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City Council votes 9–0 to send 10‑1 charter amendment to General Assembly after heated public hearing
Summary
After hours of public comment both for and against the 10‑1 voting referendum, Virginia Beach City Council passed a resolution 9–0 to request that the General Assembly amend the city charter to adopt the 10‑1 method; supporters pressed for a unanimous council signal and opponents raised implementation and representation concerns.
Following a citywide referendum in which voters approved a 10‑1 voting method, the City Council heard prolonged public testimony from residents, advocacy groups and local leaders before considering a resolution to send a charter amendment request to the General Assembly.
Supporters in the audience — including representatives of the Vote Yes coalition, the Virginia Beach NAACP and numerous residents — urged the council to "respect the will of the voters" and send a unanimous resolution to Richmond. "Two weeks ago Virginia Beach voters spoke with unmistakable clarity," said a supporter representing the Vote Yes coalition. The NAACP’s representative told the council the measure advances fairness and neighborhood representation.
Opponents emphasized implementation concerns and urged protections. John Moss suggested an amendment requiring any super‑majority approval for rezonings south of the blue line include the affirmative vote of the district council member (a proposed safeguard he said would protect local interests). Other commenters urged transparency about district‑drawing processes and asked council to avoid rushed changes.
Council member [mover] moved the resolution and a colleague seconded; after brief discussion the council approved the resolution by a recorded vote of 9–0, as reported in the meeting record. The clerk recorded "9 to 0" in favor of sending the charter amendment to the General Assembly for enactment. The resolution asks the General Assembly to add language to the city charter reflecting the 10‑1 method for electing council and school board members.
The council conversation framed the vote as implementing a citywide decision while acknowledging legal questions remain: several speakers and some members referenced ongoing litigation and the need for an implementation plan that complies with the Virginia Voting Rights Act and any applicable court rulings. Council asked staff to coordinate the next steps with legal counsel and the city’s legislative delegation to ensure the drafting and submission meet state timelines.
Outcome and next steps: The council passed the resolution 9–0 and directed staff to work with counsel to prepare the formal charter amendment language and to transmit it to the General Assembly.
