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- Business News - April 14th
Hello Downtown Roanoke Businesses,
We hope that you are doing well! Thanks to those who were able to attend our Restaurant & Retail Meeting last week. A few notes:
Premium Parking: The group discussed “grace periods”, STAR parking, event discount codes. For more information, please contact Jasmine or Michael.
Jasmine Francis ([email protected])
Michael Jennings ([email protected])
Give Roanoke- April 22nd
Support the Downtown Roanoke Ambassadors and Beautification Projects by giving to DRI during Give Roanoke! Early Giving is underway, please visit www.giveroanoke.com
Downtown Activation Ideas/Thoughts:
Music in the Market, additional visual upgrades, Spring Sidewalk Sale, dance groups/jazz bands performances, more vendors on the Market throughout the week, 2-3 movie nights, more activities for kids.
Please feel free to send any additional ideas my way! [email protected]
-Brittany Smith, Director of Marketing and Communication
GET INVOLVED
Join Us Tonight! The Roanoke Police Department invites you to be part of the conversation at their Community Forum on April 14 at 6:00 p.m. at Straight Street, 333 Luck Avenue. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and help build a stronger community! |  |
TakeCharge Virginia – Business Energy Solutions (BES) Rebate Program
The Appalachian Power Business Energy Solutions Program offers cash incentives for energy efficiency improvements at your facility. Whether you’re running a small business or a large corporation, your company may qualify to receive cash back for improvements to your facility’s lighting and controls, kitchen, and refrigeration equipment, compressed air systems, and more.
It's easy to get started, and the application process is simple. Program Representatives are available to assist you with each step in the process. To take advantage of this Program now or see more details about incentives and the process, you can: apply online at TakeChargeVA.com, contact a program representative at 833-402-2221 or email [email protected].
The City of Roanoke is reimagining the Amtrak Station area as a gateway to our community. Putting Assets to Work is a strategic placemaking initiative designed to transform city-owned property within a half-mile radius of the Roanoke Amtrak Platform into a vibrant, walkable, and welcoming urban district. |  |
EVENTS
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CONSTRUCTION AND STREET CLOSURES
 | Blue Ridge Marathon The Blue Ridge Marathon is heading our way April 18th- get ready for a busy weekend! Share the street closure information below with your team. |
Special Events
Straight Street Youth April on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th at Luck Avenue SE, between 3rd and 4th at 333 Luck Ave SW. On Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at Luck Avenue SE, between 3rd and 4th at 333 Luck Ave SW
Blue Ridge Marathon on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th on Downtown Roanoke Streets (see map)*
Down by Downtown on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th at Elmwood Park
Terror Manor April on Saturday, April 18th on Norfolk Ave SW, between 8th and 9th*
26-0015 Pride Fest on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Elmwood Park
Stormwater Improvements:
1st Street SW & Kirk Ave SW
City of Roanoke Stormwater – Upcoming Downtown Flood Resilience Project
The City of Roanoke Stormwater Utility will be constructing a storm drainage project Downtown along Kirk Ave SE between Jefferson St SE and Market St SE starting in May of 2026. The project includes upsizing two existing storm drainage inlets and adding one new storm drainage inlet, with the goal to reduce flood risk in the area.
The City appreciates your patience with traffic and noise disruption as we build this important project. In particular, there will be periodic roadway and parking detours and/or closures within the project area. The City and our contractor will be working to minimize disruption to the extent feasible, and the City’s Economic Development staff will be working closely with the businesses that are the most impacted.
To receive important project updates, sign up for notifications here: https://engage.zencity.io/roanoke-va/en-US/projects/downtown-flood-resilience-projec
Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Paden at [email protected]
Put DRI to work for you! 💼
Our mission is to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to Work, Live, and Play. As a Downtown business, you have a valuable FREE resource at your fingertips. Let us help share your story!
Want to be added to our Business Directory? Fill out the form.
Looking for new staff? Submit a job listing here.
Event Listings: Submit an event here. (Over 6.2k views in March!)
YIFTEE Gift Card Program: Learn more here.
Questions? Please reach out to Brittany at [email protected]
Important Information
Important Contacts
Often, businesses need phone numbers for government services, such as solid waste, permitting, etc., and other services, such as private parking and transportation.
Check out our list of frequently requested information!
Find Downtown Parking
With more than 1,300 on-street spaces and 7,000+ off-street spaces, plenty of free or paid parking options exist.