[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6476226,"mediaKeyId","5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4","parentId",5730911,"title","Council votes to enter closed session, certifies closed-session action and adjourns","audioSeconds",5396,"startMs",4999000,"endMs",10395000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4&start=4999&end=10395","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4/thumbnail_4999000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6476226/Williamsburg-City/James-City-County/Virginia/Council-votes-to-enter-closed-session-certifies-closed-session-action-and-adjourns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476226-29b0dcc87962baa6d2642f3937435bec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203407&Signature=ZxIBuFBXR8ULK3OAEr6yP0~uGFptCUGO6G89QyZIMKjxhmLV1Dhneid~~QeqOPtPAuPzTxgNRpUWsYZE4-jIJq1Q~IsDpnHIfqY1uXt4iYmf2uquerEte85OlHUeKRf-XedN5SZIFpRE8JavOmh9OKkTCAMbBLiq5mV~sh0jvD0XQKK82s3Zb4WjgWEKNhbxNOF6X80CpKng46xt-NfSN93mRaf5DyomJG7FNWA3JVhi8R5TRhgwNLdraq6OGm465LwuFNxqMlSWHlKkwTc0UCgg4sAVXul5DkbtwK-PfXzI0DBiUmXNi-79Pwf8bxzqyKF4ZVOC83HJmW7exsjJ~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Williamsburg","date","2025-09-08T14:13:26Z","article","At the Sept. 8 meeting, the Williamsburg City Council voted unanimously to enter a closed session and later certified the closed-session discussion before adjourning.

A motion to go into closed session was approved by recorded voice vote; council members answering in the affirmative were Miss Williams, Miss Ramsey, Mayor Ponds, Vice Mayor Dent and Miss Kernsher. The motion invoked Code of Virginia section 2.2-3711 and cited legal consultations on contracts and boards and commissions, negotiation strategy for a public contract and other legal matters.

Near the end of the meeting the council approved a certification of the closed session, invoking Code of Virginia section 2.2-3712. The motion to approve the certification carried on a recorded vote in which Miss Williams, Miss Ramsey, Mayor Ponds, Vice Mayor Dent and Miss Kernsher voted \"Aye.\" The council then voted to adjourn on a motion that also passed by recorded voice vote with the same affirmative voters recorded.

All three formal motions recorded during the meeting passed with the votes shown below. No public details of the matters discussed in closed session were disclosed on the council floor.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session - Sep 08 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Williamsburg City Council unanimously voted to enter a closed session under Code of Virginia §2.2-3711, later certified the closed session under §2.2-3712, and then unanimously approved a motion to adjourn.","taxTitle","Williamsburg City, James City County, Virginia","taxId",4540,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476231,"Williamsburg resident questions city’s new digital visitor-parking system, cites privacy and usability concerns",403,214000,617000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4&start=214&end=617","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4/thumbnail_214000.jpg","/articles/6476231/Williamsburg-City/James-City-County/Virginia/Williamsburg-resident-questions-citys-new-digital-visitor-parking-system-cites-privacy-and-usability-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476231-108124ff8d963e18319a9fd32cc2317a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203407&Signature=OAFj3trJtPxIZoae3o7d-wuaUUBJZCqtLbpN3SvRHro9GN11DDvc808LeylecW-XzB4WyYClYaPhtKoT9GfsBaRJwxlFEAsP-quhEW9-CKBNph8hPYH93wFRaCBlH-dHOTNLwDLRx2HSpY4H5ZhO8cAApq7qFOQ9vQWLgt82GgXD6fKwSQ~qDJK9bJTWojzV4JXKgWvVv27ldrVAnwuSEuoCe3NqTBD2QdohkPgmRUQV~hOuHf-5QkxFQW42KWmwb0YFS9g0GENdSFwMZU7N4VW~gvU0WgFeLfaDTXllEwb8opj-aqUX1rgdVsNB5yP6gTqbFcz12zHfa71GWHhDTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Frederica Tudo told the Williamsburg City Council on Sept. 8 that the city’s move from physical visitor hang tags to a license-plate-based digital visitor-permit system for restricted parking neighborhoods risks privacy, practicality and fairness.

\"The city will have a database compiling who visits whom, when, and where,\" Tudo said in public comment, expressing concern that the system could be vulnerable to hacking or repurposing of data. She said digital registration replaces a simple face-to-face decal process with a time-consuming series of online steps that may be difficult for some residents to manage.

Tudo raised several practical scenarios: an unexpected visitor who might be ticketed before a resident can log in; elderly or incapacitated residents receiving multiple caregivers arriving in different unmarked vehicles; and absentee homeowners who need others to water plants or collect mail. In each case she said the older hang-tag system is more workable.

Tudo also addressed enforcement and revenue implications, saying the new fine structure would increase parking revenue and accusing council members of taking \"high-handed action taken without consultation or consideration of the consequences.\" She asked the council to return the matter to staff and work sessions to find a less intrusive, more user-friendly method for visitor permits.

The council did not take action during the meeting; public comment concluded and council moved to other agenda items.","During public comment, Frederica Tudo urged the council to reconsider a planned switch from physical visitor hang tags to a license-plate-based digital system, saying it would create a database of visitors, be difficult for elderly and absentee residents to use and could lead to errors or privacy risks.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476236,"Hampton Roads Alliance outlines regional 'Playbook' and EVRIFA role; cites defense, energy and logistics projects",1533,2873000,4406000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4&start=2873&end=4406","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4/thumbnail_2873000.jpg","/articles/6476236/Williamsburg-City/James-City-County/Virginia/Hampton-Roads-Alliance-outlines-regional-Playbook-and-EVRIFA-role-cites-defense-energy-and-logistics-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476236-6e777919dd14e38b8824193f80dda5d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203407&Signature=kwm7pB74m3nU-97K7iy3ylyKkmb5gK~0qpEtBpyNsFNsWiadwF~lvedmyhfDrE0neloJEO2dn6KFt7kdJLxeu7AL46wzF42yOSiuiJupfIIEQR2ZvVcLjGVQLR88GlpWBQQ0rczHqpqPymqJ8IANgHBaX1TFumC6S7bADE7gGz1u27hOE7YplkZnQwaAs6ymYIYRsk-UwaSZXCSTMcLB66lwDhIFE2T-xldHumNaodFRxHAk6B5rpJaIrJ80yj~cY0sQozr16xzJ9BkpnS04v4Ap9QdrcKN13bSye5fbtw7NuY4gdDGxTMPmW5ATNEnmYU6E4uSgAZJg2hck4UPBCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Steve Harrison, chief operating officer of the Hampton Roads Alliance, briefed the Williamsburg City Council Sept. 8 on the Alliance’s “Playbook,” target industries and the role of the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (EVRIFA) in regional site development.

Harrison said the Alliance represents 15 member localities and roughly 100 private-sector investors and serves as a single point of contact for companies considering the Hampton Roads region. \"We are the regional economic development entity. We represent 15 jurisdictions,\" Harrison told the council.

Harrison outlined the Alliance’s strategic focus on four “DEAL” target sectors — defense, energy, aerospace and logistics — and a set of initial strategic projects intended to convert strengths in research, workforce and industrial infrastructure into investments. He said year-to-date Alliance-supported announcements include 14 projects, about 1,700 jobs and nearly $400 million in capital expenditures; he also reported that 2020–2024 announcements totaled about 7,060 jobs.

Harrison described EVRIFA as a flexible, regional financing and project vehicle that can be used for industrial sites, infrastructure or other projects. He identified the Kings Creek Commerce Center in neighboring York County — a former naval fuel depot now partially leased for solar — and said about 183 acres remain available for manufacturing or distribution opportunities.

Why it matters: The Alliance’s playbook aims to shift economic development from general marketing to building projects that match regional comparative advantages, Harrison said. Several council members emphasized that Williamsburg’s William & Mary and other research assets could play a role in attracting higher value R&D and workforce-focused projects.

Harrison listed proposed strategic projects and initiatives that include a Defense Efficiencies and Production Center, an AUKUS Center of Excellence (a trilateral Australia-UK-US defense collaboration), a Nexus advanced-air-mobility initiative, a defense ambassador corps and regional maritime workforce training. He said the Alliance is working with William & Mary, NASA Langley, Jefferson Lab and the Port of Virginia on targeted opportunities.

Council member Barbara Ramsey, who Harris earlier referenced as EVRIFA chair, and others praised the regional coordination. Harrison invited council members to an Oct. 29 Playbook launch event and said the Alliance is administering EVRIFA on behalf of the region.","Steve Harrison of the Hampton Roads Alliance briefed council on a regional economic development playbook, strategic projects in defense, energy, aerospace and logistics and the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority's role in advancing sites such as Kings Creek Commerce Center.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476241,"Visit Williamsburg pitches sports tourism as new 200,000-square-foot center nears opening",1229,586000,1815000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4&start=586&end=1815","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730911-fe6783ed9e469a124894de4214711ba4/thumbnail_586000.jpg","/articles/6476241/Williamsburg-City/James-City-County/Virginia/Visit-Williamsburg-pitches-sports-tourism-as-new-200000-square-foot-center-nears-opening","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476241-8c05007691f18479250c013a37b0f276/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203407&Signature=hWj8CjHn33Vehy6wD3Bx0o4qoXTcCSGerr2OS87TQ731xkyDAsL-26tZHuIS~EOLb7~Yw5NJufxdSjmJ2NZb-yyxj97c68cx8g3KtGVGjzB4WZ96COTHrUrXPa1D635apQw3Tg~nWzC07dorTgvITfy7ClZCNhP~JB0tDpWqsdc7v5PKPS56SUTZ9T0puVwgaTmEPIyM9rOyJu1do-TlQNJwWEtcgYpa~OstNLeedybEGdi6I4ZAFyYMMhTi-N0GLCB2iXwR5w17373VUBwaQl7I-72m2eNOX5PmXxwcBwfsQn0BHh2RjCeuBM-CJXwnpuojnouyFSq7RNY3~GKvSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ed Harris, a representative of Visit Williamsburg, told the Williamsburg City Council on Sept. 8 that the tourism organization is actively selling the city and the surrounding Historic Triangle as a sports destination while a 200,000-square-foot sports and events center is under construction.

Harris said Visit Williamsburg has attended national trade shows, produced a marketing “sizzle” reel and partnered with agencies including White 64 and Epsilon to target tournament organizers. \"We are starting to become [a] sports and events center,\" Harris said during the presentation, describing branding that centers on a “W” motif for “win” and “Williamsburg.”

The council heard that Visit Williamsburg and its partners have secured nearly 90,000 hotel room nights tied to future tournaments, and that some rights holders have signed multi-year commitments, with several groups waiting to start playing in the city until after the new center is fully operational.

Why it matters: Large tournaments bring multi-night stays, meals and local spending, and Visit Williamsburg officials said long-term contracts and trade-show sales efforts are intended to generate sustained hotel occupancy beyond leisure weekends.

Harris highlighted concrete sales activity: agreements with organizers such as Phenom Hoops (a North Carolina-based boys basketball circuit that runs “mega tournaments” of more than 100 teams on a weekend) and a list of volleyball, fast-pitch and other events that await the new facility. He said some tournaments are choosing to start competition in Williamsburg in 2027 to allow the center time to open and demonstrate operations.

Council members asked about related needs and next steps. Mayor Ponds complimented Visit Williamsburg’s promotional video, calling it “probably one of the best pieces we have produced in 30 years” and said the video makes visitors want to stay in Williamsburg. Harris said sales efforts include familiarization (FAM) trips for rights holders, shuttle coordination for visiting teams, and a competitive incentive plan tied to room nights. He also said Visit Williamsburg is building staff capacity: an intern has started, a sports sales specialist position is posted and additional sales support is expected by year end.

Harris and council members discussed non-sports uses for the venue, including trade shows and other weekday events that could address the historic drop in midweek hotel occupancy. \"There are hundreds of acres of thrilling theme parks, momentous historic sites, and untouched nature to burn off all that excess adrenaline,\" a portion of the Visit Williamsburg video states, positioning the center as part of the region’s broader tourism assets.

Visit Williamsburg did not present projected revenue figures for the center or detailed public incentives during the council meeting. Harris said specific tournament bookings and multi-year agreements vary by organizer and were negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

The city council received the presentation. Visit Williamsburg will continue outreach at upcoming trade shows and return with updates as the facility nears opening.","Visit Williamsburg told the City Council that a new 200,000-square-foot sports and events center, marketing campaigns and multi-year tournament commitments have secured nearly 90,000 hotel room nights and are expected to boost midweek and weekend economic activity when the center opens in 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council votes to enter closed session, certifies closed-session action and adjourns

Williamsburg resident questions city’s new digital visitor-parking system, cites privacy and usability concerns

Hampton Roads Alliance outlines regional 'Playbook' and EVRIFA role; cites defense, energy and logistics projects

Visit Williamsburg pitches sports tourism as new 200,000-square-foot center nears opening