The survey, conducted by ETC Institute, a national market research firm for local governments, was conducted in 2024 as part of the city's efforts to poll its residents every two years on a wide variety of issues, city services, public safety and quality of life. The last citywide survey was conducted in 2022 by ETC, which has been working with the city since 2014.
Jason Morado, the director of community research at ETC, said the survey was sent out to random residents via mail and online mostly in September and October 2024. He also said 407 people responded, surpassing the city's goal of 400 respondents.
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On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Manassas City Council received the Electoral Board's annual report, presented by Pamela Kincheloe, who is secretary of the city's electoral board. The report highlighted voter participation trends, the logistics of the 2024 election, and the city's electoral outcomes.
Voter Participation and Trends
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The Manassas City Council voted unanimously on Monday, January 13, 2024, to purchase a 1.56-acre property in Downtown Manassas from the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company (MIFCO). The $3.1 million acquisition is part of the city's ongoing strategy to control downtown development and foster community-focused growth.
The newly purchased property, which includes multiple parcels on Center Street, is zoned for industrial use (I-2), allowing developments up to 75 feet in height. City officials highlighted the importance of acquiring the land to guide its future use and prevent projects that may not align with the downtown's character.
“This purchase ensures that we, as a city, can decide what happens on this key piece of land,” said Vice Mayor Wolfe. “Without this step, the property could have been developed by-right into something like a storage facility or data center, which may not align with our downtown vision.”
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Happy Monday, Manassas!
Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Jan. 13 regular meeting, the first of 2025. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St.
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Important links
Key agenda items
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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, Manassas is shaping its future while honoring its past. Host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis to discuss the North Star Branding Study findings, tackling challenges like preserving history, fostering economic growth, and addressing community concerns. Stay tuned for local news highlights, including a shocking insurance scam and updates on the City Council’s new term.
Episode Highlights:
- Introduction: Host Uriah Kiser sets the stage for a discussion of the North Star Branding Study’s findings and their implications for Manassas’ future. The podcast also teases other local stories, including an insurance scam and City Council updates.
- Conversation with Theresa Coates Ellis:
- North Star Branding Study: Theresa discusses the study’s insights, including the city’s brand awareness and challenges in balancing its historical identity with modern growth.
- Balancing History and Growth: Discussion on preserving Manassas’ Civil War legacy while fostering tech and business opportunities.
- Community Concerns: Addressing high taxes, overdevelopment, and the need for workforce readiness in tech industries.
- Future Vision for Manassas: Theresa shares her vision for redeveloping key areas and fostering investment to make Manassas a thriving community.
- Local News Highlights:
- Insurance Scam Story: A troubling case of predatory towing in Prince William County, with police investigation updates and tips for residents to avoid similar scams.
- City Council Swearing-In Ceremony: Details about the January 2025 ceremony, reflections on a contentious election season, and hopes for a collaborative future.
- Closing Thoughts: Uriah reflects on the power of local journalism, encourages community engagement, and invites listeners to share their thoughts on the podcast and local news stories.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about the North Star Branding Study results and its role in shaping Manassas’ identity.
- Understand how Manassas balances historic preservation with modern economic development.
- Discover actionable insights for preventing predatory towing scams.
- Gain perspective on the recent City Council election and what it means for Manassas residents.
What to Listen For:
- Insights from Theresa Coates Ellis about preserving Manassas’ historic charm while embracing its future.
- Shocking details about the insurance scam and police response.
- Reflections on the heated City Council election and the swearing-in ceremony.
Listen to the full episode for these stories and more, and subscribe for updates on what’s shaping Northern Virginia communities!
Council will be on a two-week recess beginning Dec. 16 through the holiday season. Their first scheduled meeting back will be in early January.
Council unanimously approved the combination of the service and sales buildings of the Safford Subaru dealership on Liberia Avenue. The special use permit filed by the dealership details a nearly 40,000-square-foot building with interior and exterior updates to help the business run more efficiently.
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The Manassas City Council will hold a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected and returning members on Monday, January 6, 2025, Â Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The ceremony will feature the oath of office for Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Council Member Tom Osina, Council Member Mark Wolfe, and Council Member-Elect Ashley Hutson. Following the swearing-in, all participants will immediately take their seats on the dais to begin their new terms.
Outgoing Vice Mayor Pamela Sebesky will be honored after eight years on the Council. She did not seek reelection.
Exclusive interviews with Mark Wolfe, Tom Osina and Ashley Hutson offer insight into their visions for the city’s future. Davis-Younger did not respond to a request for an interview during the election.
The interviews are available to watch online:
- Mark Wolfe: Watch here
- Tom Osina: Watch here
- Ashley Hutson: Watch here
Following the ceremony, the City Council will convene its regular meeting with several key agenda items for discussion. One highlight is the decision to obtain a special use permit (SUP) for a new Subaru dealership on Liberia Avenue.
Council will review and vote on the SUP for the proposed Safford Manassas Subaru dealership at 9018 and 9020 Liberia Ave. Gramm SB Properties, LLC applied to allow motor vehicle sales, rental, and service at the site.
The city’s Community Development staff and Planning Commission have recommended approval of the permit, contingent on specific conditions to ensure the development aligns with zoning practices and the city’s land-use plan. Council held a public hearing on the matter on Nov. 25.
Approval of the SUP would signify that the proposed development is in harmony with the surrounding area and meets the city’s zoning and community standards.
Residents are encouraged to attend the swearing-in ceremony and Council meeting to witness the continuation of local governance and decision-making that shapes Manassas. For those unable to attend in person, updates and decisions from the meeting will be shared on the city’s website and streamed online.
City Council meeting begins after the 5:30 p.m. ceremony, with public participation welcome on agenda items.
The survey, which sought to measure resident perceptions and identify growth opportunities, underscores the city’s dual identity: a historic landmark with a vibrant, modern beat. North Star conducted the online survey, which garnered responses from 1,520 residents, including 1,118 from Manassas. Nearly 20% of participants identified as Hispanic, Latin American, or Caribbean, reflecting the city’s diverse population. The survey had a margin of error of ±2.51%.
Participants were asked to evaluate the city across several dimensions, including quality of life, economic development, and cultural identity. Key findings included:
