Henrico News Archives for Author: Will Jones

Portrait of Jackson Baynard

Jackson Baynard named Henrico’s deputy county manager for Public Safety

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As deputy county manager for Public Safety, Baynard will provide leadership on a wide variety of public safety issues, including the development of a 60-bed recovery center at the Eastern Government Center campus for individuals struggling with addition and the county’s implementation of a modern emergency communications system for the region. He succeeds Michael Y. Feinmel, who served the post for four years and returned this month to service with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as its deputy commonwealth’s attorney.

An announcement that mental health employment services have earned a top rating. The text is presented against a background showing newspaper headlines relating to employment and the economy.

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services earns top rating for employment services in first peer review

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MHDS has seen improvements in employment outcomes since adopting IPS in September 2024. As of March, 164 individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness and served by MHDS were employed. It's the first agency in Virginia to have received a "good" or "exemplary" rating in its first review, and it holds the only top rating in the state.

‘Absolute best is possible here’; Henrico honors Best Products retail chain as it positions 93-acre site for redevelopment

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The joyful gathering “after all these years is a testament to Best as an incredible corporate citizen and as a trailblazer in retail service,” Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III told the crowd of nearly 200 people.

Green leaves pop out from a young tree at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center

Nearly 18,000 trees and counting: Reforestation program promotes environmental sustainability, access to vibrant green spaces

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Established in 2023, the reforestation effort aims to enhance and reestablish tree canopies and forests on county-owned sites. Officials see considerable benefits: a more beautiful and resilient environment and landscape; less soil erosion; better air and water quality; improved public health; more shade and relief from heat islands and noise; and more natural areas where wildlife can thrive.

Volunteers stand with officials behind the meeting room dais to celebration Volunteer Week.

April 14 meeting recap: Board of Supervisors adopts budget that boosts funding for HCPS, despite drop in state aid

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Henrico's $1.4 billion general fund budget for fiscal year 2026-27 provides $789 million for HCPS. That’s an increase of $25 million, with local dollars accounting for nearly 98% of the additional funding.

In finalizing the plan, supervisors pushed back against what they described as misinformation circulating among some on the School Board and others in the community that the county isn’t sufficiently funding education.

Three concrete walls form a historic mural at a park.

Short Pump Park’s new mural reflects on local history, from Pocahontas to the handle that named Short Pump

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Untitled Mixed Media painted the mural on decorative walls that were installed in 2018. They originally included mosaics that focused on coal mining and other aspects of the community’s history and evolution. Those have been moved to the park's picnic shelter.
A woman with shoulder-length hair standing in front of blue backdrop.

K Alferio to retire as president, CEO of Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

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“For 18 years, K Alferio has embodied arts advocacy at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen,” said Leslie Olma, chair of the center’s Board of Directors. “Her leadership and vision have helped nurture a creative ecosystem that is educational in purpose, inclusive in outreach and consistent in its care for artists and audiences alike. With deepest gratitude, we thank K for a legacy of service that will inspire our community for many more years to come.”
Statue of Eagle

Best Products headquarters – minus iconic eagles – approved for demolition, setting stage for potential arena-anchored development

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The work at 1400 Best Plaza Drive is expected to occur through much of 2026 and explicitly will exclude the prominent pair of eagle statues, “with the intent that they will be ultimately preserved, either onsite as part of the new development or elsewhere,” according to the Henrico Economic Development Authority.
Graphic for free Summer Ready Resource Fair on March 26 at Libbie Mill Library. Photos of children's activities and sports are shown.

Summer Ready Resource Fair on March 26 will highlight programs, opportunities for youth

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The free event will share information about local programs and activities for youth in kindergarten through 12th grade, including camps, recreational opportunities and career-exploration activities. Youth and families will be able to meet with representatives of county agencies and local organizations to learn about their offerings.

Countysealcircle 500 X 500

Construction firms invited to learn about Henrico’s procurement process, upcoming projects at April 22 event

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The Construction Meet & Greet is free to attend and designed for general contractors, construction management companies, and architecture and engineering firms. Representatives of small, women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to participate.

Map showing highlighted areas for the Best Products Reimagined properties and those along the Brook Road corridor.

Community invited to workshop on future of Best Products Reimagined site, Brook Road corridor

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“The four-day design charrette is a wonderful opportunity for residents, property owners and other stakeholders to brainstorm and explore ways to shape the future of their neighborhoods and community,” Planning Director Joe Emerson said. “It’s an ideal time to go through this immersive exercise for this area of central Henrico, because there's potential for significant redevelopment and reinvestment in the next few years.” 

Cover of the budget document with photos of government facilities.

Henrico’s proposed budget prioritizes investments in education, public safety, facilities

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The $1.4 billion plan represents an increase of 3.3% over the current year’s plan. Of those additional funds, about 83% support education and public safety. All tax rates would remain unchanged. The real estate tax rate was reduced by 2 cents last year to 83 cents per $100 of assessed value and is the lowest among the 10 largest localities in Virginia.

Photo of the end of Magellan Parkway at Englewood Farms Drive.

Magellan’s extension and I-95 bridge will expand access, opportunity to Best Products site, Level Green development

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“This vast property is being transformed, revitalized, supercharged and reimagined as we speak. The critical pieces are locking into place. Momentum is building, and the key players are engaged,” said Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III.

With construction equipment staged nearby, officials and guests celebrated the start of the project along a portion of Scott Road that will be improved and realigned as part of Magellan’s extension.

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