Councilmember· 2016-2028
Sterling A. Wilder
Lynchburg
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 21
- Total speaking time
- 47:50
- Avg per meeting
- 2:17
- Segments
- 1165
Want every word Wilder has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Wilder said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (19)(General)
Flock cameras and gunshot-detection microphones
Early contract termination costs versus refunds were discussed but not quantified.
Edgewood Avenue rezoning continuance
It could help cool down skyrocketing rents by finally adding some much-needed housing supply to the market.
Downtown loitering and enforcement
About $24,718 in mandatory overtime so far, plus possible future budget investment in police pay and recruiting.
Right-of-Way Acquisition Process for Transportation Projects
Right-of-way costs are estimated into project budgets early, with ROW valued at 100%, permanent easements at 80-90%, and temporary easements at 20-25% of property value.
Rezoning of Ardmore Drive lots for commercial use
This project should bring in a nice bump in local tax revenue and create construction and retail jobs.
Marijuana retail and vape/tobacco zoning authority
Changes to zoning rules could trigger costly legal battles or force clinics to spend money relocating, ultimately hitting taxpayers in the wallet.
FY 2027 water, sewer, and stormwater rates
About $1.06 more per month on the average residential utility bill — $0.81 for water and $0.25 for stormwater.
candidate forum
While going to the forum is free, the politicians you pick will be deciding how your tax dollars get spent around Lynchburg.
leaf collection
You save money on lawn bags and disposal fees since the city hauls the leaves away for free.
Liberty University dormitory conversion at 1410 University Boulevard
While exact figures aren't highlighted yet, expanding local special education infrastructure usually means upfront municipal coordination that pays off by keeping students in the district.
Abortion Clinic Zoning Ordinance Exemption
Opponents warned the ordinance could cost the City taxpayer money in staff time and potential lawsuits; no official estimate was given.
Derelict buildings program dashboard
Program properties show roughly $2.6 million in increased assessed value; about $483,778 billed in recovery and penalties with only $61,244 paid to date.
surveillance contract termination
The city avoided future subscription costs by ditching the contract, though we might see minor administrative expenses tied to winding down the camera hardware.
Data center zoning ordinance amendment
It could attract high-tech investments to town, though compliance costs for developers might shift.
Polling place relocation — Fourth Ward First Precinct
No immediate taxpayer costs are expected since the city is keeping the current early voting system in place.
redistricting referendum
Taxpayers are on the hook to fund whatever legal fees and court costs come out of this Council-backed lawsuit.
burn ban
You won't get fined if you just follow the rule, but ignoring it could lead to steep penalties if emergency response is required.
Second Amendment Sanctuary status
Zero direct impact on your taxes or city spending, since it's just a symbolic resolution.
law enforcement executive order
While no direct costs are mentioned yet, political infighting over city policies can easily rack up legal fees and administrative expenses down the road.
Decisions during term (3)
Recorded while Wilder was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Voting record (2)(General)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Ordinance #O-26-044 — FY 2027 General Fund Operating Budget
Supported it as a compromise despite disagreeing with some elements.
Ordinance #O-26-044 — FY 2027 General Fund Operating Budget (first reading)
Supported staff's flat budget and wanted to move forward.