FY27 Budget Investments in Our Community

One of the most important responsibilities of the City Council is to adopt a budget that reflects our residents' priorities while positioning Norfolk for long-term success.

After months of community meetings, public hearings, and thoughtful discussion, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). While there were differing opinions throughout the process, I remained focused on advocating for investments that strengthen our neighborhoods, improve the quality of life, and create opportunities for residents across our city.

This year's budget includes significant investments in public safety, public education, housing, infrastructure, economic development, and community amenities.

Key Investments Include:

🏫 Supporting Public Education

• An $8 million increase in local funding for Norfolk Public Schools, bringing total local operating support to $173.2 million.

• Continued investment in school facilities and capital improvements, including the rebuild of Maury High School.

👮 Enhancing Public Safety

• The addition of 34 firefighters to support the implementation of a four-shift schedule.

• Career progression enhancements for Master Police Officers.

• Compensation adjustments to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts within the Sheriff's Office.

🏘️ Expanding Housing & Neighborhood Investments

• Continued support for the St. Paul's Transformation Initiative.

• Federal funding to support housing development and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

• Additional resources for home renovation programs and community improvements.

🚧 Investing in Infrastructure & Quality of Life

• Funding for road improvements, stormwater projects, and utility infrastructure.

• Continued investment in public spaces, recreation facilities, and neighborhood amenities.

• Improvements to the Norview Community Center splashpad and maintenance support for the Virginia Zoo.

📚 Building Community Assets

• $1 million to begin concept design work for a future East Side Library and Recreation Center.

• Continued investment in arts and culture, including the renovation of Chrysler Hall.

🏢 Supporting Economic Development

• Funding to advance redevelopment efforts at the MacArthur Center site.

• Investments that support business growth, job creation, and economic opportunity throughout Norfolk.

Importantly, this budget accomplishes these goals without increasing real estate or personal property tax rates.

As your Councilman, I will continue working to ensure that every neighborhood has a voice in the decisions we make and that city investments are guided by transparency, equity, and long-term sustainability.

Together, we are building a stronger Norfolk.