Radford Proposes Tax Hike to Address Budget Woes

City's $79 million budget plan includes real estate and utility rate increases.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:12am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Radford, Virginia has proposed a $79 million budget that includes increases to the real estate tax and utility rates as officials work to address the city's ongoing financial challenges.

Why it matters

Radford has been grappling with troubled finances for some time, and this proposed tax hike is seen as an incremental step to help shore up the city's budget. The move highlights the difficult decisions local governments must make to balance their books and maintain essential services.

The details

Radford's proposed budget calls for raising the real estate tax rate as well as increasing utility rates for residents. City officials say these increases are necessary to address the city's financial struggles and ensure Radford can continue providing core services to the community.

  • Radford's proposed $79 million budget was released on April 8, 2026.

The players

Radford

The city of Radford, Virginia, which is proposing a $79 million budget that includes tax and rate increases to address its troubled finances.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Radford City Council will hold public hearings and debates on the proposed budget in the coming weeks before voting on its final approval.

The takeaway

Radford's budget challenges highlight the difficult financial decisions facing many local governments, as they work to balance their books and maintain essential services for residents amid rising costs and limited resources.