At the annual State of the City luncheon held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Mayor Jimmy Gray highlighted Hampton’s economic progress and new developments in federal contracts and housing. The event, sponsored by the Peninsula Chamber, drew several hundred residents and members of the local business community.
Mayor Gray discussed how the completion of the HRBT Expansion Project will position Hampton as a key location for defense, energy, aerospace, and logistics. He cited facilities like the Hampton Logistics Center and Phenix Commerce Center as examples of Hampton’s role as a regional hub.
Gray announced that H.I.I.’s Newport News Shipbuilding division plans to invest $28 million to convert its existing facility in Hampton into a Light Manufacturing Advanced Technology facility. This project is expected to create nearly 300 jobs related to aircraft carrier and submarine production. Additionally, Advex will invest $6 million to expand advanced manufacturing capacity in Langley Research and Development Park.
“These projects speak to the importance of shipbuilding and the defense industry to Hampton’s economy and the livelihood of our residents,” Mayor Gray said.
The mayor also recognized Hampton’s fifth All-America City honor and spoke about growth prospects in areas such as economic development, resilience to sea level rise, quality of life, neighborhoods and housing, and civic engagement. He listed new businesses that opened this year and referenced ongoing developments at NASA Langley Research Center, Fort Monroe, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
In terms of housing initiatives, Gray highlighted programs like the Infill Housing Planbook and Model Block Initiative. He noted that WVS would move forward with another phase of its Constellation project on Settlers Landing Road—adding more than 50 luxury apartments downtown.
He described upcoming openings for a neighborhood resource center off Rip Rap Road as well as new office space for the Office of Economic Empowerment and Family Resilience; both are set for 2026.
“As always,” Mayor Gray told attendees, “the two things that make me most excited about our future are our natural resources and our people. We have so much to work with, and we have citizens who love to live, work, play and raise families here. I have every confidence in our team here in Hampton, but we can’t do it without you. Thank you for what you have already done for Hampton in my first year as mayor, and thank you for continuing to bless our city with your talent, your passion and you dedication. Let’s continue to level up together.”
City Manager Mary Bunting joined Superintendent Raymond Haynes from Hampton City Schools at the luncheon. They spoke about achievements including an almost 99 percent on-time graduation rate among students in city schools along with hundreds earning associate degrees before finishing high school.
Residents can watch Mayor Gray’s full keynote address during a special Your Say With Mayor Gray session at The American Theatre on January 6 or before City Council’s legislative session on January 28.
