Portsmouth Economic Development Authority

The joint meeting focused on the city's financial outlook and a statement of needs presentation by Portsmouth Public Schools. Key discussion topics included an overview of the city's general fund budget structure, revenue growth trends, and the impact of inflation on expenditures. Additionally, the presentation addressed must-fund items, discretionary revenue constraints, and the school division's operating budget proposal, which includes funding for employee salary increases, student achievement initiatives, and VDOE mandates.

The council held a public work session focused on reviewing the Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund budget. Key discussion topics included revenue projections, structural versus one-time revenue growth, real property tax trends, delinquency rates for various local taxes, and the impact of interest rates on investment revenue. Additionally, the council discussed the funding process for community organizations and sought clarification on utility tax collections, specifically regarding water tax trends and the effectiveness of the new billing system.

The work session focused on an educational presentation regarding Community Violence Intervention (CVI). Key topics included the definition of CVI as a coordinated ecosystem rather than a single program, the necessity of utilizing trusted and credible messengers for community engagement, and the importance of leveraging municipal resources to expedite services for individuals at the highest risk of being perpetrators or victims of violence.

The council received a presentation from the Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia regarding the growing population of residents aged 60 and older in the city. The discussion focused on increasing elder hunger, homelessness, and the strain on caregivers. The organization requested $75,000 in funding for direct program costs, an emergency fund, and administrative support. Council members also explored potential collaborations between the organization, Portsmouth United, and the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority to better coordinate services and identify the needs of the senior and disability communities.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the authorization of project-based Section 8 vouchers at the Anselale Apartments and another regarding a proposal for the construction of a new city hall and parking garage. Discussion focused on the proposal for the new city hall, covering potential design concepts, the optimization of departmental space, the inclusion of community-focused amenities like a pedestrian plaza, and the intended phased approach to due diligence and evaluation before any binding commitments are made. Council members also inquired about minority and women-owned business participation and the potential for mixed-use retail space within the parking structure.