Newport News develops strategic housing initiatives plan with community feedback

In the heart of Newport News, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the council chamber, ready to tackle pressing issues that resonate deeply with the community. The June 24, 2025, City Council Work Session Meeting was marked by a commitment to enhancing community engagement and addressing the growing demand for affordable housing.

The meeting kicked off with a presentation highlighting the city's recent efforts to gather feedback from residents. With the guidance of Polco, a community engagement platform, city staff attended nearly two dozen events over six weeks, successfully collecting over a thousand responses from residents. This robust feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s strategic plan, which is set to be updated by the end of the year. The current plan, in place since 2020, is due for a refresh, and officials emphasized the importance of incorporating community input into this process.

Charles Hargrove, managing director of the Virginia Institute of Government, joined the discussion to outline his organization’s role in facilitating the strategic planning process. With over two decades of experience in local government, Hargrove expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Newport News to ensure the strategic plan reflects the community's needs and aspirations. He introduced Jane Ditmar, a certified mediator and former local government official, who will assist in gathering further insights from council members and the public.

As the meeting progressed, the focus shifted to the Strategic Housing Initiatives Plan (SHIP), a response to the increasing demand for diverse and affordable housing options in Newport News. City staff, in collaboration with various departments and the Newport News Redevelopment Housing Authority, have developed a comprehensive plan grounded in sustainability, equity, and community responsiveness. The SHIP aims to provide a coordinated approach to housing that aligns with the city’s strategic priorities and findings from a recent housing study.

City officials are eager to engage the community further, with plans for additional public input opportunities scheduled for later this summer and into the fall. The council is committed to ensuring that the voices of Newport News residents are heard and considered in shaping the future of their city.

As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was one of optimism and determination. With a clear roadmap ahead, Newport News is poised to enhance its strategic planning efforts and address the critical housing needs of its community, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for all residents.