Virginia Beach officials are seeking new flexibility from state lawmakers so that revenue from a proposed 1% sales‑tax increase—originally earmarked for school modernization—can also be used for flood‑resiliency projects. The request, part of the city’s legislative agenda for the upcoming year, will be discussed during public comment at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Background on the tax proposal
During the most recent General Assembly session, legislators authorized localities across Virginia to add a 1% sales‑tax surcharge to fund school construction and modernization. Any such increase must be approved by voters in a referendum. The measure is not slated for the Virginia Beach ballot this November, but city officials hope to broaden its purpose before it goes to voters.
City’s rationale
“We are proposing language that would allow us to use the funds not just for school construction but also for flood‑resiliency projects to help meet our CSRM obligations,” said Brent McKenzie, the city’s director of legislative affairs. The General Assembly has already permitted localities in Northern Virginia to apply the additional tax revenue to transportation projects; Virginia Beach wants similar latitude for flood protection.
Virginia Beach has completed several flood‑mitigation projects over the years, yet flooding remains a persistent concern throughout the Hampton Roads region. City Manager Patrick Duhaney noted that the city plans to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to see if a regional approach is possible. “This could be an option, so we anticipate talking to them to see if they would maybe go together as the five or seven cities in the region,” he said.
What would the process look like?
If state lawmakers approve the expanded use of the tax revenue, city officials will still need to determine how the funds would be allocated. Ultimately, Virginia Beach voters would have the final say on whether to adopt the 1% sales‑tax increase. “This is just for a referendum. At the end of the day, the voters would decide if they want to increase the 1% or not; it would require the voters’ approval,” McKenzie emphasized.
The earliest a referendum could appear on the ballot, should Richmond approve the change, would be next November. The City Council is expected to vote on the legislative package in November after the public‑comment session.
Why the request matters to residents
Expanding the tax’s purpose could provide a dedicated funding stream for critical flood‑protection infrastructure without raising additional taxes beyond the proposed 1% increase. For families and businesses that have endured repeated flooding, the ability to finance projects such as seawalls, drainage improvements, and elevated roadways could protect homes, preserve property values, and reduce future disaster costs.
Community leaders see the proposal as a proactive step that aligns with the city’s commitment to safeguard neighborhoods while continuing to invest in quality schools. By seeking state approval now, the city hopes to avoid future budget shortfalls and ensure that essential flood‑resiliency work can move forward promptly.
Next steps
The City Council will hear public comments on the proposal Tuesday night, after which the agenda will be finalized for the November vote. Residents who wish to voice support or concerns are encouraged to attend the meeting or submit written comments to the council’s office.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
