David C. Ridpath www.radford.va.us   Address: 10 Robertson St., Radford, Virginia 24141  Phone Number: (540)731-3603 Fax Number: (540) 731-3699

Welcome from the City Manager

Welcome to the City of Radford web site! We are excited about our evolving pages and hope that they are of help to you in learning more about our City and what we have to offer. Please be sure to check back with us from time to time as our site develops.

Radford is nestled in the heart of the New River Valley, close to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Our economy has long been balanced my manufacturing and education. Radford is home to Intermet, current operator of a foundry at a site that has a similar operation for over 100 years. We are also home to Radford University that began operation in 1910.

Residents in Radford enjoy a very high quality of life. Quality housing is available for those of any taste from restored antebellum to contemporary. The Radford School system offers an excellent education for area youth and Radford University is one of several area institutions of higher education.

Recreational opportunities abound. Those who enjoy nature will find endless hours of relaxation on the New River or the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. The City’s bikeway along the New River allows for a
peaceful stroll or ride while enjoying nature. Nearby Claytor Lake offers a variety of water sports. The City’s recreation facilities eliminate any excuse to just sit and watch the world go by; you’ll be called to jump into the game.

Radford provides opportunities to realize your potential. Come join us and see what your life could be.

Responsibilities of the City Manager

The City Manager is the administrative and executive head of the municipal government and is chosen by the City Council. The City Manager is chosen solely based on administrative qualifications and experience in municipal affairs.

As the administrative head of the City, the Manager carries out the policies that are adopted by the City Council.  He is responsible for the enforcement of all laws and ordinances and with a few exceptions, is in charge of all departments and operations. The City Manager keeps Council informed of the condition and needs of the City, making recommendations for action as the need arises. The Manager also prepares the annual budget for Council consideration and upon its enactment, sees that its provisions are upheld.

Brief History of the Council-Manager Form of Government

The Council-Manager form of government evolved in the 19-teens as a reform movement in response to local governance problems that were occurring in the nation’s cities at the end of the 19th Century and beginning of
the 20th Century. This form of government provides for a trained professional administrator to manage the day to day affairs of the city as a means to provide for the efficient, effective and ethical governance of localities. Today, many cities across the nation, as well as cities in other countries, have opted for this form of government. Many cities evolved their form of government during the post World War II era of the late 1940s and 1950s when cities began to grow and develop at a rapid pace.
Radford adopted the Council-Manager form of government in 1920 and has proudly, and continuously, maintained this form of government. The City has been served by 14 city managers.

Previous City Managers:

Paul B Murphy 1920 – 1924

Samuel A. Durham 1924 -

Arthur – 1927

E. L Udell -1935

Henry T. Roberts 1935 – 1944

W.T. “Ham” Wells 1944 -1947

W. A.  Woodward 1947- 1957

Wilson D. Coleman 1958 – 1962

Frank Force 1962 – 1967

A. Kyle Roop, Jr. 1967 – 1974

Finn Moffett 1974 – 1976

Arthur L. Lane, Jr. 1976 – 1978

Robert P. Asbury 1979 – 2002

Anthony W. Cox 2002 – 2010

David C. Ridpath 2010 -