Councilman Clanton's Mid-Year Impact Report 2025
- Carlos Clanton
- 21 minutes ago
- 7 min read
A Message from Councilman Carlos Clanton
Dear Neighbors of Superward 7,
I’m honored to share with you the Mid-Year Impact Report—a transparent update on the progress we’ve made together from January to June 2025. Serving our community is both my responsibility and my passion, and this report reflects the strides we are taking toward a stronger, more connected Norfolk.
At the heart of this work is our theme: “Bridging, Building, and Empowering Our Neighborhoods.” This means:
Bridging — connecting people, resources, and opportunities to close gaps across our communities.
Building — investing in housing, infrastructure, education, and economic growth that strengthen our neighborhoods.
Empowering — ensuring every resident has a voice and the tools to thrive.
In this report, you’ll find:
Updates on our platform priorities: public safety, affordable housing, economic development, education and youth, and environmental resilience.
Key milestones we’ve achieved, such as safer streets, new infrastructure, and progress on the St. Paul’s transformation.
Ongoing projects across multiple departments — from General Services, Transportation, and Utilities to Parks & Recreation, Housing, Cultural Facilities, Resilience, and Development — all working to deliver results for our neighborhoods.
A look ahead at what’s next for the second half of 2025, from expanding bike lanes and enhancing recreation facilities to advancing housing and community initiatives.
The first six months of this year have shown what we can accomplish when we come together with purpose and persistence. The next six months promise even more opportunities to bridge divides, build stronger communities, and empower every neighborhood in Superward 7.
Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your partnership in this vital work.
Together, we are shaping the future of Norfolk.
With gratitude and commitment,
Councilman Carlos Clanton
Norfolk City Council, Superward 7
BY THE NUMBERS
Committees, Commissions, and Task Force Appointments
Board of Directors and Executive Committee, VisitNorfolk
Advisory Board, Tidewater Council of the Boy Scouts of America
Board of Directors, G.W.C. Brown Legacy Education Fund
Member, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Board
Member, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Regional Housing Study Committee
Co-Chair, Mayor’s Housing Commission
Co-Chair, Mayor’s St. Paul’s Advisory Commission
Appointee, National League of Cities’ REAL Council (Race, Equity and Leadership)
Member, NBC-LEO (National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials)
Member, Virginia Municipal League (VML)
Member, Virginia First Cities Coalition
Focus Item | Action Item | Status |
Establish Comprehensive Housing Policy | Championed the creation and adoption of the Mayor's Housing Commission | Completed |
Mixed‑income redevelopment, right to return, neighborhood stability | St. Paul’s/Kindred revitalization, street elevation, and 22‑acre floodable park, road grid build‑out | Funded FY26, In progress |
St. Paul’s Phase 1 Redevelopment completed May 2025 | Completed | |
Transparent delivery in St. Paul’s | St. Paul’s Phase 2 Redevelopment continues to include phased infrastructure, housing starts, and resident services reporting. Project completion is expected in January 2027. | Ongoing |
Increase supply through public‑private partnerships. | Continue mixed‑income housing phases tied to infrastructure delivery | Funded FY26, Programmed out‑years |
Ballentine Place, Berkley, and Bromley neighborhoods are undergoing water and sewer infrastructure upgrades to support sustainable development. | Ongoing | |
Further expansion of housing infrastructure and upgrades to water mains in various neighborhoods. | Upcoming | |
Housing Resources | Hosted Housing Seminar in partnership with NRHA, Norfolk Housing Department at NSU on June 21, 2025. 200+ registered attendees. | Completed |
Focus Item | Action Item | Status |
Street repair, lighting, stormwater basics | Westminster Ave reconstruction, curb and drainage improvements | Funded FY26 |
Parks, libraries, and cultural assets | Parks and Recreation operations increase, Library operations, Virginia Zoo facility repairs, and generators | Funded FY26, In progress |
Work with civic leagues in planning and delivery | Project coordination briefings and field schedules shared with the Superward 7 civic leagues. | In progress |
Broadband and digital access | Coordinate with regional partners for digital equity projects using existing capital corridors. | Programmed out‑years, Policy |
Community centers and youth programming | Operating support for recreation centers and after‑school activities within Parks, Recreation, and Culture | Funded FY26 |
Azalea Ballfield Concession improvements (community recreation infrastructure) | Completed | |
Norview Community Center exterior repairs and splashpad upgrades, enhancing community spaces | Completed | |
Continued support for neighborhood commercial infrastructure improvements and small business facilitation. | Upcoming | |
Booker T. Washington High School tennis court rehabilitation completed; enhanced recreational facilities, April 2025 | Completed | |
Norview Middle School tennis court rehabilitation progressing toward enhanced recreational facilities, expected completion Fall 2025 | Upcoming | |
Titustown community historic study funded ($100,000 secured), supporting cultural education and historical preservation | Ongoing |
Focus Item | Action Item | Status |
Fully resource police and fire, recruit and retain | 2.5% general wage increase citywide effective July 1, 2025, step increases for sworn Police, Fire‑Rescue, and 911, begin phase‑in of step‑and‑grade plan | Funded FY26 |
Modern, reliable public safety facilities | Police Operations Center and Sheriff/Jail facility repairs and systems upgrades | Funded FY26, In progress |
Vision Zero, safer streets for all users | Signal and crossing upgrades, including Tidewater Dr. and Marvin Ave, intersection safety at N. Military Hwy and VB Blvd | Funded FY26 |
Faster emergency response and resilience | Central Energy Plant reliability improvements supporting core facilities | Funded FY26 |
Implemented reduced speed limit (20 mph) on Oakmont Drive to address resident safety concerns | Completed | |
The traffic pattern on Bagnall Street has been successfully changed to one-way to improve neighborhood safety. | Completed | |
Speed enforcement cameras are active in school zones, with summons issuance beginning in February 2025 | Ongoing | |
Lafayette Blvd Safety Study ongoing, with public engagement set for October 2025 | Ongoing | |
Safe Streets 4 All Safety Action Plan approved by Council in June, with data dashboard forthcoming | Ongoing | |
Implementation of recommended improvements from the Lafayette Blvd Safety Study. | Upcoming |
Focus Item | Action Item | Status |
Keep the real estate tax rate stable | Real estate tax rate held at $1.23 per $100 assessed value | Funded FY26 |
Manage debt service responsibly | General Fund debt service reduction year over year | Funded FY26 |
Protect core services without broad tax increases | Targeted fee adjustments for refuse collection and parking to keep systems solvent | Funded FY26 |
Transparent budgeting | Publish easy‑to‑read resident summaries and ward‑specific briefings | In progress |
Focus Item | Action Item | Status |
Strong public schools | Operating transfer to Norfolk Public Schools increased to approximately $450.35M | Funded FY26 |
Modern school facilities and buses | CIP support, including Maury High School design and construction start, and school bus acquisition | Funded FY26, In progress |
Workforce training and good jobs | Compensation plan improvements for the city workforce, support for apprenticeship and seasonal pipelines through Parks and city operations | Funded FY26 |
Early learning, youth, and families | Recreation programming, libraries, and community‑based youth initiatives | Funded FY26 |
Mental health and community well‑being | Maintain partnerships and access points through city facilities and service coordination. | In progress |
Shoop Park and Norview Recreation Center Splashpads were made operational for youth recreation in May 2025 | Completed | |
Completion of educational facility upgrades (e.g., Norview Middle School). | Upcoming |
Focus Item | Action Item | Status |
Coastal protection for people and jobs | Harbor Park waterline relocation and enabling works for the U.S. Army Corps CSRM floodwalls and pump stations | Funded FY26, In progress |
Neighborhood drainage relief | Glenrock drainage improvements, Overbrook/Coleman Place Phase 2 design and construction in out‑years | Funded FY26 (Glenrock), Programmed out‑years (Overbrook/ Coleman Place) |
Pump stations and reliability | Tidewater Drive Pump Station rehabilitation | In progress |
Clean, safe water systems | Water system investments for regulatory compliance, including Lead and Copper Rule implementation, AMI metering, and primary replacements | Funded FY26, Programmed out‑years |
Riverside Cemetery shoreline stabilization and wetland planting completed in June 2025 to mitigate erosion. | Completed | |
LED Streetlight conversion pilot project planned for late Summer/Fall 2025, contributing to energy efficiency goals | Ongoing | |
Expansion of environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects and energy efficiency initiatives. | Upcoming |
Focus Item | Action Item | Status |
Strategic corridors and hubs | N. Military Hwy and VB Blvd intersection improvements near the Military Circle area | Funded FY26 |
Downtown accessibility and commerce | Two‑hour free parking in downtown garages, meter adjustments for system sustainability | Funded FY26 |
Support small businesses and neighborhood retail | Safer crossings and signal upgrades to improve foot traffic and access | Funded FY26 |
Tourism and cultural economy | Virginia Zoo facility enhancements and reliability projects | Funded FY26, In progress |
Economic Development | Major renovation of Harbor Park (sports/concert venue), including ADA-compliant restrooms, concourse upgrades, and drainage improvements | Ongoing |
Economic Development | Norfolk Casino's temporary site is set to open in November 2025—the current project is on track. | Upcoming |
Supporting Small Businesses | Partnered with the Selden Market and DNC to hold the first annual Biz Local event at the Selden Market in support of local Norfolk businesses. | Completed |
Economic Development | The Norfolk International Airport is currently undergoing a $1.3 billion renovation. https://transformorf.com/ | Ongoing |
Superward 7 City Department Updates
Department of General Services
Completed HVAC replacements and plumbing upgrades at City Jail Towers 1 & 2.
Harbor Park ADA restroom renovation underway.
Completed repairs at Norview Community Center and Shoop Park splashpad.
Repairs to Attucks Theater and Sherwood Forest Community Center have been initiated.
Department of Transportation
Granby Bike Lane Project Awarded; Construction Start Targeted for Summer 2025.
Completed multimodal improvements along N Military Hwy, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Campostella Bridge Rehabilitation is underway with expected completion by Fall 2025.
Initiated Lafayette Blvd Safety Study with strong community engagement.
Department of Utilities
The Ballentine Place Phase 1 Water & Sewer Replacement project is on schedule for completion in March 2026.
Berkley 20" Water Main Corridor and Bromley PS 46 sewer replacement projects are progressing well.
Lake Wright dredging and pump station rehabilitation are scheduled for completion by summer 2025.
Department of Public Works
Fire-Rescue Station #11 construction is 90% complete, with an expected operational date of Fall 2025.
Norview Middle School's tennis courts renovation project is moving forward swiftly.
Northside Park's major transformation is in the design stage (80% completed).
Completed significant shoreline management and landscaping at Riverside Cemetery.
Department of Parks and Recreation
Operational upgrades at multiple recreation centers, including Titustown Recreation and Visual Arts Center.
Conducted needs assessment for the Berkley Community Center and the Eastside Recreation Center feasibility study.
Department of Housing and Community Development
Continued active engagement with the Mayor’s Housing Commission to develop a comprehensive housing strategy.
Department of Neighborhood Services
Addressed community concerns promptly, including illegal parking, potholes, tree removals, and illegal housing operations.
Improved community notification processes regarding local business operations.
Cultural Facilities
Initiated improvements at Attucks Theater, enhancing cultural amenities.
Maintenance and upgrades at Norfolk Zoo, including significant repairs at the Africa Walkway and animal care facilities.
Resilience
Advanced shoreline stabilization and wetlands restoration projects to protect community infrastructure and natural resources.
Continued implementation of environmental sustainability practices across multiple city projects.
Department of Development
Ongoing infrastructure projects supporting local economic growth and community development.
Coordination and implementation of multimodal transportation enhancements.
Major Projects and Infrastructure
Granby Bike Lane Project: Awarded, and construction anticipated to start mid-summer 2025.
Multimodal Improvements: N Military Hwy bike and pedestrian paths completed July 2025.
Campostella Bridge Rehabilitation: 50% complete, expected completion Fall 2025
Looking Ahead (Next 6 Months)
Complete implementation of Safe Streets 4 All Safety Action Plan initiatives.
Finalize Norview Middle School facility improvements.
Launch full-scale construction for the Granby Bike Lanes project.
Begin public outreach and engagement for the Southside Bike Lane Network.
Progress further on St. Paul’s Phase 2 Redevelopment and additional housing projects.
Provide updates on the future of the Military Circle Development
Present to the City Council a Comprehensive Housing Policy
Approve the City's Comprehensive Plan NFK2050