City Of Hampton | City Of Hampton website
City Of Hampton | City Of Hampton website
On May 23, 2024, the Hampton City Council convened to receive updates on the city’s Natural Infrastructure Resiliency Plan, the economic impact of Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC), and marketing strategies for three facilities in the Coliseum District. These presentations were part of the Council’s regular work session held at City Hall.
VPCC President Touwanna Porter Brannon and Vice-President for Finance and Administration Steve Carpenter presented data indicating a 7 percent increase in enrollment over the past year, reversing more than a decade of declines. Currently, over 10,200 students are enrolled in credited and non-credited courses. The college also reported significant growth in high school dual enrollment students and FastForward workforce development courses.
Carpenter highlighted a study showing that 78 percent of VPCC graduates remain in Virginia to work, surpassing retention rates for the state’s four-year colleges. “Overwhelmingly they are staying here in our own region,” he said. “So they are not only getting an education, but they are giving back to the community.”
Porter Brannon discussed plans to expand the school’s infrastructure by demolishing three old structures and constructing a new Student Success and Campus Administration Building.
The Council also reviewed plans to use grant funding for branding and marketing properties around Hampton Coliseum, Hampton Roads Convention Center, and Hampton Aquaplex. The presentation underscored the need for additional business-class hotel rooms, restaurants, and other amenities to boost tourism and events.
Representatives from Resilient Hampton provided an update on the city’s Natural Infrastructure Resiliency Plan aimed at addressing climate change impacts and sea level rise. The plan seeks to review city codes and ordinances, identify strategies to protect natural infrastructure, and find potential partners and funding sources for implementation. The presentation focused on actionable steps that both the city and its residents can take.
Resilient Hampton will host an open house tonight from 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, May 24 at Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center for residents to learn about the plan and provide input.
During its evening legislative session, the Council discussed a resolution regarding Hampton's departure from the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority to join the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority following last month’s closure of inmate operations at Portsmouth's facility.
Before this session began, a ceremony was held recognizing this year’s valedictorians and salutatorians from Hampton City Schools:
- Bethel High School: Valedictorian Daniella Brown; Salutatorian Trinity Robinson
- Hampton High School: Valedictorians Jaliyah Gary-Williams; Salutatorians Amir Stanley & Christine Dang
- Kecoughtan High School: Valedictorian Bera Koklu; Salutatorian Anna Brady
- Phoebus High School: Valedictorian Christian Washington; Salutatorian Katalia Bowie
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