Hampton Leaders Unite for Retreat on City’s Future
Council, School Board, and partner agencies focus on growth, placemaking, and shared vision
Hampton officials and partner agencies stepped away from routine business Sept. 24 for a retreat centered on urban planning, placemaking, and a shared vision for the city’s future.
The retreat, held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, brought together Mayor Jimmy Gray, City Manager Mary Bunting, the City Council, the School Board, the Economic Development Authority, the Planning Commission, and the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The session was facilitated by nationally recognized urban planner Mitchell Silver of Raleigh, N.C., who presented strategies on planning for demographic shifts, housing needs, and equitable growth.
Mayor Gray emphasized collaboration among agencies: “We all have our separate and specific jobs to do, but in the big picture we have the same goal — moving the city forward,” he said.
School Board Chair Dr. Richard Mason stressed the importance of alignment between schools and economic development, noting the success of the Academies of Hampton. Planning Commission Chair Michael Harris said the retreat aimed to generate “a concrete approach to implementing ideas” for Hampton’s future.
The retreat replaced the council’s regular work session. During the evening legislative meeting, council members approved a temporary easement for road work tied to the Raising Resilience Project, deferred action on a proposed camping ordinance, and honored contributors to Hampton’s fifth All-America City designation.
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