Newport News adopts $983.2 million five‑year capital improvement plan, adds Victory Landing Park planning

The Newport News City Council on a 7-0 vote adopted a five‑year Capital Improvement Plan totaling $983,200,000 and agreed to add a planning and design project for Victory Landing Park.

City Manager Alan presented the plan, saying it details projects funded by the general fund and user fees and invests in public safety, schools, parks, streets and facility upgrades. "I recommend approval," he said.

The vote followed public comment from Mary Voss, who identified herself as a Newport News Public Schools teacher, parent and graduate. Voss urged passage of the CIP and pressed the council to consider placing a 1% sales tax referendum on the ballot for school construction if companion bills in the General Assembly become law. "If city council passes this referendum ... the 1% sales tax could generate roughly $34,000,000 per year or about $340,000,000 over the next decade, all for school construction in Newport News," Voss said. She noted that many NNPS buildings are old, adding that "the average school building in NNPS is 57 years old." (Mary Voss is a constituent commenter.)

Vice Mayor moved to add a planning and design project for Victory Landing Park so the city could assess needs and prepare cost estimates for potential shading and event infrastructure. The city manager explained the planning fund allows due diligence and cost estimates, and that any work beyond planning would come back to council for approval. The council approved the revised resolution 7-0.

Council members emphasized the CIP's role ahead of the budgeting process. Mayor Philip Jones and others thanked staff for the work producing the plan and said the vote sets priorities for schools, roads and public facilities in coming years. The city will proceed to budget deliberations and any future project approvals as indicated in the plan.