PRESS RELEASE: Democratic City Council Candidates Release Results from Listening Session with Lynchburg Youth
Listening session highlights young people’s priorities for public schools, inclusion, arts and recreation, and trustworthy local leadership.
LYNCHBURG, Va. — Lynchburg Better Together City Council candidates Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall have released a new summary of feedback gathered during a July 12 listening session with young people ages 14 to 20.
The document, “What We Heard From Lynchburg’s Youth,” reflects a clear message: young people want to be seen, heard, respected, and included in decisions that shape Lynchburg’s future. Participants discussed public schools, downtown, arts and culture, outdoor spaces, inclusion, trust in local government, and what would give more young people a reason to build their futures in Lynchburg.
“Young people are paying close attention to what city leaders do,” said Christina Delzingaro. “They want leaders who show up, listen directly, explain how decisions are made, and follow through with action.”
The listening session identified four major priorities.
Public schools are central to whether young people trust Lynchburg’s future. Participants asked serious questions about school funding, teacher recruitment and retention, student support, attendance, curriculum, and leadership. They emphasized that visible, accountable school and city leaders help students feel valued and connected. They also said improving Lynchburg City Schools should be treated as a responsibility shared by the entire city.
“Students understand that strong schools affect the future of every neighborhood,” said Dave Henderson. “They want City Council and the School Board to work together, communicate clearly, and put students first.”
Young people want a city where everyone feels welcome and safe. Participants described divisions based on school, neighborhood, religion, politics, college affiliation, and identity. They called for city leaders and public institutions to respect the whole community, including LGBTQ+ residents and people of different faiths or no faith. They also asked for more spaces where young people from different backgrounds can meet and build relationships.
Lynchburg’s creativity, natural beauty, and sense of community are major strengths. Young people spoke positively about downtown, Blackwater Creek Trail, the James River, local arts, theater, colleges, neighborhoods, and the city’s history. They said these opportunities should be more accessible to students and families who may not know about them or may not be able to afford them.
“Lynchburg already has many of the things young people are looking for,” said Nat Marshall. “Our job is to connect those assets, expand access, and make sure opportunity is not limited by a family’s income or neighborhood.”
Trust must be earned through consistent action. Participants said many young people feel disconnected from City Council and do not know enough about local leaders to trust them. They want transparency, accountability, authenticity, and leaders who meet young people where they already are rather than waiting for them to come to City Hall.
“Young people do not want political performance,” Delzingaro said. “They want honest conversations, consistent values, and proof that leaders will act on what they hear.”
The candidates said the release is part of their broader commitment to listening directly to residents, students, families, educators, workers, business owners, and community leaders as they develop a practical agenda for Lynchburg’s future.
The full “What We Heard From Lynchburg’s Youth” summary is available at: https://www.lynchburgbettertogether.org/what-weve-heard/what-we-heard-from-lynchburg-youth
About Lynchburg Better Together
Lynchburg Better Together is supporting Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall for Lynchburg City Council. The campaign is focused on practical, community-centered leadership that strengthens neighborhoods, supports families, invests in public services, and builds a better future for all of Lynchburg.