Clanton Connect | This Week in Norfolk: Council, Voting & Community Resources
COUNCILMAN CLANTON CONNECT
Week of October 27, 2026 Bridging, Building, Empowering Our Neighborhoods
Neighbors,
Welcome to this week’s Councilman Clanton Connect. This edition brings together City Council information, timely community resources, and opportunities to stay involved in Norfolk.
As we close out October, please take a moment to review the final week of early voting, share the winter heating-assistance information with someone who may need it, and stay connected with the work happening across our neighborhoods.
COUNCIL CONNECTION
Your City Council meets Tuesday
City Council meets Tuesday, October 27, with the work session beginning at 4 p.m. on the 10th floor of City Hall and the formal session beginning at 6 p.m.
The agenda includes a public hearing on a proposed reappropriation of up to $37.65 million for the 3700 Powhatan Avenue Pump Station. This proposal is before Council, not an action already approved.
To register to speak on agenda items, contact the City Clerk’s Office by 3 p.m. Tuesday at 757-664-4253 or CCOUNCIL@norfolk.gov. Review the meeting agenda.
AROUND NORFOLK
Final week of early voting
Early voting for the November 3 General & Special Elections ends Saturday, October 31, at 5 p.m.
City Hall, 810 Union Street: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Satellite locations: Tuesday, October 27; Thursday, October 29; and Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
The four satellite locations are:
Berkley Recreation Center, 121 W. Liberty Street
Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library, 1425 Norchester Avenue
Lambert’s Point Community Center, 1251 W. 42nd Street
Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, 111 W. Ocean View Avenue
Please use City Hall on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Check voting information and sample ballots.
For factual information about the school-construction sales-tax referendum, including permitted uses and exclusions, visit the City’s referendum information page.
On the Ballot: Understanding Norfolk's 1% School Capital Sales Tax Referendum
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
As we approach Election Day, I want to ensure Norfolk residents have clear, accurate information about an important question on this year's ballot: the proposed 1% School Capital Sales Tax Referendum.
The referendum asks voters whether to authorize the City of Norfolk to add up to 1% to the existing local sales tax, with the additional revenue dedicated exclusively to school construction and major renovations.
Here's what you should know:
The Proposed Tax: If voters approve the referendum and City Council subsequently adopts the tax, Norfolk's general sales tax rate would increase from 6% to 7%. That's an additional $1 on a $100 taxable purchase.
How Funds Could Be Used: Revenue would be legally restricted to qualifying school capital projects, including new construction, major renovations, and related debt service. It could not fund teacher salaries, daily operations, or routine school programs.
Potential Revenue: Norfolk Public Schools estimates the additional tax could generate approximately $40–$50 million annually.
School Facility Needs: Norfolk Public Schools has identified about $906 million in capital needs over the next 20 years, including $357 million in priorities during the first decade.
Expiration Date: The additional tax would expire on June 30, 2046.
Exemptions: Groceries and essential personal-hygiene products would remain exempt from the additional tax.
What happens after the vote?
A YES vote would authorize the City to implement the additional sales tax for qualifying school capital projects, subject to subsequent City Council action.
A NO vote would not authorize the additional tax, and school capital projects would continue to rely on existing funding sources.
An Informed Community Is an Empowered Community
As your representative on Norfolk City Council, I am responsible for helping ensure residents have the information they need to understand decisions affecting our community. This information is provided strictly for educational purposes and does not endorse either outcome.
I encourage every resident to review the official referendum information, understand what is being proposed, and make their own informed decision.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Transform ORF Updates
Here are some FRESH renders of the new ticketing hall and consolidated checkpoint. ORF is breaking ground in a little over a month! Learn more about all of the exciting updates coming to your airport at TransformORF.com
HOUSING & AFFORDABILITY
Looking at the full household budget
Housing affordability is about more than rent or a mortgage. Child care, groceries, and utilities also shape what families can afford. A new National League of Cities analysis examines these pressures nationwide and offers ideas for local leaders. These are national findings, not price estimates specific to Norfolk.
This broader perspective is important to our conversations about housing, economic opportunity, and family stability. Read the affordability analysis.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Help with winter heating costs
Norfolk’s winter Fuel Assistance application period is open through November 13, 2026. This program helps income-eligible households cover heating costs during the winter.
Fuel assistance provides support for:
Home heating costs
Furnace re-starts
Delivery charges
Installation charges
Connection or re-connection fees
Apply online through CommonHelp, call 1-855-635-4370, or obtain a paper application (in English or Spanish) from the Norfolk Department of Human Services at 741 Monticello Avenue. Eligibility requirements apply. View application options and details.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Report a neighborhood concern
Need to report a City service issue or follow up on a request? Start with MyNorfolk online or the mobile app. Include the location and key details, and keep your service request number to follow up.
Around Town with Councilman Clanton
Bridging, Building & Empowering Our Neighborhoods
It's been an exciting and productive few weeks across Norfolk! From celebrating new investments and expanding opportunities to connecting with residents and supporting our young people, I've been out in our neighborhoods doing the work that matters.
We were proud to welcome municipal leaders from across Virginia as Norfolk hosted the Virginia Municipal League (VML) Annual Conference, celebrated the grand opening of the new Target at Wards Corner, and marked an important milestone in housing affordability with the revitalization of The Estates at Talbot Park, bringing 295 renovated affordable housing units back to our community.
We also broke ground on projects that will strengthen Norfolk's future, including the new William A. Hunton YMCA and Next Steps to Success. Both represent meaningful investments in our neighborhoods, our young people, and the opportunities available to them.
Just as important have been the conversations and connections. From Teen Talk with Teens With a Purpose to Coffee with a Cop, I've appreciated the opportunities to listen, engage, and strengthen relationships throughout our community.
I'm also deeply grateful for two recent honors: the U.P.L.I.F.T. Award and the Church & Community Leadership Award presented by The Ark Global. Both recognitions are especially meaningful because they reflect the importance of service, faith, community partnerships, and the collective work of uplifting others. I share these honors with the residents, organizations, and community leaders who work every day to make Norfolk stronger.
And that's just a glimpse of what's been happening!
Every groundbreaking, ribbon-cutting, community conversation, and neighborhood visit represents another opportunity to move Norfolk forward.
There's still much work ahead, but I'm encouraged by the partnerships we're building and the progress we're making together.
Thank you for allowing me to serve. Let's keep bridging, building, and empowering our neighborhoods!
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
October 27: City Council work session, 4 p.m.; formal session, 6 p.m.
October 31: Early voting ends at 5 p.m.
November 3: Election Day
November 13: Fuel Assistance application deadline
November 23: Planned launch of Live with Councilman Clanton, 7–8 p.m. Guest and topic details to follow.
All times Eastern.
STAY CONNECTED
Have a neighborhood concern or an idea to share? Email carlos.clanton@norfolk.gov or visit CouncilmanClanton.com to request a conversation.
Thank you for staying engaged and helping keep our neighbors informed.
Councilman Carlos Clanton Superward 7 | Norfolk City Council
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