City officials from Hampton convened on Wednesday for a retreat focused on urban planning and the city’s future. The meeting took place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center and included participants from several city agencies, such as Mayor Jimmy Gray, City Manager Mary Bunting, the City Council, School Board, Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, and Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Mitchell Silver of Raleigh, N.C., facilitated the event with presentations about inclusive strategies for city development.
Mayor Gray emphasized the importance of collaboration among the different agencies. “We all have our separate and specific jobs to do, but in the big picture we have the same goal,” he said. “Putting it simply, we are all committed and invested in moving the city forward. What do we want to see for Hampton? We want safe neighborhoods, exceptional schools, a thriving business community, a strong economy, and a city where every resident, every family, feels like part of the Hampton community. Those are big goals, and achieving them doesn’t come easily.”
Dr. Richard Mason, chair of the Hampton School Board, spoke about aligning educational goals with broader city initiatives. “We want to make sure we’re all reading from the same sheet of music,” Dr. Mason said. “People tend to move to a place where schools make a difference. The relationship we build with the council, and with the business community, helps us develop graduates who are ready to move right into the workforce.”
Planning Commission chair Michael Harris explained that one purpose of the retreat was to assess past actions and plan efficient strategies for future implementation: “to get a worldview of not only what we have done and what we plan to do, but how to do it efficiently and creatively, and to develop a concrete approach to implementing these ideas.”
The retreat replaced the council’s regular work session. During an evening legislative session following the retreat, council members approved a temporary easement allowing road work in the 1400 block of North Armistead Avenue as part of the Raising Resilience Project. They also postponed voting on an ordinance that would ban camping and storage on public property.
Prior to this session, a ceremony was held recognizing individuals who contributed expertise toward Hampton receiving its fifth All-America City designation.
A full video recording of both sessions will be made available online.
The next council meeting is set for Wednesday, October 8.
Economic Development Authority director Leonard Sledge was seen speaking with Planning Commission chair Michael Harris during Wednesday’s event at the convention center.
