Newport News City Council approves $1.26 billion budget, maintains real estate tax rate
Council also hears public concerns on pedestrian safety, senior tax relief, and downtown development
The Newport News Daily is a publication of Williamsburg-based Dog Street Press. An editor used AI tools and official sources to create this newsletter.
The Newport News City Council met for its regular session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 2400 Washington Avenue. The council unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget, approved the Capital Improvement Plan, and appropriated over $1.3 million in opioid settlement funds, all by 7-0 votes.
The council voted 7-0 to maintain the real estate tax rate at $1.18 per $100 of assessed value for FY 2027. Budget Director Lisa Sabriano explained that the overall average property assessment increase is 3.56 percent, meaning the median residential homeowner will pay roughly $46 more annually. No member dissented. Five council members read conflict of interest disclosures into the record before voting.
Speakers raised concerns about the financial burden of rising assessments on fixed-income seniors, the sustainability of road-widening projects in the CIP, and the need for alternative city revenue sources. Councilman Cleon Long acknowledged the concerns and highlighted new relief programs funded in the budget, including the ResidentFirst Housing Relief Grant Program.
This post covers the FY27 budget adoption, the Capital Improvement Plan, opioid settlement appropriations, consent agenda items, citizen comments, and ceremonial proclamations, each linked directly to that moment in the full meeting recording on YouTube.
FY27 budget: Council adopts $1.267 billion spending plan
The council unanimously adopted the FY 2027 Operating Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. City Manager Alan Archer presented 15 related ordinances and resolutions covering tax rates, new fees, new departments, pay classifications, and budget appropriations. All items passed 7-0.
Watch the budget ordinance adoption at 0:33:19.
Real estate tax rate public hearing draws mixed testimony
Budget Director Sabriano presented the effective tax rate hearing required by state law. One speaker urged the council to expand senior property tax relief programs, citing neighboring municipalities as models. A second speaker said steadily rising assessments are unsustainable for homeowners on fixed or moderate incomes.
Hear the public testimony on the tax rate at 0:18:40.
Capital Improvement Plan approved; road-widening projects questioned
The council adopted the FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. One speaker praised school facility investments, while another raised concerns about $55 million in road-widening projects, including a $21 million expansion of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, arguing the spending contradicts the city’s walkability and sustainability goals.
Watch the CIP ordinance adoption at 0:29:38.
New departments and ResidentFirst housing relief program established
Ordinances formally created the Department of Innovation and the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services. The council also established the ResidentFirst Housing Relief Grant Program to provide income-based housing assistance to residents.
Watch the block vote on G1.3 through G1.14 at 0:37:39.
Over $1.3 million in opioid settlement funds directed to four programs
The council approved four resolutions appropriating opioid abatement funds: $99,854 for a Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment program, $235,121 for a Peer Recovery Center, $248,256 for a Mobile Medical Unit, and $719,331 in direct distributions. Mayor Jones noted the significance of the settlement reaching communities harmed by the opioid crisis.
Watch the opioid funding votes at 0:47:20.
Citizen comments: downtown parking, Pearl Bailey building, small business access
Speakers raised several topics during citizen comments. One speaker argued the city could generate $15 million annually by monetizing downtown parking assets. Another asked council to review plans for a historically significant building on Chestnut Avenue where Pearl Bailey was born. A third asked when the city’s disparity study would be released publicly.
Hear citizen comments at 0:49:37.
Recognition sought for 90-year-old Boys and Girls Club leader
A speaker asked the council to publicly recognize James “Pooh” Johnson, a longtime Boys and Girls Club director who worked for over 45 years at 629 Hampton Avenue. The speaker described Johnson as a mentor to thousands of young people over more than 55 years of community service. Councilman Harris echoed the call for expedited recognition.
Hear the request for recognition at 0:50:00.
Tour of Newport News bike race draws record registrations
City Manager Archer reported the fifth annual Tour of Newport News drew a record 2,999 registrations, a 41 percent increase over 2025, and generated an estimated $165,000 in economic output. He credited THR Cycling, Parks and Recreation, public works, police, fire, and sponsors including Riverside and Ferguson Industries.
Hear the city manager’s report on the bike race at 1:07:16.
Consent agenda: VDOT grants and meeting minutes approved
The council approved five consent items including minutes from three prior meetings, $209,037 in VDOT Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant funds for a citywide traffic signal upgrade, and $4,768,520 for the Habersham Area Improvements Project. All passed 7-0 without discussion.
Watch the consent agenda vote at 0:30:09.
Proclamations honor EMS week and National Public Works Week
Mayor Jones presented proclamations recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week and National Public Works Week. Fire Chief Rogers and Deputy Public Works Director Alan Benthal accepted the proclamations on behalf of their teams.
See the EMS Week proclamation at 0:07:15.
Other news:
Greenwood and Woodside Schools Partner on Literacy Art Initiative
NNPS-TV shared a video about a literacy art collaboration between Greenwood Elementary School and Woodside High School. The 2026 partnership brought together students from both schools to combine literary learning with artistic expression. This cross-campus initiative demonstrates how Newport News Public Schools is fostering creative engagement and strengthening literacy skills through interdisciplinary collaboration. The program highlights the school system’s commitment to innovative educational approaches that connect academic subjects with hands-on artistic experiences.
Newport News Schools Showcase Arts and Music Programs
NNPS-TV shared a video about Newport News Public Schools’ commitment to arts education. The segment featured the NNPS Arts Wearable Art Fashion Show, showcasing student creativity through innovative clothing design. The video also highlighted Newport News among the best communities for music education, demonstrating the district’s strong commitment to developing young musicians. Additional coverage included the Greenwood and Woodside Literacy Art Collaboration, which integrates creative expression with literacy development, and the Crittenden Music In Our Schools Showcase, providing a platform for student musicians to perform and demonstrate their skills. These programs reflect the district’s comprehensive approach to fostering artistic talent and cultural enrichment among Newport News students.
Featured Sponsor
Dog Street Press LLC is an independent media company based in Williamsburg, VA, and the publisher of Newport News Daily and the Williamsburg Independent. Our publications cover the stories that shape everyday life in our communities, including budget analysis, taxes, and government spending, real estate and business development, public school issues, local industry activity, charitable organizations, and community events. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering accurate, trustworthy news using official sources and AI-assisted tools.
Local newsrooms across the country have been cutting coverage or closing altogether, leaving communities without reliable reporting on the issues that affect them most. Dog Street Press is part of a growing movement of independent local news organizations stepping in to fill that void, bringing dedicated, community-focused journalism back to the places that need it most.
As big media continues to consolidate and retreat from local markets, this shift creates a unique opportunity for businesses and organizations to market through smaller, niche outlets like Newport News Daily, where readership is focused, loyal, and growing. We deliver targeted local coverage to residents, business owners, and community leaders across the city.
Whether you are a local business, nonprofit, or service provider, advertising with us puts your message in front of an audience that is actively invested in the topics that matter most, including economic development, local business activity, public schools, and community events. To learn more about advertising opportunities, contact us at newportnewsdaily@gmail.com.