City Council Meeting, 9/15/2026

The City Council meeting of Virginia Beach on September 15, 2026, focused extensively on updates and discussions related to the city's flood protection program. The flood protection bond referendum oversight board provided a detailed status report on multiple ongoing and planned flood mitigation projects, including neighborhood drainage improvements, stormwater pump stations, tide gate structures, and nature-based flood mitigation efforts. The city has secured $73.4 million in state and federal grants and is pursuing an additional $44 million. The board and Jacobs Engineering emphasized the importance of continued progress, procurement efficiency, and cost control. Additionally, the council discussed the National Flood Insurance Program and the community rating system, noting Virginia Beach's advancement to a Class 6 community, which will provide residents a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums starting October 1, 2026. The meeting also included a significant planning item regarding the rezoning and development of the Back Bay Farmhouse property into a multifamily residential project with affordable housing components, which was approved by a 9-1 vote despite community opposition citing concerns about neighborhood character, infrastructure, and transparency. Other procurement-related actions included acceptance of various grants totaling several million dollars for infrastructure, public safety, and behavioral health programs, as well as appointments to city boards and commissions. The council also approved consent agenda items involving zoning amendments, conditional use permits, and short-term rental regulations, with some items deferred for further consideration.