Newport News manager proposes $1.1 billion CIP for 2027–2031; council to consider adoption Feb. 10, 2026

Alan, the city manager, presented the recommended five-year capital improvement plan to council, saying the proposed FY2027–2031 CIP "totals approximately $1,100,000,000 over the 5 year period." He told council staff had already responded to earlier, project-specific questions and that additional time was set aside this afternoon to answer further inquiries ahead of a planned adoption vote in February.

The plan includes projects financed from a mix of general fund and self-supported funds, bonds, cash capital and grant funds across capital project categories. The manager said staff will bring the CIP to the council for adoption at the regular meeting on Feb. 10, 2026, and that the January budget/CIP retreat could include final council follow-up if desired.

Council members raised facility and project-timing questions. Councilman Long requested follow-up on Rouss Tower (the manager said remaining debt on the building is a factor) and on broader space utilization for city departments; the manager said the city's space needs/utilization study is not complete and staff and consultants are evaluating options. Council members also discussed schools and repeated-design efficiencies for planned school builds (Woodside/Heritage; Denbigh/Ward) as a possible way to speed capital projects.

The manager and council agreed that public comment and remote council participation are part of the schedule and that council members and members of the public may submit concerns over the holiday break for consideration in the January retreat and February adoption.

Next steps: staff will continue to respond to council questions, may add a CIP session to the January retreat agenda, and will return the recommended CIP for a formal vote at the Feb. 10, 2026 council meeting.