Chesterfield County reviewed a series of significant events and developments that shaped 2025 as it prepared to enter the new year. The county, home to approximately 400,000 residents, highlighted leadership changes, infrastructure progress, and community achievements.
James M. “Jim” Holland, the longest-serving member of the Board of Supervisors representing the Dale District since 2008, died in October after battling cancer. His passing was widely mourned across the Richmond region. “Mr. Holland…leaves a legacy of bringing people together — not through coercion, but with a smile, kind words and a pat on the back — to make life better for the entire community,” noted county officials.
Fulfilling one of Holland’s final requests, Dr. LeQuan M. Hylton was appointed interim supervisor for the Dale District in November until a special election can be held next year. Hylton is an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and co-founder of a local real estate firm.
County Administrator Dr. Joseph P. Casey announced plans to retire effective July 1, 2026. He has led Chesterfield since 2016 and oversees more than 4,000 employees and a $2.4 billion budget.
Economic development remained strong in Chesterfield during 2025 with several major investments:
– Google began construction on a data center campus as part of broader investment in Virginia.
– LEGO hosted Governor Glenn Youngkin at its Meadowville Technology Park facility for a topping-out ceremony.
– Shamin Hotels started work on Hilton Richmond The Mondelle hotel and conference center within the Springline at District 60 development.
The county faced a regional water crisis in January when Richmond’s water treatment plant experienced flooding after a power outage. Chesterfield isolated itself from Richmond’s system and switched entirely to sourcing water from Lake Chesdin via the Appomattox River Water Authority plant. As a result of this preparedness and infrastructure investment, Chesterfield was able to maintain potable water while neighboring localities could not.
Southside Speedway may soon see auto racing return following an agreement by former competitors Lin O’Neill and Jeff Oakley—now business partners—to lease-to-purchase the historic track from Chesterfield County.
Education infrastructure expanded with construction beginning on Western Area High School—the first new high school in two decades—and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Deep Creek Middle School as well as replacement facilities for A.M. Davis Elementary School.
In April, officials dedicated a monument at Mid-Lothian Mines Park honoring coal miners who died there in explosions during the late nineteenth century.
Roadway improvements included completion of an off-ramp connecting Route 288 southbound to Route 360 westbound—which reduced traffic incidents—and early delivery of Nash Road Extension featuring new intersections and bridges.
A comprehensive update to zoning ordinances was approved by supervisors after six years of staff work involving substantial public input aimed at aligning regulations with current growth needs.
The park system expanded further: land along the Appomattox River was acquired for future park use; ground broke on The Park at River City Sportsplex; multiple parks were renovated or newly opened including Cogbill Park; and Rockwood Park celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.
To address affordable housing needs amid rising costs, partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity led to rehabilitation projects in Bon Air; Better Housing Coalition started constructing multifamily units on Route 1; Maggie Walker Community Land Trust co-hosted opening ceremonies for Ettrick Landing—a single-family subdivision using surplus county property.
Construction also began on an animal shelter designed to triple capacity compared to its predecessor built nearly fifty years ago; features include specialized lobbies, veterinary facilities, dog runs and open yards—with opening planned for fall 2026.
Chesterfield received recognition throughout the year: forty awards from National Association of Counties (NACo), six from Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), technology honors for internal applications developed collaboratively by Information Systems Technology and Planning departments; Fire & EMS personnel received state medals following Hurricane Helene response efforts; fifteen first responders were honored at annual Valor Awards ceremonies.
