F Y2026 JULY 1, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2026
YEAR IN REVIEW
MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Dear Residents, Community Partners, and Team Newport News, Each year presents new opportunities to strengthen our community, improve the services we provide, and prepare Newport News for the future. This report reflects the progress we have made together over the past year and demonstrates our continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering meaningful results for the people we serve. Organized around the goals of our Strategic Plan, it highlights the initiatives, investments, and partnerships that are helping move our city forward. Throughout FY2026, we remained focused on creating long-term value for our community. We expanded educational and workforce opportunities, strengthened public safety and neighborhood services, advanced plans for future housing and economic development, invested in technology that improves customer service, and continued modernizing the way City government operates. These accomplishments reflect more than completed projects. They
None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our employees and the collaboration of City Council, residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and regional partners. Together, we continue to demonstrate what can be accomplished when we work toward a common purpose. As we begin implementing our new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, we remain committed to thoughtful stewardship of public resources, continuous improvement, and innovation that enhances the services we provide. We will continue using data to inform decisions, investing in our workforce, strengthening partnerships, and preparing Newport News to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future with confidence. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and commitment to our community. Together, we are building a stronger Newport News.
With appreciation,
represent strategic investments in people, places, and government. Whether supporting families through expanded educational opportunities, creating stronger and more welcoming neighborhoods, enhancing public spaces, improving digital services, or strengthening our workforce, every initiative contributes to our shared vision of a city where residents can thrive and businesses can succeed.
Alan K. Archer, City Manager YEAR IN REVIEW
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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND GOALS
1. Health, Safety & Well-Being
2. Education & Learning
PEOPLE
People 3. Opportunity & Economic Prosperity
4. Fun, Entertainment & Culture
PLACES
GOVERNMENT
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
Places
5. Welcoming Communities with Connected Neighborhoods
6. Quality Government & Innovation
Government
7. Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
TABLE OF CONTENTS
People...................................................................................... 4 Health, Safety & Wellbeing...........................................................................6 Education & Learning...................................................................................8 Opportunity & Economic Prosperity...............................................................9 Fun, Entertainment & Culture........................................................................11
Places .................................................................................... 14 Welcoming Communities & Connected Neighborhoods.................................. 16
Government............................................................................ 18 Quality Government & Innovation................................................................ 20 Environment Stewardship & Sustainability..................................................... 26
Year in Review – FY2026: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.................... 27
PEOPLE
Newport News city government will engage and empower residents, build partnerships and provide services to transform the city into a vibrant, inclusive and safe city that has quality education, exciting career options in science and technology, a growing entrepreneurial business community, a significant military and federal presence and many recreation and entertainment choices.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
GOALS
HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING Enable all Newport News residents, employees and visitors to feel confident in their safety and well-being.
EDUCATION & LEARNING Strengthen education and access to learning for all residents. Increase resident financial empowerment, promote well-being, and strengthen the city by making quality education a reality for all residents.
OPPORTUNITY & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY Strengthen education, workforce development, and business opportunities to make Newport News economically strong with career opportunities for all residents. Enable wealth building by making quality education, workforces training, and employment with a living wage realistic options for all working-age residents. Build a strong and diverse economy by capitalizing on the city’s research, science, technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors and support entrepreneurship and small business.
FUN, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE Cultivate and foster opportunities for enrichment for city residents, including art, culture, and recreation that celebrate the city’s diversity, unify the city, and promote community engagement.
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HEALTH, SAFETY, & WELLBEING
Comprehensive Community Safety Plan: Newport News released its first-ever Comprehensive Community Safety Plan, establishing a long-term framework focused on prevention, intervention, community engagement, victim support, and violence reduction strategies to create safer neighborhoods and strengthen community trust.
Friday Night Nets: Newport News continued its Friday Night Nets
9,800
PLAYERS
program at the An Achievable Dream Tennis Center and Denbigh Community Center, providing youth and families with safe recreational opportunities, meals, mentorship, and community engagement throughout the summer. During the 2025 season, the program recorded
5,400
MEALS
approximately 9,800 participant engagements and distributed more than 5,400 meals across both locations, supporting youth development and violence prevention efforts throughout the community.
National Youth Violence Prevention Week & Community Safety Initiatives: Through the Office of Community Safety, Newport News hosted Momentum for Peace and National Youth Violence Prevention Week activities focused on violence prevention, youth engagement, and community healing. Events included Mindfulness Monday initiatives, the Taste of Peace community art event, the Peace Lot Party at the Newport News Opportunity Center, and regional ROCA Re-Wire Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training designed to strengthen long term intervention and prevention strategies.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
NATIONAL
YOUTH VIOLENCE YOUTH YOUTH VIOLENCE VIOLENCE Prevention Week
HEALTH, SAFETY, & WELLBEING
Opioid Abatement & Recovery Initiatives:
Violent Crime Reduction: Newport News
The Community Health Bus
Newport News expanded opioid response
continued making progress in reducing violent
(CARES Bus) brings free health
and recovery efforts through more than $1.7
crime, recording 17 homicides and 30 shootings
and wellness services directly into
million in Virginia Opioid Abatement
during FY26. Compared to the previous year,
Newport News neighborhoods,
Authority grant funding supporting Mobile
homicides decreased by 29% and shootings
helping reduce barriers such as
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), jail
decreased by 48%, reflecting the impact of
transportation, mobility, and cost.
based treatment services, peer recovery
coordinated law enforcement efforts, community
Through the Fire Department’s
programs,and Operation STOP overdose
partnerships and violence prevention initiatives.
Community Health Program and
prevention initiatives aimed at reducing opioid related harm and improving access to treatment and recovery resources throughout the community.
partnerships with local health-care
HOMICIDES
29
48
%
% SHOOTINGS DOWN
and human-service organizations, the CARES Bus connects residents with preventive screenings, chronicdisease support, mental and behavioral-health resources, health education, care navigation, and
Drones as First Responders: Newport News
referrals to community services.
launched one of the first integrated police and
By meeting residents where they
fire “Drones as First Responders” programs
are, the program focuses on
in Virginia, using drone technology to provide
prevention and early intervention
real time visibility during emergency calls, improve response times, enhance situational awareness, and support safer decision making for police, fire, and EMS personnel.
while helping connect people to
DRONES
appropriate care before health concerns become emergencies.
AS FIRST RESPONDERS
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EDUCATION & LEARNING
Library Early Learning Programs: Newport News
ACT WorkKeys Program – In partnership with Newport News Public
Public Library continued expanding story time
Schools, the ACT WorkKeys Program helped students develop and
and early learning programs that support school
demonstrate workplace readiness skills. During FY26, more than
readiness, literacy development, creativity, and
55 students completed nearly 90 WorkKeys assessments to
social growth for children and families throughout
support graduation requirements and career readiness.
the community. Through interactive storytelling, music, movement, sensory activities, and hands on learning experiences such as Tiny Tot Explorers,
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Sensory Shenanigans, Doodlebugs, and Young
High School Graduation & Academic Achievement:
at Art, the Library helped foster early literacy
Newport News Public Schools achieved a 97.3% graduation
skills, strengthen family engagement, and create
rate for the Class of 2025, while all Newport News schools
welcoming spaces that encourage lifelong learning
earned full accreditation, reflecting continued progress in
and community connection.
academic achievement and student success.
CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
97.3% GRADUATION RATE
OPPORTUNITY & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Newport News Opportunity Center: Newport News rebranded and transformed the former Brooks Crossing facility into the Newport News Opportunity Center, a collaborative, resident-centered hub designed to connect the community with resources, support services, and opportunities for long-term success. The Opportunity Center brings together the Office of Workforce Development and Economic Mobility, Office of Community Safety, Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services, Office of Sustainability, and Bloomberg Innovation Team under one roof, creating a one-stop destination where residents can access employment assistance, housing resources, public safety initiatives, sustainability programs, and other City services.
Navigating Wealth Building (NWB) – The
Newport News Trades Center:
Navigating Wealth Building program continued
Newport News advanced workforce
helping residents improve financial stability
development and skilled trades education
through financial literacy, career development,
with the opening of the Newport News
and workforce training. During FY26, the
Trades Center on March 25, 2026,
program served 58 residents and supported
creating new opportunities for hands-on
47 participants in enrolling in specialized training
training, career readiness, and workforce
programs in fields such as maritime, welding,
pipeline development for residents
heavy equipment operation, and healthcare.
and students.
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OPPORTUNITY & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Youth Career Program (YCP) – The Youth Career Program continued preparing Newport News youth for future careers through workforce readiness training, career exploration, and work-based learning opportunities. During FY26, the program served 125 youth, while 154 participants earned the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), strengthening the City’s future workforce pipeline.
The 2026 One City Marathon attracted thousands of runners and visitors to Newport News and generated an estimated economic impact of approximately $687,000 in total Opportunity Career Pathways (OCP)
economic output through tourism, lodging,
– Launched in January 2026, Opportunity
dining, and local spending.
Career Pathways connected working age adults with training and career opportunities in high demand industries, helping residents gain the skills needed to enter growing regional workforce sectors.
The 2026 Tour of Newport News brought more than 600 cyclists to the City and generated an estimated economic impact of approximately $179,000 in total economic output from participant and visitor spending.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
125 YOUTH SERVED 154
NATIONAL CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATIONS
FUN, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE
Fall-O-Ween Festival: Newport News hosted the annual Fall-O-Ween Festival, the City’s longest running special event with more than 50 years of history, welcoming an estimated 16,700 attendees in 2025. The free community event featured approximately 150 crafters, heritage exhibitors, and information booths, more than 20 food vendors, live
16,700
entertainment, themed attractions, and family activities. The festival’s
ATTENDEES
150
success was supported through partnerships with Newport News Public Schools, Hampton Roads Transit, City departments, and local
CRAFTERS
community organizations that helped provide transportation, parking,
20 FOOD
activities, and visitor support throughout the event.
Celebration in Lights: Newport News continued its annual Celebration in Lights tradition featuring 1,126 illuminated displays made up of approximately 45,400 feet of rope and string lighting and more than 336,000 bulbs. A team of approximately 15 staff members spent nearly six weeks
VENDORS
1,126
ILLUMINATED DISPLAYS
45,400 FEET OF LIGHTING
336,000 BULBS
installing the displays, supported by employees with decades of experience, including one team member with 25 years dedicated to the event. The display also featured a live tree wrapped in 26,400 LED bulbs, helping create one of the region’s signature holiday attractions.
LIVE TREE WRAPPED IN
26,400 LED BULBS
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FUN, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE
Newport News hosted the annual Stars in the Sky Independence Day celebration at Victory Landing Park, bringing residents and visitors together for live music, food vendors, family activities, giveaways, and a fireworks display over the James River. The free waterfront event continued to serve as one of the City’s signature community celebrations and tourism attractions.
Shipyard Experience: Newport News completed and relocated the Shipyard Experience exhibit to Victory Landing Park, creating a self-guided waterfront experience that connects the legacy of the shipyard with the history and identity of Newport News. The City also developed a Shipyard trolley tour to further highlight the shipbuilding heritage and cultural significance of the area.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
FUN, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE
The 2026 World Cup sparked strong community pride in Newport News, bringing 1,000 fans together at CNU’s TowneBank Stadium to cheer on the U.S. men’s team in its 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Through a partnership between Newport News Tourism, Lionsbridge FC, and Christopher Newport University, the sold-out watch party highlighted how sports can unite residents, attract visitors, and create memorable experiences. The event demonstrated the important role sports tourism and community partnerships can play in strengthening connections and increasing awareness of Newport News as a destination.
Roots & Rhythm Marketplace: Newport News launched the Roots & Rhythm Marketplace, a new community event series designed to bring residents together while supporting local farmers, artisans, makers, and small businesses. Hosted by Parks and Recreation, the free open-air marketplace features fresh food, handcrafted goods, live music, family activities, educational exhibits, and interactive experiences, creating a vibrant gathering space that strengthens community connections and celebrates local culture.
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PLACES
City government will work to create welcoming communities with connected neighborhoods, high-quality equitable and affordable housing, a multimodal transportation network including bike and pedestrian paths to connect neighborhoods to employment and commercial and entertainment centers, gateways and public spaces that celebrate the unique character and culture of the city and its neighborhoods and multiple opportunities for residents to enjoy the waterfront.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
GOALS
WELCOMING COMMUNITIES WITH CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS Create welcoming communities with walkable and bikeable connected neighborhoods. Invest, revitalize, and celebrate neighborhoods city-wide.
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WELCOMING COMMUNITIES WITH CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS
Comprehensive Plan Update: Newport News continued development of its updated One City, One Future Comprehensive Plan, a long-range vision guiding growth, land use, housing, transportation, economic development, resiliency, and neighborhood revitalization through 2045. Throughout FY26, the Planning Department conducted community workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and public outreach efforts to gather resident feedback and help shape the City’s future priorities, future land use framework, and long-term development strategy.
The City advanced its Strategic Housing Initiatives Plan (SHIP), creating a long term framework focused on expanding housing opportunities, addressing affordability challenges, and supporting sustainable neighborhood growth throughout Newport News.
Newport News launched a technology-enabled Good Neighbor Patrol Vehicle powered by CityDetect software to proactively identify visible property maintenance issues, improve code enforcement efficiency, and support cleaner, safer, and more welcoming neighborhoods. The system uses advanced imaging and analytics technology to help staff identify potential code violations more quickly and consistently, allowing resources to be focused on maintaining neighborhood quality and addressing blight concerns.
Human Services Day Resource Fair: Newport News hosted the Human Services Day Resource Fair, providing a one-stop destination where residents could connect with City departments, community partners, and service providers. The event highlighted programs and resources related to housing assistance, health and wellness, child and family services, employment opportunities, and other support programs while also offering free goods distributions, giveaways, raffles, and family-friendly activities designed to strengthen community connections and improve access to services.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
WELCOMING COMMUNITIES WITH CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS The City received a $2,000,000 grant that will install high-capacity fiber infrastructure across the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMBT) to directly link the cities of Newport News and Hampton to the Southside fiber network and transatlantic subsea cables in Virginia Beach. This new, essential segment will close a critical infrastructure gap in the regional broadband ring, providing redundancy, reliability, and expanded access for neighborhoods and anchor institutions. By connecting to the open-access Southside Network Authority ring, this project supports economic development and resilience for critical institutions, businesses, and residents on the Peninsula
H.O.P.E. Outreach Team: Newport News established the H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach Partnership and Engagement) Team to strengthen outreach and support for residents experiencing homelessness. Through compassionate, consistent engagement, the team builds trust, provides personalized assistance, and connects individuals with Four Oaks services, healthcare, housing, employment, treatment, and other essential community resources. By bridging the gap between vulnerable residents and critical support services, the H.O.P.E. Team promotes long-term stability while helping transform the City’s approach to homelessness.
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GOVERNMENT
Newport News city government will engage and empower residents, build partnerships and provide services to transform the city into a vibrant, inclusive and safe city that has quality education, exciting career options in science and technology, a growing entrepreneurial business community, a significant military and federal presence and many recreation and entertainment choices.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
GOALS
QUALITY GOVERNMENT AND INNOVATION Provide innovative, high-quality government services and facilities for the residents of Newport News.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY Practice sound environmental stewardship to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.
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QUALITY GOVERNMENT & INNOVATION
Newport News advanced a Citywide disparity study focused on identifying barriers and opportunities for small, women-owned, and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses in City contracting and procurement. The initiative included public meetings, stakeholder engagement, and market research designed to improve equitable access to contracting opportunities, strengthen supplier diversity, and inform future procurement and economic development strategies.
Amazon Connect Implementation: Newport News Police Department implemented Amazon Connect technology within the City’s 911 Center to help automate designated non-emergency calls and improve operational efficiency. The system uses interactive voice response (IVR) technology to assist with routine inquiries, reducing dispatcher workload and allowing emergency communications staff to focus more effectively on urgent public safety responses.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
QUALITY GOVERNMENT & INNOVATION
Paid Parental Leave Policy: On May 1, 2026, Newport News implemented a new Paid Parental Leave Policy providing eligible employees with up to four weeks of paid leave following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child. The policy supports employee wellness, family stability, and workforce retention while helping the City remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.
In January 2026, Newport News
On May 12, 2026, City Council voted to
received $170,000 for the Cities for
establish the Department of Innovation
Financial Empowerment grant that
and the Department of Housing and
will establish a Financial Empowerment
Neighborhood Services as part of the new
Office and leadership position at
fiscal year, with both departments officially
the opportunity center focused on
launching on July 1, 2026. The action marks
advancing policy initiatives and
the first creation of new City departments
programs that improve financial stability
since the Department of Communications
and economic opportunity for residents.
was established in 2015 and reflects
170K
Newport News’ commitment to innovation,
GRANT
housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development.
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QUALITY GOVERNMENT & INNOVATION City Website Chatbot: Newport News launched a citywide website chatbot to improve access to information and enhance customer service for residents, businesses, and visitors. The tool provides instant assistance by answering questions, helping users navigate City services and resources, and quickly directing users to relevant information across the City’s website.
Code of Ordinances Chatbot: Newport News launched a new Code of Ordinances Chatbot designed to help residents, businesses, and developers more easily access and understand City regulations. The tool provides plain language explanations of topics such as zoning, land use, and municipal codes while helping users navigate technical terminology and quickly find relevant information online.
Newport News strengthened cybersecurity protections by achieving full multi-factor authentication (MFA) coverage across City systems, helping improve account security, reduce cybersecurity risks, and support safer access to critical technology resources and data.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
QUALITY GOVERNMENT & INNOVATION
Strategic Plan Update: Newport News began development of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan with the launch of INNOX, an interactive community engagement event designed to gather resident feedback and help shape the City’s future priorities. The event featured hands on activities, games, prizes, and on-site childcare to encourage broad community participation and engagement throughout the planning process.
Citywide Data Strategy & Governance: Newport News advanced development of a Citywide Data Strategy focused on improving data governance, consistency, transparency, and cross-department collaboration. The initiative includes establishing data standards, piloting department level data sharing efforts, and strengthening the City’s ability to use reliable, connected data to support operational decision making, performance management, public transparency, and future artificial intelligence and smart city initiatives.
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QUALITY GOVERNMENT & INNOVATION
What Works Cities Silver Certification: Newport News achieved Silver Certification through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities initiative, recognizing the City’s commitment to data-driven decision making, performance management, innovation, and the effective use of data to improve services and outcomes for residents.
A Grants Management Policy adopted in January that formalizes the grant management process and ensures that communication between departments and senior staff regarding grant submissions and coordinate with budget and finance on matching funds and compliance.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
QUALITY GOVERNMENT & INNOVATION
Compensation Initiative: Newport News implemented a citywide compensation initiative that raised the minimum wage for City employees to $18 per hour, supporting workforce recruitment, retention, and pay equity while helping the City remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.
$18
Employee Culture Survey: Newport News conducted a citywide Employee Culture Survey to gather feedback on employee engagement, workplace satisfaction, organizational culture, and opportunities for improvement. The survey established a valuable baseline for measuring future progress and will help guide initiatives focused on employee experience, retention, communication, and organizational effectiveness.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP & SUSTAINABILITY
Newport News hosted the Great American Cleanup with participation from eight City departments and 196
196
volunteers who collected 433 bags of trash throughout the community. The City Manager’s Office and Waterworks were recognized as this year’s cleanup challenge winners.
VOLUNTEERS
433
BAGS OF TRASH COLLECTED
Native Tree Giveaway Program: In the spring of 2026, the City collaborated with many community organizations to distribute free native trees to Newport News residents. The initiative, supported by the Virginia Department of Forestry, aims to increase the City’s tree canopy, particularly in the Southeast community. A total of 487 native one-gallon trees were distributed between two local events, Eggstravaganza and Grow Your Own Food. Each tree included a brochure specific to the tree species, planting instructions, and a free bag of compost. The City also created a month-long social media campaign to further disseminate information as well as a free one-hour webinar to educate residents on the value of urban trees and how to plant and care for a new tree.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
487 TREES
YEAR IN REVIEW | FY2026: JULY 1, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2026
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YEAR IN REVIEW – FY2026: JULY 1, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2026 Awards ★ What Works Cities Recognition –
★ S ilver Design Award – Engineering/
Stop, highlighting Newport News’
The City received recognition through
ECDC received a Silver Design
leadership in violence prevention,
Bloomberg’s What Works Cities
Award from the Virginia Chapter
community safety planning, and
initiative for advancing data driven
for Learning Education.
Momentum for Peace initiatives.
governance and innovation efforts. ★ H RSD Gold Award – Waterworks’ ★ T ree City USA – Newport News
Harwoods Mill Plant received a Gold
Budget Presentation Award – The
was recognized as a Tree City
Award from the Hampton Roads
Department of Budget & Evaluation
USA community by the Arbor Day
Sanitation District for outstanding
received the Government Finance
Foundation for the 43rd consecutive
environmental stewardship.
Officers Association Distinguished
year, highlighting the City’s continued commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship. ★ L EED Silver Certification –
Budget Presentation Award for meeting ★ E xcellence in Waterworks
nationally recognized standards in
Operations/Performance Award
budget presentation, financial planning,
– The Lee Hall Plant received the
operations, and communication.
Virginia Department of Health Gold
Engineering received LEED Silver
Award recognizing excellence in
certification from the U.S. Green
filtration, clarification, and backwash
Ryan Celestino, Codes Compliance
Building Council, exceeding the
performance standards.
Inspector, received the International
“Certified” level required under HB2001 standards.
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★ F Y 2026 GFOA Distinguished
CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
★ ICC Raising the Profile Award –
Code Council Raising the Profile Award ★ L ead the Way Tour Stop – The Office
for contributions that improve public
of Community Safety was selected by
safety and increase awareness of the
Cities United as a “Lead the Way” Tour
code enforcement profession.
YEAR IN REVIEW – FY2026: JULY 1, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2026
★ N ational Day of Racial Healing
★ Excellence in Economic
★ ICMA Local Government Excellence
Recognition – Newport News Public
Development Award – Newport
Award for Community Health and
Library was recognized through the
News and Hampton received a Gold
Safety – The Department of Human
American Library Association for
Award from the International Economic
Services received the International
participation in National Day of Racial
Development Council for their regional
City/County Management Association
Healing initiatives promoting dialogue,
partnership supporting the expansion
(ICMA) Local Government Excellence
equity, and community connection.
of Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport
Award for Community Health and Safety
News Co., recognizing the project’s
in recognition of the A Chance to Shine
significant economic impact and
Program, highlighting the program’s
collaborative approach to business growth.
positive impact on residents and its
★ O utstanding Program/Event for All Ages Award – Newport News Public Library received recognition from the Virginia Public Library Directors
contribution to improving community ★ C hancellor’s Award for Leadership
Association for its Family Fun &
in Philanthropy – The City of Newport
Game Night program supporting
News and the Newport News Economic
literacy, family engagement, and
Development Authority received the
community connection.
Virginia Foundation for Community
health, safety, and quality of life.
College Education’s Chancellor’s ★ P roud Top Training Provider Award
Award for Leadership in Philanthropy
– The Newport News Fire Department
in recognition of their support for
received recognition from the
Virginia Peninsula Community College
American Red Cross as a Proud Top
and their commitment to workforce
Training Provider.
development, education, and community investment.
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
YEAR IN REVIEW – FY2026: JULY 1, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2026 Looking Ahead The accomplishments highlighted in this report
development, reducing blight, revitalizing
communication is timely, transparent, and
represent an important milestone, but they
neighborhood corridors, and investing in safer,
accessible to all.
are only the beginning. Guided by the City’s
more welcoming public spaces. At the same
2026–2030 Strategic Plan, Newport News will
time, climate resilience will be integrated into
Together, these initiatives will help build a
continue investing in initiatives that strengthen
infrastructure planning through flood-resilient
Newport News that is more prosperous, resilient,
opportunity, enhance quality of life, and prepare
design, expanded tree canopy, nature-based
connected, and innovative - creating lasting value
the community for the future.
solutions, and improvements to stormwater
for current residents and future generations.
management. Transportation investments will In the years ahead, the City will work to expand
continue to improve roads, sidewalks, trails,
career-connected learning from early childhood
transit, and accessibility while preparing for
through adulthood, strengthen workforce
emerging mobility technologies.
pipelines in partnership with schools, higher education, and industry, and create clearer
Newport News will also continue modernizing
pathways into high-demand careers. Efforts
government by creating a more seamless
will also focus on attracting private investment,
customer experience through enhanced digital
supporting entrepreneurship, expanding digital
services, a redesigned website, integrated service
infrastructure, and positioning Newport News
request systems, expanded open data, stronger
as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing,
cybersecurity, and greater use of analytics and
defense, research, and technology industries.
performance measurement to improve decisionmaking. The City will deepen community
The City will advance the Strategic Housing
engagement by expanding opportunities for
Initiatives Plan by expanding housing
residents to help shape decisions, strengthening
opportunities, streamlining residential
neighborhood organizations, and ensuring
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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS