2023 Priority Accomplishments 

• Initiated a housing condition study - In September, Newport News hired Urban Partners (in collaboration with Stromberg/Garrigan & Associates) to perform a housing study. The housing study will address:

• What are the city’s current and 10-year housing needs?

• Are there sufficient quantities of housing types that can support employers in attracting and recruiting highly qualified talent?

• What are the market and fiscal implications for increasing employees telecommuting?

• Does the city have the right balance between owner-occupied and rental housing?

• Are there sufficient quantities of housing types that can accommodate seniors?

• Initiated a Homeless Forum - In August, the city hosted a conversation on the state of homelessness. The purpose of this event was:

• To provide the community with information on the state of homelessness within the city and region;

• To respond to the community’s questions and concerns about homelessness in NN;

• Ascertain Citizens’ suggestions on how to address homelessness in NN

            Follow-ons from this conversation:

• Participate in a regional homeless study

• Host a series of targeted focus groups

• Create a city website - https://www.nnva.gov/2811/Services-for-the-Homeless

• Initiated a change to Parking Minimums - In August, the City Council changed zoning in C3 Regional Business Districts to eliminate off-street residential parking. Downtown is Zoning C3. This is the first step in reinvigorating housing in downtown NN. 

• Pushed City Staff to prioritize installing cameras in Aqueduct Apartment Complex (Public Housing) - in July, cameras were installed to deter crime and assist the police department in crime investigation. Since the installation, the police have witnessed a substantial decrease in violent crime.