PRIORITIES

SAFETY

Based on the recent community survey, safety was identified as the top priority for our residents.

I believe every person in Newport News deserves to feel secure in their home, neighborhood, and workplace.

My approach to building a safer city has two key components:

  1. Building a strong, accountable police force that is well-trained, well-equipped, and responsive to the needs of our community.

  2. Improving the quality of life for all residents, which helps prevent crime by addressing root causes.

Everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a career or job they enjoy that pays a decent wage.

Every resident should have access to a safe, affordable, and high-quality neighborhood.

Every child should receive a quality public education that sets them up for success.

I BELIEVE…

By strengthening both public safety and community well-being,
we can build a safer, more connected city for everyone.

JOBS

A strong economy starts with good jobs that support families and build community stability. My focus is on creating pathways that connect residents directly to high-paying, high-demand careers right here in Newport News.

  1. Develop targeted workforce development programs to align residents’ skills with local job opportunities.
    Our city’s core industries—Advanced Manufacturing, Maritime, Aerospace & Aviation, and Technology—offer excellent wages and career growth. Yet only 30% of our residents are employed in these sectors, even though they’re located right here in our city.

    • By tailoring workforce training to meet the needs of these industries, we can expand local employment, strengthen our talent pipeline, and attract more businesses to Newport News.

  2. Develop a Childcare Working Group to reduce costs for parents seeking quality early learning and care.
    During my first term, I initiated this effort, partnering with United Way and First Spark to host a Business Leaders Breakfast that brought together employers and stakeholders to explore childcare solutions.

    • Access to affordable, high-quality childcare directly impacts parents’ ability to work, advance their careers, and contribute to our economy. It’s also a key factor for families deciding whether to relocate here. Investing in childcare is not just good for families — it’s an investment in our workforce and our future.

By connecting residents to opportunity and supporting working families, we can make Newport News a city where everyone can thrive.

HOUSING

Safe, affordable, and high-quality housing is essential to the health and strength of every neighborhood.

During my first term, I’ve focused heavily on improving housing conditions and creating pathways to homeownership.

I’ve led several key initiatives, including:

  • Completion of Newport News’ first-ever Housing Study, providing the data we need to make informed policy decisions.

  • Creation of the Strategic Housing Initiatives Plan (SHIP) —
    our roadmap for housing development and preservation.

  • Expansion of the Rental Inspection Program to ensure rental properties are safe and up to code.

  • Deployment of AI technology in city vehicles to detect code violations and reduce blight.

  • Expansion of the First-Time Homebuyer Program to include working-class families, not just low-income households.

  • Completion of regional homeless study.

These initiatives have strengthened the foundation for more vibrant, equitable neighborhoods. In my second term, I will focus on maintaining appropriate funding to achieve the goals outlined in SHIP, continue improving the quality and availability of housing citywide, and addressing homelessness.

EDUCATION

Our schools are at the heart of our community — and City Council plays a vital role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed. As the funding partner for our schools, we must create the conditions that allow students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

My top priority is building thriving neighborhoods where every family has the tools and support they need to send their children to school healthy, nourished, and ready to learn.

  1. We must also invest in modern learning environments.

    • Many of our school buildings are aging and in need of renovation. I strongly support dedicated funding for school construction and renovation — including a new plan that allows the city to raise revenue exclusively for rebuilding and improving our schools. Once the Virginia General Assembly authorizes this structure, I will proudly implement it to invest directly in our children’s future.

  2. Education is a partnership.

    • The School Board and City Council must work hand in hand to ensure that when the city prospers, our schools benefit too. I support exploring a joint revenue-sharing system so school funding grows alongside our city’s economy.

By strengthening neighborhoods, modernizing schools, and ensuring sustainable funding, we can create a brighter future for every child in Newport News.