As part of the 2009-10 budget, the printed versions of City Page and Beach magazine were eliminated. The summer issue of Beach magazine was the last one.

But we want to keep you informed of city news, events and issues. So sign up now for the City Page e-Newsletter.

There are powerful forces at work in our city!  Read about them in Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr.'s 2009 State of the City speech.
[Created 3/12/09]

The City Council is hosting four town meetings on the 2010-11 budget, and invites citizens to attend. There will be opportunities to weigh in on the programs and services that are important to you, and learn more about how the budget is developed. The meetings start on Wednesday Oct. 28, 7 to 9 p.m. at Larkspur Middle School, 4696 Princess Anne Road. Space is limited.  Please email us at budget@vbgov.com if you plan to attend.
[Created 10/28/09]

What kind of services should the city’s new animal shelter deliver? What should the facility look like? Where should it be? Citizens can express comments, concerns and suggestions at a second Public Input Meeting on March 3, 6:30 p.m. at theMunicipal Center, Building 19, 2416 Courthouse Drive (Across from City Hall). Pre-registration is required.

Review all the developments and reference materials regarding the BRAC Commission Decision and City Response, including the Second Progress Report on NAS Oceana Encroachment.
[Last Update: 11/05/09]

[Created: 10/3/08]

The City has selected Urban Design Associates and Landmark Design Group to help guide the process of creating new plans for the Northampton Boulevard Corridor/Burton Station area. The newly created plan will be based on community input and designed to have a high probability of implementation.

Capital Improvement Program Projects Map (2004-2008)

Check out this map that shows the locations of the City's capital projects.

[Created: 10/7/08]

The results of the 2007 Citizens' Survey are in, and you can discover how 500 randomly selected Virginia Beach residents rated 31 City services and characteristics. Participants also expressed their thoughts about key community features and revealed something that could be changed to enhance their satisfaction with living in Virginia Beach.

The City of Virginia Beach is finalizing its 2009 Community Legislative Agenda with a focus on important issues, including transportation, education, mental health, public health, and more.
[Created: 8/26/08]

Every five years, Virginia Beach takes a new look at its long-term vision for the community. That vision is called the Comprehensive Plan. The plan guides growth, protects neighborhoods and encourages economic development. The City Council and Planning Commission invite you to participate in a series of open houses where you can provide your thoughts on specific planning topics and offer your vision of what you’d like to see remain the same or changed over the next 20 years in your community. Meetings are planned throughout the City.

This is a new series of periodic reports on the status of major projects around the city.

[Last Update: 11/20/08]

READY

TO GO!

Virginia Beach is “ready to go” with projects that meet local infrastructure needs and contribute to local economic development goals.
[Updated 10/15/09]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has completed the modernization of the city's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). Since the last update in 1996, technology has improved dramatically and the modernization appears to have moved approximately 2,000 structures out of the Special Flood Hazard Area, also known as a high risk area. Some structures may have been remapped into a high risk area. If you discover that your property has been impacted, contact your insurance agent immediately.

[Created: 5/15/08]

Five-Year Forecast (FY 2011 through FY 2015)
Five-Year Forecast Presentation (FY 2011 through FY 2015)

The next five years will severely challenge the City Council and the School Board, which are facing an $81.2 million deficit in the next fiscal year alone. The Five-Year Forecast provides both bodies – and you – an opportunity to see what current policies could mean for the future.
[Created: 11/18/09]

The City of Virginia Beach recognizes that many homeowners are experiencing tight financial times, and some are facing the possibility of foreclosure.  A listing of resources is available to help homeowners locate assistance more easily.
[Created 11/19/08]

Find out how the Green Ribbon Implementation Committee is working to improve water quality in the City’s waterways.

[Last Update: 11/9/09]

Virginia Beach citizens may refer to the following document for answers to frequently asked questions regarding the H1N1 influenza.
[Created: 10/06/09]

City staff gathered ideas from citizens at a Town Meeting on Historic Preservation on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Kellam High School.

[Created: 9/11/08]

The Housing and Neighborhood Preservation Plan is a report of recommendations to preserve, renew and enhance the homes and neighborhoods of Virginia Beach and to enhance neighborhood character. Developed by the Planning Commission Subcommittee on Preservation, the plan provides recommendations, a collaborative process and tools.
[Created 9/3/08]

It will be the biggest and most innovative public library in Virginia Beach. It’s coming soon, and you can take a survey to help plan it. The joint-use library will be built by Tidewater Community College and the City of Virginia Beach, and it will offer services for everyone – from college students and retirees to youngsters just learning to read.
[Created 4/13/09]

The Laskin Road Gateway project will transform the area surrounding 31st Street and the Oceanfront into an exciting people-gathering place featuring upscale shops, restaurants, hotels and residential buildings – all in a pedestrian-oriented setting. This inviting activity-oriented atmosphere provides the local community, retail customers, hotel guests and other visitors a delightful place to gather, dine, shop, live, work or play.
[Updated 11-16-09]

It’s time to upgrade the Lesner Bridge, a mainstay of our busy roads network, and the city is planning to replace it with a “signature” bridge including a bike path and other improvements.
[Created 5/19/09]

Hampton Roads Transit has hired an engineering firm to study two potential extensions to “The Tide” – its light rail transit system. The first under study is a potential connection from the eastern end of The Tide in Norfolk at Newtown Road to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront along the Norfolk Southern Corporation's right-of-way. The second segment of study is a potential extension to Naval Station Norfolk.
[Created 6/11/09]

The Pembroke Area Implementation Plan will create an exciting, innovative and shared vision for future growth and development within the Pembroke strategic growth area. Citizens can be a part of the planning at a two-day public charrette on Jan. 29 and 30.

[Created: 1/14/09]

A private company, Princess Anne Athletic Development LLC, is proposing to build and operate a new recreation complex that would save the city about $400,000 a year in operating expenses and bring in about $18.5 million in direct revenue to the city over 20 years. 

[Created: 10/21/08]

The resort area belongs to the people of Virginia Beach. See how the City and its Citizens are working to ensure the Oceanfront is something everyone can enjoy for years to come.

[Created: 2/12/08]

Storm Surge Map and Information

Updated storm surge maps have been released by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and the new maps have produced some significant changes for Virginia Beach. 

[Last Update: 7/12/07]

The City of Virginia Beach has three Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts located at Town Center (Central Business District), Lynnhaven Mall, and Sandbridge. There are also two Special Service Districts located within the TIF Districts at Town Center and Sandbridge. Each district is unique and was created to accomplish different economic development goals. Read all about the background and performance of each. 

For more information you can review the “What Are Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts? ” primer.

The City is planning a brand new community center for the Bayside area.

[Last Update: 10/22/08]

The City Manager presented his proposed budget for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 to the City Council on March 25, 2008, featuring the programs and services he recommended the City focus on in the next two years to help achieve Council’s vision of Virginia Beach as A Community for a Lifetime.

At its April 3, 2007 meeting, the City Council established the Blue Ribbon Tax, Fee and Spending Task Force, which serves in an advisory capacity, to comprehensively analyze the impact of the City's revenue sources and taxing structure, and to identify alternative tax and fee funding sources designed specifically to reduce the City's dependency on real estate tax revenues.
[Last Update: 8/4/08]

On Jan. 30, 2007, the City Council held the first in a series of citywide town meetings to confer with citizens on issues identified by the City Council as critical to the future of the community. The first meeting was connected to the objective of providing for an improved city transportation system.  The second meeting, on protecting our waterways, was held on June 19, and the third, on the budget process, was held Oct. 16.  On Feb. 19, 2008, a citywide town meeting featured stormwater plans and funding.

[Last Update: 4/25/08]

Employee Benefits Review Task Force

At its Oct. 24, 2006 meeting, the Virginia Beach City Council established the Employee Benefits Review Task Force, which serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council.  The City Council appointed 10 members to the Task Force at its meeting on Dec. 12, 2006.  On Aug. 16, the Task Force voted in favor of suspending activity.  The group can be reactivated if the City Council requests assistance or provides further direction.

[Last Update: 9/24/07]

The City Council raised 30 budget questions during its mid-year workshop Feb. 9 and 10, 2009.  Check out the questions and the answers.
[Created 2-23-09]

The City Manager presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2010 to the City Council the evening of March 24, 2009, featuring the programs and services he is recommending the City focus on in the next two years to help achieve Council’s vision of Virginia Beach as A Community for a Lifetime.
[Created 3-25-09]

The Department of Police has worked in concert with numerous agencies and stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to address a growth in criminal street gang activity.  Mark your calendar for the next Gang Forum on Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. 
[Last Update: 11/8/07]

On Tuesday, May 8, the City Council endorsed a resolution supporting the establishment of the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority (HRTA), which was created by General Assembly Bill HB 3202 to address specific transportation needs in the region. 

[Last Update: 7/23/07]

Tired of sitting in traffic? How about mass transit? The City is exploring new options, including light rail. An open house was held Sept. 16 at the Convention Center. Learn more about the options.

[Created: 8/28/08]