Newport News unveils Strategic Housing Initiative Plan to address 21,000‑unit target; council to discuss tactics at July retreat

City staff presented a draft Strategic Housing Initiative Plan (SHIP) to the Newport News City Council, outlining goals and tactics to meet a housing production target identified in the city’s comprehensive housing study.

Terry Francis, neighborhood services office manager, said the comprehensive housing study—launched in December 2024—identified a need for roughly 21,000 housing units by 2050. "The SHIP is a comprehensive road map," Francis said, describing four primary focus areas: housing policy and regulatory reform; production and redevelopment; preservation, maintenance and neighborhood stability; and affordability and access. "The goal is to prepare us for later conversations" at the July retreat and to produce a final SHIP for council approval by the end of the year.

Alan, the city manager, and Owen Miller, chief strategy officer, said the SHIP draws on departmental work across planning, development, codes and the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority and links to the strategic plan update. Francis said the team convened a 14‑member steering committee, conducted more than 30 stakeholder interviews, and held multiple public outreach events this spring. The draft includes about 20 tactics ranging from zoning and land‑use adjustments to permitting changes and financial incentives for developers and homeowners.

Council members identified several tactics they want prioritized at the retreat. Councilman Long emphasized redevelopment of aging housing stock, saying about two‑thirds of the 21,000 units will come from redevelopment of older housing. Another council member flagged a land‑value tax as a lever used in peer cities and urged continued attention to permit processing as a way to accelerate supply. Francis and staff said some tactics are already underway while others will require further research and possible budget resources; Francis noted that a housing trust fund is among items that would require future funding decisions.

Council members also asked staff for data on faith‑based properties and underutilized parcels; Francis said staff will check GIS data and noted that some conversions of church land are constrained by state law and the Virginia General Assembly. On neighborhood stabilization, staff described potential facade and residential‑improvement programs and emphasized outreach to seniors on fixed incomes.

Next steps include staff follow‑up, additional public engagement this summer and a detailed retreat‑level discussion in July. Francis said the city aims to produce a final SHIP before the end of the calendar year and will return to council for approval and for vetting tactics with the community.

Votes on related budget or funding decisions were not taken during the SHIP presentation; staff said many tactics will require later review, community engagement and potential budget allocations.