North Tidewater News

Mayor Donnie Tuck and other city officials gathered at the annual State of the City event in Hampton to highlight the city's spirit of innovation. The event, organized by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, attracted a large audience of business leaders and residents.

During his keynote address, Mayor Tuck emphasized Hampton's rich history of innovation, dating back to Fort Monroe, Hampton University, and the NASA Langley Research Center. He also highlighted the groundbreaking work being done in Hampton in areas such as climate resiliency and unmanned vehicles. Mayor Tuck mentioned several local businesses, including Advanced Aircraft, Gismo Power, and Pancopia, that are developing technologies with global applications. He also praised the city's Public Works Department for their use of drones and artificial intelligence.

Mayor Tuck stated, "Because Hampton is pioneering this technology, we are leading the way for other localities."

The mayor also discussed Hampton's innovative approach to crime prevention and youth engagement, which earned the city the designation of All-America City for the fourth time this year. He highlighted the city's creative strategies for addressing sea level rise and securing funding for resilience efforts.

"One of our greatest innovations has been our approach to flooding and environmental resilience," Mayor Tuck said. "We were the first locality in the state - and one of a handful of pioneers in the nation - to use Environmental Impact Bonds. With climate change and sea level rise, we are seeing more frequent and more serious flooding. As we make our city more resilient, we pursue projects that also improve water quality, increase access to green space, enhance native wildlife habitat, eliminate transportation disruptions, and invest and improve equity in vulnerable communities."

Dr. Raymond Haynes, the School Superintendent, and City Manager Mary Bunting also addressed the audience. They highlighted the success of the Academies of Hampton, an innovative program that has contributed to over 96 percent on-time graduation rates in Hampton City Schools. The academies collaborate with local businesses and organizations to provide students with strong academic and career pathways.

Dr. Haynes stated, "These successes validate that all of us - city officials, industry leaders, business partners, higher education, faith-based partners, military partners, school division staff, and our families - believe that every student will graduate with the necessary tools, mindset, and motivation to navigate post-secondary paths, be it in college, careers, or the military."

Bunting emphasized the importance of innovation in K-12 education, noting that it prepares students for the evolving demands of the modern world and fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.

Mayor Tuck concluded his address by highlighting the recognition Hampton has received for its innovative technologies. He mentioned his recent participation in the UN Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates, where he discussed creative approaches to sea level rise and resilience with mayors from cities such as Tokyo, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro.

"Innovations taking place in Hampton have gotten attention across the region, state, nation, and even the world this year," Mayor Tuck said. "I have traveled far and wide this year to tell Hampton's story - and to learn from other innovators."

To find out more, go to this link: https://hampton.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5499