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Newport News council adopts $983.2 million five‑year capital plan, adds Victory Landing Park planning
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Summary
The Newport News City Council unanimously approved a $983.2 million capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2027–2031 and added a planning-and-design project for Victory Landing Park after public comment urging greater school investment.
The Newport News City Council on a 7–0 vote adopted a five‑year capital improvement plan totaling $983,200,000 that funds projects across public safety, schools, parks, streets and facility upgrades.
Alan, the city manager, told the council the plan consolidates projects funded by the general fund and user fees, introduces a capital planning and design program for major projects and is intended to strengthen long‑term fiscal stability. "These updates create clearer, stronger policies," he said, recommending approval.
The plan drew public comment from Mary Voss, who identified herself as a teacher and parent. Voss urged council to place a 1% sales‑tax referendum for school construction on the ballot if state law permits, and cited two state bills referenced during her remarks. "If city council passes this referendum, or places this referendum on the ballot and voters approve it, 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," she said, adding that many school buildings are decades old and overdue for renovation.
Vice Mayor proposed an amendment to add a planning and design project for Victory Landing Park so the city can assess needs and cost estimates for a shaded structure and event support. The manager explained the planning fund would allow due diligence and that any construction would return to council for approval. Council approved the revised resolution and the amendment on voice votes; the final vote to adopt the CIP was 7–0.
What happens next: council adoption places the CIP as the city’s capital framework ahead of the annual budget process; projects will require later appropriation and individual project approvals as design and cost estimates are developed. Mary Voss’s request to place a school‑construction tax referendum on the ballot will depend on the passage of the state bills she cited and any subsequent council action to place a referendum before voters.
