The City of Newport News announced a $1.7 billion housing agreement between the U.S. Department of the Navy and Hunt Military Communities, which includes over $450 million in investment for a downtown development project. The HomePort Hampton Roads 2 project will construct two 17-story residential towers and supporting facilities in Downtown Newport News, according to a city press release issued Sept. 16, 2026.
The development will house roughly 750 unaccompanied sailors in two-bedroom units and feature parking and ground-floor retail space alongside Navy services. City officials stated the investment addresses housing capacity while supporting downtown revitalization efforts. “This is the largest federal investment in Newport News history and a transformational investment in the Sailors who serve our nation,” Mayor Phillip Jones said in the release.
The Navy, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hunt Military Communities, and the City of Newport News partnered to execute the project. Hunt Military Communities, the largest private military housing provider in the United States, manages approximately 190,000 residents in nearly 60,000 homes across military installations nationwide. Officials said the development will modernize existing structures while bolstering the downtown area and supporting sailors’ quality of life and operational readiness.
The 1,050-space parking structure will support the residential towers. While the city disclosed the $450 million commitment, specific construction timelines and development details were not included in the announcement.
Government
Regional open house to discuss hazard mitigation plan updates
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission is hosting a public engagement open house on September 24, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Center in Franklin, Virginia. Residents are invited to review draft mitigation actions for the region’s updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. No RSVP is required, and attendees can drop in at any time during the event.
Newport News hosts Public Works open house event September 26
The City of Newport News announced an open house event for its Public Works and Waterworks departments scheduled for September 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 513 Oyster Point Road. The event will feature live equipment demonstrations, facility tours and career opportunities, with on-the-spot applications and interviews available. Residents can meet department staff responsible for city operations and services.
Military
Military Recognition Breakfast Honors Outstanding Military Personnel September 22
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber will host its 2026 Military Recognition Breakfast on September 22, according to the chamber’s website. The fall event, organized by the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council, honors outstanding military personnel for their contributions. Tickets are available for $45. ITA International, LLC serves as the presenting sponsor, with Hampton Roads Workforce Council among the silver sponsors.
Business
Howmet Aerospace Presents Conference Updates and Second Quarter Results
Howmet Aerospace announced plans to present at the 2026 Jefferies Global Industrials Conference and reported its second quarter 2026 financial results. The company, which specializes in advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and commercial transportation industries, also announced that its board approved a common stock dividend. Howmet continues to highlight its innovative technologies across aerospace applications.
Public Safety
Fire Prevention Showcase Scheduled for Saturday, October Tenth
Newport News Fire Department is hosting a Fire Prevention Showcase on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event offers attendees an opportunity to learn about fire safety and prevention measures. Tickets are available through the Eventbrite platform for those interested in attending the three-hour educational showcase.
Newport News Sheriff’s Office holds annual car and bike show
The Newport News Sheriff’s Office will held its 2026 Annual Project Lifesaver Car and Bike Show on Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Todd Stadium parking lot in Newport News, Virginia. The event featured live entertainment and food vendors, with proceeds supporting the Project Lifesaver program. Last year’s event raised $2,000 for the initiative.
Recreation & Events
Open Mic Night Returns to Paperbacks Ink Bookstore Friday
Paperbacks Ink Bookstore is hosting an open mic night on Friday, September 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to Eventbrite. The event welcomes poets, musicians, storytellers and creative performers of all kinds to share their talents. Tastefully Philly Café will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. offering food and beverages for purchase.
66th Annual Denbigh Day Parade and Festival set for September 19
Newport News Parks and Recreation will host the 66th Annual Denbigh Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parade begins at Denbigh High School and travels along Denbigh Boulevard, featuring marching bands, floats, dance teams and community groups. The festival at Courthouse Way Community Center offers free admission and parking, with food trucks, games, inflatables, arts and crafts, and vendor booths. Temporary traffic closures will begin at 7 a.m. along the parade route.
Twenty-second Annual Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival
The Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival will celebrate its 22nd year October 10-11, 2026, in Newport News. The event features artisans displaying artwork, live entertainment, a children’s and family area with scavenger hunts and crafts, and a Young Collector’s Tent offering discounted artwork for patrons under 14. Visitors can enjoy food trucks and a beer and wine garden throughout the weekend.
Newport News Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week begins September 19
Newport News is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special Restaurant Week running from September 19 to 29, 2026, according to the Newport News Tourism Development Office. Participating local restaurants are offering special deals and exclusive menu items highlighting Hispanic culinary traditions, from traditional tacos and empanadas to contemporary fusion dishes. The event encourages residents and visitors to explore diverse flavors while supporting local establishments. Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week features nine establishments including Chihuahua’s, Catrin Cantina, Cazadores Mexican Grill, El Fogon, Amadeus El Patio, Gordo’s Mexican Bar and Grill, Juan’s Cafe and Cantina, Jose Tequila’s, and La Parrilla Mexican Grill, inviting diners to explore regional Hispanic culinary offerings across multiple locations in the Newport News area.