City of Virginia Beach - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The City of Virginia Beach is a major municipality in the Commonwealth of Virginia, home to approximately 454,808 residents in 2024. Its core mission is to enhance the economic, educational, social, and physical quality of the community and to deliver sustainable municipal services that residents value. As the most populous city in Virginia, it plays a vital role within the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Statistical Area, which serves nearly 1.8 million people. The city is distinguished by its 38 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, offering extensive public beaches and scenic waterways.

Virginia Beach is strategically focused on long-term development, guided by its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which directs urban development and capital investments for the next 20 to 25 years. This plan, developed through extensive community input, ensures all capital projects and land development proposals align with strategic objectives. The city's operational strategy, affirmed in September 2022, is built around three pillars: Govern, Envision, and Invigorate, aiming for transparency, focused efforts, and accountability in addressing key areas like sustainable growth, resource management, housing, transportation, environment, and economic development.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The City of Virginia Beach's main business objectives are geared towards fostering a high quality of life and sustainable growth.

Enhancing Community Quality: The city aims to improve the economic, educational, social, and physical well-being of its residents.

Sustainable Service Delivery: Providing municipal services that are both valued by citizens and environmentally and financially sustainable.

Long-Term Development Guidance: Directing urban development and capital investments through its Comprehensive Plan, projecting 20 to 25 years into the future.

Resource Alignment and Accountability: Utilizing the "Govern, Envision, and Invigorate" framework to guide organizational focus, work, and resource allocation, fostering transparency and accountability.

Specialization Areas

The city specializes in strategic municipal governance and community development.

Comprehensive Planning: Developing and implementing long-range plans like the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which guides land use, housing, transportation, and environmental considerations.

Public Service Innovation: Leveraging technology to enhance transparency and citizen engagement through platforms like its Open Data and Open GIS Data Portals.

Economic Development: Fostering business growth and expansion, promoting domestic and international business development, and supporting talent innovation and entrepreneurship.

Target Markets

As a municipality, the "target market" primarily comprises its residents, businesses, and visitors.

Residents: Providing comprehensive municipal services, fostering community engagement, and addressing key residential needs such as housing, public safety, and environmental quality.

Businesses and Investors: Attracting new companies and supporting the growth of existing ones, focusing on strategic industries, and empowering entrepreneurs.

Visitors and Tourists: Promoting Virginia Beach as a year-round destination benefiting from its extensive shoreline and tourism infrastructure.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

The City of Virginia Beach operates on an approved annual budget to support its vast array of services and capital projects.

Approved Budget (FY25-26): The City Council adopted a revised Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) totaling $2.8 billion, marking a 4.75% increase over the previous year. The Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) budget accounts for $1.2 billion of this total.

Primary Funding Sources: Real estate taxes are a major component, despite the city having the lowest rate in the Hampton Roads region at 97 cents per $100 of assessed value. Property assessments increased by an average of 5.6% for FY26.

Recent Budgetary Adjustments:

An increase in the meals tax by 0.5%, raising the city tax to 6%, with revenues earmarked for a Major Projects Fund supporting courthouse updates and a new law enforcement training academy.

Increased stormwater fees, contributing to the Flood Management Program to maintain services, add jobs, and acquire equipment.

Implementation of a boat licensing fee (ranging from $20 to $500 depending on vessel size) replacing a previous pleasure boat tax, with revenues directed towards future dredging needs.

Introduction of compassionate billing for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to bill health insurance plans for ambulance transport, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for residents.

Budgetary Management: For the FY25-26 budget, the city addressed a $7 million general fund deficit and considered $1.1 billion in additional funding requests for the capital improvement plan without raising real estate taxes.

3. Product Pipeline

The city's "product pipeline" consists of major development initiatives and strategic planning efforts directly impacting its infrastructure and community services.

Key Products/Services (Initiatives)

2040 Comprehensive Plan Finalization:

Description: A long-term strategic roadmap guiding the city's growth and development over the next two decades, influencing land use, housing, transportation, and environmental considerations.

Development Stage: In its final stages, with public input gathered and presentation to the Planning Commission and City Council anticipated in early 2026.

Target Market/Condition: The entire City of Virginia Beach, residents, and businesses, ensuring sustainable and managed growth.

Key Features and Benefits: Prioritizes maintaining the "Green Line" and focusing higher-density development north of it, addressing community concerns about urban sprawl and open spaces.

Rudee Loop Park Project:

Description: A significant capital project aimed at developing a park.

Development Stage: Funding for the project has been reduced by $10 million in the FY25-26 budget, setting the current project cost at $50 million.

Target Market/Condition: Residents and visitors, enhancing recreational and public spaces.

Key Features and Benefits: Future development of a significant public park area.

Flood Management Program Enhancement:

Description: An initiative to bolster flood preparedness and response capabilities.

Development Stage: Ongoing, with increased stormwater fees dedicated to maintaining services, adding jobs, and purchasing equipment for the program.

Target Market/Condition: All residents and properties, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to mitigate flood risks.

Key Features and Benefits: Improved flood resilience, enhanced emergency response, and protection of property.

Cultural and Historical Initiatives:

Description: Funding for initiatives that recognize and celebrate the city's diverse heritage.

Development Stage: Budgetary allocation includes increased funding for placemaking signs for historically African American communities and $100,000 for Juneteenth celebrations.

Target Market/Condition: The entire community, fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity.

Key Features and Benefits: Preservation and recognition of historical communities, promotion of cultural celebration and community unity.

Housing and Community Development (2025-2030 Consolidated Strategic Plan - CSP):

Description: A strategic plan for federal entitlement grants, outlining priorities for housing needs.

Development Stage: The city is drafting its 2025-2030 CSP, incorporating resident feedback.

Target Market/Condition: Low- to moderate-income homeowners and individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Key Features and Benefits: Aims to prevent homelessness, create affordable housing, and provide home rehabilitation assistance.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

The City of Virginia Beach leverages a modern approach to technology to enhance transparency and public service delivery.

Open Data Portal (OpenVB) and Open GIS Data Portal: These platforms provide public access to a variety of datasets, enabling transparency and citizen engagement. Datasets include GIS information, police calls for service, and business licenses for short-term rentals.

Cloud Solutions: The city was recognized with a Commonwealth Technology Award for its implementation of Amazon Connect.

AI-powered Tools: Recognized for its Flood Model Visualization and Exposure Tool, and FloodVISION-AI, which uses Artificial Intelligence for flood stage identification by observation networks.

Digital Service Standards: Adopts principles focused on meeting user needs, simplicity, adaptability, continuous improvement, and reducing public burden through interoperability and the use of open code and standards.

Internal Collaboration Systems: Exploring collaboration on an enterprise-wide system for sharing communications data across all departments by December 2025.

5. Leadership & Management

The City of Virginia Beach operates under a council-manager form of government.

Executive Team

Mayor: Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer

Position: Mayor.

Professional Background: Sworn in on November 20, 2018, and re-elected, Mayor Dyer is the first military veteran and first Ph.D. directly elected as mayor. He previously served on City Council for 14 years. His career includes work as a home care physical therapist, healthcare executive, business consultant, and practitioner in residence in the school of government at Regent University.

Notable Achievements: First military veteran and Ph.D. elected as mayor.

Key Contributions: Leads City Council, serves as ceremonial head and spokesperson, and acts as liaison to various commissions and regional boards, including the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.

Social Media: [Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobby.dyer.vb/](https://www.facebook.com/bobby.dyer.vb/)

City Manager: Patrick A. Duhaney

Position: City Manager.

Professional Background: Appointed on July 20, 2020. He previously served as City Manager for Cincinnati, Ohio, and also as assistant city manager and chief procurement officer there. Duhaney served in the U.S. Army on active duty and in reserve capacity. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Urban Studies from Cleveland State University and a master's degree in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati.

Notable Achievements: First Black City Manager in Virginia Beach's history.

Key Contributions: Acts as chief executive officer, implements policies established by the City Council, and provides support and direction for quality customer service.

Social Media: [LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-duhaney-mcp-cpm-25916024/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-duhaney-mcp-cpm-25916024/)

Deputy City Managers:

Kenneth L. Chandler

Amanda Jarratt

Professional Background: Appointed in February 2024, starting April 4, 2024. Previously City Manager for the City of Franklin, Virginia. Holds a bachelor's degree in government from William & Mary and a master's in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Key Contributions: Oversees Agriculture, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Economic Development, and Planning and Community Development departments. Also serving as interim economic development director as of July 2024.

Monica Croskey

Chief of Staff: Melissa C. Zibutis

City Council Members (as of November 2024 election results/official listings):

David "Hutch" Hutcheson (District 1). Began serving January 2024.

Barbara Henley (District 2).

Michael Berlucchi (District 3).

Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond (District 4).

Rosemary Wilson (Vice Mayor, District 5). Appointed Vice Mayor in 2023.

Robert W. "Worth" Remick (District 6).

Cal "Cash" Jackson-Green (District 7).

Stacy Cummings (District 8). Elected Nov. 5, 2024.

Joashua F. "Joash" Schulman (District 9).

Jennifer V. Rouse (District 10).

Recent Leadership Changes

Amanda Jarratt: Appointed Deputy City Manager in February 2024, overseeing tourism, economic development, planning, and agriculture portfolios.

David "Hutch" Hutcheson: Began serving as the District 1 representative on the City Council in January 2024.

Christian Green: Appointed Director of the City's Department of Economic Development in February 2025. He previously held roles in Glendale, Arizona, and Scottsdale, Arizona, and was most recently the director of Economic Development and Tourism in Stonecrest, Georgia. His experience includes managing over $40 billion in public/private projects.

District-Based Voting: Post-November 2022 elections, the City Council transitioned to a district-based voting system for council members, where citizens vote only for candidates in their defined district, while still voting at-large for the Mayor.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Employer Recognition: The City of Virginia Beach was recognized as one of America's Best-In-State Employers for 2024, indicating positive employee sentiment and a desirable work environment.

Hiring Trends: Active recruitment across various departments, with current needs identified in planning, parks & recreation, and public safety.

Workforce Expansion (FY25-26): The adopted budget includes a net increase of 140.1 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, comprising 44.96 for Virginia Beach City Public Schools and 95.14 for the City. Of the new City positions, 30 are designated for firefighter recruits.

Compensation: The budget recommends a general pay increase of 3% for all other City employees, in addition to increasing salaries for prioritized public safety positions and raising the City's minimum wage to approximately $16 per hour based on a recent market salary study.

Seasonal and Part-time Opportunities: Availability of positions in areas such as aquatics, therapeutic recreation, park maintenance, athletics, and youth programs.

Employee Service Recognition: The city annually honors employees reaching significant service milestones; in 2024, 74 employees were recognized, including one for 55 years of service.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

The City of Virginia Beach utilizes a multi-platform digital strategy for communication and community engagement.

Social Media Activity: Active presence across major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Brand Messaging and Positioning: Aims to provide quality customer service, promote community awareness and engagement, and facilitate the exchange of ideas.

Community Engagement Strategies: Employs platforms like SpeakUpVB.com, email, and social media to gather feedback on significant initiatives such as the FY25-26 budget and the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Thought Leadership Initiatives: The Information Technology department actively seeks to lead and adapt to industry trends and technological advancements.

Notable Campaigns/Content: Uses a blend of virtual and traditional tactics for engagement, including email newsletters, social media, public meetings, and an engagement hub website. The Communications Department also promotes community awareness of municipal government and oversees joint information centers during crises.