The mayor's Atlantic Avenue Task Force proposed a $30–$35 million package of streetscape improvements — milling and overlay, sidewalks, bike lanes, wayfinding, and a $1.1 million public‑art allocation — and recommended microcommerce (parklet) areas in Central Beach; council asked for one more focused task‑force meeting on microcommerce details.

After hours of public comment divided between neighborhood opposition and developer/family supporters, council approved rezoning for a 251‑unit project that preserves the historic farmhouse and reserves 7% (18 units) as affordable for 10 years; council vote was 9–1.

The Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board and Jacobs Engineering reported progress across Phase 1 projects, $215M spent to date, $750M encumbered and $73.4M awarded in state and federal grants; officials outlined pump‑station construction and neighborhood drainage work.

Information technology staff described 'Future Ready VB,' an AI upskilling and governance program developed with Batten University that includes Microsoft Copilot pilots, department‑specific use cases, responsible AI training, cybersecurity coverage, and plans for an in‑house innovation lab and AI apprenticeship opportunities.

Fire Chief Kenny Pravitz told council the Virginia Beach Fire Department would need 63 additional FTEs to shift from a 56‑hour average to a 48‑hour schedule while maintaining daily minimum staffing; staff requested $3.6 million in partial‑year funding for FY28 and said the full model would cost more in later years.

At its Feb. 17 meeting, the City Council received a legislative briefing on multiple General Assembly measures — HB 393 (cancer screening) passed the House unanimously; a proposed menhaden fishing study stalled before a floor vote; collective bargaining bills advanced in both chambers — sparking council debate over local impacts and lobbying influence.

Police Chief Wingate told council Part I crimes were down 11% with large reductions in burglaries and motor‑vehicle theft since 2022. To address unsanctioned oceanfront 'pop‑up' events, staff requested permission to draft an ordinance lowering the unaccompanied‑minor curfew from 11PM to 10PM; council asked staff to bring the ordinance forward.

At a council briefing, legislative affairs director Brent McKenzie reviewed state bills and budget amendments. Council authorized staff to support regional transit funding while opposing a new amendment that would fold a light‑rail study into a broader HRP workgroup. Several budget amendments of local interest were noted.

Planning staff briefed council on 11 planning items set for the Jan. 20 agenda — including conditional rezonings, CUPs for a self‑storage facility and temporary commercial parking — and council approved a multi‑item consent agenda and certified a closed session with recorded votes.

Staff presented a final-draft comprehensive plan that prioritizes directing growth into centers, resilience, multimodal corridors and a zoning ordinance update; commissioners raised questions about centers, population projections, ADU changes and timing with the master transportation plan.

The Planning Commission on Jan. 14 voted to defer for 60 days a city-initiated ordinance that would remove the historic-and-cultural-district overlay from Nimmo United Methodist Church property after church leaders said overlay rules make required maintenance unaffordable and preservation boards opposed removal.

The commission recommended approval, 9–1, of a conditional rezoning and conditional use permit for a three-story mini-storage facility at 1120 First Colonial Road, conditioned on the applicant providing cross-access through the site and constructing the first floor so it can be converted to office use in the future.

Councilors pressed for earlier public involvement after concerns about the Virginia Beach National Golf Course RFP; the council approved a consent agenda that included transfers to the flood-protection capital improvement program and appointed a member to a military economic development committee.

Auditors issued a clean (unmodified) opinion on Virginia Beach’s FY25 financial statements; the city reported roughly $1.8 billion in cash, $5.3 billion in capital assets and a $4.7 billion net position, and staff said the single (federal) audit is still in process.

Sadie Mixer highlights student contributions to local governance through video at city council meeting.

Council receives update on stormwater improvements to mitigate flooding in Central Resort District

City officials commend partnerships and arts funding for enhancing Virginia Beach's cultural landscape.

Kimball family gathers for a memorable photo with Mama Taylor during a special event.

City Council recognizes distinguished African Americans for their impact on Virginia Beach's history.

Council celebrates contributions of first African American leaders in resolution for Black History Month.

City unanimously supports new project enhancing oceanfront housing for permanent residents.