City's $2.3M HUD housing plan includes home repairs, buyer assistance
Plus, latest RFPs issued; NNPS Teacher of the Year; great places to work and hiring events
Newport News City Council unanimously approved the FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan on August 11, 2026, authorizing $1,446,779 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $839,530.21 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, more than $2.3 million combined, for local housing and community development efforts. The plan is a required annual submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), tied to the City’s five-year Consolidated Plan.
With council approval secured, the plan now heads to HUD for review. Newport News is designated a HUD entitlement community, meaning it automatically receives an annual formula-based allocation of CDBG and HOME funds rather than having to compete for grants.
The money will support a range of tangible projects across the city. The largest single allocation, $600,000, will go toward single-family home repairs through the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Other CDBG funds will pay for demolishing unsafe structures and supporting small business loans aimed at job creation. On the HOME side, $200,000 is earmarked for down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers, while $155,077 will fund the rehabilitation of multi-family rental housing. Local nonprofits will also benefit, including Transitions Family Violence Services ($40,000), LINK of Hampton Roads’ winter shelter program ($28,170), and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula ($50,000) for after-school programming.
The plan reflects months of community input. City and Housing Authority staff held public meetings in February and July 2026, reviewed 17 funding applications, and opened the draft plan for a 30-day public comment period before the council’s vote. Past performance suggests the investment pays off: last year’s funding helped rehabilitate 25 owner-occupied homes, assist 3,033 people experiencing homelessness or with special needs, and serve more than 5,000 youth and seniors through local programs.
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ACTIVITY FUNDING
$600,000.00 — Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority: single-family housing renovations in CNI and Citywide, including program delivery costs (Single-family Home Repairs)
$251,124.00 — Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority: oversight, management, monitoring, and coordination of the CDBG program (Administration and Program Planning)
$140,408.00 — NNRHA Acquisition: funds to acquire strategic properties throughout the city (Acquisitions)
$100,000.00 — City of Newport News Codes Compliance: demolition of unsafe structures in the southeast area (Clearance Activity)
$100,000.00 — City of Newport News Development Department: loans/grants to startups and for-profit entities to create jobs for low- and moderate-income persons, includes delivery costs (Special Economic Development Activities)
$50,000.00 — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula: after-school care, recreation, and programming for school-age children (Public Service Operating Funds)
$40,000.00 — Transitions Family Violence Services: emergency and short-term shelter/services for victims of domestic violence (Public Service Operating Funds)
$31,231.00 — City of Newport News Development Department: administrative budget for monitoring and oversight responsibilities (Administration)
$28,846.00 — Hampton Roads Community Action Program Inc. – Clean Comfort: support for the homeless population, including showering facilities, clean clothing, and referral services (Public Service Operating Funds)
$28,170.00 — LINK of Hampton Roads, Inc.: Emergency Winter Shelter Program for the Homeless (Public Service Operating Funds)
$20,000.00 — Hampton Roads Community Action Program Inc. – Housing Counseling: counseling services in pre-occupancy, pre-purchase, pre-rental, mortgage default, rental delinquency, and home equity conversion (Public Service Housing Counseling Operating Funds)
$20,000.00 — Freedom Outreach Center: crisis intervention, counseling, hunger, training, referrals, and support for former inmates or at-risk young adults, youth, adults, and families (Public Service Operating Funds)
$15,000.00 — Peninsula Agency on Aging: Meals on Wheels Program for approximately 15–20 at-risk seniors in five Newport News income-based housing facilities (Public Service Operating Funds)
$10,000.00 — Menchville House Ministries, Inc.: operating funds for a shelter facility serving approximately 300 adults and children in crisis situations (Public Service Operating Funds)
$7,000.00 — Hampton Roads Community Action Program Inc. – Fair Housing: fair housing counseling and education, complaint hot-line and resolution (Program Administrative Costs - Fair Housing)
$5,000.00 — House of Refuge Worship Center: Youth Leadership Development Program — life skills training, educational support, problem-solving/conflict resolution skills, and recreation for low-to-moderate income youth (Public Service Operating Funds)
Total: $1,446,779.00
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Activities
Sorted by funding amount (descending):
$300,500.00 — Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs): assists qualified CHDOs with the acquisition, development, or sponsorship of affordable housing (4 units)
$200,000.00 — HOME DPA: down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers citywide (9 units)
$155,077.00 — HOMEvestor II: acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and preservation of multi-family rental housing (13 units)
$100,000.21 — HOMEcare: low-interest loan program for owner-occupied rehabilitation (4 units)
$83,953.00 — HOME Administration: provides for HOME program’s planning, marketing, and monitoring costs (N/A units)
Total: $839,530.21 | 30 units
In other news:
The City of Newport News has recently announced five procurement opportunities open for bidding.
Huntington Beach Restroom Renovations: The City is requesting bids to replace toilet facilities at Fort Fun and renovate restrooms at the Lifeguard Station. Bids are due through the City’s e-Procurement Portal by 2:00 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Elevator Inspection Services: The City is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provide comprehensive elevator inspection services, on an as-needed basis, for 58 elevator units across City-owned facilities. Proposals are due through the City’s e-Procurement Portal by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Central Services Cost Allocation Plan: The City is inviting proposals from qualified firms to develop a Central Services Cost Allocation Plan, a Citywide Full Cost Allocation Plan, and an indirect cost rate calculation, used for reimbursement of costs tied to federal and state grant-funded programs. Proposals are due through the City’s e-Procurement Portal by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
EZ-Tap Drilling Machine and Related Equipment: The City is requesting quotes to furnish brand-specific tools for its Waterworks Department, including an EZ-Tap Drilling Machine, EZ-Tap Kit, Air Power Operator, Water Pump, and Impact Wrench. Quotes are due through the City’s e-Procurement Portal by 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Leeward Marina Boat Channel Dredging: The City is calling for bids from qualified contractors for the dredging of the Leeward Marina boat channel. Bids are due through the City’s e-Procurement Portal by 2:30 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Government
Gov. Spanberger signs workforce development bill at VPCC Newport News Virginia Peninsula Community College hosted Governor Abigail Spanberger at its Newport News Trades Center on Wednesday to mark the conclusion of Community College Month. During the visit, Governor Spanberger signed Virginia House Bill 772, legislation designed to strengthen workforce development initiatives across the state.
Education
Warwick High Math Teacher Named NNPS Teacher of the Year Newport News Public Schools wrote about John Lovett, a math teacher and volunteer assistant coach at Warwick High School with 31 years of experience, has been named the 2026-2027 NNPS High School and Division-wide Teacher of the Year. Lovett will represent teachers and the division at events throughout the year. He shared advice for teachers, students, and families on building relationships, staying involved, and communicating openly as the new school year begins August 24.
Business
BayPort Credit Union Wins Third Straight Top Workplace Honor BayPort Credit Union announced it has been named a 2026 Top Workplace in Hampton Roads for the third consecutive year, ranking No. 10 among large companies on the list presented by Inside Business and Energage. The Newport News based credit union also earned eight additional distinctions covering employee well being, appreciation, leadership, compensation, and professional development. CEO Jim Mears said the recognition reflects feedback directly from employees and the culture they help create.
Jefferson Lab to host free networking event with Peninsula Chamber Jefferson Lab and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber are hosting a free information session and networking event designed to bring together local community stakeholders and leaders. The event takes place Friday, August 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Jefferson Lab, located at 12000 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News.
Newport News Shipbuilding announces 2026 hiring events for job seekers Newport News Shipbuilding is conducting hiring events throughout 2026 to recruit workers for various positions within the shipyard. The company is actively seeking qualified candidates to join its workforce across multiple job categories.
Navy Waives Post-Shakedown Availability for USS Massachusetts Submarine According to Ocean News and Technology, the Navy has waived the post-shakedown availability for USS Massachusetts, a Virginia-class fast attack submarine, citing its exceptional material condition and combat readiness after completing shakedown trials. Newport News Shipbuilding delivered the ship in November 2025, and it was commissioned in Boston Harbor in March 2026. Officials said the decision speeds combat capability to the fleet while freeing shipbuilding capacity for future submarines.
Community & Services
Alternatives Inc. Receives Grant to Support Childcare Health Initiatives Alternatives, Inc. has been selected to receive a three-year Healthy Community Action Team grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth according to the City. The initiative will bring training, coaching, and resources to early childcare centers throughout Hampton Roads to help create sustainable routines that support children’s physical and emotional health.
Newport News Public Library to Host Bestselling Author Lucy Foley Virtual Talk The Newport News Public Library announces a virtual author talk featuring acclaimed mystery writer Lucy Foley on Thursday, August 27, at 2 p.m. Foley will discuss her latest novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, as part of the Library Speakers Consortium’s ongoing Virtual Author Talks series. The event is free and open to residents.
United Way Peninsula Sets Volunteer Day of Caring for September United Way of the Virginia Peninsula announced its 2026 Day of Caring will take place Friday, September 18th, kicking off the organization’s annual giving campaign. According to the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, volunteers and local businesses will partner with nonprofits across the Peninsula on projects like landscaping, painting, and organizing. Registration runs August 10th through 31st, with early sign-ups guaranteed an event T-shirt. A community kick-off event follows the volunteer projects that evening.
Newport News Public Schools highlights community sidewalk food pantry initiative Newport News Public Schools posted a video about a sidewalk food pantry initiative operating within the city. The program provides community members with convenient access to food resources at street level locations throughout Newport News. This effort reflects the school system’s commitment to supporting food security and addressing hunger in the neighborhoods it serves.
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