Councilman Phazhon Nash

07/17/2026

As the Democratic primary approaches, I want to make clear that I am not endorsing any candidate. However, I feel obligated to share my most recent experience with Council Member Volosin.

At the conclusion of last Monday’s City Council meeting, Peter approached my chair on the dais and made a comment into my ear. I was unable to hear the first part, but I distinctly heard the words “owns you.” After making the comment, he hit my chair and walked away.

The comment immediately struck a nerve. Regardless of the intent behind it, I cannot ignore language that, for me, carries and invokes a feeling of racial undertone and historical significance.

Wanting to make sure I had correctly understood what had been said, I went to Peter following last Wednesday’s Audit Committee meeting. I told him that I felt extremely disrespected by the comment, that I was highly offended by what had been said, and I asked him to clarify exactly what he meant. Peter clarified that he said Council Member Hagen “owns” me, in reference to a particular vote where Council Member Hagen and I voted the same way.

I will be honest about my reaction. At that point, I became upset and agitated. Respect is one of the most important values I carry with me. I make every effort to treat every person with respect, and I expect the same in return.

This is a statement about Council member Volosins troubling conduct. Elected officials will disagree, we will debate issues, cast different votes, and advocate for different priorities. That is part of the democratic process. What should never become acceptable is conduct that demeans colleagues and citizens.

Our city deserves leaders who can disagree without being disrespectful, who can engage in debate without resorting to personal attacks, and who understand that public office is a privilege that carries significant responsibility.

This most recent interaction only reinforced my belief that character matters most in public service. When I cast my early vote on the first day, Peter Volosin was not among the candidates I selected, and this experience has only strengthened my confidence in that decision.

06/19/2026

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of freedom delayed but not denied.

As we reflect on the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Black Americans, let us also recommit ourselves to building a Roanoke where equity is not just a dream, but a lived reality.

06/17/2026

Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting and spending time talking with the Lemus family. A few weeks ago, they lost their home in a fire that was intentionally set by their next-door neighbor.

This is such a good family that was dealt such an unfortunate hand, and now they are in a period of rebuilding and need the support of their community. If you are able, I ask that you please click the GoFundMe link below and donate whatever you can.

No contribution is too small, and every dollar will help this amazing family as they work to move forward! https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-davids-family-after-the-fire/cl/s?attribution_id=sl:d2088a5a-d67e-4a33-8baa-b7208093c6bd&lang=en_US&ts=1780424746&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_td-amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

06/12/2026

This is exciting news for Roanoke, but especially because it is happening in Northwest Roanoke, a part of our city that needs economic development and investment. An $85 million investment bringing more than 435 jobs is a significant win for our community and another step forward in creating opportunities for residents and families.

I am excited to welcome RINGANA to Roanoke and look forward to seeing the positive impact these jobs and this investment will have on Northwest Roanoke and the entire city.

If you’re interested in learning more about employment opportunities, visit https://www.ringanavirginia.com/

RINGANA will use the Roanoke facility as its distribution hub for the United States, as well as for manufacturing and research.

06/01/2026

Roanoke City Councilman Phazhon Nash delivered a MAJOR win for his community ‼️👏🏻

Thanks to his work, a new conservation-focused plan advanced that helps protect one of the last major green spaces in Northwest Roanoke while allowing thoughtful, low-impact development. 🌱

We are incredibly proud to have VAYD leaders like Councilman Nash serving their communities, fighting for the people they represent, and proving that young Democrats are already making a real difference across Virginia.

The future of Virginia Democratic leadership is already here, and it’s getting things DONE. 🙌🏻

05/19/2026

Last night, City Council amended the Evans Spring Comprehensive Plan to better reflect the vision and priorities of the community.

The updated plan now allows for conservation options, removes the proposed interstate connection to I-81, and shifts away from large scale big box development. Instead, the focus is on community oriented, neighborhood scale, village style, and mixed use development that can provide essential amenities, resources, and services to the people of Northwest Roanoke while still allowing the city to address the need for housing.

This direction is much more in line with what the community, particularly the Northwest community, has consistently advocated for throughout this process.

I’m also thankful to my council colleagues for working collaboratively and respectfully throughout this conversation and process. Despite differing perspectives at times, the discussion remained productive and focused on finding a path forward for the community.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has fought, organized, spoken up, and advocated on this issue since 2023. A special thank you to Friends of Evans Spring, Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, and all of the other organizations, neighborhood leaders, and individuals who helped champion this effort every step of the way.

This was an important step forward, and I look forward to the future of Evans Spring and continuing the conversation about how we grow in a way that reflects the values and priorities of our community.

03/24/2026

03/21/2026

Roanoke, this is our moment. 🔥🗳️

Trump and his MAGA MINIONS are counting on communities like ours to stay uninformed, stay home, and stay quiet so they can stack Congress and chip away at our democracy.

We cannot allow that. The stakes for our community and our country are too high.

That means we have to show up. We have to vote YES. We have to bring others with us. 💪🏾

This redistricting matters because we need a member of Congress who fights for Roanoke, fights for our democracy, refuses to let Donald Trump erode it away, and who fights for people, for peace, and for our future.

It is time to fight fire with fire. 🔥

VOTE YES. ✅

• Early voting is happening now through Saturday, April 18.
• Election Day is Tuesday, April 21.
• Roanoke City Registrar’s Office
317 Kimball Ave SE
Roanoke, VA 24013

Join and support a new generation of leadership, and together we can make a better Roanoke!

03/15/2026

If you had as much fun today celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Roanoke as I did, then I KNOW you had a blast!!! Hope everyone had a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day weekend. 🍀

P.S. shout out to the nice folks that we took a selfie with!

03/07/2026

This morning I stopped by to visit and support two businesses in Northwest Roanoke, Small Batch Liquidations and Los Tres Hermanos Panaderia Bakery and Deli located on Melrose!!!

And I am warning you!!! if you walk into Los Tres Hermanos “just to look,” there is a very good chance you’re walking out with a bag full of pastries.

I love seeing business development happening in this part of the city. Northwest Roanoke has so much history and there is so much untapped potential.

Go visit and support both of these if you have not been yet.

Los Tres Hermanos:
4029 Melrose Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.