Matt Rowe, who was recently elected Chair of the Fredericksburg City School Board, has announced his candidacy for Fredericksburg City Council, representing Ward 1.
Earlier this year, Ward 1 Councilor Jason Graham announced that he would not seek re-election in November. Ward 1 includes the Idlewild and Snowden Hills neighborhoods, as well as Hugh Mercer Elementary School.
In a press release, Rowe pledged a campaign focused on responsive governance, innovative solutions, and a commitment to the needs of Ward 1 and said he aims to bring fresh energy and a data-driven approach to City Hall.
“Public service is about listening, connecting, and working tirelessly to make a difference,” Rowe said in the press release. “A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a degree in Political Science and holder of a post-graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Virginia Commonwealth University, Matt combines analytical expertise with a passion for community engagement.
“As the GIS Administrator for Stafford County, he manages systems that support essential operations and improve efficiency. His public service experience includes chairing the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee and leading the School Board in advocating for FCPS students.”
Rowe said that he recognizes residents’ concerns about traffic and preserving the city’s character amidst rapid development.
“We need to balance progress with preservation,” he said. “By fostering responsible zoning, enhancing city services, and holding developers accountable for infrastructure needs, we can build a community that works for everyone.”
Rowe, who is the father of three children attending Fredericksburg City Schools, wrote that he is deeply invested in public education.
“Our schools are the heart of our community,” he said. “I’ll fight to ensure every student has the resources to excel, even in the face of budget constraints and reduced state funding. He highlighted progress in test scores and expanded Career and Technical Education programs as evidence of what strong leadership and investment can achieve.”
Rowe said he also supports data centers as a means of generating substantial tax revenue.
“Data centers can provide a significant boost to our city’s revenue, helping to fund essential priorities like public safety, education, and infrastructure,” he said. “With thoughtful planning and zoning, we can ensure these projects align with our sustainability goals and positively contribute to our community while carefully managing their environmental and local impact.”
In the release, Rowe also emphasized his commitment to ensuring Ward 1 receives the recognition it deserves. “Too often, Ward 1 residents feel overlooked,” he said. “Your voice deserves to be heard, and I will work tirelessly to bridge the gap between City Hall and our neighborhoods. Let’s put Ward 1 on the map, where it belongs.”
To learn more about Rowe’s campaign, visit matt4fxbg.com or contact him at [email protected].
