A Roadmap for Newport News

Every great city has a roadmap. Without one, good intentions don't become great outcomes. That's why I’ve helped to create one. The Newport News Strategic Plan — built on input from residents, city leadership, and community partners — gives us a clear vision for where we're headed, organized around three simple ideas: People, Places, and Government.

People — Investing in the health, safety, education, and economic opportunity of every Newport News resident. From strengthening our public schools to creating pathways to careers and financial independence, I am committed to making Newport News a city where people can truly thrive.

Places — Building welcoming, connected neighborhoods where families want to live, work, and raise their children. That means quality housing, walkable communities, and neighborhoods that reflect the pride we have in this city.

Government — Delivering innovative, high-quality city services that residents can count on. From rebranding Newport News to tell our authentic story, to modernizing how City Hall operates, I’m focused on building a government that works as hard as the people it serves.

A safe city is the foundation of everything else we want to build

Public safety has been among my top priorities since day one — and the results are showing. Crime is down significantly since taking office, and the plan is to keep it that way.

Keeping Newport News safe requires staying ahead of the problem — investing in innovative prevention and intervention strategies that address the root causes of crime before they escalate. That's why the Office of Community Safety was created, to serve as a dedicated resource to coordinate and strengthen our city's approach to keeping residents safe.

I am also personally committed to making sure our first responders have everything they need to do their jobs. For too long, our fire stations have been in desperate need of repair and modernization. The men and women of our fire department show up for this community every single day — it's time we show up for them. Investing in their facilities isn't just the right thing to do, it's a promise I am making and one I intend to keep.

Supporting Our Schools

Strong schools build strong cities. When I took office, the relationship between Newport News City Council and the School Board was at an all-time low. That was unacceptable — and fixing it became an immediate priority. Today, that relationship is the strongest it has ever been, and that matters more than people realize.

When City Council and the School Board are aligned, our students win. That partnership is the backbone of our work to ensure teachers and support staff are compensated fairly and that every classroom is an environment where students can thrive. Our educators show up every day for our children — they deserve wages and working conditions that reflect that commitment.

Looking ahead, school construction is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of Newport News. Too many of our schools are operating in aging facilities that simply are not built for the way students learn today. We cannot expect 21st century outcomes in 20th century buildings. I could stand here and point fingers about why our school infrastructure has gone unaddressed for so long — but that's not what this moment calls for. Newport News needs solutions, and that's exactly what I'm focused on delivering. I will personally lead the effort to develop a comprehensive school construction plan for the next 15 years — ensuring both governing bodies are aligned, resources are committed, and our children have the modern learning environments they deserve.

Newport News is open for business

A thriving Newport News means opportunity for everyone — good jobs, strong small businesses, and housing that meets the needs of our growing community. Economic development isn't a single initiative; it's a commitment woven into every decision we make at the city level.

Job creation remains a top priority. We are actively working to attract new businesses and industries while supporting the entrepreneurs and small business owners who are already the backbone of our local economy. The businesses that line our corridors and serve our neighborhoods deserve a city government that invests in their success just as much as they invest in ours.

Housing is equally critical. As Newport News grows, we must ensure our housing stock keeps pace — offering quality, accessible options for residents at every income level and stage of life.

A city people want to live in is also a city people want to enjoy. Expanding our daytime and nightlife options along with leisure and entertainment opportunities for all walks of life is a priority. When residents have places to gather, celebrate, and unwind, it builds community pride, drives local spending, and makes Newport News a destination — not just a place to pass through.

That's why bolstering our tourism economy is one of my top focuses going into the next term. Newport News has world-class assets — and we have not fully capitalized on them. Outside tourism dollars are one of the most powerful tools we have to diversify our tax base and provide real financial relief to Newport News residents. Every dollar a visitor spends here is a dollar our community doesn't have to carry alone. Growing our tourism economy isn't just good for business — it's good for every family in this city.

What excites me most about the next four years is the opportunity ahead. Newport News is entering a season of redevelopment. Vacant and underutilized infrastructure across our city represents not a problem, but a canvas — and we need to be positioned to tackle it boldly and strategically. That means intentional planning, smart investment, and making sure development across every corner of this city is done with purpose.

Equal development across this city is not a talking point — it's a standard I hold myself to. The North District will always have a seat at the table, and every community in Newport News will see the benefits of growth done right.