On March 28, the Hampton Roads Chamber hosted a record-breaking Chesapeake State of the City at the Chesapeake Conference Center. Mayor Rick West took the stage sharing the importance of collaboration between the cities of Hampton Roads and highlighted large regional projects worth celebrating such as the new High-Rise Bridge and the increased capacity for the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

Mayor West specifically addressed concerns about the future of Greenbrier Mall, explaining that while there are many ideas and discussions about the future of the property, there are no firm plans at this time. However, the city has seen “significant infrastructure improvements” in that area, including the new Three Oaks Industrial Park on Volvo Parkway according to the mayor.

Local updates continued with announcements made about historic South Norfolk, which will soon see growth through the new municipal building and will consolidate many local offices and services, including the City Treasurer, Commissioner of Revenue, 2^nd Police precinct, and others. In addition, Mayor West shared that the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center is coming to South Norfolk, which will provide not only a swimming pool, but family activities, therapeutic programs, and more.

Beyond the business success of the City, Mayor West congratulated the Chesapeake School System, both public and private, for its tremendous success in offering a balance of “college-prep, vocational, and career-focused education. Such educational success is central to how Chesapeake’s youth will write Chesapeake’s future story.” For local healthcare, it was shared that Chesapeake is welcoming the new Western Branch Community-based Outpatient Clinic, the Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare Center, as well as new mental health programs for the Chesapeake Regional Jail.

It was also stated that Chesapeake’s city parks and trail systems continue “to grow and prosper.”  There was the opening of Newton’s Neck Park and progress in the development of Blue Heron Landing Park. The city is also actively working on new trial plans “to connect and expand existing trails and new pathways” so “walkers of every speed and riders of every sort have a growing menu of options in Chesapeake.” The mayor also spoke on Chesapeake’s diverse history and spoke on the relocation of Cornland School as well as the groundbreaking of the Historical Village.

Mayor West concluded his speech by remarking on how far Chesapeake has come from its beginning in 1963 when South Norfolk and Norfolk County came together. He explained that Chesapeake is a city built on unity and the “willingness” to “find common ground, to work together, and to build a great City.”

The Hampton Roads Chamber would like to thank Mayor Rick West for sharing exciting future endeavors, business updates, and community accomplishments with our audience at this highly-anticipated Chesapeake State of the City.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: TowneBank
Member Spotlight Sponsor: Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
City Host Sponsor: Dollar Tree
Series Platinum Sponsors: ADP and Bon Secours
Building the Future Sponsor: The Franklin Johnston Group
Series Silver Sponsors: ABNB Federal Credit Union, BayPort Credit Union, Dominion Energy, GEICO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Langley Federal Credit Union, Sentara Health Plans, Verizon
Host Sponsor: Chesapeake Conference Center
Decor Sponsor: Premier Events of Virginia Inc.
Series Media Sponsors: WTKR News 3 and Two Twelve Media