Newport News continues FY2026 budget hearing as residents urge funding for youth programs, mental health and homelessness

Mayor Philip Jones opened a public hearing on the city manager's recommended fiscal year 2026 operating budget and announced the hearing will continue Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at the Denbigh Community Center.

The hearing drew public testimony from local program leaders and advocates asking council to preserve or increase funding for youth mentorship and gun-violence intervention programs, community literacy services, mental-health counseling and homelessness response. Speakers framed the requests as connected to the city's stated budget priorities, including public safety, housing and essential services.

Why it matters: the city must hold at least one public hearing before adopting the budget; council is scheduled to adopt the Newport News Public Schools operating budget on May 13 and the full city budget by state deadlines in mid-May to mid-June. Funding decisions this spring will determine whether several community organizations continue receiving city-supported grants.

Mayor Philip Jones introduced the budget process and said the administration used priority-based budgeting and resident input tools to set priorities. "This is your city, and your voice matters," Jones said, inviting residents to the April 8 and April 10 hearings and a virtual town hall on April 17.

Multiple presenters described how city…