Manassas
Delegate Michelle Lopes Maldonado (D-Manassas) announced her resignation from the Virginia House of Delegates effective May 31, 2026, after more than four years representing House District 20.
In a formal letter dated May 4, 2026, and shared publicly on May 5, Maldonado tendered her resignation to the Speaker of the House. She described her service as “a profound honor” and expressed gratitude to constituents, fellow delegates, leadership, and community partners.
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Lori Balta has lived on Sandy Court in Manassas since 2005. For 21 years, she and her husband planned to retire right here in the city they call home. Now that dream is slipping away.
Her January electric bill hit $750 — the highest in all her years here — followed by $650 in February and March. With her husband nearing retirement and her own close behind, Balta told Manassas City Council on April 27 that the combined impact of rising property assessments, local utility rate increases, and a surprise Dominion Energy shock may force them to sell and leave.
Manassas City Council is considering a budget amendment to cover $172,000 in unexpected snow removal costs from this winter’s significant storm, known as “snowcrete.” The request, outlined in Resolution R-2026-896, would transfer funds from the general fund contingency to the Public Works Department.
Public Works staff briefed council members during a recent work session, explaining that the additional funds are needed for extra salt, pretreatment chemicals, and contracted services following the “pretty significant winter event.” Typical annual budgeting for salt, pretreatment chemicals, and contracted services falls between $170,000 and $60,000, making this year’s demands far exceed normal allocations.
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City officials learned of the change the same day it was announced during a City Council work session. The city was notified the same day of a 250% fuel adjustment rate increase effective in April that will appear on May bills.
For a typical home using 2,400 to 2,500 kilowatt-hours, the increase will total about $50. A typical townhome will see an increase of about $30. A business using 10,000 kWh would see roughly $240 more.
Manassas City Library marked its fifth anniversary this year, showcasing progress as it enters year three of its strategic plan.
During her State of the Library presentation at aManassas City Council meeting, Senior Library Manager Lena Gonzalez Berrios highlighted three core focus areas: partnership development, growing programs and outreach, and making the branch more inviting and accessible to all residents.
A man died after an early-morning altercation outside C.J. Finz Raw Bar & Grille in downtown Manassas on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Manassas City Police confirmed the incident occurred at 2:30 a.m. Officers on scene administered emergency first aid to the victim until rescue personnel arrived. The individual was then taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Manassas City Council on Monday night unanimously approved renaming Manassas Regional Airport to Washington Manassas Airport as its commercial and ticketing name, moving forward with a rebranding effort supported by airport stakeholders but met with mixed reactions from some residents.
In a 7-0 vote, the council adopted Resolution R-2026-881. The airfield itself will continue to be known as Harry P. Davis Field, and the airport code HEF will remain unchanged. Officials estimated the cost of the name change at $100,000, to be funded entirely from the airport enterprise fund (fees collected at the airport) with no impact on the city’s general fund or taxpayers.