Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones gave his first State of the City Address, centered on the theme of Building Forward. He celebrated community accomplishments while outlining his vision to guide the city over the next several years.
Mayor Jones underscored the importance of education as a top priority for the community, praising the city’s educational achievements and sharing initiatives that will revise curriculum, increase accreditation, and close achievement gaps. He also discussed efforts to enhance early childhood education outcomes by developing a state-of-the-art early childhood center, which will open later this year.
The Mayor outlined various strategies and partnerships related to public safety, particularly to address gun violence. Mayor Jones noted establishing the Newport News Office of Community Safety, hiring a violence prevention manager, investing in youth sports programs, and exploring hospital-based violence intervention programs.
Mayor Jones emphasized the need for continued youth engagement and declared this year the Year of the Youth in Newport News. He encouraged the community to get involved in mentorship opportunities and other youth programming, such as the city’s summer youth employment program. The Mayor acknowledged the importance of businesses and the civic community engaging with young people as it is a collective responsibility to build a better future for the youth of Newport News.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
