municipalities
cities
Virginia Constitution provides for “independent incorporated communities” (aka cities). Cities are NOT part of any county. They are separate and distinct entities. Virginia cities have been independent since the Constitution of 1871.
There are 41 independent cities in the United States – 38 of the 41 are in Virginia.
Cities have to have a minimum population of 5,000. Cities with a population greater than 10,000 are called first-class cities.
Small cities with populations in the 6,000-7,000 range are referred to as second-class cities. By law, second class cities “may” be required to share their courts with the surrounding county.
Cities operate under a charter approved by the General Assembly. A charter is like a mini-Constitution, spelling out specific duties, functions and organizational structure.
There are 41 independent cities in the United States – 38 of the 41 are in Virginia.
Cities have to have a minimum population of 5,000. Cities with a population greater than 10,000 are called first-class cities.
Small cities with populations in the 6,000-7,000 range are referred to as second-class cities. By law, second class cities “may” be required to share their courts with the surrounding county.
Cities operate under a charter approved by the General Assembly. A charter is like a mini-Constitution, spelling out specific duties, functions and organizational structure.
towns
Unlike cities, towns are a part of the county and are legally subordinate political units of the counties. Thus many governmental functions are shared with the county. But like cities, towns also receive a charter from the General Assembly. Although they lack the independence of cities, towns can levy their own property taxes and can provide services not provided by the county. Thus residents pay town and country taxes.
Criteria to become an incorporated town:
• Minimum population of 1,000
• Population density of the affected county cannot exceed 200/sq mile
• Petition signed by at least 100 people living in the area to be incorporated
• Commission on Local Government must determine that “the services required by the area seeking to be incorporated cannot be provided by the establishment of a sanitary district or the extension of existing services currently provided by the county.”
• The petitioner must present a plan prepared by a registered surveyor showing the boundaries of the proposed town
• The petitioners must show that the general good of the community will be promoted by the incorporation – in terms of responsiveness, accountability and enforcement authority
Because of the demanding criteria, Virginia has incorporated only two new towns since 1964. Cities, however, may revert to town status in 1992 the City of South Boston reverted to town status as did the City of Clifton Forge in 2000.
Today, there are 190 towns in Virginia, ranging in size from 50 (Columbia) to Blacksburg (42,885).