North Tidewater News

In his final State of the City address, Mayor Donnie Tuck reflected on his eight-year tenure and discussed future prospects for Hampton. The address, titled "Looking Back, Moving Forward," was delivered at an annual luncheon sponsored by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Mayor Tuck, who has served since July 1, 2016, did not seek reelection this year.

“I have spent a great deal of time over the past eight and a half years listening to residents and businesses,” Mayor Tuck said. “That enabled me to see the city through a variety of perspectives. We are diverse, and we are fiercely passionate. It’s not easy to leave, but it’s time. Looking back, I am proud of all that we have achieved together. Moving forward, I know you all will work to meet the challenges we still face.”

During his speech, Mayor Tuck announced the opening of a second Amazon facility in Hampton. This new addition complements an existing delivery center on Mercury Boulevard with a larger facility in Hampton Roads Center South handling various operational stages in the region. The facility is expected to employ around 125 workers.

Mayor Tuck highlighted achievements in education, technology, public safety, and resilience to sea level rise during his 30-minute speech. He emphasized the military's traditional role in Hampton and discussed innovation and tourism's contribution to the local economy.

On public safety matters, he praised city departments focusing on crime prevention through better options for younger residents: “Focusing on individuals has a ripple effect,” he said. “When you bring one person out of a life of violence, you help younger siblings and the entire family, their neighborhood, and the city at large."

He also lauded educational achievements such as the Academies of Hampton program and an impressive graduation rate of 97.9 percent. Mayor Tuck acknowledged partnerships like those with Virginia Peninsula Community College that allow high school students to earn college credits or associate degrees.

Discussing economic growth, he noted new developments including an Amazon distribution center expansion projects by local businesses like Riggins Company and Franklin Machine Shop along with upcoming residential developments in Buckroe.

Concluding his address with best wishes for Mayor-elect Jimmy Gray who takes office on January 1st next year—Tuck remarked on Hampton's long history dating back to 1610: “We want this city to be around for another 414 years.”