Public Meetings - Virginia Beach, Virginia

The City Council met on September 16, 2025, to receive an update on the flood protection program, discuss a COLA adjustment for council members, and address several ordinances and planning cases. Key highlights included a significant cost increase for the flood program and plans for a joint school board meeting. Flood Protection Program Update - Jeff Waller, Chairman of the Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board, reported that the overall program estimate has risen from $1.1 billion to $1.5 billion. The board supports expanded community outreach and highlighted ongoing projects: Windsor Woods Tide Gates (wrapping up in 2–3 months), Bow Creek Stormwater Park, and CTAC drainage improvements. The city has been awarded $63 million in state and federal grants and is applying for an additional $44 million. - Alicia Peter of Jacobs Engineering presented detailed cost drivers: refined scope from preliminary engineering, cost escalation (pre-COVID estimates, labor shortages, material price increases, tariff uncertainty), and environmental/roadway coordination. Specific projects: Windsor Woods/Princess Ann/Lakes bundle increased from $504 million to $803 million; Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake from $158 million to $181 million; Southern Rivers project doubled. Total spending through August 2025 is $132 million. Outreach statistics: 43 blogs (27,000+ views), videos (122,000 views), social media (155 posts, 900,000 impressions), website visits (1,400–2,000 monthly). - Councilman Stacey requested a breakdown of cost increases attributable to scope changes versus pure cost escalation. The City Manager clarified that scope has not been added (no “scope creep”), but initial estimates were based on rough concepts; designs now reflect actual needs. The legal obligation is to issue $567.5 million in debt within 10 years, not necessarily to complete the 21 specific projects within that timeframe. Council Member Comments and Proposals - Councilman Hutchinson proposed a COLA adjustment for council salaries (to take effect July 2027) linked to employee COLA rates, stating it is not for current members but to attract future qualified candidates. Councilman Hutch stated he would not participate in the adjustment. The matter will be drafted with staff and brought to public hearing. - Councilman Stacey requested a joint meeting with the School Board’s School Modernization Committee on October 14, 2025, to discuss the Princess Anne High School modernization plan. Council agreed. - Councilman Josh announced a town hall on September 22 at Princess Ann High School (6–8 PM) regarding the upcoming election system referendum. - The Mayor noted the Oceana Air Show (Sept. 20–21) and recognized the Virginia Public Safety Foundation memorial for fallen officers and firefighters, and a commendation from Norfolk Airport for a joint emergency exercise. Ordinances and Resolutions - Ordinance (J.8): Residential parking permit extension for Cavalier Shores neighborhood placed on consent and approved without discussion. - Ordinance (J.9): Appeal by Ashton Builders LLC regarding Certificate of Appropriateness (white fencing) – deferred for 90 days per Councilman Stacey’s recommendation, as the applicant proposed a revised fencing plan that may need further review by the Historic Review Board. Planning Cases - Case K.6 (CEC Family Trust, conditional use permit at 213 Fourth Street) and Case K.7 (District 6): Placed on consent and approved. - Case K.11: Two speakers registered; will be heard at a future meeting (not discussed further in this session). Closed Session - A motion was made and approved (unanimous voice vote) to recess into closed session to discuss legal matters (Atlantic Park litigation), real property acquisition (District 10 and 4 – “Project Football”), security matters (election security), and personnel matters (council appointments and performance). Key Outcomes - Flood protection program cost estimate increased to $1.5 billion; staff will provide a breakdown of cost escalation vs. scope changes. - Council directed staff to draft a resolution for council salary COLA adjustment, to be brought to public hearing. - Joint council-school board meeting scheduled for October 14, 2025, on Princess Anne modernization. - Appeal J.9 deferred 90 days for revised fencing proposal. - Several planning cases and ordinances approved on consent. - Closed session authorized for multiple matters.

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 11, 2025, chaired by Holly Quayar. The commission addressed deferrals, a consent agenda of 11 items, and several regular agenda items including conditional use permits, rezoning, and a reservation removal. Speakers from the public and applicant representatives provided testimony. Key votes included approval of a conditional use permit for acoustical sheet metal expansion with conditions, removal of the Southeastern Parkway reservation, and approval of a pickleball court facility, a wedding venue increase to 75 events per year, a dirt bike training camp with modifications, and denial of two items for a Witchduck SGA property. Consent Calendar - Four records of minutes from prior meetings were approved. - Items 1 & 2 (Burton Station rezoning and subdivision variance for 180-unit attainable workforce housing) approved by consent. - Item 7 (Elmer Properties – modification of conditional use permit for motor vehicle sales) approved. - Item 11 (SS Newton LLC – conditional use permit for automobile repair garage) approved, with expiration after five years. - Item 13 (conditional use permit for alternative residential subdivision on agricultural land) approved. - Item 16 (Michael Bacle – conditional use permit for firewood preparation facility, limited to one year and no off-site materials) approved. - Item 19 (Belinda Gale Hill – home-based wildlife rehabilitation) approved. - Item 20 (short-term rental conditional use permit) approved. - The consent agenda was approved by a recorded vote of 10-0, with noted abstentions on minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 14 (ASC Real Estate LLC): Ollie Alred spoke in opposition, expressing concern that the proposed outdoor storage would disrupt the Southeastern Trail alignment and that without a revised plan showing the trail, the promise was insufficient. Michael Ireland (Executive VP of Acoustical Sheet Metal) spoke in support, detailing the company's growth from 8 to 650 employees and the need for 350 more jobs. Lisa Murphy (Chair of VB Development Authority) spoke in support, highlighting $45 million capital investment and the company's performance. - Item 21 (City of Virginia Beach – reservation removal): Martha Thural spoke against sacrificing the Southeastern Parkway reservation for one business. Ollie Alred reiterated opposition to piecemeal changes to long-term plans. Lisa Murphy spoke in support, arguing the reservation is impractical due to a stormwater facility and utility easements, and that Hudome Way can provide connectivity. - Item 3 & 4 (Westneck Community Association pickleball courts): No speakers in opposition. Kathleen Johnson (applicant) presented sound studies showing compliance with noise ordinance. - Item 5 (Phil M. Bonifant wedding venue): Maria Connor, a neighbor, expressed no opposition but requested advance notice of events to avoid noise conflicts. She noted past issues with Mr. Bonifant complaining about her noise. - Item 8 (Elmer Properties, Bonnie Road LLC): Ollie Alred spoke in opposition, characterizing the proposal as a storage facility in a prominent location along the VB trail, urging a more pedestrian-friendly use. - Item 12 (Church in Virginia Beach): Andrew Kiriakion, Michael Allen, and Donna Allen spoke in support, citing community benefits and neighborhood approval. - Item 15 (Mark and Summer Brown – dirt bike training camps): Harold Warren spoke in opposition, alleging unauthorized construction in an agricultural easement and lack of erosion control. Ben Topping and Jamie Pilkington spoke in support, emphasizing the need for youth training and the lack of similar facilities. Discussion Items - Item 14 (ASC Real Estate LLC – conditional use permit for outdoor storage): The applicant requested a conditional use permit for outdoor storage associated with a manufacturing facility. Commissioners discussed conditions including that the bulk storage be contingent on commencement of building construction, and that a 11-foot wide shared-use path, landscaping, and enhanced screening be provided. After debate, a substitute motion to approve with these conditions passed 7-3. - Item 21 (City of Virginia Beach – removal of Southeastern Parkway reservation): The city requested removal of a reservation on 21 acres to allow acoustical sheet metal to expand. Staff noted the road is not funded and the alignment may change. Commissioners discussed the rushed process and long-term planning implications. A motion to approve passed 7-3. - Item 3 & 4 (Westneck Community Association – pickleball courts): The applicant sought a conditional use permit for two pickleball courts with no lighting. Commissioners added a condition for operating hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Approved 8-0 with one abstention. - Item 5 (Phil M. Bonifant – wedding venue expansion): The applicant requested increasing the annual event limit from 50 to 75. Neighbors requested monthly notification. A substitute motion for 60 events per year failed 4-5. Subsequently, a motion to approve with 75 events and monthly notifications to neighbors within 1/8 mile passed. - Item 8 (Elmer Properties, Bonnie Road LLC – conditional use permit for vehicle storage): The applicant proposed a fenced and landscaped parking lot for Lexus dealership inventory and employee parking, with an encroachment agreement for maintaining adjacent city-owned right-of-way. The item was approved with an added condition requiring an encroachment agreement for any public right-of-way improvements. - Item 12 (Church in Virginia Beach – conditional use permit for church building): The applicant sought a conditional use permit for a 10,000 sq ft church on 1.59 acres. Commissioners noted the parcel's unique constraints (lake, highway, cul-de-sac) and approved with a condition for a 5-foot sidewalk with ADA ramp. - Item 15 (Mark and Summer Brown – dirt bike training camps): The applicant requested a conditional use permit for youth motocross training camps on agricultural land. After testimony about unauthorized construction and agricultural easement issues, Commissioner Plumley moved to approve with modifications: increase annual camps from 12 to 20, allow two classes per week with up to 5 children, and remove the requirement for a concrete apron. The motion passed. - Items 17 & 18 (5073 Virginia Beach Boulevard LLC – conditional use permits): The applicant sought approval for interim uses (warehouse and parking) on assembled parcels in the Witchduck SGA. Commissioner Bailer moved to deny, arguing the uses contradict the comprehensive plan. The motion for denial was seconded and passed (vote not recorded but motion carried as final action). Key Outcomes - Deferrals: Item 9 (Haven Station) deferred indefinitely; Item 6 deferred 30 days; Item 10 deferred indefinitely (all approved 10-0). - Consent Agenda: Approved 10-0 with abstentions on minutes. - Item 14 (Acoustical Sheet Metal expansion): Recommended for approval (7-3) with conditions: bulk storage contingent on building commencement, construction of an 11-foot shared-use path, and enhanced landscaping. - Item 21 (Southeastern Parkway reservation removal): Recommended for approval (7-3). - Items 3 & 4 (Westneck pickleball courts): Recommended for approval (8-0, 1 abstention) with operating hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Item 5 (Bonifant wedding venue): Recommended for approval (8-0, 1 abstention) with 75 events per year and monthly notification to neighbors. - Item 8 (Elmer Properties parking lot): Recommended for approval (8-0, 1 abstention) with condition requiring encroachment agreement. - Item 12 (Church in Virginia Beach): Recommended for approval (8-0, 1 abstention) with sidewalk condition. - Item 15 (Brown dirt bike camps): Recommended for approval (vote not recorded, but motion carried) with modifications: 20 camps per year, two classes per week with up to 5 children, no concrete apron required. - Items 17 & 18 (Witchduck properties): Recommended for denial (motion carried).

On September 10, 2025, the Virginia Beach City Council held a special formal session to discuss a proposed 25-year extension of the use and support agreement with the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SIPSA) and a partnership with Commonwealth Sortation (AMP Robotics) to modernize regional waste processing. The presentation was led by Tom Leahy, SIPSA Executive Director, who outlined plans to increase recycling rates, extend landfill capacity, and secure a long-term waste disposal solution for the region. Discussion Items - SIPSA Agreement and Regional Landfill Status: Tom Leahy explained that the current use and support agreements expire in 2027 and automatically renew for 10 years to 2037. SIPSA seeks a 25-year extension (to 2052) to support a proposed $200 million investment by Commonwealth Sortation in mixed waste processing facilities. The regional landfill in Suffolk, after a lengthy permitting process, has finite capacity expected to last until 2060 at current disposal rates. Without extension, waste would need to be hauled to farther landfills at an estimated cost of $125 per ton (vs. $67 currently). - Recycling and Diversion Goals: Under the proposed system, all household waste would go into a single bin. Within three years, the system is contractually guaranteed to divert 50% of waste from the landfill, directly recycling 20% (metals, plastics) and converting another 30% (organics, fiber) to biochar via pyrolysis. Current blue-can recycling captures 10-11% of residential waste, but one-third is discarded, resulting in a net recycling rate of 6-7%. The new system would extend landfill capacity to approximately 2095. - Conditions and Next Steps: The amendment would only take effect if: (1) at least 75% of SIPSA’s board (12 of 16) authorizes it; (2) at least 75% of member localities (6 of 8) execute it; (3) the board approves a final contract with Commonwealth Sortation; and (4) both parties sign. If not all conditions are met, the amendment is null and void. Virginia Beach contributes one-third of SIPSA’s waste and tipping fees. - Financial Implications: Tipping fees may increase 15-20% under the new system, but for cities with blue-can programs (like Virginia Beach), the additional cost is expected to be offset by savings from ending those programs. A period of overlap may require temporary use of fund balance or general fund support. City Manager Patrick Duhaney noted that finances appear solid. - Due Diligence: SIPSA originally evaluated six firms; Commonwealth Sortation (AMP Robotics) was selected after thorough review. They already operate a facility in Portsmouth handling about one-eighth of regional capacity, and have a similar facility in Cleveland. - Council Questions and Comments: Council members expressed support for the proposal, noting the environmental benefits and the extension of landfill life. Councilman Michael asked about the effect on rates; Councilwoman Rouse asked about biochar and next steps. Councilman Henley requested clarification on automatic inclusion of non-consenting members. No objections were raised to moving forward. Key Outcomes - The council agreed to bring forward an ordinance to authorize executing the 25-year amendment for consideration at the October 7, 2025 briefing and meeting. - The council recessed into closed session to discuss real property, public contracts, and personnel matters (not detailed in open session).

The City Council convened on September 3, 2025, for a work session followed by a formal meeting. The work session featured a briefing from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) on its System Optimization Plan (SOP) and an update on pending planning items. The formal session included the consent agenda, appointments, and ceremonial recognitions. Consent Calendar - Approved ordinance amending Section 35-64 of the City Code regarding prerequisites for the elderly and disabled tax relief program. - Approved resolution designating August 31 each year as International Overdose Awareness Day. - Approved resolution naming 31st Street Park as the William D. Sessums Jr. Neptune Park (Councilmember Rouse voted no). - Approved ordinance authorizing city staff support for the Timberland Dedication Day celebration at Salem High School. - Approved ordinance deeming city-owned property at 333 Laskin Road as excess and authorizing its sale, deferred to October 21, 2025. - Approved resolution to participate in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims. - Approved resolutions for revenue sharing projects (Cleveland Street Improvements, Holland Road Phase 1, Independence Boulevard/Edwin Drive intersection). - Approved multiple encroachment ordinances (Lake Wesley, Virginia Dare Drive, Ocean Front Avenue/63rd Street). - Accepted and appropriated various grants and fund transfers for public works, human services, information technology, police, emergency medical services, and the clerk of circuit court. Discussion Items - HRT System Optimization Plan Briefing: Ray Amaruso, Chief Planning and Development Officer for HRT, presented the SOP, which aims to reallocate resources from low-performing bus routes to high-demand routes due to an ongoing operator shortage. Proposed changes in Virginia Beach include eliminating Route 22 and Route 26, replacing them with microtransit zones, and adjusting alignments on Routes 24, 27, 29, 33, and 36. Two additional microtransit zones were proposed. Councilmembers expressed support for the approach and asked about military base connections, TCC coordination, and fare impacts. No vote was taken; the briefing was for input. - Planning Update for September 16 Agenda: Planning Administrator Caitlin Alcock reviewed 11 items scheduled for the September 16 council meeting, including: - Subdivision variance at 970 Whitehurst Landing Road (recommended approval, unanimous). - Change in non-conformity for a BP sign at 1689 Laskin Road (recommended approval). - Change in non-conformity for a dwelling addition at 311 35th Street (recommended approval). - Modification of proffers for 375 multifamily units at 1276 Baker Road (deferred from August 12; applicant added 7% attainable housing commitment for 10 years; recommended approval). - Alternative compliance for a Funnybone sign at Pembroke Mall (recommended approval). - Three short-term rental conditional use permits (213 4th Street, 423 21st Street, 304 28th Street Unit 206) — all recommended approval, with some prior complaints that were unsubstantiated or resolved. - Text amendment to Western Campus Overlay District building form standards (allowing 10-foot minimum ground floor height for residential; recommended approval). - Text amendment to floodplain ordinance (administrative variances for functionally dependent uses; clarifying appeal and grandfathering; recommended approval). - Appeal of Historical Review Board denial of a certificate of appropriateness for a vinyl privacy fence at Northlanding Estates subdivision. The fence had been installed without approval; HRB denied the after-the-fact request. Council discussed the issue; no action taken as the item was deferred to the September 16 agenda. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved by an 11-0 vote (Councilmember Ross Hammond voting remotely). - Council appointments were approved: reappointment of Brandon Horsley (Agriculture Advisory Commission), John David (Board of Building Zone Appeals), Eric Keplinger (Development Appeals), Clinton Mills (Parks and Recreation Commission); appointment of Sarah Cully (Health Service Advisory Board), Kimberly Denton (Housing Advisory Board), Ogu Emma Juru, Carla Gregory, and Cavela Molineau (Minority Business Council), Lauren Bland (Open Space Advisory Committee), James Yost (Personnel Board), Dorcas Hellfant Browning (Resort Advisory Commission). - The closed session was certified by a 10-0 vote (Councilmember Ross Hammond abstained). - Minutes of August 12 and August 19, 2025 meetings were approved 11-0. - The formal meeting included a ceremonial presentation for Zero Waste Awareness Week and the naming of 31st Street Park.

The Virginia Beach City Council convened on August 27, 2025, for the second day of its annual retreat. The session began with a recap of the previous day's discussions on the Innovation to Aviation (ITA) area, focus areas, and success factors for the next 24 months. The remainder of the day was dedicated to governance topics, including council pay, council policies, the legislative package, and street naming. The meeting adjourned around 11:30 AM. Recap of Previous Day - Staff summarized the previous day's direction: strong enthusiasm for advancing sports tourism (including a feasibility study), continued exploration of innovation park expansion, and maintaining the current path for LEDA. Themes included public input, flood protection, and public-private partnerships. - Council used dot-voting (non-binding) to prioritize the next 24-month focus areas. The top-ranked item was economic development, jobs, workforce development, and tourism. Next were affordable/workforce housing and homelessness, then public safety, followed by flooding, taxes, and government affordability. Other priorities included mobility/transit, infrastructure, education, and resident engagement. - Staff will compile input, return in about a month with a draft focused action plan, and aim for adoption in late November. Council Pay Discussion - Councilmember Amelia Rouse introduced the topic. Staff (Dana) presented information: state law changed in 2024, allowing council to adopt salaries up to $56,000 for mayor and $52,000 for members (current: $30,000 and $28,000, unchanged since 2005). A public hearing is required at least four months before November 2026, with an effective date of July 1, 2027. An inflation factor could be included. - Councilmembers shared positions: - Councilmember Hutchison (supporter): Argued the stipend is not enough for those who need it; it should be fairer to enable broader participation. He stated he would donate any increase to charity. - Councilmember Stacy (opponent): Said the stipend is for expenses; raising it could attract people motivated by money rather than public service. - Councilmember Wirth (mixed): Recognized the need for diverse representation but worried about increased spending. She noted she is in a position to serve but others may not be. - Councilmember Michael (mixed): Emphasized public service is a privilege but noted the risk of a council composed only of multimillionaires, retired people, or those with flexible schedules. He supported legislative aides as an alternative. - Councilmember Barbara (leaning no): Preferred just adding an inflation factor rather than a large increase. - Councilmember Green (supporter): Spoke as a working-class representative with three jobs; a pay increase would allow people like him to serve more effectively. - Councilmember Josh (mixed): Noted single-member districts increase workload; he would not want the increase to apply to himself if effective after the next election. - Councilmember Rouse (supporter): As a retired person on a fixed income, she supported the increase to help future councils be more representative. - Councilmember Rosemary (leaning supportive): Asked staff to calculate what the salary would be with 20 years of inflation (staff replied $46,000). She noted that in some districts, the candidate pool is small because potential candidates cannot afford to serve. - Mayor (opponent): Strongly opposed any increase for himself, citing the “optics” during tough economic times and the need to prioritize police and fire salaries. He called it “the wrong time” but agreed to have staff gather background information for future discussion. - Outcome: The council did not vote. They directed staff (Patrick) to compile information on salaries in other cities and practices for future consideration. No timeline was set. Council Policies Discussion - Council discussed procedures, including the desire for an updated policy book. The city clerk provided that an updated book was sent in January 2024 and is available online. - Councilmember Michael suggested a three-minute time limit for council comments during meetings to allow all members equal opportunity. This was accepted by the mayor on a trial basis, with the mayor giving a wrap-up warning after three minutes. - The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) limit of no more than two council members discussing city business privately was clarified as state law, not council policy. Legislative Package Discussion - Vice Mayor Rosemary proposed several items: 1. Blue Line Protection: Request special legislation from the General Assembly requiring a supermajority to rezone land south of the “blue line” (agricultural area). Some council members expressed skepticism, noting future councils could override. Rosemary argued legislative codification would be stronger. 2. Marine Stranding Costs: Request the state to share the cost of marine animal stranding responses (whales, turtles) that currently fall entirely on Virginia Beach taxpayers. Councilmember Michael noted the program extends beyond Virginia’s borders. Staff was directed to calculate costs. 3. E-bike Regulation: Request state action to regulate e-bikes, which are currently treated like bicycles. Councilmembers cited safety concerns on boardwalks and trails. Staff noted an education and enforcement campaign is underway, but council may seek legislative options. 4. Police Powers: Support the mayor’s effort to restore law enforcement tools (e.g., sovereign immunity) that were removed after the George Floyd protests. The mayor stated he is reconvening the 757 mayors to approach the General Assembly. - Councilmember Wirth requested inclusion of lottery proceeds for school construction. - Councilmember Stacy reiterated support for e-bike regulation and noted the proliferation of high-speed e-bikes. - Councilmember Barbara requested a legislative carve-out for the Back Bay Marsh Restoration Project (permit issue due to protected SAV). Staff will include. - Councilmember Henley raised concerns about federal funding cuts (SNAP, Medicaid, FEMA) that could shift costs to localities. Staff responded that administrative fees are expected to rise, and federal uncertainty is a challenge. - Councilmember Josh proposed a vape tax, but staff explained administrative complexity and low revenue potential. He requested a study to explore implementation. - Vice Mayor Rosemary also mentioned the need to revisit utility markings (spray paint lines) on resort area pavers. Staff reported ongoing conversations with utilities about “spot marking” as a compromise. - Councilmember Michael supported keeping pressure on utilities via the legislative package. - Councilmember Schumann (noted via earlier discussion) wanted transportation, flooding, and unfunded mandates included. - Outcome: Staff (City Attorney's office) will compile all suggestions into a draft legislative package for council consideration. Street Naming Policy - Councilmember Michael raised concern about the lack of criteria for honorary street naming. Three recent honorary namings lacked consistent process. He requested staff research best practices from other cities and propose guidelines (eligibility, community impact, avoiding divisive figures, duration, etc.). - Vice Mayor Rosemary supported developing a process to avoid proliferation. - Mayor agreed, noting that some namings are permanent street renames while others are honorary markers. Staff will research and bring recommendations. Closing Remarks Councilmembers shared reflections and key takeaways to communicate to constituents. Common themes included: - Productive, respectful dialogue even with disagreements. - Clarity on priorities: economic development, housing, public safety, flooding. - Commitment to representing all districts and working collaboratively. - Appreciation for staff and the city’s quality of life. - The retreat strengthened the council’s ability to move forward together. The meeting was adjourned with thanks to the facilitator and staff.

This city council retreat on August 27, 2025, focused on establishing priorities for the city's 24-month focused action plan covering 2025–2027. Each council member shared their top five priorities, which were then grouped into categories and prioritized through a dot voting system. The highest-priority areas were discussed in depth to define success metrics and provide direction to staff. Discussion Items - Economic Development, Jobs & Workforce Development (including Tourism): Council members stressed the need for available sites to attract businesses, updating public-private partnership policies, and hiring an economic development director. Tourism was grouped under this priority. Metrics discussed included increasing the commercial tax base from 14% toward 15–16% of total real estate taxes. - Affordable Housing & Homelessness: Major focus on housing inventory shortage, estimated in the thousands of units. Council called for more for-sale housing, regulatory cost reduction, better use of incentives, and addressing evictions upstream. Specific mention of the Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation and the 60-unit project with NAMI. - Public Safety: Emphasis on continuation of current efforts, progressing the LEDA (Law Enforcement Development Academy) with a potential groundbreaking within 24 months, improving recruitment and retention (the police department is 80 officers short), and maintaining equipment and fleet management. Parks after dark program to be sustained at three sites. - Flooding & Environment: Council affirmed continued progress on the flood protection program (budget grown from $567M to $1.3B). Discussion included tree canopy preservation, using $1M from the Sea-Val project for tree mitigation, and frustration over regulatory delays on the NIMO project. - Tax & Government Affordability: A robust debate occurred over rising property taxes and spending growth. Council members expressed that taxpayers have reached a saturation point. Ideas included reducing the real estate tax rate, using rebates (as Chesapeake does), cutting or reprioritizing spending, and relying on the Process Improvement Steering Committee to find efficiencies. City Manager noted that maintaining the current rate provides flexibility, while a decrease makes budget balancing harder. - Mobility, Transit, Transportation & Trails: Support for advancing the Virginia Beach Trail, traffic calming improvements, microtransit at the resort (possibly through low-cost RFPs), and coordination with HRT on transit optimization. Councilmember Hutchison proposed low-cost bike lane striping on four-lane divided roads. Key Outcomes - Dot Voting Results: The top six priority areas in order of points were: 1. Economic Development, Jobs, Workforce & Tourism – 23 points 2. Affordable Housing (including homelessness) – 19 points 3. Public Safety – 13 points 4. Flooding & Environment and Tax & Government Affordability & Revenue Diversification – 11 points each (tied for fourth) 5. Mobility, Transit, Transportation & Trails – 9 points - Next Steps: Staff will begin drafting the 24-month focused action plan, incorporating council direction and seeking community feedback during the first two weeks of September. A draft plan is expected for council review in mid-October, with a conversation two weeks later, and final affirmation before Thanksgiving. Staff will provide progress reports twice a year. - Governance and Other Topics: Discussion on council governance, legislative package, e-bikes, and street naming was deferred to the following morning (August 28, 2025) to allow more time.

On August 26, 2025, the Virginia Beach City Council held a special retreat at the Convention Center, facilitated by Julie Brennman of Fountainworks. The council discussed the future of the Interfacility Traffic Area (ITA), reviewed city accomplishments, demographic trends, and the 2025 Resident Survey, and set direction for next steps on sports tourism, innovation park expansion, and the Law Enforcement Training Academy (LEDA). The retreat continued on August 27 for further priority setting and governance discussions. Discussion Items - ITA Overview: Deputy Manager Amanda Jarrett presented a high-level overview of three proposals: LEDA relocation (already directed in March 2025), sports tourism expansion (baseball, pickleball, trails; estimated $161M), and Innovation Park expansion (adding 30 acres of industrial land; estimated $30M). All three can be accommodated within the 4,400-acre ITA. Council members asked about land availability, drainage challenges, and economic impact. - Dot Exercise on Next Steps: Council used green dots to indicate support for each step. - Sports Tourism: Unanimous interest in pursuing. For next steps: 11 dots for small incremental steps (trails, practice course); 7 dots for feasibility/economic impact study; 8 dots for budget discussion; 3 dots for public comment; 7 dots for CIP road network planning. - Innovation Park Expansion: 8 dots for pursuing; 3 dots for feasibility study; 6 dots for amending ITA plan (with public comment); 5 dots for CIP road discussion. Council expressed caution about costs and need for public input. - Accomplishments and Context: Julie Brennman reviewed progress on the 24-month Focus Action Plan, including financial strength, flood protection, housing initiatives, and public safety. First Deputy Manager Krosky summarized demographic trends (flat population, aging, housing affordability). Dr. Phyllis Spearis highlighted 2025 Resident Survey results: 90% rate quality of life excellent/good; top concerns include affordability, housing, public safety, flood protection, homelessness. - Department Director Challenges: Staff identified concerns about funding uncertainty, aging infrastructure, and balancing citywide needs. Key Outcomes - LEDA: Council reaffirmed direction to proceed with new LEDA facility in the ITA. Design funding ($9M) approved; procurement underway. - Sports Tourism: Council directed staff to pursue small incremental steps (e.g., trails, cross-country course) and conduct a feasibility/economic impact study. Funding for these steps to be discussed at the next budget retreat. Road network planning to be included. - Innovation Park Expansion: Council directed staff to begin the process of amending the ITA master plan, including public hearings and Planning Commission review. No immediate funding decision; will be considered as part of CIP process. - General Principles: Staff instructed to ensure public input, flood protection, and seek private partner funding for any developments. - Next Steps: Staff will compile details and present a feasibility study scope for council approval. The public will have multiple opportunities for input through the ITA plan amendment and rezoning processes.