Hampton staff present 2026 legislative priorities; council briefed on key budget requests

City officials presented a draft package of legislative priorities and budget requests ahead of the General Assembly session, asking council to review the proposals before staff returns for formal adoption.

Ed Reid, the city's legislative liaison, told council the package will be presented for approval on November 12 and includes resiliency and natural‑resource priorities, protection of local land‑use authority, and public safety positions. He highlighted three city‑specific funding requests: $770,000 to reestablish the Hampton Health District (recurring), $2,500,000 to restore previously vetoed Safer Communities program funding, and a $4,400,000 request to support repairs and historic resource work at Fort Wool. "That number that you see there is an estimate, that would be needed on behalf of the Virginia Department of Health for the creation of this or reestablishment of the Hampton Health District," Reid said.

Council members discussed a range of additions and edits, including local authority topics (accessory dwelling units and nuisance enforcement), and asked staff to monitor prospective bills on parking minimums and telecommunications taxes. Reid flagged that the session and budget timeline will be compressed this fall and winter, with the governor introducing the budget on Dec. 17 and the regular session slated to begin Jan. 14. No final votes were taken at the work session; staff will bring a final package for council adoption at a later meeting.