From Immigration to Infrastructure: Mayor Davis Younger Addresses City Concerns

On February 4, 2025, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for her first interview with Potomac Local News since announcing her candidacy five years ago. Having won reelection in November 2024 with 57% of the vote, the Democrat reflected on her first term’s achievements and shared her vision for the future.

Police, Immigration, and Sanctuary City Status

When asked about Manassas’ approach to immigration enforcement, Davis Younger reiterated that the city’s police department does not conduct immigration raids, emphasizing that such actions are not within their jurisdiction. However, she declined to take a stance on whether local police should share information with federal authorities regarding undocumented individuals, stating that it was not her role to guide the matter.

Davis Younger also addressed concerns over Manassas being labeled a “sanctuary city,” a designation that has put it at risk of losing state and federal funding. She admitted that the city has not yet formulated a plan to replace funding should cuts occur. The City Council has not discussed the issue, and she expressed a “wait and see” approach, hoping financing would not be impacted.

Budget and Taxes

Davis Younger addressed concerns about rising property tax bills despite a flat tax rate, acknowledging the financial strain on residents. While she does not personally support raising taxes, she emphasized the challenges of maintaining essential services like police, fire, and education amid economic uncertainties. She expressed concerns over potential federal and state budget cuts but reaffirmed her commitment to minimizing the financial burden on residents.

Economic Development and City Planning

During her first term, Davis Younger prioritized significant redevelopment efforts, including removing the Olde Towne Inn, constructing Jenny Dean Elementary School, and establishing a community center. She noted that while some recent property acquisitions, like those on Mathis Avenue, were not initially her initiatives, they aligned with long-term city planning efforts to balance historic preservation with economic growth.

Regarding downtown development, she envisions a vibrant, walkable city and has considered models like Reston Town Center. However, she emphasized that Manassas’ small size (10 square miles) necessitates careful planning and selective development.

Data Centers and Regional Development

The mayor discussed the city’s approach to data centers, stating that she supports the four currently approved locations but does not favor rezoning additional areas for such projects. She desired thoughtful, aesthetically considerate placement to ensure they integrate well into the community.

Unlike other localities, Davis Younger does not view economic development as a competition between Manassas and Prince William County, emphasizing collaboration and focusing on what works best.

Governance and Community Engagement

Throughout her first term, Davis Younger worked to increase the visibility of Manassas at the regional and national levels. She fostered relationships with local leaders and attended events to elevate the city’s profile. While she remains committed to community engagement, she acknowledged that some outreach efforts, like public walks, attracted confrontational encounters and may need reevaluation.

She also addressed her decision not to seek voting power as mayor, explaining that she prefers to influence discussions rather than cast direct votes. However, she noted that being unable to vote on budget matters is a drawback.

Veterans Initiatives and Transportation Challenges

As she begins her second term, Davis Younger plans to launch a Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council to support the veteran community better. She also discussed the ongoing debate over the now-canceled Route 28 bypass, which she believes would alleviate traffic congestion in Manassas. With the county potentially voting against the project, she acknowledged the city must explore alternative solutions.

Davis Younger remains committed to fostering a strong sense of community in Manassas, ensuring residents feel represented and involved. She aims to continue improving public services, advocating for responsible development, and keeping Manassas engaged in regional and national discussions.

Here’s the full interview transcript, edited for brevity:

Uriah: The city released a statement saying the police department won’t carry out immigration raids. But if they receive information about people here illegally, can they share it with federal authorities? Should they?

Davis Younger: I’m not comfortable answering that. There are many factors, and I believe our police chief would be better suited to respond. The city’s statement stands as is.

Uriah: State funding for the city has increased by $75 million from 2021 to 2025, and federal funding by $2 million. If the federal or state government cuts funding to sanctuary cities like Manassas, how will you replace it?

Davis Younger: I don’t know. That would be a council discussion, and we haven’t talked about it yet. We’re early in this administration, and things change daily. We’ll address it if it happens.

Uriah: Has the council discussed this issue?

Davis Younger: Not yet. We just had our retreat, focusing on the budget. We’re hoping funding won’t be cut, but if it is, we’ll do our best to adapt.

Uriah: The city’s tax rate has been flat for two years, but residents’ bills have increased by about $700. Prince William County’s board chair said there’s no appetite for raising taxes. Do you agree?

Davis Younger: Personally, I don’t want to see an increase, but we must fund essential services like fire, police, and schools. We’ll aim to minimize the impact on residents.

Uriah: When you say things will get bad, what do you mean?

Davis Younger: If federal budget cuts lead to layoffs, some residents may struggle with housing and expenses. We need to prepare for that possibility.

Uriah: The city has made several major property purchases. Do you plan to continue this trend?

Davis Younger: My first-term goals were removing the Old Town Inn, building Jennie Dean Elementary (rebuild), and adding a community center. Other property acquisitions came through council discussions. We aim to revitalize the city while preserving its history.

Uriah: Would you credit those accomplishments to your leadership?

Davis Younger: I take credit for the Wawa tie-breaking vote and securing the Old Town Inn sale. Otherwise, these were collective efforts. My focus is on making Manassas thrive.

Uriah: What lessons have you learned from other regional developments?

Davis Younger: We must be selective. Manassas is only 10 square miles, so we can’t accommodate everything. We need thoughtful growth.

Uriah: Is there competition between the city and county for development?

Davis Younger: No, not from my perspective. We are unique and must make decisions based on what works for us.

Uriah: Would you support rezoning Euclid Avenue for data centers?

Davis Younger: No. We’ve allotted four data centers in well-planned locations, which is enough for now. We’re being strategic about placement.

Uriah: Have you received rezoning requests for more?

Davis Younger: Not that I’ve seen.

Uriah: You cast the tie-breaking vote for Wawa but didn’t push for giving the mayor a regular vote on the council, when given the opprotuntiy during your first term. Why?

Davis Younger: I prefer influencing decisions through discussions rather than voting. The only exception is the budget—I sometimes wish the mayor could vote on that.

Uriah: In your first term, you did extensive PR for Manassas, even visiting the White House. Will that continue?

Davis Younger: My goal was to raise the city’s profile. I’ll always represent Manassas when invited, but I’m now focusing more on community programs, like launching a Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council.

Uriah: Prince William County rejected the Route 28 Bypass. What does that mean for Manassas?

Davis Younger: We need alternatives. Losing the project will increase costs and delay relief for traffic congestion. We’re working on other solutions, but this would have helped.