Description

Roanoke City Council Candidate Forum

A Policy Impact Series Event

Thursday, September 17, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jefferson Center – Fitzpatrick Hall

Presented by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke

Hear Directly from the Candidates. Understand the Issues. Stay Informed.

As Roanoke prepares for the upcoming City Council election, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Roanoke invite members of the business community and civic leaders to join us for the Roanoke City Council Candidate Forum, part of the Chamber’s Policy Impact Series.

This moderated forum will provide attendees with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to serve on Roanoke City Council and learn more about their priorities, perspectives, and vision for the future of the City of Roanoke.

The decisions made by City Council have a direct impact on our region’s employers, workforce, infrastructure, economic development, quality of life, and ability to remain competitive. This forum is designed to help members of the business community better understand where candidates stand on issues that matter to Roanoke’s continued growth and economic vitality.

Invited Candidates

All candidates for Roanoke City Council have been invited to participate in the forum.

Confirmed to Participate

• Amanda Marko
• David Bowers
• Kathy Cohen
• Raekwon Moore
• Vivian Sanchez-Jones

Invited

• Danny Clawson
• Stephanie Moon-Reynolds

Candidate participation is subject to change. This page will be updated as additional candidates confirm their participation.

What to Expect

Candidates will participate in a moderated discussion focused on topics relevant to Roanoke’s business community and the future of the city.

To provide candidates with the opportunity to offer thoughtful and substantive responses, moderated questions will be provided to them in advance. Each candidate will have two minutes to respond to each question, with a visible timer used throughout the program to ensure equal speaking time and keep the discussion on schedule.

The forum is intended to provide a fair, informative, and nonpartisan conversation that gives attendees a greater understanding of each candidate’s priorities and approach to issues affecting our community.

Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.

The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Impact Series connects the business community with policymakers, candidates, and thought leaders to encourage informed civic engagement and elevate conversations surrounding policies that impact employers and our regional economy.

We encourage Chamber members, business leaders, young professionals, and community stakeholders to attend, hear directly from the candidates, and become better informed ahead of Election Day.

Advance registration is encouraged.

Event Details

Roanoke City Council Candidate Forum
Thursday, September 17, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jefferson Center – Fitzpatrick Hall

Presented by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Roanoke as part of the Chamber’s Policy Impact Series.