Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany

10/19/2026

🚧 Denbigh Interchange: Construction Starts Now 🚧

The I-64/Denbigh Boulevard Interchange (Phase I) is no longer just a plan. VDOT gave City Council its latest update, and crews are mobilizing this fall. Here’s what’s coming over the next six months so you can plan ahead:

📍 Oct–Nov 2026
• Crews and equipment arrive on site
• Lane shift and traffic control on I-64 West
• Construction of the I-64 West auxiliary lane begins
• Access between Richneck Rd and Denbigh Blvd will close permanently
• Utility work starts near the ramps

📍 Dec 2026–Jan 2027
• Widening begins on Denbigh Blvd near I-64
• New access built between St. Andrews Lane and Word Works Worship Center

📍 Feb–Mar 2027
• The I-64 lane shift comes down
• Short-term lane closures on Denbigh Blvd to remove the raised median
• Church access work is completed

📍 Warwick Blvd & Jefferson Ave intersections
Right-of-way acquisition runs from fall 2026 through summer 2027. Construction at these two intersections starts in Summer 2027. VDOT does not expect long-term lane closures there.

This is a $74.1M investment. It’s the first of two projects that together will deliver a full diamond interchange at Denbigh, with completion expected in Summer 2029. It means better access, safer travel, and real infrastructure for Uptown.

👉🏾 What you can do:

✔️ Leave extra travel time near Denbigh and I-64
✔️ Find a new route if you use the Richneck Rd connection
✔️ Share this post with your neighbors, your church family, and local businesses

10/16/2026

Honored to be elected President-Elect of the Virginia Municipal League.

The City of Newport News, VA - Government has a long history of leadership at VML. That history includes Mayor S. R. Buxton (1905-1906), the League’s founding President; Jessie M. Rattley (1978-1979), who led VML prior to becoming our city’s first woman and first Black American Mayor; along with others who have served.

I’m humbled to join that tradition as VML President-Elect. I’m grateful to the elected leaders across the Commonwealth for their trust, and I’m ready to help push our League to be even stronger for the communities we serve.

📖 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2MV9zYB

10/09/2026

We’ve heard questions about lowering the real estate tax rate for your benefit and that’s something we’ve seriously considered.

But here’s what we found: Even a one-cent reduction would mostly benefit corporations, apartment owners, and large property owners overall, while the average homeowner would see less than $30 a year in savings.

This initiative puts real dollars back into the hands of homeowners who need support most, while also serving as a pilot for future efforts to expand and strengthen relief based on real needs and results.

Learn more 📖: https://apps.nnva.gov/residentfirst

10/07/2026

🗳️ KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE: The 1% School Construction Sales Tax Referendum

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Newport News voters will decide whether to authorize City Council to adopt an additional local sales tax of up to 1% for school construction and major renovations. Here are the facts:

📌 The rate: Our combined sales tax is currently 6%. If approved and adopted, it would be up to 7%. That's one cent per dollar: $0.10 on a $10 purchase, $1.00 on a $100 purchase.

📌 What's exempt: Groceries, essential personal hygiene products, gas, and vehicle purchases are not subject to the additional 1%. Restaurant meals and online purchases delivered to Newport News addresses would be included.

📌 Who pays: Anyone making a taxable purchase in Newport News, including residents, commuters, and visitors.

📌 Estimated revenue: $25–30 million per year.

📌 How it can be used: By state law, only for construction or major renovation of schools serving Newport News. It cannot go to salaries, operating costs, or non-school purposes. Identified projects include Denbigh High School ($90.1M), a Dutrow Elementary replacement ($42M), replacing portable classrooms, and roof, HVAC, and systems repairs.

📌 End date: The tax would expire June 30, 2046.

✅ A YES vote authorizes the City to levy the tax. Council would still need to adopt a separate ordinance before it takes effect.

❌ A NO vote means the City does not receive this taxing authority. Planned projects would stay in the capital plan and be funded, delayed, or scaled based on existing revenue.

🗓️ Key dates:
• Registration deadline: Oct. 23 at 5 PM
• Early voting: now through Oct. 31
• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3

Full details, project list, and FAQs: https://www.nnva.gov/3446/School-Construction-Sales-Tax-Referendum

10/01/2026

Know Before You Vote 🗳️.

On November 3, Newport News voters will see a question on their ballot about the School Construction Sales Tax Referendum, also known as The 1% Choice.

Join the City of Newport News and Newport News Public Schools for an informational town hall to learn more about the referendum and how the proposed funding would be used.

📅 Tuesday, October 6 | 6:00 PM
📍 Warwick High School, 51 Copeland Ln.

Why is this on the ballot?

A facilities assessment identified a backlog of $764 million in needed repairs and replacements across Newport News school buildings (https://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/futures/doc/futuresmasterplan.pdf). Virginia law now allows localities to ask voters whether to use a dedicated sales tax for school construction and renovation, and City Council voted in July to place that question before Newport News voters.

Who pays?

Sales tax is paid by everyone who makes a taxable purchase in Newport News, not just residents. Whether you live in Newport News, Hampton, or out of state; if you shop, dine, or stay in Newport News, you would pay the same rate.

The basics:

- The question asks whether the City may enact an additional local sales tax of up to 1%, raising the combined rate from 6% to as much as 7%

- Revenue could be used only for construction or major renovation of schools serving Newport News

- Groceries, essential personal hygiene products, and gas would not be taxed at the new rate

- The tax would expire June 30, 2046

- A “yes” vote authorizes City Council to consider adopting the tax; a “no” vote means the City would not receive that authority through this referendum.

This event is informational only and does not advocate for any voting outcome. All residents are welcome. Bring your questions.

Learn more here 📖: nnva.gov/referendum

09/16/2026

Let’s go! 📈

Breaking: After two years of negotiations, Newport News has officially inked a $400 million contract with the U.S. Navy to construct a massive military housing project in the city’s downtown. (Link in comments.)

09/12/2026

Different district, same city, same love. Another year, another successful Southeast Community Day Parade in the books 😎👍🏾.

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember September 11, 2001, a day that left a lasting mark on our nation and our communities.

09/08/2026

In case you missed it — a quick recap of the back-to-school giveback with Masego, PlusNTrust, and Soundscapes. 🎶

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09/02/2026