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Keep Norfolk Beautiful staff seek city endorsement for national cleanup campaign ahead of 2026 anniversary
Summary
Public Works’ education manager requested the city join Keep America Beautiful’s three‑year Greatest American Cleanup initiative, highlighted recent volunteer and litter‑removal statistics and outlined programs to expand youth and branch library participation.
Sarah Stierzing, education and program manager with Norfolk Public Works, asked council to endorse Norfolk’s participation in Keep America Beautiful’s three‑year Greatest American Cleanup campaign leading to the nation’s 250th anniversary in July 2026.
Stierzing presented recent litter‑removal activity: more than 6,100 volunteers and roughly 6,000 pounds of collected litter in the last fiscal year and an estimated city cost avoidance of about $360,000 tied to volunteer efforts. She described ongoing programs including adopt‑a‑spot (about 270 sites), the Green Bucket Brigade at Pretlow Library and partnerships with Parks & Recreation, resilience and environmental sustainability offices to expand volunteer engagement and school‑based programming.
Stierzing said the campaign sets modest annual goals such as community cleanups and beautification projects that Norfolk already meets and exceed, and it would provide a national banner for local efforts and deeper partnerships with schools and neighboring jurisdictions. She asked council to promote and participate in upcoming local cleanups and events.
Council members expressed support and encouraged council participation at events; no formal action was taken during the work session.
