Virginia Beach officials are moving toward final approval of a legislative agenda that will be sent to the 2027 General Assembly. The centerpiece of the package is a request to expand the state‑authorized one‑percent sales‑tax option so it can also fund flood‑resiliency and coastal storm‑protection projects, in addition to school construction.

How the proposal works

Under current Virginia law, localities may seek voter approval for an additional one‑percent sales tax that is earmarked for school construction. The city’s proposal asks the General Assembly to broaden that authority, allowing the same tax to be used for critical flood‑control measures and storm‑damage mitigation along the coast.

City Councilman Stacy Cummings emphasized that the measure would not automatically raise taxes. “It’s not a one percent increase in the sales tax. Before that were to happen it would have to be a referendum of all the citizens,” he told the public hearing on Tuesday.

Voter approval required

If the General Assembly grants the request, any additional tax would still need to be approved by voters in a referendum before it could take effect. This two‑step process is designed to protect taxpayers while giving the city the flexibility to address both educational infrastructure and the growing threat of coastal flooding.

Community response

Some residents expressed concern about the prospect of higher taxes at a time when many families are already feeling the pinch of rising costs. “These are taxes that we really can’t afford at a time that we’re already struggling,” one speaker said during the hearing.

City leaders responded that the proposal is a prudent, forward‑looking investment. By linking school construction funding with flood‑resiliency, the city aims to protect both educational facilities and neighborhoods from the increasing frequency of severe storms.

Other items in the legislative package

In addition to the sales‑tax request, the agenda includes several other priorities:

• Continued support for long‑term flood‑resiliency initiatives.
• Creation of Community Safety Zones around major events to enhance public safety.
• Protection of local revenues that could be affected by military‑housing tax exemptions.

The public hearing on Tuesday was one of the final opportunities for community input before the package is finalized. The Virginia Beach City Council is scheduled to vote on the agenda on Nov. 10, after which the priorities will be forwarded to state lawmakers for consideration during the 2027 legislative session.

Looking ahead

Should the proposal move forward, Virginia Beach residents will have a direct voice in deciding whether to adopt the expanded tax measure. The city’s approach reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility, community safety, and the long‑term protection of vital infrastructure.

Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.