📣 Hey, #Blacksburg. This Saturday, September 27, I’ll be at “Democracy is on the Ballot: Issues and Concerns,” hosted by the Defending Democracy team at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation (1301 Gladewood Drive, Blacksburg).

Early voting starts today in Virginia! Make a plan to vote. 🗳️

Yesterday, I gave some brief remarks on behalf of the town at the grand re-opening of the Kroger on South Main Street in #Blacksburg. Kroger has invested $2.7 million in remodeling the store. At the event, Kroger presented a check to Feeding Southwest Virginia and the HokieBird made an appearance!

It’s #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! If you recently moved, changed your name, became a citizen, or haven't already registered to vote, today is a GREAT day to get #VoteReady. Register to vote/check your #VoterRegistration status at bit.ly/2025nvrdreg

I’m proud to share that I’ve been named a 2025 Gun Sense Candidate by @momsdemand.bsky.social. This distinction signals my commitment to advocating for common-sense gun safety and preventing gun violence in our community.

As I’m campaigning for mayor, I’m often asked, “What’s your platform?” The truth is, there isn’t a single issue that defines our town’s future. #Blacksburg deserves a comprehensive vision that addresses our community’s many needs and opportunities. Learn more at www.michaelsutphin.com.

The August issue of my newsletter is out! This month, I share highlights from the #Blacksburg candidate forums, welcome back Virginia Tech and Montgomery County students, and provide updates on early voting, upcoming public hearings, and my campaign for mayor. Take a look: mailchi.mp/fa61f47c4530...

Just got back from an energizing evening at Gobblerfest! It was great to connect with both new and returning #VirginiaTech students, as well as community members, to talk about my campaign and priorities for #Blacksburg.

Last night, I had the opportunity to take part in the #Blacksburg Mayoral Candidate Forum hosted by the local chapters of the NAACP and League of Women Voters. If you missed it, you can watch the full forum here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-F6...

Last week, the #Blacksburg Town Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for campaign finance reform to limit the influence of unlimited corporate spending in elections. You can read the full resolution here: blacksburg.granicus.com/MetaViewer.p...

Some things come full circle! Back in 2009, I took a turn in the dunking booth during Steppin’ Out while running for Town Council. Fast forward to today, and I was back in the tank at Touch-a-Truck NRV in Christiansburg (pictured here).

📢 Mark your calendars! The Blacksburg Mayor Candidate Forum will be on Thursday, August 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. You’ll have an opportunity to hear from my opponent and me about the issues facing our town.

The Montgomery County RACE for ACCE 5K was a big success in #Blacksburg this morning! Somehow, I even managed to snag second place in my division (men’s 40-44), but I’m pretty sure that’s more a reflection of my age than my speed.

The rain didn’t stop Council Member Susan Anderson and I from volunteering at the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. T-shirt booth this afternoon. Fingers crossed for better weather at Steppin’ Out tomorrow! #Blacksburg

The July issue of my newsletter is out! This month, I highlight Steppin’ Out, the Race for ACCE, the downtown façade grant program, and an update on my #Blacksburg mayoral campaign—including how to get a yard sign. 📬 Take a look: mailchi.mp/dd3bf9a8838d...

It was an honor to help welcome Rustic Roots Olive Oils to downtown #Blacksburg at their ribbon cutting yesterday. This new shop is a fantastic addition to our local business community — and just in time for Steppin’ Out this weekend! (Photos courtesy of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce)

Such terrible news coming out of Danville today. My thoughts are with Councilman Vogler and the Danville community.

Hard to believe we’re just 100 days away from Election Day. I’m running for mayor because I care deeply about #Blacksburg and have the experience needed to help move it in the right direction. If you would like to get involved, visit www.michaelsutphin.com to learn more.

One thing I’ve learned during my time on the #Blacksburg Town Council is that the town’s success is tied to the strength of our region. Whether we’re talking about housing, transportation, or economic development, we’re better off when we work together across the #NRV.

New yard signs are on the way! 🪧 Here's a peek behind the scenes at the print shop. Want one for your yard in #Blacksburg? Sign up here: forms.gle/oULyR1XWsQVs...

I’m proud to be a bronze sponsor of the 2025 Race for ACCE 5K on Saturday, Aug. 2. This supports the ACCE program, which provides tuition for Montgomery County high school graduates to attend New River Community College. You can find out more about the Race for ACCE here: www.nr.edu/raceforacce/

Thank you to everyone who walked with me in the #Blacksburg Fourth of July parade—and to everyone who came out to enjoy the day! It was great to see so many new and familiar faces along the route. We handed out a lot of stickers and had a lot of fun doing it. Wishing you all a safe holiday weekend!

The June issue of my newsletter is out! This month, I highlight upcoming public hearings, the Summer Arts Festival, the recent Citizens Institute graduation, my latest community activities, and a mayoral campaign update. 📬 Take a look: mailchi.mp/51608addd4fd... #Blacksburg #NRV

Thanks for stopping by Blacksburg, @abigailspanberger.com and @senatorhashmi.bsky.social!

🎷 Are you in #Blacksburg? Come out to Henderson Lawn tonight at 6 p.m. for a free outdoor concert featuring Root Down! I’ll be introducing the band as part of the Summer Arts Festival, which brings live music and events to downtown all summer long.

I’m in a book! Back in 2016, I sat down for a conversation with author Chris Register during his cross-country journey by bike, where he interviewed people in all 50 states. That conversation is now in Conversations With US (Vol. 3): Appalachia & Bluegrass Country, and I’m honored to be included.

At last night’s council meeting, we recognized Police Chief Todd Brewster for his more than 30 years of service to the Town of #Blacksburg. Chief Brewster will retire in July after a distinguished career that began in 1995 as a volunteer with the Fire Department.

Had a great time this weekend at Capital Pride and World Pride in DC. I’ve been going to Capital Pride for years, but this was my first World Pride—and my first time marching in the parade with @victoryinstitute.bsky.social. (I was endorsed by @lgbtqvictoryfund.bsky.social in 2023).

Catch up on what’s happening in #Blacksburg! My May newsletter just went out. This month, I cover the Town Council’s recent resolution on student housing, the approved town budget, a survey about Prices Fork Road, our new police chief, and more. Read it here: mailchi.mp/42ca6633e5bf...

Congratulations to the Virginia Tech Class of 2025! 🎓 Your hard work and creativity have helped shape both the university and the Town of Blacksburg. Whether you’re heading off to new places or planting deeper roots right here, know that you’ll always be part of this community.

🏈 TONIGHT IN BLACKSBURG 🏈 Lane Stadium This one’s been a long time coming, and we guarantee you can probably predict at least one song in tonight’s setlist. 😉 A warm welcome to Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies, who will take the field first. #M72VirginiaTech is tonight’s tag. #M72 #MetOnTour

📣 Big news for Parks and Rec in Blacksburg! A new community center is on the horizon... The public engagement process is ongoing, and your input is important. Find the survey and more information here: letstalkblacksburg.org/new-blacksbu... #Blacksburg #StrongTowns #ThirdPlaces

Stay informed on what’s happening in #Blacksburg! The April issue of my newsletter just went out. This month, I dive into the passenger rail groundbreaking, traffic safety along Prices Fork, the town budget, and how you can help shape a new community center. Read more: mailchi.mp/2a7395ccc859...

Amtrak service to Christiansburg on track to resume within 2 years, rail official says at groundbreaking for rail station renovation

Today’s groundbreaking for the new passenger rail station in Christiansburg marks a huge milestone toward bringing service back to our region for the first time since 1979. When trains start rolling in 2027, this line will connect the New River Valley to Roanoke, Charlottesville, and beyond. #NRV

3.2 for 32. 🧡 An estimated 15,500 Hokies came together for this year’s #VT32Run to honor those who were killed on April 16, 2007. #VTWeRemember

Visas revoked for 9 people at Virginia Tech

March has been a busy month in #Blacksburg! From major land use decisions to the grand opening of the new Transit Center, there’s a lot to cover. 📬 Read my latest newsletter for a full update on these topics and more: mailchi.mp/e3c599251cd5... ✉️ Sign up for future issues: michaelsutphin.com

blacksburg virginia: www.wsls.com/news/local/2...

🚨 Big announcement: I'm running for mayor of Blacksburg, Virginia. #Blacksburg has been my home for more than 20 years. Serving on Town Council—and now as vice mayor—has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Today, I’m proud to announce that I am running for mayor in the November election.

This morning, it was my treat to give the welcoming remarks at this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition, hosted right here in #Blacksburg. A big shoutout to FRC Team 401: Copperhead Robotics and Blacksburg High School for hosting. Best of luck to all the teams competing this weekend!

This weekend, I joined other community members for the dedication of the Lee and Ray Dessy Story Terrace at the Blacksburg Library, a branch of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library. This new outdoor space is a great addition to our local library. #Blacksburg

Five years ago, I found out that I would be working from home for the next “two weeks” because of the pandemic. I still work remotely four days a week.

I’m one of the presenters at the next Town-Gown meeting on Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Virginia Tech’s Creativity and Innovation District (185 Kent Street). We’ll be discussing the Partnership for Progress initiative. Join us!

The February issue of my newsletter is out! It might be the shortest month, but there’s a lot happening in #Blacksburg. The latest issue covers upcoming land use decisions, speed limits, Odd Fellows Hall, a downtown façade program, and more. 📖 Read the full newsletter: mailchi.mp/c1246131a8ce...

Yikes — no more opposing viewpoints in the @washingtonpost.com opinions section.

According to VA Municipal League, some localities will be harder hit by loss of federal funds. These include the Towns of Marion, Bluefield, Bedford, Wise, Tazewell, Culpeper, Pulaski, the County of Wise, City of Bristol, Town of Bridgewater, City of Martinsville, Galax.

Saturday flooding, Sunday high winds bring additional weather woes as thousands still without power from ice

From @fastcompany.com: “First-time homebuyers keep getting older. In 1991, the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. was 28 years old. In 2024, it was 38 years old.”

Duolingo’s marketing team is working overtime.