Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations
Educating Civic Organizations About City Government Since 1959

The Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO) is an educational non-profit advocate for the established, suburban neighborhood.
We fully support attainable, affordable, and workforce housing, when it is located on an appropriate property, that does not adversely affect the established, suburban neighborhoods of the City of Virginia Beach.

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—that is to have succeeded.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

The next membership meeting is June 18, 2025, beginning at 6:30pm.

The Summer meeting location is:

Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Rescue 08

Langhorne Hall

1243 Bayne Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Guest Speakers will be Nancy Bloom, Public Engagement Manager, Office of Communications, City of Virginia Beach and Gina Benefiel, Philanthropy Officer, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Nancy will present Tips and Tools How Citizens Can Stay Informed About Virginia Beach City Projects and Events. Gina will be speaking on behalf of CHKD about their organization.

Come out and meet other Civic Organization leaders, learn something new about City Government and help your neighborhood become educated in City Affairs.

Updates on what is happening around the City such as the new Comprehensive Development Plan, City Budget and more... Events

Virginia Beach City News
News You Need to Know!

Send your City news to: news@vbcco.org

Scheduled Comprehensive Plan Meetings: Open to the public - please attend!

The Comprehensive Plan touches all aspects of City Government and citizen lives. It has the potential of unintended consequences, any of which may adversely affect established suburban neighborhoods. The Plan presented by the consultant is currently being reviewed by the Planning Commissioners for intent, content, accuracy, legal compliance. It is the job of the City Planning Department to support the Planning Commission in the Commission's job to gather the information needed. The Planning Commission "owns" the final document.

The Planning Commission will be holding public meetings for residents to learn about the Comprehensive Plan. The times, dates and locations have yet to be determined.

Voting System-Proposed Change
May 2025 10-1 versus 7-3-1

City Council will voted on May 6, 2025, to add a referendum question to the November 2025 ballot regarding the way we elect our city council members.

Voting Referendum

Voting System Opinion Piece
April 2025 - Former Councilman John Moss

Below is a response to the opinion that City Council wasted $1.4 million defending the legacy 7–3-1 system of electing all eleven members of city council at-large that still is the system prescribed in the VB City Charter today.

Moss on Voting System

Public Meetings on Comprehensive Plan
June - August 2025

The City will be holding public meetings to educate residents once the Comp Plan is more mature.

A Comp Plan is required by law and the City has decided to create an all "new" Comp Plan that outlines development for the future.
The VBCCO is holding two public education sessions to gather your input. Come out and help us devise questions to present to the City before this Plan is completed.

The Comprehensive Plan touches all aspects of City Government and citizen lives. It has the potential of unintended consequences, any of which may adversely affect established suburban neighborhoods. The Plan presented by the consultant is currently being reviewed by the Planning Commissioners for intent, content, accuracy, legal compliance. It is the job of the City Planning Department to support the Planning Commission in the Commission's job to gather the information needed. The Planning Commission "owns" the final document.

VBCCO Membership Meeting
June 18, 2025 at Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Rescue 08, Langhorne Hall

1243 Bayne Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

The next membership meeting is June 18, 2025 beginning at 6:30pm. Please note the new location!

The monthly VBCCO membership meeting will take place on June 18, 2025. Guest Speakers will be Nancy Bloom, Public Engagement Manager, Office of Communications, City of Virginia Beach and Gina Benefiel, Philanthropy Officer, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Nancy will present Tips and Tools How Citizens Can Stay Informed About Virginia Beach City Projects and Events. Gina will be speaking on behalf of CHKD about their organization.

Come out and meet other Civic Organization leaders, learn something new about City Government and help your neighborhood become educated in City affairs.

Membership Meeting

District 5 Town Hall
Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson will hold a Community Meeting/Town Hall on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center - South Building

Guest speakers include Police Chief Paul Neudigate, Fire Chief Ken Pravetz and EMS Assistant Chief Bruce Nedelka. An update on the Rudee Park project also will be provided by Clay Dills of Dills Architects.
District 5 Town Hall

Comprehensive Plan Nearing The End
April 2025 - What a Comp Plan Can Do to Your Neighborhood – And How to Stay Informed

Come out, get educated, get your questions answered and prepare questions for the City. Click the link for meeting times and dates.
Comprehensive Development Plan

Budget Season - $2.8 Billion Dollars
April 2025 - Where Does It Go?

Every year the City prepares a budget to determine on what we are going to spend money.

The last time we heard homeowners comprise about 80% of the tax base and are expected to contribute $819 Million dollars or about 30% of the overall revenue of $2.8 billion dollars.

Public Meetings:

Residents can weigh in with their suggestions, comments and recommendations in a variety of ways:

1. Attend one of the public meetings or participate virtually:

6 p.m., April 16, 2025, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street
6 p.m., April 22, 2025, in the City Council Chamber, 2401 Courthouse Drive (City Hall)

Click the button for more budget info:
2025 Budget

New Meal Tax
April 2025 - Manager's Budget Proposes Additional $0.5%

In the City Manager's Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget, presented on March 25, 2025, an increase in the meals tax rate from 5.5% to 6% has been proposed. This 0.5% increase is intended to develop a financing option known as the Major Project Fund, aimed at addressing funding gaps in significant capital projects. City of Virginia Beach+1City of Virginia Beach+1

Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on this proposal through various channels, including public hearings scheduled for April 16 and 22, as well as online platforms such as SpeakUpVB.com.
Speak Up VB

Jericho Road School Property
March 2025 - Citizens or Developers?

In recent years, the Aragona Civic League has advocated for transforming this property into a community park, reflecting the neighborhood's desire for accessible green spaces. Conversely, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) has considered alternative uses for the site. Notably, in 2016, there were discussions about developing multifamily housing on the 18-acre property. School officials clarified that these considerations were purely conceptual, with no concrete plans in place at that time.
Land Use-Jericho Road

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Hoodlums
March 2025 - Noise, Drag Racing, Poor Behavior Plague Boat Ramp

On Sunday evening, March 30, 2025, a significant disturbance occurred at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp in Virginia Beach. A large group of vehicles gathered in the parking lot, engaging in activities such as "drifting," which led to substantial disruption and property damage. The Virginia Beach Police Department responded to the scene to manage the situation. Ocean Park Civic League

In light of this incident, Danny Murphy, President of the Ocean Park Civic League, addressed a letter to city officials and law enforcement on March 31, 2025. The letter detailed the events and requested a comprehensive report on the incidents, including timelines, law enforcement responses, and recommendations for enhancing security along Shore Drive to prevent future occurrences. Ocean Park Civic League+1Ocean Park Civic League+1Ocean Park Civic League

Residents are encouraged to report any such activities promptly to the authorities. For emergencies, including instances of drag racing, individuals should call 911. For non-emergency concerns, such as parking issues, residents can contact 311 or the Virginia Beach Police Department's non-emergency line at 757-385-5000. Ocean Park Civic League

Contact: Danny Murphy, President Ocean Park Civic League idrmurphy@gmail.com

Rudee Loop Park Parking Garage
April1, 2025 - Parking Garage Support Withdrawn

On April 1, 2025 at the Virginia Beach City Council Meeting, Vice Mayor and District 5 Councilperson Rosemary Wilson withdrew her support for a parking garage at Rudee Inlet as part of the park project. Given the budget shortfall, the timing is just not right to invest $25 + million dollars in a garage. Click on blue button below and go to 3:49:00 in the video.

The Virginia Beach Atlantic Park project, which includes the wave park, is set to introduce approximately 1,650 structured parking spaces. These spaces will support various components of the development, including retail outlets, the surf park, the entertainment venue, restaurants, offices, and residential units.

Rudee Loop Video (3:49 in video)

VBDA (Virginia Beach Development Authority Rents $15,000 Box at The "Dome"
April 8, 2025 - Authority Passes Agreement To Rent a Private Box at New Venue

At the VBDA meeting on April 8, 2025 the group authorized the rental of a 4 person "box" at the new Dome venue for the purposes of entertaining Development Authority prospects. The fee is $15,000 annually for 4 events, that include some VIP amenities such as VIP Parking, food and beverage and the like. They also approved a 10% overage ($1500) to purchase extra tickets as needed after the 4 events are exhausted.

April 8, 2025

VBDA Master Plan for Innovation Park
April 8, 2025 - Development Authority Hires Consultant to Prepare Innovation Park Master Plan

The VBDA has employed a consultant to develop a "Master Plan" for the future development of the Innovation Park on Princess Anne Road, which currently consists of some light industrial businesses. Innovation Park is the latest iteration of the failed Biomedical Park that was supposed to go on the same space.

The VBDA is asking for additional land located in the ITA (Interfacility Traffic Area - Oceana to Fentress flight path) for light industrial development. The currently adopted 2017 ITA and Vicinity Master Plan and current agricultural zoning does not allow for light industrial as an approved use.

The recent ITA Master Plan Update, briefed / proposed in October 2024, complies with the existing Comprehensive Plan and all publicly vetted and adopted subsidiary documents, including the 2017 ITA and Vicinity Master Plan.
More to follow...

Innovation Park Master Plan

VBDA Approves $10M for Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU)
April 8, 2025 - School Asks City for Money for Improvements

The Virginia Beach Development Authority issued $10M Bond to allow VWU to refurbish existing structures and to purchase IT hardware and software. Apparently the Bond Issuance allows VWU to obtain Towne Bank financing at a lower rate. The VBDA gets a fee of 1/8th of 1%.

Unanimous approval.

VBDA - VWU Bond (12:35 in video)

VBDA Approves Workforce Housing Performance Grant Program
March 11, 2025 - Multifamily Affordable Housing Builders Avoid Real Estate Taxes for 15 - 30 years

The Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) has launched a new Attainable Workforce Housing Performance Grant Program aimed at tackling the city’s growing need for affordable rental housing. The initiative is designed to incentivize for-profit developers to build new multi-family housing by offering real estate tax-based grants.

To qualify, projects must be new construction only—rehabs and property purchases do not apply—and must demonstrate a clear financing gap. Grants are capped at 100% of the incremental new real estate taxes generated and can run for up to 15 years, with the possibility of extension to 30 years if developers reinvest in the property.
Workforce Housing (53:35 in video)

Mission Statement

To create a forum whereby the Civic Organizations throughout the city can work together to educate, inform, and empower civic leaders, support and assist member organizations, and advocate for stronger neighborhoods.
To help organize neighborhood Civic Organizations, and to support the activities of member organizations when requested.
To develop and approve Resolutions on matters of city-wide interest that represent the position and/or recommendation of the VBCCO.
To unite Virginia Beach neighborhoods for the common good.
To study and discuss important issues and problems that affect our communities and to work toward mutually agreeable solutions.
To provide a forum for the discussion and debate of current topics and to provide educational programs that will enable member organizations to better serve their residents.

Join Us

Is your Civic Organization a member of the VBCCO? If not, why not? Join us in making our neighborhoods have a bigger voice in City Government.

Click one of the buttons below to have your Civic Organization join!

New Civic Organization Signup
Email Membership Chairperson
Subscribe to our Emails
2025 Membership Application

membershipchair@vbcco.org

What's In It For Me?

HOW GETTING INVOLVED IN THE VBCCO HELPS NEIGHBORHOODS TO HAVE A VOICE

COMMUNICATION - Authentic Communication

Inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses and nonprofit and government leaders. Credible, civic-minded sources of information
presented in a way that residents can use

EDUCATION - Information resource

Raise awareness of matters affecting the community
and steps to influence the outcome.

Educate neighbors on City and neighborhood issues.

Educate residents on how to identify community needs and access City services.

COLLABORATION - Networking and Socializing

Provide a framework in which to work together in
prevention of crime and to improve the quality of life.

Facilitate community volunteer programs.
opportunity to meet new people,
make friends, and strengthen community bonds.

REPRESENTATION - Represent the community wishes

Communicate recommendations, suggestions,
and/or modifications to City Council to improve the
quality of life in the community.

Giving Citizens a "Seat at the Table".

Attend meetings and public hearings and report to members.

VBCCO Calendar

Volunteer

The Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO) needs volunteers. Please consider donating an hour of two per month of your time to help us in our mission to educate taxpaying citizens who live in established, suburban neighborhoods about City Government.

The time you give can go a long way towards helping make your fellow citizens aware of how City Government works...and what to do when it doesn't. Click the button below for current volunteer opportunities.

Volunteering Opportunities

If you do not see a Volunteer Opportunity that interests you, please email us at: board@vbcco.org.

Best Practices, Chair - Bill Filbert

Community Affairs, Chair -Ryan Gilliam

Events & Programs, Chair - Susan Mayo

Marketing, Website, Email, Chair – Rick Boyles

Membership, Chair - Rick Manolio

Bylaws Review, Chair - Bill Filbert

Annual Review, Chair - Bill Filbert

Volunteers, Chair - Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

Member
Onboarding

Welcome Letter from the President
President's Welcome Letter

Overview of the VBCCO and Mission
Welcome Overview

Member Civic Organization Responsibilities
2024 Member Civic Organization Responsibilities

Helpful Links Sheet
Useful Links

City Public Notice Blog

Start a Civic League
VBCCO Best Practices

We can help!!! Welcome to the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO) Best Practices Series. This collection of publications is designed to provide guidance and share proven strategies that support the effectiveness and impact of civic engagement in Virginia Beach. As a well-established non-profit organization, the VBCCO aims to foster strong relationships between residents and city leaders while upholding transparency, inclusivity, and proactive advocacy.

The Best Practices Series covers a variety of topics, from governance and community outreach to program development and member engagement. Each publication in this series is crafted to offer practical insights that align with the VBCCO’s mission and values, enabling civic leagues, board members, and volunteers to strengthen their contributions to the community.

Thank you for your dedication to advancing the VBCCO’s mission and for being an integral part of the civic community.

Feel free to contact our Best Practices Committee at bestpractices@vbcco.org for help or questions. Clicking the button below will take you directly to those documents.