Joel Goodhart
Blacksburg Town Council
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About the Office
The Legislature Chair or President of Council is responsible for overseeing the sessions of the municipal legislature. The chair will monitor and evaluate pending legislative, regulatory and legal actions on an ongoing basis.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
Independent
Occupation
Substitute Teacher
Fun Fact
I like to play board games and ride bikes!
Past Experience
My decision to run for Town Council stems from a personal conviction that community matters. It's what brings us together and makes Blacksburg a great place to live, to grow up, to go to school, and to raise a family.
I was born and raised in the New River Valley, and now live with my wife and two young boys in Blacksburg, so I know firsthand how incredible our local community is. I also deeply appreciate the legacy of our town, and I look forward to how we will carry that legacy forward for future generations.
I'm committed to being a champion for a stronger, more livable Blacksburg - a place we're all proud to call home. I would love to hear from you on how I can best represent you on Blacksburg's Town Council and be your voice for lasting, positive change.
My Top Issues
Inclusive zoning policies
Access to affordable, quality housing is vital for a thriving, livable Blacksburg. A diverse range of housing options ensures that people of all income levels, ages, and backgrounds can call our town home.
Prioritize safe streets
Better, slower streets are an opportunity to make Blacksburg more connected and thriving as a community. When our streets are designed for all kinds of users, the benefits are considerable.
Sustainable land use practices
Productive growth is an important distinction to make when discussing how we should grow in the Town of Blacksburg. Our downtown with its mixed use buildings and walkable streets is an example of productive growth that has had lasting value for the community for decades.
Infrastructure / Transportation
Productive growth is all about creating a balanced, resilient town that respects its roots while building toward a brighter future with vibrant neighborhoods, better active & public transit, a solid tax base, and immense social capital. We need to make land use and zoning decisions that encourages productive growth while discouraging growth that is unproductive such as car-dependent, suburban sprawl.
Housing
Comprehensive housing supports our local workforce, helps reduce commuting burdens, and ensures that Blacksburg remains a welcoming, accessible place to live for current and future generations.
Infrastructure / Transportation
By investing in our streets, we can build more community connection, advance our sustainability goals, and create a more livable town that prioritizes people and place-making over empty car storage and through traffic.
Infrastructure / Transportation
Better, slower streets are an opportunity to make Blacksburg more connected and thriving as a community. When our streets are designed for all kinds of users, the benefits are considerable.
Housing
Access to affordable, quality housing is vital for a thriving, livable Blacksburg. A diverse range of housing options ensures that people of all income levels, ages, and backgrounds can call our town home. By promoting smart housing policies that encourage productive growth and incremental adaptation, we can create and maintain opportunities for everyone—from young professionals and families to seniors, singles, and everyone in between.
Who I'm Running Against
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