted over FY26 and FY27. Vice Mayor Dent, who served on the selection committee, said a consultant’s public engagement expertise and national experience justified the cost. Council Member Kern-Scheerer said she shifted from skeptic to supporter after observing the community’s planning conversations over recent years. Watch the vote and council discussion from 1:43:59

Several speakers during open forum raised concerns about the cost of hiring an outside consultant for the comprehensive plan update, arguing internal staff should lead the effort and that the process could reduce citizen input. Planning and Codes Compliance Director Tevya Griffin later presented the full procurement process, noting that 12 responsive proposals were received, 10 staff members conducted the initial review, and a 17-member selection committee that was 65 percent non-city staff ranked WRT first with an average score of 83 out of 100. Hear speakers raise concerns about the consultant contract from 52:59

Escape room clears zoning and special use hurdles

The council voted 5-0 on two related items to allow Operation Escape LLC to open an escape room at 150 Strawberry Plains Road. The first vote amended the LB-4 zoning district to permit family entertainment centers by special use permit. The second approved the specific application. Principal Planner Thomas Wysong noted the business will operate by appointment only, limiting its impact on surrounding properties. Watch the zoning vote from 2:06:40

Chesapeake Bay preservation ordinance updated for climate rules

The council voted 5-0 to revoke and reinstate the city’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area article in the zoning ordinance to comply with new Virginia Department of Environmental Quality requirements addressing climate change resilience, shoreline erosion control, and living shorelines. The revised article also adds a definition section not previously included. Watch the staff presentation and vote from 22:01:39

FY26 budget amended for fire truck, school repairs, and bollards

The council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 26-07 amending the FY26 budget, explicitly excluding a $500,000 transfer for Prince George parking garage repairs, which staff said would be re-advertised for possible redirection to the African-American Heritage Trail. Approved items included recognizing $500,000 from William and Mary for a fire truck, $873,400 for school gym and window repairs, $500,000 for Quarterpath Recreation Center HVAC, $4.385 million in bond funds for the Public Works yard, and $450,000 for Duke of Gloucester Street safety bollards. Watch the budget amendment vote from 27:58:39

Speakers address meals tax and budget at open forum

Speakers at open forum raised concerns about the FY27 budget, focusing on the 1.5 percent meals tax increase from 5 percent to 6.5 percent, rising property assessments, and proposed new city positions. One restaurant owner said behavioral changes among customers, including splitting entrees and skipping appetizers, were already affecting the business. Another speaker questioned the justification for new mid-management positions. Hear speakers address the meals tax and budget from 51:47

Virginia Main Street program participation authorized

The council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 26-08 authorizing the city’s downtown organization to participate in the Virginia Main Street program as an exploring community, providing access to technical assistance and eligibility to apply for state grants. Interim City Manager Michele Mixner DeWitt, who previously managed the program at the state level, described it as a proven tool for analyzing retail mix and attracting visitors. Watch the vote from 1:32:19

Water treatment chemical contract approved at $116,520

The council voted 5-0 to authorize a one-year chemical supply contract with Univar Solutions for sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, and copper sulfate used at the city’s water treatment plant, totaling $116,520. Director of Public Works and Utilities Jack Reed noted the combined cost exceeded the $100,000 threshold requiring council approval. Watch the vote from 2:04:40

2026 Business Appreciation Award presented to Streamline Roofing

The Economic Development Authority honored Streamline Roofing as the 2026 Small Business of the Year. Founded in 2014 by Jeff Skinner and Dave Long, the company operates a “Raise the Roof” program that provides free roofing to community members and nonprofits each year. The council viewed a video presentation before welcoming representatives to the meeting. Watch the award presentation from 2:18:00

In other news …

York County Fire Department Celebrates EMS Week with Lifesaving Story

York County Fire Department shared a video about EMS Week, featuring the story of how members of the department’s emergency medical services team responded to save resident Jean Michel’s life. The video celebrates the critical work performed by EMS personnel within the York County Fire Department and demonstrates the real-world impact of their training and dedication to the community. Jean Michel’s account provides a personal perspective on how rapid emergency response and skilled medical intervention can make the difference between life and death.

Williamsburg Police Station Opens with City Leadership Ceremony

The City of Williamsburg marked the grand opening of its new police station on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with an official ceremony attended by city leadership and community representatives. Mayor Douglas Pons, Police Chief Sean Dunn, and Citizen Advisory Committee Chair Malika Blume delivered remarks at the event. The opening represents a significant milestone for the city’s public safety infrastructure and community services.

William & Mary Class of 2026 Celebrates with National Recognition

William & Mary News reported that the university’s Class of 2026 marked their graduation with a celebration that drew national attention on Friday. The day featured approximately 75 graduating students participating in NBC’s TODAY show, which filmed in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, while the Commencement ceremony took place at Zable Stadium with remarks from prominent speakers. Political scientist Francis Fukuyama, currently a fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, delivered the keynote address and encouraged graduates to embrace active participation in democracy. https://news.wm.edu/2026/05/18/william-mary-celebrates-class-of-2026-on-the-national-stage/

BurgQuest Gaming Festival Seeks Vendors and Performers for September Event

The City of Williamsburg reports that BurgQuest, its annual family-friendly gaming festival, has opened applications for the 2026 event. The festival will take place September 25-27 at the new Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center and is produced by local company AVAdventure Productions. The city is seeking vendors for the BurgQuest Marketplace, nonprofit and community organizations interested in promoting their missions, game developers wanting to showcase board games and video games, and performers including musicians, presenters, and workshop facilitators. Applications are available through the festival’s website, and tickets will go on sale in June. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=1261

York County Schools Board Holds Regular May Meeting

The York County School Division convened for a regular board meeting on May 18, 2026, at York Hall Board Room in Yorktown. The meeting provided an opportunity for the school board to conduct official business and consider matters affecting the division. Residents interested in local education policy and school board decisions can review the full meeting video for complete details on topics discussed and actions taken.

BrassWind performs at Yorktown Sounds of Summer Concert Series June 4

York County Tourism announces the next performance in Yorktown’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series will feature BrassWind, a premier Hampton Roads horn and party band composed of retired and active-duty military members and teachers. The free concert takes place Thursday, June 4 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing on the York River waterfront. BrassWind performs music spanning multiple genres including Motown, beach, jazz, R&B, and modern hits. Attendees are invited to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for an evening of live music and summer entertainment. The ADA-accessible Yorktown Trolley operates from 5 to 9:30 p.m. for those seeking complimentary transportation, and free parking is available throughout town at York Hall, the York-Poquoson Courthouse, and the County Administration Building. https://www.visityorktown.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=5240

The Williamsburg Independent is a publication of Williamsburg-based Dog Street Press, LLC. An editor used primary sources and AI tools for this report.