News & Events

NORFOLK, Va. – The City of Norfolk has been awarded Gold Certification the third year in a row from the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification for establishing exceptional data capabilities to inform policy, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate programs and engage residents. The What Works Cities Certification standard reflects the practices, policies and infrastructure municipalities must have in place to effectively harness data for better decision-making. With today’s announcement, 104 cities in North, Central and South America have now achieved the What Works Cities Certification distinction, and 700 cities have submitted assessments since 2017.

“The City of Norfolk is honored to have maintained the What Works Cities Gold Certification, a testament to our commitment to data-driven excellence and innovation,” said Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Ph.D. “We are proud to have strengthened transparency, improved efficiency and enhanced services that directly benefit our residents and businesses. This recognition reflects the hard work of our employees and our dedication to making Norfolk a more responsive, accountable and forward-thinking city.”

The What Works Cities Certification standard measures a city’s use of data based on 43 criteria. A city that achieves 51–67% of the 43 criteria is recognized at the Silver level of Certification, 68–84% is required to achieve Gold, and 85% or more is required to reach Platinum.

“At a time when people are questioning the role of government, and what good government looks like, governments must be better at using data to know what is and isn’t working – and that is what the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification stands for,” said Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director of the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification. “Over one hundred cities are now showing what is possible by investing the time, energy and political capital to shift the culture of how local government works.”

“The Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification is one of the largest-ever philanthropic efforts to improve how local governments use data to improve people’s lives,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “This work is helping reform-minded mayors across the Americas bring their organizations into the 21st century. Whether to stem housing shortages, reduce traffic fatalities or improve resident service and responsiveness, these city halls are tapping data, digital and artificial intelligence to rise to the challenge – and we are thrilled to support their progress.”

Norfolk was one of eight cities re-certified under the more rigorous criteria introduced in 2022. The others were Cambridge, Massachusetts; Little Rock, Arkansas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; South Bend, Indiana and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The What Works Cities Certification program, launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by Results for America, is the international standard of data excellence in city governance. The program is open to any city in North, Central or South America with a population of 30,000 or more.

To learn more about the What Works Cities Certification or to take the Assessment, visit whatworkscities.org.

About the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification:

The What Works Cities Certification program, launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by Results for America, is the first-of-its-kind standard of excellence for data-informed, well-managed local government. What Works Cities Certification recognizes and celebrates local governments for their exceptional use of data to inform policy decisions, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and engage residents.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.

About Results for America:

Results for America is helping decision-makers at all levels of government harness evidence and data to make progress on our greatest challenges. Our mission is to make investing in what works the “new normal,” so that when policymakers make decisions, they start by seeking the best evidence and data available, then use what they find to get better results. For more information, visit results4america.org.

November 18, 2025 — The Center for Digital Government (CDG) today announced the winners of the 2025 Digital Cities Survey Awards. The annual survey and awards program recognizes cities that are propelling city government innovation to new heights. From San José’s responsible use of AI to Tamarac’s Smart Parks initiative, this year’s honorees demonstrate how cities are turning technology into trust, measurable impact, and stronger communities.

“What stands out this year isn’t just the technology, it’s the focus on the impact on constituent services,” said Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer at the Center for Digital Government. “These cities are applying innovation where it matters most: keeping people housed, making streets safer, and building community trust. They’re showing that when technology is guided by purpose, it delivers results that citizens can feel.”

This year’s first-place winners by population category include:

• City of San José, Calif. (500,000 or more)
  San José shaped and advanced the GovAI Coalition’s policy agenda, applied privacy-first analytics to prevent housing evictions, and co-developed open-data road safety models with academic and civic partners. Strategic upskilling and data-driven service delivery support an agile, inclusive, and tech-enabled government.
• City of Long Beach, Calif. (250,000 – 499,999)
  Long Beach advanced cybersecurity, digital equity, and innovation initiatives through programs like Pitch Long Beach! and the Long Beach Collaboratory, increasing resident trust in its city innovation from 47% to over 95%.
• City of Scottsdale, Ariz. (125,000 – 249,999)
  Scottsdale is modernizing IT and public services through AI initiatives, drone-assisted public safety, and a real-time Smart Water Grid, with a strong focus on community engagement and data security.
• City of South Bend, Ind. (75,000 – 124,999)
  South Bend enhanced collaboration and community safety via the Real-Time Crime Center and the Commuters Trust transportation program, improving efficiency, accessibility, and the overall resident experience.
• City of Tamarac, Fla. (up to 75,000)
  Tamarac is boosting operations and digital equity through AI-driven programs like the Omni-Channel Call Center and Smart Parks, supported by multi-year technology planning.

“When government doesn’t work, people don’t trust it,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “By bringing both the technology and the culture of innovation that defines Silicon Valley into City Hall, we’re finally moving the needle on the problems our residents are demanding we solve. Thanks in part to our robust ALPR system, San José is the safest big city in the nation. Thanks to our bus route optimization, we’ve shortened transit commutes by nearly 20%. Thanks to our AI-powered translation services, we’ve increased access to civic life for all our residents. Technology is making our neighbors’ lives better. And with permitting, homelessness prevention, and object detection AI pilots in the works, this is just the beginning.”

“I’m incredibly proud that Long Beach has once again been recognized as a top Digital City for an unprecedented fifth year in a row,” said Lea Eriksen, director of Technology and Innovation and chief information officer for the City of Long Beach. “This honor reflects the hard work of our Technology and Innovation team, our partners across all city departments, and the strong support of our mayor and City Council for investing in technology that truly serves our community.”

Population of 500,000 or more
1st City of San Jose, CA
2nd City of Los Angeles, CA
3rd City of San Diego, CA
4th City of Charlotte, NC
4th City of Seattle, WA
5th City of Boston, MA
6th City of Mesa, AZ
7th City of Austin, TX
8th City of Albuquerque, NM
9th City of Phoenix, AZ
10th City and County of Denver, CO

Population of 250,000-499,999
1st City of Long Beach, CA
2nd City of Wichita, KS
3rd City of Virginia Beach, VA
4th City of Chandler, AZ
5th City of Riverside, CA
6th Town of Gilbert, AZ
7th City of Durham, NC
8th City of Miami, FL

Population of 125,000-249,999
1st City of Scottsdale, AZ
2nd City of Roseville, CA
3rd City of Bellevue, WA
4th City of Columbia, MO
5th City of Norfolk, VA
5th City of Olathe, KS
6th City of Baton Rouge, LA
7th City of Corona, CA
7th City of Frisco, TX
8th City of Grand Prairie, TX
9th City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
10th City of Alexandria, VA

Population of 75,000-124,999
1st City of South Bend, IN
2nd City of Carson, CA
3rd City of North Port, FL
4th City of Avondale, AZ
5th City of Independence, MO
6th City of Westminster, CO
7th City of Lynchburg, VA
7th City of Roanoke, VA
8th Village of Schaumburg, IL
9th City of Thousand Oaks, CA
10th City of Carlsbad, CA

Population of up to 75,000
1st City of Tamarac, FL
2nd City of Marietta, GA
3rd City of Gainesville, GA
4th City of Coral Gables, FL
5th Village of Tinley Park, IL
6th City of Danville, VA
6th City of Punta Gorda, FL
7th City of Newark, CA
7th City of Delray Beach, FL
8th City of Kalamazoo, MI
9th City of Williamsburg, VA
10th City of Dunwoody, GA

To view the awards article and winner summaries, CLICK HERE.

CDG extends thanks to corporate partners supporting this milestone year: Premier Members – Amazon Web Services, CGI, Smartsheet, and Warshall; Corporate Members – Accela, EY, Genesys, Granicus/Carahsoft, SHI Public Sector, and Tyler Technologies.

Top Priorities Driving City Innovation in 2025
CDG’s survey identifies the top priorities shaping city technology agendas this year, led again by a focus on security, automation, and equity.

1. Cybersecurity (top priority for 11th consecutive year)
2. AI, Generative AI, and Machine Learning
3. Budget and Cost Control
4. Business Process Automation
5. Constituent/Customer Engagement
6. Disaster Recovery and Continuity of Operations
7. Business Intelligence and Analytics
8. Application Modernization
9. Data Governance and Open Data
10. Talent Management

Top 5 most pressing challenges your city faced in the past year:
1. Funding constraints including multiyear funding
2. Staff shortages
3. Federal or state policies and/or legal constraints
4. Social issues such as homelessness, immigration
5. Federal or state-mandated responsibilities transferred to cities

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• On average, two-thirds of cities reported the top areas of GenAI use in cybersecurity, threat detection, and personal productivity.
• More than a third of respondents are actively identifying use cases with GenAI.
• Just over a third have implemented some or all of the survey’s suite of 27 tools, signaling a major shift in digital government readiness.

Celebrating Digital Leadership
Winners will be honored at the Digital Cities Awards Dinner during the National League of Cities “City Summit” on November 19, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City hotel.

Earlier that day, CDG will host a workshop, “Efficiency, Talent, and Transformation: A Shared Playbook for CIOs and City Leaders,” from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. MT. The session will bring together technology and city leaders to exchange strategies for operational excellence, workforce innovation, and digital transformation.

About the Center for Digital Government
The Center for Digital Government (CDG) is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. A division of e.Republic, CDG provides insight, benchmarking, and recognition programs to support innovation across the public sector.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. (CSI) is acquiring its fourth drydock, marking a significant milestone for the oldest continuously operating family-owned shipyard in the United States. According to company officials, the new drydock represents a major company investment of over $79 million. Drydock #4 is expected to have an approximate lifting capacity of 25,000 tons, positioning CSI to further enhance its capabilities in providing critical ship repair and maintenance services to a diverse range of maritime clients.

“‘Made in America’ means ‘Made in Virginia,’ and with this major investment by Colonna’s Shipyard, that is especially true for America’s naval shipbuilding and commercial maritime industry,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The acquisition of this new drydock is not just an investment in infrastructure, it’s an investment in the long-term strength of our national defense and commercial fleet support. I congratulate CSI on this exciting new chapter and applaud their ongoing commitment to growth in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Together, we’re ensuring that Virginia remains the premier hub for shipbuilding and repair on the East Coast and across the nation.”

“I’ve witnessed first-hand the growth and success of Colonna’s Shipyard over the years,” said Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “As home to the world’s largest military installation, a best-in-class port and other top-tier infrastructure, there’s no better place for Colonna’s Shipyard to make this strategic investment. I’m excited to see shipbuilding continue to thrive in the Commonwealth as our nation renews focus on this critically important industry.”

“This new drydock acquisition is a testament to our continued dedication to quality service, on-time delivery, and our steadfast focus on the future,” said Randall Crutchfield, Chairman & CEO of Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. “The expansion of our drydock capacity will further strengthen our ability to serve both our commercial and government clients, ensuring that we can meet their ever-evolving needs with unmatched expertise and reliability. This investment is also a continued commitment to our employees and the economic vitality of Norfolk’s industrial working waterfront, which has been an integral part of our success for over a century.”

“Colonna’s Shipyard has been a cornerstone of Norfolk’s economy and maritime identity for more than 145 years,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander. “This $79 million investment not only strengthens Norfolk’s position as a national leader in ship repair and innovation, but also reflects the company’s enduring commitment to our people, our port, and our future. The expansion of Colonna’s drydock capacity will create opportunity, sustain good-paying jobs, and ensure our city’s working waterfront continues to thrive for generations to come.”

The Drydock #4 Project is slated for delivery in the first half of 2028, continuing CSI’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernize its facilities to meet the growing demand for ship repair and conversion services. Over the past decade, Norfolk-based CSI has invested more than $150 million to grow shipbuilding and sustainment capacity within its U.S. facilities.

Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center, operated by Nauticus, announced an expanded slate of cruise ship port calls from the world’s fourth-largest cruise company, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). In 2027, the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Pearl is scheduled to call on Norfolk each week from April to August. These newly-added visits — 20 in total — represent one of the largest port-of-call commitments in Norfolk’s history and will introduce approximately 49,000 additional cruise ship passengers to the Hampton Roads region. Unlike Carnival Cruise Line’s year-round calls in which passengers set sail for the Bahamas or Bermuda, NCL’s 2027 port-of-call activity positions Norfolk as an itinerary stop. While in town passengers can opt to take guided excursions or explore the region on their own.

“We’ll have the opportunity to welcome nearly 2,500 additional passengers and a thousand crew members every single Tuesday for five months,” said Nauticus executive director, Stephen E. Kirkland. “That activity, coupled with our Carnival sailings each weekend, represents a broadening economic impact for this entire region.”

In February, the Carnival Sunshine began sailing weekly from Norfolk’s cruise terminal; Nauticus has welcomed more than 180,000 unique passenger visits so far this year. Other cruise lines scheduled to visit in 2025 and 2026 include Holland America, Princess, TUI Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Azamara, Seabourn, and Viking.

About Cruise Norfolk: The Half Moone Center is located at Nauticus along the downtown Norfolk waterfront. The 80,000 sq. ft. facility is home to Virginia’s only cruise ship program. Cruise Norfolk offers passengers a unique setting from which to begin and end their cruise as it shares its space with Nauticus’ Maritime Discovery Center, sailing center and the historic Battleship Wisconsin.

About Nauticus: Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to Stern programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Congress recently approved legislation spearheaded by President Donald Trump that eliminates thousands of dollars in incentives for homeowners who invest in solar energy.

If you’ve been considering going solar, now is the time.

Solar installers in Hampton Roads say they’re seeing a surge in demand for rooftop panels as homeowners seek to get a federal tax credit that expires at the end of this year.

“Business is exploding right now,” said Nolie Diakoulas, director of business development for Virginia Beach-based Convert Solar, which operates statewide.

The federal tax credit “has been a very, very large driver over the past 13 years or so that we’ve been in business,” he said. “Specifically, right now, people are understanding, ‘Oh, wait a second, it’s going away.’”

The Investment Tax Credit first started rewarding homeowners who installed solar in 2006, but the amount fluctuated over the years. President Joe Biden’s signature climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, expanded and stabilized the credit by setting it at 30% through 2032.

President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, recently passed by Congress, gets rid of the residential credit, along with several others meant to help stimulate growth in clean energy.

People who want to take advantage before it expires will have to have panels installed and in service by Dec. 31.

Diakoulas said the cost of home solar systems varies depending on the size, but the average is about $30,000, which can be paid with cash or through loan financing.

That means the tax credit saves homeowners an average of $9,000 in upfront costs, which he said is often a deciding factor for customers. People without a tax liability that large can split the credit across several years.

Donny Damon, who lives in the Thoroughgood area of Virginia Beach, installed panels through Convert Solar a few years ago, and said it was a “no-brainer.”

“We want to comply with what’s going on in the world and try not to use as much energy – and, of course, get the tax credit,” he said.

Damon said his monthly electric bill is now less than $8 per month, with the solar panels covering a majority of electricity needs even in the peak summer heat.

He pointed to his thermostat set at 64 degrees. “I keep it frosty in here, because I can.”

Deborah Arenstein is program manager with Solarize Virginia, an outreach initiative of the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program based in Charlottesville. Rising energy costs are another big reason she encourages the switch.

The regional power grid operator recently held an auction that set record-high prices for electricity, amid surging demand from data centers and delays in new energy projects.

“Energy prices are going up,” Arenstein said. “By going solar, it is guaranteed that your electric bills will not be going up (significantly) over time.”

Dominion Energy is also proposing changes to a different type of credit that benefits homeowners, called net metering.

“If you produce more energy than you are using, you’re banking it, which means that you can then access that energy when you are not producing as much, without a charge,” Arenstein said.

The current ratio is 1:1, meaning if you produce one extra kilowatt-hour, that’s the same amount you earn back. Dominion plans to reduce the ratio of return starting next year.

Each year, Solarize requests proposals from solar installers and selects vetted companies to offer discounted pricing to its participants.

The group recently extended its deadline for interested homeowners to sign up for the 2025 program through Aug.15, allowing people an additional window to secure tax credits.

Diakoulas said the cutoff for Convert Solar to accept new orders that can be completed in time will likely be around mid-October.

Installers will then shift their focus toward the leasing model of rooftop solar, in which a third party owns and maintains the system, while the homeowner pays a set monthly fee.

Virginia’s General Assembly only started allowing solar leasing last year. That change is now key to keeping solar companies alive, Diakoulas said.

But he worries the elimination of tax credits will likely put smaller installers out of business.

Bold murals, naval vessels, and calming waters greet you in Norfolk, where the relaxing qualities of a coastal destination meet the energizing elements of an artsy urban city. From glassblowing demonstrations to Filipino eateries, here’s where to go in this southeastern Virginia treasure. This story is part of our July Explore Virginia by Train issue. Check back as we share additional weekend trips in Virginia that are just a train ride away.

What to Do

Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world and the North American headquarters for NATO. Begin your trip by visiting Nauticus, a maritime discovery center appropriate for all ages, with interactive exhibitions illuminating Norfolk’s naval legacy. Located within the museum, the Nautical Neighborhood Aquarium explores animals found in the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay. Included in Nauticus admission is the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Take a self-guided or guided tour of the behemoth WWII vessel. Adventurous families can even opt to stay overnight on the ship for as little as $120 a person, sleeping in the original berthing that military members did.

Ten years ago, the city designated its first arts district, the NEON District (“New Energy of Norfolk”) to revitalize a historically commercial corridor. It’s bloomed into a vibrant hub for arts and culture, with more than 60 large murals, along with galleries and public art installations. The district is anchored by the Chrysler Museum of Art, a renowned regional art museum with more than 30,000 works of art, most notably a glass collection that features more than 10,000 objects, from ancient Roman vessels to modern glass art. Adjacent to the museum, the Perry Glass Studio hosts live glassblowing demonstrations and workshops.

Take a break from urban charms to explore the natural attractions of the area, such as the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the largest botanical garden in Virginia. At Hermitage Museum & Gardens, rotating indoor and outdoor exhibitions often include large-scale sculptures thoughtfully placed in the 12 acres of gardens. Through October 12, you can see the work of New Orleans artist Walker Babington in the exhibition Burden of the Beast, including a 30-foot sculpture constructed from salvaged materials like hurricane debris and Mardi Gras floats.

Where to Dine

Start the day with a fried chicken and sweet potato biscuit at Handsome Biscuit, a casual comfort-food spot that was a finalist in _Garden & Gun’_s Best Biscuit in the South contest. The Norfolk area has one of the largest Filipino American populations in the country, and its dining scene reflects that. Head to Maymar Norfolk for authentic adobo or Lumpia House for the veggie-packed spring rolls. For a taste of history, stop for ice cream at Doumar’s, where waffle cones are still rolled on the original machines from 1905. Owner Abe invented the world’s first waffle cone. Freemason Abbey boasts upscale dining and Southern staples in a converted church circa 1873. Or dine on Moroccan specialties in a cozy bistro atmosphere at Omar’s Carriage House.

Where to Stay

Stay on the downtown waterfront at the sleek, upscale Hilton Norfolk The Main to be close to cultural attractions. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best food and nightlife in town. Take in views of the city and the Elizabeth River at its rooftop beer garden, Grain, where live music plays most nights, and feast on some of the best seafood in town (including a raw bar) and sip Virginia wine on the menu at Saltine. Also downtown, the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery showcases works from artists like Dale Chihuly and has a stylish French-inspired restaurant.

NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk waterfront is bustling — and not just with locals.

With year-round cruise service now in full swing at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, thousands of visitors are arriving each month by sea, bringing a wave of tourism and economic activity with them.

City leaders and tourism officials say this surge in cruise traffic is transforming Norfolk into more than just a seasonal stop — it’s becoming a major East Coast cruise hub.

“We all want to succeed and show people the gem that the city is,” said Sarah Hughes, vice president of marketing and communications for VisitNorfolk.

Thanks to Carnival’s expanded service, Norfolk is now welcoming ships on a near-weekly basis. According to Hughes, interest has skyrocketed.

“That is the top-performing section on our website ever since we launched it in February,” she said.

So far, more than 173,000 passengers have come through the Half Moone center this year, making it the busiest cruise season the city has ever seen.

“It is by far our biggest year yet,” said Stephen Kirkland, director of Nauticus. “That will continue for weeks and weeks and years and years to come. It’s a huge activity.”

The impact is already being felt downtown, where restaurants, boutiques and museums are benefiting from the influx of foot traffic.

“They’re definitely seeing people come in a day or two early,” Hughes said. “We’ve been trying to be a connector — creating synergy between the businesses and the larger events.”

With Norfolk’s walkable downtown, waterfront attractions and growing food scene, officials say their goal is to turn a quick cruise stop into a full-blown destination experience.

“Our job is to roll out the red carpet,” said Kirkland. “We’ve got the greatest party list in town. Let’s enjoy everything there is.”

With more than half the year left in this inaugural full-service season, Nauticus is looking ahead.

“You will see us growing our port-of-call business mid-week,” Kirkland added. “Those are typically during the week, and our home port activity is on the weekend.”

Norfolk remains the only cruise terminal between Baltimore, Maryland, and Jacksonville, Florida, giving the city a unique opportunity to expand its role in East Coast cruise tourism.

To check cruise schedules or find out what’s happening downtown, head to the VisitNorfolk website.

NORFOLK, Va. — Military bases across Hampton Roads and Virginia could see more funding for military construction under Congress’s proposed defense budget.

The U.S. Navy could also see two more Virginia-class submarines in the Senate version of the $866 billion defense budget.

The legislation includes a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, $3.1 billion for Virginia-class submarine procurement, and more than $18 billion in military construction funding, including $1.5 billion for barracks, housing and childcare.

Here’s how much funding could be allocated by the Department of Defense under the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:

Military construction

Some funding is being allocated toward military construction projects across the country.

Naval Station Norfolk is set to receive more than $1.5 billion for improvements. This includes:

• $380,000 for a public-private unaccompanied housing investment
• $188,576 for Dry Dock 3 modernization
• $11,700 to complete a child development center
• $93,307 toward electrical distribution center upgrades
• $20,430 for MQ-25 aircraft laydown facilities

Marine Corps Base Quantico is set to receive roughly $63.5 million for construction projects. A little more than $63,000 will go toward a water treatment plant.

Joint Base Langley-Eustis would receive $49 million under the proposed budget, including:

• $49,000 for a fuel system maintenance dock
• $15,000 for a Targeting ISR Critical Communications Data Facility

The Pentagon would receive $34 million, including $34,000 toward an operations facility.

Virginia’s funding could also include more than $12,000 to complete a child development center at Joint Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

The Dam Neck installation could also receive $26 million for its SOP Operations Building Addition. This is extended from Fiscal Year 2023.

As the funding is proposed at this time, military officials in Hampton Roads were unable to comment further about any potential projects.

Hunt Military Communities becomes more hands-on as the Navy ramps up effort to privatize barracks housing.

Hunt Military Communities is negotiating with the Navy to build 8,000 new units of barracks at Naval Station Norfolk, according to the company.

Navy officials told WHRO that they are working on a plan to privatize barracks housing throughout Hampton Roads. The Navy notified Congress in November that it intended to solicit bids.

Hunt is looking at property inside Naval Station Norfolk and will seek private financing. The company hopes to have a deal put together within six months.

The Navy wants to have more options for sailors living on ships, said Hunt CEO Brian Stann.

“The Navy really looked at it and did not feel that that was the quality of life they wanted long term for their sailors, and that was in line with them being able to have the best naval fighting force that they could have,” Stann said of the Navy’s current housing options.

Hunt owns Homeport Hampton Roads. Originally developed in 2007, the 3,600-bed project in Norfolk and Newport News is an early public-private partnership with the Navy.

The company rehabilitated existing barracks and built new housing for junior sailors. It is one of two Navy pilot projects to expand private housing for junior sailors. The other is in San Diego.

Anticipating a larger contract, Hunt recently announced it bought out American Campus Communities, which had been managing Homeport Hampton Roads.

“We have owned the project for some time, but we had hired a third party to do the property management,” Stann said. “This was years ago before Hunt was a more sophisticated, more robust property manager in the military housing space.”

Hunt expects the market for privatized housing to grow throughout the services, he said.

Hunt is already one of the largest operators of private military housing throughout the country.

More than a decade ago, each of the services turned over nearly all family housing to several private contractors. Beginning in 2017, the contracts came under intense scrutiny from the military and Congressional investigations after families complained of sub-standard conditions, including mold and rodents.

There have been changes since then, Stann said.

“Congress, the military and the private partners all work together to make some reforms really giving residents a better voice, giving them an opportunity to dispute different things that maybe they’re not happy with,” he said.

Barracks operate differently than the family housing. Junior sailors rotate in and out of the barracks, as they deploy, leaving their rooms empty.

The existing Homeport project has a 97% occupancy rate. The new project is expected to resemble college dorms, with two rooms sharing a common kitchen. It will be built with a combination of funding from the Navy and private financing over five years, Stann said.

NORFOLK, Va. – The City of Norfolk will begin a major rehabilitation project on the Shore Dr. Bridge over Little Creek. Construction is scheduled to start on Nov. 25 and is expected to be complete by May 2025.

This project will address key structural updates and ensure long-term durability for one of the City’s vital transportation routes. The scope of work includes repairing concrete spalls and delamination in the bridge superstructure, installing an epoxy deck overlay, applying waterproof sealant to concrete elements, and new lane striping and pavement markings.

Construction and traffic Impacts:

• Construction will occur on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional weekend work as needed.
• Single-lane and alternating lane closures for the project’s duration with a maximum open lane width of 11 feet.

Motorists are advised to plan for potential delays. Electronic message boards will be in place before and throughout the project.

The City of Norfolk is committed to minimizing this project’s impact on daily commutes while ensuring the bridge rehabilitation is completed efficiently and safely.

NORFOLK, Va. – On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the City of Norfolk successfully sold $60 million in Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, refinancing existing Water Revenue Bonds and achieving approximately $16.9 million in total savings over the life of the bonds, underscoring the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and stewardship of public funds.

The bonds were sold at a competitive true interest cost of 3.83% and included both a current refunding and a forward delivery refunding, ensuring continued cost savings and providing the capacity for further investment in the City’s water infrastructure.  Combined, this transaction reduced the City’s debt service payments by $16.9 million over the life of the bonds.

In October 2024, ahead of the bond sale, Norfolk’s Water Revenue Bonds received an upgraded credit rating of ‘AAA’ from Fitch Ratings.  This reflects the City’s strong financial profile and effective fiscal management.  The upgrade increased the market appeal of the bonds, benefiting both the City and its investors.