2024 Accomplishments

  • Invested in Youth Development: Re-launched the Summer Training Enrichment Program (STEP) — now called the Youth Career Program — to equip young people ages 16–24 with essential workplace skills while fostering social, civic, and leadership growth.

  • Created Pathways Out of Homelessness: Started the Chance to Shine pilot program to provide entry-level positions within City departments for patrons of the Four Oaks Day Center. This initiative, inspired by the 2023 Homeless Forum, promotes employment stability and self-sufficiency for residents experiencing homelessness.

  • Expanded Childcare Opportunities: Initiated a Virginia Building Code Technical Review for family day homes, resulting in a change that allows these childcare providers to operate as residential properties for up to 12 children. This reform removes costly commercial requirements and opens the door for more home-based childcare businesses in Newport News and across Virginia.

  • Strengthened Community Partnerships: Partnered with First Spark and United Way to host “Child Care: Everybody’s Business,” a business leaders’ breakfast focused on expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare for working families.

  • Improved Public Safety and Environmental Balance: Extended the Urban Archery Season to responsibly reduce the growing deer population and protect residents’ safety and property.

  • Encouraged Business Growth: Eliminated Zoning Parking Minimums for businesses, reducing unnecessary barriers and encouraging redevelopment and economic innovation across the city.

2023 Accomplishments

  • Launched a Comprehensive Housing Study: Initiated a citywide Housing Condition Study in partnership with Urban Partners and Stromberg/Garrigan & Associates. This study was designed to identify current and future housing needs over the next ten years, assess whether Newport News has the right mix of housing types, and evaluate how well the city supports employers in attracting talent. It also examined the balance between owner-occupied and rental housing, the availability of senior housing, and the impacts of increased telecommuting on the local market.

  • Confronted Homelessness Through Collaboration: Hosted the city’s first Homeless Forum to engage residents in a transparent discussion about homelessness in Newport News. The forum provided up-to-date information, addressed community concerns, and gathered citizen input on potential solutions.

    Key outcomes included:

    • A regional homelessness study was completed in 2025.

    • A series of targeted focus groups to inform policy development.

    • Creation of a new city resource website to connect residents with housing and support services: nnva.gov/2811/Services-for-the-Homeless.

  • Advanced Downtown Revitalization: Led the effort to eliminate zoning parking minimums in C3 Regional Business Districts, including Downtown Newport News. This change removes outdated barriers to housing development and marks the first step toward reinvigorating residential growth in the city’s urban core.

  • Enhanced Public Safety in Public Housing: Advocated for and secured the installation of security cameras at the Aqueduct Apartment Complex to deter crime and support police investigations. Since their installation, the area has seen a significant reduction in violent incidents, strengthening safety for residents.