The City of Williamsburg, Virginia, presents a unique case regarding county affiliation. Williamsburg is an independent city, meaning it is not part of any county. Independent cities in Virginia exercise the powers and responsibilities of both a city and a county. Consequently, Williamsburg operates independently of county governance.
This independent status confers several benefits and carries historical significance. It allows the city to directly manage its services and resources, tailoring them to the specific needs of its residents. This arrangement dates back to a time when cities sought autonomy to better address local issues. The ability to set its own tax rates and zoning regulations provides considerable local control.
