City Council Meeting, 8/18/2026

The City Council meeting of Virginia Beach on August 18, 2026, featured a detailed presentation by Ryan Angold, CEO of ADS, a major federal defense contractor headquartered locally. Angold highlighted ADS's significant role in supplying military equipment and technology, including rapid acquisition contracts that facilitate faster procurement for the warfighter. The company reported $7 billion in product deliveries over the past year and emphasized its local economic impact, including partnerships with over 50 local companies generating $175 million in revenue in 2025. The council also received an extensive briefing from Virginia Tech's Dr. Bishop on the contentious topic of offshore mining for critical minerals near Virginia Beach. The discussion focused on the exploratory phase of offshore heavy mineral sands mining, potential environmental impacts, and the need for transparent baseline studies. Council members expressed concerns about ecological, economic, and military compatibility issues and agreed to request the mayor to send a letter opposing seabed mining to the Bureau of Energy Management. Additional agenda items included zoning amendments, workforce housing ordinances, and various appointments to city boards and commissions. The council also discussed public conduct policies during meetings to ensure respectful dialogue.