News Summary
Williamsburg will see a new Commissioner of the Revenue as interim Commissioner Michele Mixner DeWitt’s term ends. Cash Arehart is the sole candidate running after DeWitt’s impactful interim tenure, which focused on community service and economic development. Arehart aims to strengthen the local economy and support residents, targeting small business growth and taxpayer relief. DeWitt is recognized for her leadership and contributions while managing local initiatives during her term. The community awaits the upcoming election’s implications on local finances.
Williamsburg will have a new Commissioner of the Revenue as interim Commissioner Michele Mixner DeWitt’s term comes to a close. Cash Arehart is set to run for the position following DeWitt’s interim tenure, which began earlier this year.
Michele Mixner DeWitt was appointed to fill the unexpired second term of former Commissioner Lara Overy after she resigned to relocate to James City County. DeWitt was sworn in as interim Commissioner of the Revenue on December 16, 2024, after being appointed by the Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court. While taking on the responsibilities of the Commissioner, she continues her role as assistant city manager and has previously served as the city’s economic development director for 16 years.
The Commissioner of the Revenue is a crucial constitutional officer responsible for managing all local taxes and acting as the chief tax assessor. In this context, Arehart will be the sole candidate on the ballot, as his competitor, Debi Burcham, has dropped out of the race.
Candidate Profile: Cash Arehart
Cash Arehart, 44 years of age, is a long-time resident of Williamsburg who has served as the manager of historic interpretation at Colonial Williamsburg since 2001. He holds a degree from Christopher Newport University and identifies as a Democrat. Arehart is married to Corey and has one stepdaughter.
Campaign Goals and Priorities
Arehart’s campaign focuses on strengthening the community and enhancing the quality of life for residents, including students, homeowners, workers, and small business owners. A key priority for Arehart, if elected, is to diversify the local economy, aiming to make it more resilient to disruptions, especially in the tourism and travel sectors, which significantly influence the community’s financial landscape.
Additionally, Arehart advocates for the promotion of small business growth as a strategy to bolster the local economy. He has also proposed relief efforts for taxpayers experiencing financial hardships, emphasizing the importance of increasing owner-occupied housing to foster generational wealth and create stronger neighborhoods.
DeWitt’s Contributions
During her interim term, DeWitt has received appreciation for her leadership and service within the local government. She remains active in community affairs, serving as chair of the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority and president of the Williamsburg Garden Club. DeWitt’s previous roles in public service extend to positions within the Middle Peninsula, West Point, and for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Under her guidance, initiatives such as the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank have flourished, drawing participation from various commissioners of the revenue across the state to tackle issues associated with hunger in the region.
Conclusion
As the election for Williamsburg’s Commissioner of the Revenue approaches, Cash Arehart stands ready to potentially take on the role upon the conclusion of Michele Mixner DeWitt’s interim term. The community eagerly anticipates the impact of the new commissioner’s policies on local finances and the economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upcoming Elections in Virginia: Key Candidates and Dates
Election Battle for James City County Board of Supervisors
Cash Arehart to Run Unopposed for Williamsburg Revenue Commissioner
William & Mary Football Teams Up with Food Lion Feeds to Combat Student Hunger
Spark by Hilton Opens in Williamsburg Historic Area
Spark by Hilton Opens in Williamsburg
Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Commissioner of the Revenue Election
- WYDaily: DeWitt Named Williamsburg’s Interim Commissioner
- WTKR: Virginia Commissioners of Revenue Organize Donation Effort
- Wikipedia: Commissioner of the Revenue
- Google Search: Williamsburg Commissioner of the Revenue
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
