From the Chair

Our community has always been a City shaped by intention – by the thoughtful curation of opportunity, the power of collaboration, and the creativity that fuels innovation. This year, the Economic Development Authority strengthened that vision as new ideas took shape and partnerships deepened, with major employers and emerging enterprises alike reaffirming their commitment to Newport News. 

The inaugural Newport News Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion Summit marked a defining moment in our development strategy. By bringing together national developers, regional partners, and local business leaders, we made clear that Newport News is open for business and ready to compete. The Summit underscored the strength of public-private partnership as the foundation of successful economic development, while generating new investment interest across sites positioned to shape the City’s future.

The EDA also made meaningful strides in maximizing the value of the City’s key assets, including at the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport and in Downtown. Through the work of the EDA and key partners, the airport was identified as a key for uncrewed systems development and training with a focus on Beyond Visual Line of Sight technologies, an important step in repositioning PHF as a competitive hub for next generation aviation activity. At the same time, significant Navy investment in new unaccompanied housing is adding critical momentum to Downtown’s revitalization, which, alongside the Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Newport News Trades Center, serves to strengthen our community’s maritime industrial base. 

In parallel, the EDA continued to champion the small businesses that anchor our neighborhoods and enrich daily life in Newport News. By reducing barriers, expanding access to technical assistance, and cultivating a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem with regional collaborators, the EDA reinforced the backbone of our local economy and helped ensure that the benefits of growth extend across every corner of
our community.

This year’s accomplishments reflect a City moving with purpose – curating opportunity, investing in its strengths, and laying the groundwork for long-term competitiveness. As you explore this report, you will see how collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to shared success have shaped this momentum. Together, these milestones underscore a simple truth: when we steward change with care, shared purpose, and intentionality, we create meaningful and lasting impact. Thank you to our collaborators, City Council, partners,
board members, and residents for helping build a Newport News where every initiative reinforces a future
crafted with intention.