Local News in Virginia

Hampton Mayor Schedules Listening Campaigns In March For Citizens

Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray is launching a series of listening sessions in March to engage with residents on key issues, including climate change resilience and community development. Citizens can attend in-person meetings or submit questions online.

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By Rosaland Tyler
Associate Editor
New Journal and Guide

HAMPTON

Newly elected Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray has scheduled a series of listening campaigns that will be held in March.

The first session was held on March 5 at the North Phoebus Community Center Remaining dates and locations are Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m., March 19 at the Northampton Community Center, 1435 Todds Lane and April 2 at Aberdeen Elementary School, 1424 Aberdeen Road. Or you can complete an online form and submit questions to the mayor.

Gray said he campaigned for public office, in order to improve the quality of life for all Hampton citizens. Climate change and innovative resiliency projects that protect Hampton’s most vulnerable neighborhoods from weather-related events rank high on his list of priorities, he told WAVY when he was campaigning for mayor.

“However, these projects are very expensive and we will need to leverage other sources of funding, when possible, to reduce the financial burden on Hampton citizens,” he said.

“Hampton recently signed an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the Virginia Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, which will examine federal interest in supporting projects in Hampton.

He explained these projects include such operations as elevating buildings, wetland restoration and tide gates and floodwalls to help manage the risk of storm damage. “I look forward to the study’s recommendations so that we can continue to develop plans and implement projects that will protect our community,” he said.

Gray spent four terms on city council and also served as vice mayor. He has 44 years of local government experience.

He has served on various local and regional boards and commissions including Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Western Tidewater Regional Jail and the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads. He was also appointed by Governor Ralph Northam as the local government representative on the Virginia Board for Workforce Development.

He is the president of The 200+ Men Foundation and president of the Fort Monroe Foundation. Additionally, he serves on the Boards of Y.H. Thomas Community Center, Hampton Education Foundation, Bernadine Franciscan Sisters Foundation, Soundscapes and the Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens.

For more information on Your Say with Mayor Gray, go online to hampton.gov/mayor.