Bradley Powers - Commissioner of the Revenue Smyth County, Virginia - Official Photo.
Bradley Powers - Commissioner of the Revenue Smyth County, Virginia - Official Photo.
Bradley Powers speaking at the Care Forward kick-off event in Abingdon, Va. Care Forward helps connect resources with those in need.
Bradley Powers discussing legislation with former Governor Glenn Youngkin in Richmond.
“Service to Community” and “Working Together” have never been just campaign slogans. They are the guiding principles that has shaped my commitment to public service and continue to guide me every day as your Commissioner of the Revenue.
As a lifelong resident of Smyth County, I have always believed that making our community a better place requires more than words. It requires being involved, listening to others, and being willing to serve.
From my years volunteering as a firefighter, EMT, and paramedic to my work as an educator, small business owner, and member of the Smyth-Washington Industrial Facilities Authority Board of Directors, service to our community has been a central part of my life.
When I first ran for Commissioner of the Revenue in 2023, I made a commitment to provide fair and accurate assessments, improve the services available to taxpayers, and bring a renewed focus on accountability, efficiency, and public service.
Since taking office on January 1, 2024, my staff and I have worked to turn those commitments into measurable results.
We have identified and corrected assessment errors, going back multiple years, that resulted in substantial refunds and ongoing tax savings for local businesses. We have modernized outdated technology, restored our office's accreditation, expanded taxpayer education and outreach, and worked to make tax relief programs more accessible to the citizens who need them.
Through initiatives such as our High-Mileage Drive-Thru, expanded elderly and disabled tax relief outreach, and business education programs, we have taken services beyond the walls of the courthouse and directly into our communities.
I am proud of the work my office has done outside our traditional responsibilities. Through Commissioners & Cans, our staff, local businesses, and citizens have come together to help families facing food insecurity. Being recognized as the statewide leader for two consecutive years is a reflection of what our community can accomplish when we work together.
While I am proud of what we have accomplished, I recognize there is still work to be done.
My commitment remains the same: to administer the responsibilities of this office fairly, accurately, and consistently; to continue improving the services we provide; and to ensure that every taxpayer is treated with dignity and respect.
I believe public office is not about personal recognition, but about doing the work, making difficult decisions when necessary, and always remembering who we work for, you the citizens.
It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as your Commissioner of the Revenue. I remain grateful for the trust placed in me and for the dedicated employees who work every day to serve Smyth County. I hope I earn your trust and vote to continue serving Smyth County.
Service to Community by Working Together was my commitment when I first sought office and it remains my commitment today.