News Flash

Memorial Day holiday affects city services

Here’s a look at how these city offices, departments, or services will be affected by the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 29, 2023.

City Offices                  ...

City Council approves budget with reduced property tax rate

May 11, 2023 — The City Council on Wednesday night unanimously approved City Manager Mary Bunting’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes a property tax rate cut of 2 cents per hundred dollars of value. That follows a 6-cent reduction last ...

Proposed budget would cut property tax rate by 2 cents

April 13, 2023 — City Manager Mary Bunting offered highlights of her budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024 on Wednesday, recommending a property tax rate cut of 2 cents per hundred dollars of value. That follows a 6-cent reduction last year.

Public hearings...

Hampton gets $4.6 million for violence prevention, neighborhood safety

April 10, 2023 -  Hampton will receive a $4.6 million federal Byrne Discretionary Grant to be used in the city’s violence-prevention efforts. U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, who secured the funds, presented Mayor Donnie Tuck and the city with a ...

Hampton Public Library drops overdue fines, adds text communication

Aril 6, 2023 — Hampton’s libraries will no longer charge late fees for overdue books. They are also adding the ability to communicate with customers by text and email.

 “This will eliminate a big barrier for families ...

Events for all ages will showcase Youth Violence Prevention Week

April 3, 2023 - Hampton will come together to mark Youth Violence Prevention Week with events that educate, remember victims, share resources, offer recreation, and, ultimately pull the community together in expressions of unity and hope.

Hopeful Hampton’s...

Hampton named a finalist for All-America City Award

March 28, 2023 - Hampton has been named as a finalist for the All-America City competition. The All-America City Award, presented by the National Civic League, recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusion and innovation ...

Mosaic festival celebrates cultures, history, and the Earth on April 22

March 23, 2023 - The Hampton Mosaic Festival combines elements from the International Children's Festival, Heritage Day, Earth Day celebrations, and adds more art and interactivity. The new, combined festival will be held April 22 from 10 p.m. to...

Dates set for input on future of Hampton's carousel

March 15, 2023 — Community discussions about the future of the historic carousel will be held March 23 and 28. The Downtown Hampton Development Partnership has asked the City Council to move it to make room for a larger waterfront park.

Tom Tingle, archite...

You can feed the animals again at Bluebird Gap Farm

March 7, 2023 — Bluebird Gap Farm, Hampton’s unique petting zoo, has resumed its popular animal feeding experience, which allows guests to purchase bags of feed and interact with some of the park’s animals.

The program was suspended in 2020 due to Covid-19...

Polling on the city's upcoming budget available through March 20

March 15, 2023 - Work to develop next year's budget is under way, and residents can offer their views in an online informal survey. City Manager Mary Bunting seeks input before her recommended budget is developed to ensure it includes residents&a...

HU Proton Therapy Institute announces plan for revolutionary cancer treatment

March 3, 2023 – Hampton University this morning announced a partnership that will bring a revolutionary new technology to improve cancer treatment.

The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute’s partnership with Leo Cancer Care and the Jefferson Lab wil...

Violent crimes were down in 2022, but 2023 starts with a spike

Feb. 8, 2023 – Police Chief Mark Talbot gave an update to City Council about crime in 2022 that started with some good news.

Statistics show that murders were down 25% over 2021. Robberies decreased by 12%. Property crimes were up at total of 16%...

City's home values increased again in 2022; tax rate decrease will be recommended

Feb. 8, 2023 – The value of homes in Hampton increased again during 2022, according to a report by Assessor Libby Griebel. The median sale price rose to $253,000.

In fact, 96.6% of residential properties saw increases, with the mean or average va...

Council approves $100 million development for former Lincoln Park site

Feb. 9, 2023 — The City Council has approved a $100 million proposal by developer Axis Global Enterprises to redevelop the former site of the Lincoln Park housing development on LaSalle Avenue. The new development, called Olde Hampton Village, w...

City creates escalating penalty for violations of trash regulations

Jan. 13, 2023 - In an effort to control increasing costs of trash collection, Hampton will begin issuing violations and fines for customers who fail to follow the regulations.

These measures will go into effect July 1 to give residents time to get better a...

New rules allow Airbnbs, VRBOs easier path to be licensed to operate in Hampton

Dec. 16, 2022 - City Council created a pathway for people who own houses that they rent through such sites as Airbnb or VRBO to operate legally. Previously, short-term rentals were only allowed as an “accessory use” to a home that is a...

Hampton named Top 10 Digital City for 20th time

Nov. 10, 2022 - Hampton was once again named a Top 10 Digital City. This is the 20th time the city has been recognized for its innovative use of technology and citizen engagement. 

The rankings are done by the Center for Digital Government, a nati...

Sewer replacement work will create detours on Old Buckroe Road

Oct. 17, 2022 - HRSD crews will be installing sanitary sewer pipelines on Old Buckroe Road, forcing a road closure for through traffic that is expected to last for a year. Work is expected to begin this week near Colonial Acres Drive.

During this work, mot...

Free grand opening events for Aquaplex swim center on Oct. 29

Oct. 12, 2022 — The city's new two-pool swimming center will hold a free celebration Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with demonstrations, refreshments, games, and entertainment. 

The program will feature Olympic gold ...

North King Street closed for repairs that could take 3-4 months

Aug. 19, 2022 - North King Street just south of the Interstate 64 overpass is closed due to emergency road repairs expected to take three to four months. The closure is where the road crosses Bright's Creek, between the Vanguard Brewpub and Sprin...

UPDATE: Winds shift, sparing Hampton from severe flooding; shelter closing

Oct. 3 — A change the wind direction meant Hampton was spared the severe flooding that was predicted a day ago. Instead of seeing a high tide of 6.9 feet, Monday's high crested just above 5 feet. There was street flooding and minor damage, plus heavy wind...

Reminders about Buckroe Beach for Labor Day weekend

As we hit the Labor Day weekend and move into the “off season” at local beaches, here are a few reminders for visitors to Buckroe Beach:

• After this holiday weekend, there will be no lifeguards on duty until next spring, when the season re-opens on Memorial...

Poll workers needed to staff precincts on Election Day

Aug. 31, 2022 - The Hampton Voter Registrar’s Office is looking for dedicated people to serve the democratic process by serving as election officials on Election Day.  

The polls open on Election Day at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.; however, electio...

UPDATE: Swimming advisory lifted for Buckroe Beach

Aug. 24, 2022 – The Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for the central part of beach due to levels of bacteria levels that exceed the state water quality standards for swimming.

Buckroe is segmented, so bacteria levels could affect the entire...

REPAIRED: Gas leak closes Hardy Cash-Executive intersection

Aug. 23 - UPDATE: Repairs have been made. The intersection of Hardy Cash and Executive drives is now open after a gas line was repaired.

Hampton named top community in Virginia for resilience efforts

July 18, 2022 - Hampton has been named the Resilient Virginia Community of the Year by the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association for its "outstanding example for how to undertake resiliency planning," according to the announcemen...