City Council Special Formal Meeting, 4/14/2026

The City Council of Virginia Beach held a special formal meeting on April 14, 2026, focusing primarily on budget presentations and discussions related to housing, human services, fire department operations, and school infrastructure projects. Key procurement-related topics included the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department's proposed budget for affordable housing initiatives, including a new down payment and closing cost assistance program funded by federal dollars, and a pilot program for AI-driven code enforcement technology. The Fire Department presented budget requests addressing firefighter health, staffing challenges, and capital needs such as fleet maintenance and replacement of breathing apparatus, along with a proposal to transition to a 40-hour workweek requiring additional funding. The School Board discussed the fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget and capital improvement program, highlighting the Princess Anne High School replacement/renovation project with a projected $330 million cost and ongoing procurement processes involving RFQs and RFPs for design-build teams. The council also addressed public safety concerns and upcoming task forces on youth violence. Motions were passed to recess into closed session for legal and personnel matters. Overall, the meeting involved significant budgetary and procurement planning for housing, public safety, and education infrastructure in Virginia Beach.