Bradley Powers Marks Two Years as Smyth County Commissioner of the Revenue with Major Upgrades, Expanded Services, and a Focus on Community Access
Smyth County Commissioner of the Revenue Bradley Powers is marking his second year in office with a slate of accomplishments aimed at modernizing operations, expanding tax relief, and improving access to services for residents across the county. Powers, who took office in 2024, said his priorities from day one has been accuracy, accessibility, and service—and the past 24 months reflect that commitment.
Just weeks into his first term, Powers learned that the county’s real estate software—built on 1980s technology—was approaching end of life. Rather than wait for a crisis, he negotiated a new contract and oversaw a full transition to a modern real estate management system.
The upgrade brought the office’s records, workflows, and tools into current standards, improving efficiency for staff and making information more accessible for citizens.
One of Powers’ early legislative successes was championing a real estate tax exemption for surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty. The measure passed, providing meaningful support to families who have endured profound loss in service to the community.
When Powers took office, he discovered the Commissioner’s Office had lost its professional accreditation after 2021. Within his first year, he restored that accreditation and has maintained it ever since. He emphasized that meeting statewide standards reinforces accountability, professionalism, and trust in the services his office provides.
Under Powers’ leadership, the Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program expanded significantly. Income and net worth thresholds were raised, allowing more Smyth County residents to qualify for assistance.
To ensure residents could access the program, Powers and his staff conducted outreach events in multiple communities across the county—bringing services directly to citizens rather than requiring travel to the courthouse.
Transparency has been a major focus. Over the past two years, the office has:
• Launched a public real estate records portal
https://gis.vgsi.com/smythcountyva/Default.aspx )
• Updated the department’s website
• Made forms, program details, and tax resources easier to find and use
These improvements give residents more tools to manage their tax responsibilities from home.
