News Summary
The Newport News City Council has approved a significant operating budget of $1.2 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget marks a substantial increase compared to last year, with a focus on public safety, educational resources, and community services. Mayor Phillip Jones confirmed that property taxes will remain stable at $1.18 per $100 of assessed value. Funding will benefit various organizations aimed at enhancing youth services and mental health education, reflecting the city’s commitment to improving the community’s quality of life.
Newport News – The Newport News City Council has approved an operating budget of $1.2 billion for the fiscal year 2026, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year’s budget. The newly adopted budget is over four times the total operating budget for fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the city’s commitment to various services and projects aimed at supporting the community.
Mayor Phillip Jones confirmed that property taxes will remain stable at $1.18 per $100 of assessed value, ensuring that residents will not face any tax hikes amid this budgetary expansion. The allocation of funds reflects the city’s priorities, with public safety receiving the largest share of approximately $128,000, followed closely by educational operations and community services.
Under the new budget, school operations are allocated about $125,000, highlighting the city’s focus on bolstering educational resources. Parks and Recreation initiatives will receive close to $30,000, promoting leisure and recreational activities for residents. Additionally, various local nonprofits will share funding of $10,000 each, including organizations dedicated to youth services and mental health education.
Among the organizations benefiting from this financial support is the SafeHaven Empowerment Center, which provides a safe space for children in the community. The funding is crucial for expanding technology resources, enabling youth to gain valuable certifications that could enhance their educational and professional prospects.
Another recipient, the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, will use its funding to provide vital mental health education and resources. This initiative is aimed at improving mental well-being in the community, with the potential to minimize emergency room visits related to mental health issues.
Other nonprofits, such as the Not My Child Agency and The Achievable Dream Academy, are also set to receive £10,000 each. These organizations are focused on enhancing the lives of local children and families, aligning with Mayor Jones’ vision of supporting institutions that contribute to the future of Newport News.
The approved budget will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will remain in effect until June 30, 2026. This budget allocation reflects the city’s overarching goals of enhancing public safety, supporting educational institutions, and fostering mental health and family services within the Newport News community.
This major budget approval illustrates Newport News’ commitment to improving public services and investing in the community. The earmarked funds for various sectors are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the residents and the overall development of the city.
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HERE Resources
Williamsburg City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: Newport News, Virginia
- MSN News
- Google Search: Newport News budget
- Daily Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport News
- Los Angeles Times
- Google News: Newport News 2026 budget
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
