In the City This Week, April 6th - April 10th
Tuesday, April 6th, 2021
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Zoning Board of Appeals
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
2:30 pm
City Hall Annex Building, Multi-Purpose Room
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals meets on a quarterly basis, the second Wednesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Annex Building, Inspections Conference Room, 1st Floor, 300 North Lee Street, Valdosta. View the Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals 2021 Meeting Dates.
Any City resident interested in serving on the Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals should submit a completed General Membership Application and a signed Code of Ethics Form to Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, located in the City Manager and Mayor's office in City Hall, 216 East Central Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601. Residents residing in unincorporated Lowndes County should contact the County Clerk at (229) 671-2400.
For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Rick Mefford, Inspections Department, at (229) 259-3506 or E-mail.
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals is responsible for reviewing and deciding specific appeals made by individuals concerning the interpretation or administration of the Construction Codes.
Valdosta City Council Work Session
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
5:30 pm
City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers
The City of Valdosta Mayor and Council meet for Work Session on the Tuesday before the first City Council meeting of each month. The Work Session allows Council Members to spend an adequate amount of time discussing agenda items and hear special presentations relative to the agenda. These meetings are open to the general public. Work Session Meetings are recorded; however, minutes for the Work Session are not transcribed.
Valdosta City Council Meeting
Thursday, April 8, 2021
5:30 pm
Lee Street Park (grassy area), 301 East Central Avenue.
The Valdosta City Council will meet for the regularly scheduled council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Lee Street Park (grassy area), 301 East Central Avenue.
This Council Meeting will be live-streamed and can be viewed by citizens on the City of Valdosta’s Facebook page and website – www.valdostacity.com.
For more information, please contact Teresa S. Bolden, City Clerk, at 229-259-3503.
City of Valdosta Public Transportation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the action City Council took on Thursday, March 11?
On Thursday, March 11, Valdosta City Councilmembers approved a Public Transit Contract between River North Transit, LLC (Via) and the City of Valdosta. Via is an On-Demand/Microtransit company.
What is Via?
Via is a worldwide company that offers many different public transit services. The City of Valdosta is in contract negotiations to utilize Via’s on-demand transit system that takes multiple passengers heading in the same direction and books them into a shared vehicle. Think of Via as a bus that’s smart enough to come when you want it and where you want it.
What is On-Demand Transit? Is it Microtransit? How is it different than Uber/Lyft/Taxis?
On-Demand Transit (sometimes also called Microtransit) is a demand-responsive transportation service that picks up riders who request a trip by using an app (after creating an account online) or calling customer service. Unlike fixed-route service, there is no set schedule so riders will need to use the app or call to request a ride during the hours of operation.
Why is the city getting public transit?
For the past several years, it has been a goal of the Mayor, Council, and City Manager to provide the citizens of Valdosta with a public transit system. Communities that were researched have experienced great success with this concept. City leaders began exploring public transportation options after hearing from local leaders, residents, and economic development officials who believe it would help with the quality of life and job creation/sustainability.
How will this be funded?
The Federal Transit Administration will fund 80% of expected costs for the City of Valdosta public transportation system. This year, FTA Cares Act funding will cover the city’s match, which is 20% of expected costs. In future years, the FTA will continue to fund 80% of costs while the portion of the City’s responsibility can be mitigated via advertising, additional grants, and in-kind service agreements.
When will the on-demand transit service launch?
Projected April 27, 2021
What are the service hours?
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Monday - Friday
What is the service area?
Approximately 36 square miles covering the entire city and connecting to key destinations.
Who is driving?
When you book a ride, we connect you with a vehicle operated by a trained and experienced driver who is covered by the required insurance. All driver partners undergo thorough criminal background checks before driving on the Via platform.
How will I request a ride?
Via’s app is available for both iPhone and Android. It’s free to download.
No smartphone? Access customer support by calling Via’s live support representatives and have your account set-up over the phone.
Where will this ride take me?
The ride will be available for any drop-off and pick-up locations within the City of Valdosta.
How much will it cost to ride?
Projected fare of $2.00 per trip with concessions for rider groups, such as seniors and paratransit-eligible riders.
