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: Read More
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Mayor Michele Davis Younger posted on her official mayoral Facebook page the news of her mother’s passing on Nov. 21. Deaconess Thelma Davis, who endured a challenging health journey over the past six months, was remembered by her daughter as a “profound blessing” in her life.
“With a heavy heart, I share that my beloved mother, Deaconess Thelma Davis, transitioned to eternal rest yesterday, November 21st,” Davis Younger wrote in her post on Nov. 22. “While it is difficult to say goodbye, I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is now singing joyfully among the angels.”
The loss comes nearly two years after Davis Younger’s husband, James Younger, passed away in March 2023. She reflected on the grief and the community’s support, writing, “James was a generous soul, always willing to lend a helping hand and contribute to the betterment of his family and community.”
Despite the back-to-back losses of two of her closest family members, Davis Younger has continued to serve the Manassas community. Earlier this month, voters reelected her to a second term as mayor. She is scheduled to be sworn into office on Dec. 9.
Davis Younger’s post about her mother was met with condolences and support from residents and colleagues. “Thank you all for your kind words, prayers, and support during this time,” she wrote. “Your love and encouragement mean so much to me and my family.”
The 2024 election results for Manassas signal a shift in the city’s political landscape.
While Democratic Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger retained her seat with a notable 56.91% of the vote, Republicans have made meaningful inroads, building on a newfound organizational strength seen across the state as conservatives embraced Virginia’s early voting system in record numbers. In what has become one of the city’s most contentious elections in recent memory, conservatives leveraged social media and new voices, such as the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, to rally supporters and draw attention to their causes. The Republican Party’s increased cohesion and visibility hint at a changing dynamic in a city once considered solidly Democratic.
This year’s council race underscores this shift. In 2020, Democratic incumbents Pamela Sebesky and Mark Wolfe received strong backing, with Sebesky leading with 20.7% (8,532 votes) and Wolfe close behind.
This year’s City Council results paint a different picture: not a single candidate reached the high vote totals of 2020. With Democratic candidates Ashley R. Hutson, Tom C. Osina, and Wolfe each earning lower percentages than before, it’s clear that voter support has become more dispersed. Sebesky did not seek re-election. This suggests a competitive landscape where no candidate has a guaranteed stronghold, pointing to an increasingly divided electorate.
In a shift for the Manassas City School Board, Republican-backed candidate Dayna-Marie Miles will now join conservative board member Sara Brescia, who has been a vocal presence since her election in 2022. Miles’ election signals a potential shift in policy focus and priorities on the school board as it navigates pressing challenges of accreditation, truancy, failing test scores, and teacher retention.
This election cycle wasn’t just competitive; it was particularly nasty. In the heat of the campaign, text messages allegedly exchanged between former Manassas Regional Airport Commission Chairman Ross Snare, Mayor Davis-Younger, and a city employee were publicly shared, with disparaging remarks directed at a council member. This so-called “text-gate” led to Snare’s resignation and fueled the polarized political atmosphere, where even those not running for office felt the repercussions.
The controversy around “text-gate” highlights a broader issue in Manassas politics: a hyper-partisan environment that has emerged since 2020. Democrats in city leadership have largely appointed like-minded individuals to board and commission positions and fill vacant council seats. For some residents, this has led to feelings of alienation. Many have chastised Mayor Davis-Younger for seeming to dismiss or avoid engaging with perspectives that don’t align with her own, creating an atmosphere where dissenting voices feel marginalized.
We at Potomac Local News have criticized the mayor for personalizing politics, valuing positive press, and maintaining control over her narrative. While Mayor Davis-Younger frequently uses the phrase “Our Manassas” to promote unity, that unity often seems conditional—extended only to those who support her leadership.
Her continued reluctance to grant a sit-down interview to Potomac Local News, despite our repeated requests since 2019, is a testament to her aversion to critical coverage. However, she recently promised to give us her first interview post-reelection. If she honors this commitment, it could signal a readiness to engage more openly with the press and residents with differing viewpoints.
The inroads Republicans have made this election should be a wake-up call for Manassas Democrats. With conservatives gaining ground across the city and state, it’s clear that the electorate has been evolving since President Donald Trump’s first term when Democrats posted significant gains in local and state-level offices.
For those in power, governing solely for a base of loyal supporters may no longer be sufficient—or sustainable. As seen in the City Council race, no single candidate can now assume widespread support and future victories will likely depend on a broader coalition.
Democrats in Manassas must recognize the changing political landscape and adapt by genuinely embracing diverse perspectives and governing the entire community. In Virginia’s annual election cycle, political tides can shift quickly, and the lessons of 2024 should serve as a reminder that leadership, inclusivity, and responsiveness to all constituents—not just loyalists—are essential in a city as dynamic as Manassas.
Ross Snare has resigned as Chairman of the Manassas Regional Airport Commission, effective Monday, October 21, 2024. His departure comes amid unverified allegations involving disparaging remarks about a city council member, adding fuel to an already heated local election season.
Snare, a Prince William County resident, was appointed to the commission by the Manassas City Council in 2018 and reappointed in 2022. He made history in June 2023 by becoming the youngest and first county Prince William County resident to serve as Chairman. During his tenure, Snare played a pivotal role in the airport’s efforts to introduce commercial flights, a milestone now expected to be achieved in 2026, a year behind the initial schedule.
In his resignation letter to the city council, Snare cited personal matters and other commitments as his reasons for stepping down. “Serving as chair during this transition over the past several years has been the honor of a lifetime,” Snare wrote. “I wish you all the best during this transition.”
The resignation followed a podcast episode of “Until They Kick Us Out,” where hosts read aloud text messages they claimed were between Snare, Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, and a city employee, allegedly disparaging a sitting council member. Potomac Local News has not independently verified these messages.
This development occurs in the context of a contentious local election, where incumbent Mayor Michelle Davis Younger, a Democrat, faces challenger Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom, a Republican and longtime city business owner. The podcast hosts have publicly endorsed Byrom for the upcoming November election. With three city council seats and four school board seats also in contention, the campaign has been marked by polarizing debates over property taxes, public safety, capital projects, and school accreditation.
Snare, who currently serves as the Associate Chief of External Affairs for UVA Health, has a background in political affairs and community service, including his role as the Chief Operating Officer of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. He has been a vocal advocate for the airport, highlighting its economic impact, which includes $375 million in annual economic activity and over 1,350 jobs.
The Manassas Regional Airport, which covers 889 acres, is the busiest general aviation airport in Virginia, with plans to transform it into a hub for commercial passenger flights. The commission’s recent approval of these plans is seen as a significant step toward achieving a vision that has been in the works since the mid-1990s.
The server farm will be one of four in Manassas and will have three buildings. Post says that the construction has caused significant issues for his business. “The blasting has caused our sprinkler standpipe to shift in the ground, and a truck damaged our portico. It has cost me $2,900 in repairs,” he said. “There have been instances where the blasting has disrupted funeral [ceremonies]. During a funeral, a minister was giving a eulogy, and without any warning, they let off a giant explosion. Then, the fire alarm went off right after the blast and sounded throughout the funeral.”
Despite these challenges, Post says that the city has been largely indifferent to the struggles of existing businesses in the area. “It seems like the new city leadership is letting the data centers walk all over us,” he noted. “The old leadership would never have allowed this to happen. They understood the importance of protecting local businesses while managing growth.”
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Manassas is gearing up for an engaging Mayoral Forum on October 1, 2024. The event, featuring incumbent Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger (D) and challenger Xiao-Yin Tang Byrom (R), will be held at the Manassas Museum, located at 9101 Prince William Street. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the program will commence promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Organized to give residents a direct channel to hear from the candidates about their visions and policies, the forum promises a thorough discourse on local issues. It will be moderated by trusted local entities, including InsideNova and the Prince William Times, and Potomac Local News.
Registration is mandatory for those planning to attend in person. Details are available on the event’s website. The venue will also provide light refreshments.
Understanding the importance of reaching a broader audience, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce will extend its service to the community by streaming the debate live on its official Facebook page. This service primarily targets those who cannot attend the forum in person. Interested viewers can access the live stream at facebook.com/pwchamber.
The Prince William Chamber notes that while it aims to provide uninterrupted streaming, it reserves the right to end the broadcast at any time and is not responsible for any potential streaming interruptions. This measure ensures that the event remains exclusive to registered and present attendees should there be any unforeseen issues with the online broadcast, the chamber states.
The Prince William Chamber provided the candidates with the questions in advance.
Early voting for the mayoral election, three open seats on the city council, and two on the school board is underway at the city’s voter registration office. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
In her first interview with Potomac Local News since being elected four years ago, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger (D) shared her vision and priorities for her November 2024 re-election campaign.
Davis Younger emphasized the importance of voter participation, urging residents to exercise their right to vote. “It’s so important to get out and vote,” she stated. “No matter what, we all want what’s best for our community.” Davis Younger is vying for a second term as mayor and is challenged by longtime city businesswoman  Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R).
Declining schoolsÂ
The mayor addressed ongoing concerns regarding Manassas City schools and acknowledged their performance. In a report released last month by the Virginia Department of Education, the average pass rates for city schools have declined in history, math, and reading, improved in science, and stayed the same in writing.
The most significant decrease was in history, from 62% in the 2022-2023 school year to 58% in 2023-24. That should be a concern for every leader,” she said, pointing to efforts to provide additional funding, including $1.5 million for teacher pay to attract and retain quality educators. Davis Younger highlighted the need for support for students learning English as a second language and stressed collaboration between the city council and the school board.
“We have been putting money aside… so that we can build a school every 10 years,” she noted, clarifying the city’s approach to funding education.
In almost every subject, the city schools lag more than 20% behind state averages. While the city school board manages the school division, Incumbent Democrats Mark Wolfe, Tom Osina, and newcomer Ashley Hutson, all running for city council on the Democratic slate with Davis Younger, told Potomac Local News they would not be open to discussing school improvement benchmarks when the city council decides on how much funding it will provide the school system during Spring 2025 budget deliberations.
“Spending more money is not necessarily a guarantee of improved performance. Less funding will almost guarantee less performance. What’s going to happen if less funding is the people who make a difference? Your high-quality teachers are going to bail, and it becomes a race for the exits,” Wolfe told Potomac Local News.
Economic development, data centers, rising tax billsÂ
Regarding downtown development, Davis Younger is credited with brokering the nearly $6 million deal for the city to purchase and demolish the Old Towne Inn, a 1960s-era motel in the heart of downtown. She expressed optimism about a potential new hotel on the city’s vacant footprint, stating, “We had community meetings, and that’s what the community said they want.”
The hotel property is one of several that the city has bought and sold under Davis-Younger, including the Manassas Shopping Center, which the city aims to sell to its preferred buyer for use as a mixed-use development with affordable housing, and the Marsteller Middle School property on Sudley Road, which will be used to build a new fire station and convert the old school into a community center.
Discussing Manassas’s growth, the mayor acknowledged the addition of data centers, of which the city has four so far. “We’ve been very thoughtful about where we place them,” she remarked, emphasizing that the developments would bring economic benefits and jobs, which are crucial for the city’s growth.
The mayor explained that the city’s approach to handling these new funds would depend on various factors, including the timeline for when all the data centers are fully operational. “It’ll happen, but it’s several years from now when they’re all in place,” she noted.
Over her four years as Mayor, both residential and non-residential properties have faced rising tax assessments, resulting in larger tax bills for homeowners and businesses alike. The average residential bill increased by $878 between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, while the average commercial bill grew by $2,393 during the same period.
Mayor Davis-Younger acknowledged the significant financial impact data center projects could have, potentially generating millions in annual revenue for the city. However, she was cautious in discussing any direct plans for tax cuts.
“I didn’t say that,” Davis-Younger emphasized when asked if she planned to reduce taxes. “I’m just saying when those revenues come in, those are things that we have to look at.”
The server farms are located on or being built on Godwin and Dean drives and at the city’s regional airport. The number of server farms in the 10-square-mile city pales compared to the number of data centers in neighboring Prince William County, which has seen a proliferation of server farms over the past 10 years and will soon have more than anywhere else in the world.
The mayor pointed out that while data centers often face criticism for their limited job creation, they offer substantial economic benefits, including revenue generation for the city. “These developments can bring in three to $6 million annually,” she explained, indicating that such income could eventually contribute to potential tax adjustments or other community improvements.
Davis Younger emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with community needs. “We know the concerns of people with noise and different things like that,” she stated, noting that the city is committed to addressing these issues as development progresses.
Vacancies
Under Davis Younger, several city department leaders have left the city, including longtime City Manager Patrick Pate, who served for an unprecedented decade. Mayor Davis Younger acknowledged that high turnover can challenge effective governance and service delivery. “It’s a concern for us, as continuity in staffing is vital for maintaining quality services,” she stated.
She explained that the city has focused on retention strategies to improve employee stability. These include competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and fostering a positive work environment. “We want to ensure our staff feels valued and invested in, which ultimately benefits our community,” said Davis Younger.
Police Chief Douglass Keen has served as interim city manager for a year and told Potomac Local he wants to return to his role as police chief as soon as the council hires a permanent city manager. “I will be honest in my opinion, in retrospect, we probably dragged the process out a little bit more than we should have just because of where the calendar was and different things. However, as we went through the process, we had 50 or 60 people apply. So we had a large pool. But we didn’t find a good fit…” said Wolfe.
Keen has recently been charged with reclaiming the city’s popular First Friday events for families. In text messages, Keen said underage drinking and alcohol violations had plagued the monthly event. Meanwhile, the city council has discussed potential changes in managing the event.
Davis Younger has received criticism for putting her political party above streetlight issues and shunning others who posted support for her political appointments on Facebook. She has become a fixture at the White House locally and took credit for luring the then-Biden-Harris campaign to the Hylton Performing Arts Center in January 2024 for the duo’s campaign kickoff.
Davis Younger is an entrepreneur who owns a human resources consulting firm, The1FORHR, LLC.
The mayoral campaign in Manassas has begun, and Democrats have launched their first attack, focusing on the shirt color of the Republican candidate, Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom.
Byrom knocked on doors and talked with voters on Sunday, August 4, 2024. She posted a photo of herself wearing her campaign colors, pink and green, on Facebook.
“Knock, knock, rain or shine here we come. Team Tang is ready to serve YOU!! Making more new friends… Can’t wait to see you next week and introduce you to the rest of the team,” Byrom posted on Facebook.
Byrom, a tailor and bridal consultant and owner of Tang’s Alterations, chose pink and green instead of traditional red and blue for her campaign colors. The Manassas and Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee commented on Byrom’s post, criticizing her color choice.
“We are wondering over here: did you purposely choose AKA colors? To be honest, it feels disrespectful and disingenuous,” the committee posted. Presidential nominee Kamala Harris is a member of the AKA sorority, which sports the pink and green colors.
“I find your colors to be downright disrespectful! These colors represent our Vice President’s sorority, AKA. You are not Aka, nor do you represent our Vice President, who is now the Democratic nominee for president,” commented Helen Zurita.
The Manassas Republican Party responded to the criticism.
“Can’t believe we even have to jump in and comment but better than Tang having to waste time on this. Google Lilly Pulitzer. As the owner of one of the DMV’s top alterations and clothing shops, Tang has been making brides elegant, stylish and trendy right here in Manassas for 25 years and now she’s done the same to her campaign. How about we stop criticizing designers on their design inspirations and talk about issues voters care about?”
Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R), and former Manassas City Council member added, “The ‘choose the obscure colors of the vice president’s sorority to trick the HUGE portion of the voting public who base their vote on obscure sorority colors’ gambit.”
Mike Frowen commented, “We were wondering why Manassas and Manassas Park residents pay the highest tax rates in the State and have the worst school systems. Also wondering why you raised taxes during the pandemic and every year since and now brag about how much ‘revenue’ the city is bringing in. Stop drinking the cool aid and try some Tang!”
Ray Wachter stated, “Duly noted how you went immediately to race instead of, say, breast cancer awareness. You don’t own the colors. Not even the colors of the rainbow.”
Ray Settle remarked, “Get a grip. Put your wittle feewings back in your pocket, and get out here with the adults. Why would you even think you own a certain color? Because you’re unable to think, that’s why.”
Jimmy Lunsford commented, “It amazes me that Ms. Zurita is more bothered by the colors that a local mayoral candidate is using, than the fact that her party performed a major coup on a sitting president and installed someone who LITERALLY did not receive a single vote by the people.”
Catherine Stone McNickle asked, “Is this a Mean Girls skit? ‘On Wednesdays we wear pink’ + ‘You can’t sit with us!'”
Byrom has not commented on the matter, is facing one-term incumbent Democrat Michelle Davis Younger, and her campaign slogan is, “Tailoring Success for Everyone.”
Anna Phillips added, “What a great campaign slogan! I can’t wait to cast my vote for Tang4mayor in November and start some much-needed change in Manassas.”
Early voting begins Friday, September 20, 2024. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.
