Suffolk delegation wins state dollars for workforce center, homeless shelter; zoning penalties strengthened

City leaders heard a recap of the 2025 Virginia General Assembly focused on items that affect Suffolk, including several direct funding wins, a new local zoning enforcement tool, and a series of bills that were vetoed by the governor.

Mindy Carlin, CEO of Access Point Public Affairs and the city’s legislative liaison, told the council the session “was by and large a successful session with respect to city priorities.” She said, “we were very pleased to be able to work with members of our delegation and others in the general assembly, to get support for our requested $750,000 in state funding to help support the city share of this partnership,” referring to the city’s partnership with Camp Community College to develop a workforce trades and innovation center focused on maritime infrastructure, logistics and warehousing.

The city also secured $500,000 in state funding to support the Western Tidewater Regional homeless shelter, Carlin said. Senator Emily Jordan announced an additional award later in the session: “We can now announce … Suffolk will receive $3,000,000, through Virginia Housing … for the phase 2 portion of Peanut Crossing … to support additional workforce housing,” Jordan said at the meeting.

Nut graf: The council was briefed on a mix of direct appropriations, policy changes and vetoed measures that together shape Suffolk’s near-term capital and operating choices — from workforce development and homelessness services to local land‑use enforcement and public‑safety technology.

Zoning enforcement and fines

Carlin summarized a…