Williamsburg council previews 2026 General Assembly agenda, emphasizes local zoning authority

City staff presented a draft legislative agenda to the Williamsburg City Council on Oct. 6 and asked the council to provide direction so staff can finalize the city’s priorities for the 2026 Virginia General Assembly.

The draft asks the General Assembly not to erode local zoning authority; requests state funding for the Williamsburg segment of the Virginia Capital Trail; seeks support for passenger-rail service planning now expected to include a temporary direct bus during Long Bridge construction; proposes restoring certain circuit-court clerk fees taken by the state after the 2008 recession; and requests three charter amendments and expanded parking-enforcement authority tied to visitor counts. Staff asked the council to limit its top legislative priorities to three or four items to maximize influence during the 60-day session beginning Jan. 14, 2026.

“Every year to limit our zoning, local zoning authority, in the name of all kinds of good causes. So we think it's very important, that local land issues remain local,” staff member Michelle DeWitt told the council. DeWitt said staff had consulted local partners including Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary, Visit Williamsburg, the Chamber of Commerce, Peninsula Community College, York County and James City County, and regional organizations such as the Hampton Roads…