Office of Communications and Community Engagement

Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building

215 Church Avenue, SW, Room 357
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
540-853-1007
communityengagement@roanokeva.gov
For Immediate Release:

December 20, 2023

Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

After thoughtful consideration, Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. has made the decision not to
seek re-election in the upcoming election.

In a heartfelt message to the community, Mayor Lea expresses his gratitude for the
opportunity to serve the City. "This journey has been one of profound honor, with each
election—an affirmation of our shared vision for Roanoke," Mayor Lea said. "I am
deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of our City’s many successes."

Throughout his almost 20-year tenure serving on Roanoke City Council, Mayor Lea has
been a part of a number of important activities and initiatives, including:

• Seventh designation of Roanoke as All- • Initiation of a new grocery store in

America City
• Induction of Roanoke as the first City in the
Nation into the All-America City Hall of
Fame
• Formation of Lea Youth Outdoor Basketball
League
• Adoption of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
– City Plan 2040
• Adoption of the Downtown Roanoke Plan
• Adoption of the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
• Adoption of the Neighborhood Centers Plan
• Adoption of the City Council’s first Strategic
Plan
• Development of a new Downtown Transit
Transfer Station
• Creation of the Roanoke Financial
Empowerment Center
Northwest Roanoke
• Initiation of redevelopment of the former
American Viscose Plant into Riverdale in
Southeast Roanoke
• Support of the formation of the Roanoke
Innovation Corridor and expansion of
Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech-Carilion
School of Medicine and the Fralin
Biomedical Research Institute
• Support of redevelopment of the former
Heironimus Department Store into Mast
General
• Implementation of the Year of the Artist
(2022-2023)
• Formation and Leadership of the Star City
Strong Recovery Framework (CARES and
ARPA funding)
• Development of Rivers Edge into a
Regional Athletic Facility
• Adoption and implementation of regional wayfinding system and downtown wayfinding system
• Formation of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission
• Formation of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board
• Development of Holton Plaza downtown
• Replacement of Franklin Road Bridge
• Reintroduction of Amtrak to Roanoke
• Redevelopment of Colonial Avenue through the campus of Virginia Western Community College
• Replacement of Fire Station #7 in Grandin Village
• Redevelopment of multiple library branches – Gainsboro, Melrose, Raleigh Court, Williamson
Road
• Removal of Robert E. Lee Memorial and establishment of Freedom Plaza and Lacks Plaza and
placement of Henrietta Lacks Memorial
• Expansion of Roanoke River Greenway – including first connection to City of Salem
• Formation of the Western Virginia Industrial Facilities Authority and development of the Wood
Haven Technology Park
• Formation of the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority
• Redevelopment of William Fleming High School
• Redevelopment of Patrick Henry High School

“I want to assure the residents of Roanoke that, although I have decided not to seek re-election, my
commitment and dedication to serving you remains steadfast until the conclusion of my term on
December 31, 2024,” Mayor Lea added.

Mayor Lea’s full message to the residents of Roanoke:

To the wonderful residents of Roanoke,

After two decades of serving on the City Council, coupled with five cherished years on the School
Board, I have decided not to seek re-election as your Mayor. This journey has been one of profound
honor, with each election—an affirmation of our shared vision for Roanoke. As I reflect on a career
marked by the unwavering trust and support of the community I have served, I am deeply grateful for
the opportunity to have been a part of our City’s successes.

As I prepare to pass the baton, I am confident that Roanoke will continue to thrive, championing the
values we hold dear. My commitment to our city remains steadfast and I look forward to the ways I
can continue to contribute to the community that has given me so much.

Thank you for entrusting me with your voice, your hopes, and your dreams. Together we have built a
legacy of progress and unity that will endure for generations to come.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.