[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",7320328,"mediaKeyId","3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6","parentId",3289802,"title","Leesburg approves temporary rainbow crosswalk pilot and waives fees for Pride festival","audioSeconds",1420,"startMs",3080000,"endMs",4500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6&start=3080&end=4500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6/thumbnail_3080000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/7320328/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-approves-temporary-rainbow-crosswalk-pilot-and-waives-fees-for-Pride-festival","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7320328-1431845d32d19edc12700adcde53415a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132209&Signature=Rvsw8nQK8nMugYSX3fKM8gyxedNF9dfHVhu2Us3HM-6Io2k3EmVuI4vvOot9EED3u1HRWA78hPt78el~SQooTXfDHwUrpsdGAepb6U2j0MewhUsRA3S-46O~1OOUslX4f6MG4z7njRMmK4EfF0~LqyLWnOiiIZxE35wfEstvrZg-3gtwqicZnupA4SKLiosuSib7WLQ4ZSbDrcjb4HlFNzW3BGT7pEHsCvtRA2RZ5H2vrJcBnzkNIkCvC0eHepZs2CCIcSIqF9atmvKKMTqOfh3YMwOsV153f0y1cOAe9XQgy8N979S3FRcigUVvNzE~cBrfCnxCBiYhcUca~dQnoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leesburg","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Leesburg Town Council on May 11 approved two requests from Equality Loudoun: a temporary, 90‑day pilot to paint a rainbow crosswalk at Harrison Street where the W&OD Trail crosses near Ranson/Refow (adjacent to Ida Lee Park) and a waiver of town event fees for the Loudoun Pride Festival, not to exceed $11,000.

Supporters said the crosswalk and festival will increase visibility and signal welcome to LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. Candice Tuck, who identified herself as representing Equality Loudoun, PFLAG Ashburn‑Loudoun County and the Loudoun Bridal Festival, told the council the crosswalk “is an effort to show that without reservation, without hesitation, that Leesburg is open and inclusive.” The Pride festival, scheduled for May 31, expects roughly 5,000 attendees and charges a $5 entrance fee.

Town staff briefed the council on logistics, costs and public‑safety measures. Town staff member Stacy Trask told council the surface conditions and traffic patterns have been reviewed and that staff recommends treating the painting as a temporary program for about 90 days so a formal policy and application process can be drafted. Trask said half the street would be painted at a time, that painting would take four to five hours with drying time between coats, and that the town’s costs would be roughly $800–$1,200 for lane‑control work during business hours and about $700–$1,000 for materials. Trask also said Loudoun (the event organizer) offered to pay for staff time and materials and coordinate volunteers for the painting.

Trask referenced the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidance and said Virginia Department of Transportation review is unnecessary because the town owns and maintains Harrison Street; the town would retain the white ladder bars required by MUTCD. Trask also said staff would apply an anti‑graffiti coating and that maintenance decisions would depend on the policy developed during the pilot.

Council and staff discussed safety and operations. A Leesburg Police Department representative, Sarah (last name not specified in the record), warned that response times can vary depending on calls for service and that officers assigned to an event might be needed elsewhere. Town attorney John Spera (title listed in the meeting) said running the program as a pilot reduced legal risk from precedent claims.

Councilmembers voiced both support and concern. One councilmember said they supported the principle but would have preferred a policy in place before approving an artistic roadway treatment. Others pointed to the community‑relations benefits and noted Equality Loudoun will cover much of the immediate cost. The motion passed with a majority and the council directed staff to return with a recommended policy and any implementation details after the trial period.

On the fee waiver, staff presented an estimated cost for town resources of $10,742 (police staffing, park staffing and setup, traffic control and park rental for multi‑day setup and breakdown). The town’s operating budget for fee waivers for fiscal year 2025 includes $10,000; staff said additional funds could come from the town manager’s contingency if needed. Council debated the cost and precedent concerns; some members proposed a partial waiver cap while others urged the town to be a welcoming host for the festival’s first year in Ida Lee Park. The council voted to approve the fee waiver, not to exceed $11,000, and asked staff to return with a policy discussion on future fee waivers.

What it means: The crosswalk will be painted under town supervision as a temporary 90‑day pilot while staff drafts a policy for future requests. The Pride festival will proceed at Ida Lee Park with the council covering up to $11,000 of the town’s direct event costs; the exact post‑event billing will reflect actual staffing and material usage.

Votes at a glance

- Temporary rainbow crosswalk on Harrison Street (90‑day pilot): Motion approved; staff to develop formal policy during pilot period. (Tally: majority in favor; one councilmember voiced opposition to approving before a policy existed.)

- Loudoun Pride Festival fee waiver: Motion approved, fee waiver authorized in an amount not to exceed $11,000; staff to return with policy options for future requests.

Speakers quoted or recorded in this item included Candice Tuck (Equality Loudoun/PFLAG/Loudoun Bridal Festival), Stacy Trask (town staff), Sarah (Leesburg Police representative) and John Spera (town attorney).

Next steps: Staff will coordinate painting logistics with the event organizers and volunteers, manage required traffic controls for partial lane work, and return to the council after the 90‑day pilot with a recommended crosswalk policy and an evaluation of the pilot. Staff will also finalize the actual event costs for the Pride festival and bill/record the town’s expenditures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Leesburg - Town Council Meeting - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Leesburg Town Council approved a 90‑day pilot to paint a rainbow crosswalk at Harrison Street near the W&OD Trail and agreed to waive up to $11,000 in town event fees for the Loudoun Pride Festival at Ida Lee Park on May 31.","taxTitle","Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia","taxId",5641,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567603,"Council approves Performing Arts Commission handbook amendments and FY25 advertising budget",1299,5480000,6779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6&start=5480&end=6779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6/thumbnail_5480000.jpg","/articles/6567603/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Council-approves-Performing-Arts-Commission-handbook-amendments-and-FY25-advertising-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567603-637b600d6db54326d463532768335f63/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132209&Signature=U3Jqst0Gcfv3l5XmRt43rVukbCWVELtDXxzRULlxbmsPgNjWM3fpVNEgQsaulFa~C0SMuobG6pVhT51YSfZazKWyubgAkk8Io4p0RKRGlcuVeiZ773KdpqSvLSwDAUUldG2L5ZCDvjwBJnFL5EVbwplIZT8NlP5yiSaikbJNH8SOVKbQj4pE59N15YuT1Mx-Im~-i-F176bAsrEiQ8qRwY1catXl1ArtPs-1haeqWNVJEfLtwMtsF2rqe72PnGjjZ6TnqIQGbflp6~0K8oXUW2qaeoLsjUCkQExvOG61q2~itpImmDK1Kq7lfxoBXHKV8p0C99NTQqE4uySNibOACw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council on May 11 approved changes to the Performing Arts Commission’s artist selection handbook and authorized the commission’s fiscal year 2025 advertising/advocacy budget.

Commission leadership presented amended handbook and bylaw language that clarifies the commission’s advisory role, asserts a preference for programming that promotes accessibility and community relevance, and states the commission is “discouraged from directing, performing, or acting as a producing entity,” with narrowly defined exceptions for emergency situations. The commission chair said the language is intended to keep the commission advisory rather than a producing body, while allowing limited volunteer support in unexpected situations.

Councilmembers questioned how the handbook language would address potential conflicts of interest — for example, if a commissioner has a spouse who is a performing artist — and asked for assurances that any emergency participation would be unpaid. Several councilmembers suggested referencing existing conflict‑of‑interest rules and ensuring that any brief volunteer participation be explicitly non‑compensated. The commission chair agreed to return to the commission to incorporate clarifying language on volunteer/emergency participation.

Council voted to approve the artist selection handbook as amended on the record, with the commission agreeing to make the volunteer/emergency language clearer and to coordinate final wording with staff. The council also approved use of the Performing Arts Commission’s FY25 funds for an arts advocacy and marketing campaign as presented, with the commission planning follow‑up work sessions to deliver the project on time and within scope.

What it means: The commission’s role is explicitly advisory; the handbook emphasizes programming that is accessible to the public (removal of financial/structural barriers) and culturally sensitive. Council approved one‑time use of the commission’s FY25 funds for outreach and marketing work.

Votes at a glance

- Approve the Performing Arts Commission artist selection handbook (as amended): Approved by council.

- Approve use of the Performing Arts Commission FY25 budget for advertising/advocacy: Approved by council.

Speakers included the commission chair (name given during presentation) and multiple councilmembers who asked for clarifying edits; the commission agreed to amend language on volunteer emergency participation before finalizing bylaws.","The Town Council approved the Performing Arts Commission’s artist selection handbook as amended and authorized the commission’s FY25 advertising/advocacy spending after the commission agreed to clarify language on accessibility and emergency volunteer participation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567606,"Keep Leesburg Beautiful reports surge in volunteers and litter removed; Golden Grabber awarded",305,2283000,2588000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6&start=2283&end=2588","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6/thumbnail_2283000.jpg","/articles/6567606/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Keep-Leesburg-Beautiful-reports-surge-in-volunteers-and-litter-removed-Golden-Grabber-awarded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567606-b514f2b90b5531d500f395f1abd2c864/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132209&Signature=QVw0o~a4ClDMwRp3ukbUHOMWoUi-CdmWLTwzDoxb2ZleKHYvnVycrP1WROL8D1~R3~pDRqJfDOnxbShfqiUmRc0n1bBbH1R5Fp230vLJ6aPrbAj3vtMO1vsKxc2flTsgdvWGdg6DI5o0-Hxqtwu05OBRMLQzq1tvLBB-6aXA8oRqFk7jjGwpoowNI2Vs-r2s~fybb0B9Lp~Y7nSMyyxeM9gqbf9DARAkANyQZC~Yvw-AbOULeSpDSE4iklF3or-O1jJN-pNSSgQjAh6GFQmgqlLVvjTuKzSgWiLb--u9Zoh8PMYMEwiPIxA9ALFhla49IT51qAgV8bbZD-QpMVtKkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff presented results from the Keep Leesburg Beautiful campaign during the May 11 council meeting and awarded the Golden Grabber to Bridal Pack Hauling.

Staff summarized program changes that included a Golden Grabber competition for small teams (10 or fewer), a digital map to spread volunteers across town to under‑served locations, and business sponsorships that provided volunteer discount cards. Staff said the changes increased participation and effectiveness: the town recorded 77 volunteers and about 1,500 pounds of litter collected this year versus 42 volunteers and about 410 pounds in 2024. The average pounds collected per volunteer rose from about 2.4 pounds in 2024 to roughly 10 pounds in 2025.

The Golden Grabber winner at the kickoff event was Bridal Pack Hauling, a two‑person team that collected 70 pounds. Staff also highlighted that a utilities crew of 18 staff members collected over 300 pounds during the kickoff and commended their effort.

Staff noted operational improvements to consider for 2026, including decentralized bag/material pick‑up locations to reduce volunteer friction and increased staff team engagement for volunteer events.

What it means: The program changes appear to have increased both volunteer turnout and the average effectiveness of volunteers. Council thanked staff and organizers and encouraged continued outreach and improvements for 2026.","Town staff reported 77 volunteers and about 1,500 pounds of litter collected during the month‑long Keep Leesburg Beautiful campaign, up from 42 volunteers and 410 pounds the prior year; Bridal Pack Hauling won the Golden Grabber team award (70 pounds collected at kickoff).",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567611,"New Leesburg Movement director lays out Main Street program, events and downtown initiatives",615,1641000,2256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6&start=1641&end=2256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6/thumbnail_1641000.jpg","/articles/6567611/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/New-Leesburg-Movement-director-lays-out-Main-Street-program-events-and-downtown-initiatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567611-545de745136ab04628837b5d412c9d9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132209&Signature=aofyOi46cYkfKINXUuXorqRi7v36GZnZ8LuYDbYLlP61s3oxnCuWUBrSdoKq9xLKBq9WIZBCXZ2ucY7iAgUWvSWD37vNMHxXSAmr8e32fGWSUk~nhqzGdEEBJFEBjfblELaW7RhuB3Bgctbtk54E9SXQRHLFpT7lO-2PLwRyuK4mljiqqQxftXYiRT9AnFuGA2XrDpeYeqbp2A-SIDrCB~CtJgeq~a~DUt-Z0B5iCHaTFocz6jEH9elhptcTOl4hR7xcQQNco84MDmMzrH0x3IGX8Yqd0uLhj0gpxgn-Tzrl3adTgvR7NqXiX9oh1kbVpKitzwwC6lquhySQ4VwzDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leesburg Movement, the downtown Main Street‑style nonprofit, presented its annual report to the Town Council on May 11, outlining organizational progress since it incorporated in July 2024, program priorities under the Main Street America framework and planned events for 2025.

New executive director (name provided in the presentation; transcript speaker labeled as “new executive director”) described the board and steering committees, said the organization achieved nonprofit status in 2024 and accepted a mobilizing Main Street cohort designation in January 2025. The group said it expects to complete its current tier status by December 2026 and described the four point Main Street framework it is following.

Leesburg Movement reported several accomplishments and ongoing initiatives: a monthly newsletter with a 65% open rate, the Mistletoe Market and a rebranded holiday market held on the same day as the town tree lighting, the Leesburg Listening Room concert series held in local businesses, a neighborhood discount program for town residents, a sidewalk sale moving to August, a restaurant week planned for mid‑July, and a restaurant/retail map sponsored by an upcoming hotel. The group highlighted advocacy work with the town on the extended sidewalk dining trial and a doorway beautification project that included murals.

The director said the group launched its website in October 2024 and is pursuing expanded regional publicity and partnerships with local businesses. The organization asked for continued town collaboration and highlighted upcoming activity including a public open house for Public Works and plant tours, event partnerships and volunteer engagement.

What it means: Leesburg Movement is positioning itself as a coordinated downtown advocacy and events organization, focusing on business activation, placemaking and resident engagement, while coordinating with town departments on pilot projects such as extended sidewalk dining.

Speakers: The presentation was delivered by the new executive director of Leesburg Movement and referenced partnership staff Lisa Bee Wood (spelled Lisonbee in the transcript) from the town and other local business partners. Council expressed appreciation and encouraged continued collaboration.","Leesburg Movement presented an annual report including accreditation progress in Virginia Main Street, event summaries (Mistletoe Market, Listening Room), marketing and a sidewalk dining/doorway beautification program; organizers said they will continue collaboration with the town.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567616,"Leesburg council adopts site‑plan review process improvements; staff to report quarterly",135,3317000,3452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6&start=3317&end=3452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289802-7207fbf4bc9073a190740b8eb74887d6/thumbnail_3317000.jpg","/articles/6567616/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-council-adopts-siteplan-review-process-improvements-staff-to-report-quarterly","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567616-318729ef6fb184ba43e7b401555f943e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132209&Signature=FWnAeccIlC7oXox8Ts6K6QYP8liY7QWNVCyiEdaakvDTzs-y2Lfb23Fqzc5dd~U2-3f3k61TuC4BysMH8H7lEvkrBdSkOVHr190-jjw-cmocGGx7NKJlM9ermII0Io1lFfiExIB7UH-MFNVyJkNTBpHuYa6gnbEoNPen3fAgLD3xjG4swZsNmVHGflcOE7HV1lydHfKw1H0CZBCxDVLo0AV~0p9gleTM1cLMaYc8lUvjRmzedz-LmClRvvj5LAqSND5uDlB0YwYKFNQUQ95V6p5rwQJQVZ67AM9xCOomheWwfMoU5eManNXvFk0Wze7B7gA9GbhFLYudV4WuN6cLAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Town Council on May 11 approved changes to the town’s site plan review process and asked staff to provide ongoing status updates. Councilmember David Cummings requested that Community Development report back on progress every 90 days or quarterly; staff agreed to return with informational memos at that cadence.

Council debated whether those updates should be formal presentations or memo items. Mr. David (Community Development) confirmed staff would provide quarterly informational memos and indicated staff would request a work session if a substantive issue required further council discussion.

Following a motion to adopt the site plan review process improvements (with the quarterly reporting amendment), the council voted to approve the item. The approval included the addition that staff provide regular updates on implementation progress so council remains engaged with the improvements.

What it means: The council expects an ongoing reporting schedule to monitor implementation of the site plan review improvements. Staff will provide quarterly information memos; staff said a work session can be scheduled if more in‑depth discussion is needed.

Votes at a glance

- Site plan review process improvements (with amendment for quarterly updates): Approved unanimously.

Speakers central to this item included Community Development staff and Councilmember Cummings.","The Town Council approved changes to the site plan review process and requested regular updates from Community Development, with staff agreeing to quarterly informational reports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Leesburg approves temporary rainbow crosswalk pilot and waives fees for Pride festival

Council approves Performing Arts Commission handbook amendments and FY25 advertising budget

Keep Leesburg Beautiful reports surge in volunteers and litter removed; Golden Grabber awarded

New Leesburg Movement director lays out Main Street program, events and downtown initiatives

Leesburg council adopts site‑plan review process improvements; staff to report quarterly