Council debates public engagement and approves flood-protection CIP transfers amid questions about National Golf Course RFP

At its final meeting of the year, the Virginia Beach City Council discussed public engagement practices after residents raised concerns about early disclosure in the Virginia Beach National Golf Course request for proposals, and the council approved a consent agenda that included funding transfers to accelerate flood-protection projects.

Council member (Speaker 10) — reporting results from well-attended district forums — said residents felt excluded from early planning stages and were alarmed by language in the golf-course RFP that some read as indicating a potential sale. "I know that we have made no decision," the council member said, but urged staff and council to "back off" and restart engagement so residents are not blindsided.

Staff explained the next steps in the RFP process: proposals will be evaluated by staff, presented to council in closed session for direction, and, if council chooses to proceed, a public briefing will follow. Staff stressed the city's intention that the site remains publicly accessible and said existing lease terms with First Tee will be honored regardless of any future action.

During the consent agenda the council approved several ordinances and resolutions, including an amendment to the FY25–26 capital improvement program for flood protection. Councilor Henley (Speaker 10) raised concerns about transferring bond referendum funds to cover shortfalls for Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza and Lakes projects and requested monthly district-level reports on transfers and project timelines to ensure previously promised projects are completed.

Council member Baluchi (Speaker 8) and others framed the CIP transfers as an urgent, prioritized bundling to protect more than 30,000 households affected in the southern watersheds since Hurricane Matthew (2016) and following a September storm this year. Baluchi thanked neighborhood advocates and staff and said the bundling reflected inflationary pressures and a need to move rapidly to protect life and property.

Procedural notes: the meeting used verbal votes after the electronic system failed for some items. The council approved the consent agenda by voice vote (10–0) with Mayor Dyer abstaining on planning item 7, and later appointed Vanessa Christie to the Military Economic Development Advisory Committee by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will review RFP proposals, brief council in closed session for direction, and return to public consideration if council directs. Councilor Henley requested ongoing monthly reporting to districts on bond transfer status and project schedules.