In 1985 the town was rechartered by the Virginia General Assembly. By this new charter, the town was granted much broader powers and increased responsibilities. Washington has evolved to be a safe and quiet community within the rural agricultural environment of Rappahannock County. It still has the same grid of streets and the same street names shown in the 1797 town plan. However, the 51 lots have been subdivided extensively and the boundaries of the town have been significantly enlarged, from the original 25 acres to 182.0171 acres. The town is a community without any large commercial businesses or heavy industry. It is governed by a 7-member Town Council guided by the town’s Comprehensive Plan, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and town ordinances.