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

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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.

Civic Leagues must operate as persistent advocates for the public good — not passive advisory bodies. And, their power lies in organized, sustained and informed community action.

Next Membership Meeting Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the EMS Station 8 located at 1243 Bayne Drive (off Old Donation Parkway)

This meeting is "Open Mic Night". Free flowing discussion about anything and everything. New VBCCO Initiatives, Civic League challenges, City Business, VBCCO Operations, you name it and we'll talk about it.

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The following night, August 21, 2025 at the Princess Anne Recreation Center located at 1400 Nimmo Parkway is

The Green Line/Blue Line/Transition Area Forum.

Virginia Beach City News
News You Need to Know!

Send your City news to: news@vbcco.org

VBCCO Green Line/Blue Line Forum
August 21, 2025

Green Line, Blue Line, Transition Area: What’s at Stake for Virginia Beach

VBCCO sponsored Green Line/Blue Line Transition Area Forum

📍 Princess Anne Recreation Center

📍 1400 Nimmo Pkwy

📅 Thursday, August 21, 2025

🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

We have invited the Mayor, City Manager, and certain Department Heads to act as panelists. There will be a Q&A session after the panelists speak.

*** Register now to save your seat!

VBCCO – August 21 - 8/21/2025

Comprehensive Development Plan
Workshop Meeting of Planning Commissioners
July 29, 2025

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission held a workshop on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, Building 19, Room A, for the purpose of reviewing and discussing the Draft Comprehensive Plan. The workshop was open to the public, who were able to observe the discussion. Three or more members of the Transition Area/Interfacility Traffic Area Citizens Advisory Committee (TA/ITA CAC) were in attendance.

VBCCO Video

Upcoming Voting Referendum Educational Forum
September 2025

In anticipation of the upcoming City of Virginia Beach Voting Referendum, the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO) is working to organize an educational Panel Discussion and Q&A Forum to help residents better understand the proposed changes to our local voting system.

The referendum will ask voters to consider replacing the current 10-1 district-based voting system with a modified 7-3-1 system, which has generated considerable public interest and discussion. To ensure our citizens are well-informed before casting their votes, we are attempting to secure speakers who represent both sides of the issue—those supporting and those opposing the proposed change.

Our goal is to have these representatives present their perspectives in brief opening statements, followed by an open Q&A session where attendees can ask questions and receive direct answers. This format is intended to promote transparency, civic understanding, and respectful dialogue.

This forum will take place only if we are able to secure participation from both viewpoints on the same stage. Stay tuned for updates on location, time, and confirmed speakers.

Voting Referendum

VBCCO Membership Meeting
August 20, 2025

EMS Station 8
1243 Bayne Drive

Open Mic Night

Join your fellow civic-minded residents and VBCCO members The monthly VBCCO membership meeting will take place on August 20, 2025.

Open Microphone Night. Discussion about whatever subjects are weighing on your mind from running your Civic League to running the VBCCO.

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

VBCCO Elections
November 2025

When we stood the VBCCO back on its feet in February of 2023, and held election of Officers and Directors later that year, all of the Officers and Directors were elected at the same time. Since the bylaws call for half of the Officers and Directors to run for election in odd years and half to run in even years, we need to introduce that "stagger" back into the elections.

We will be calling for a Resolution from the Member Civic Organization's Voting Representatives at an upcoming meeting to allow half of the group to stand for another year and the other half to run for reelection.

More info to follow...this is just a head up.
2025 Bylaws updates

The "Silos" Part 2
City Council Agenda
July 8, 2025

City Council will meet and vote on July 8, 2025 on a modification of the "Silos at Southern Pines" apartment project, south of the Green Line, originally approved by Council in 2023 over a huge public outcry. The applicant is unable to get the stormwater off the property and has elected to purchase some adjacent church property, including a stormwater pond. They also want to add another apartment building to the project with 24 units. If you have comments, email citycouncil@vbgov.com or show up and speak on July 8 in City Council chambers.

The Transition Area/Interfacility Traffic Area Citizen's Advisory Committee (TA/ITA) has recommended denial of this proposed change. See the link below:
TA/ITA disapproval

Comprehensive Development Plan
Next Workshop Meeting of Planning Commissioners
Open to the Public for viewing-No comments allowed
July 29, 2025

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission will hold a workshop on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, Building 19, Room A, for the purpose of reviewing and discussing the Draft Comprehensive Plan. The workshop is open to the public, who may observe the discussion. Three or more members of the Transition Area/Interfacility Traffic Area Citizens Advisory Committee (TA/ITA CAC) may be in attendance.
Comp Plan Workshop

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Update
July 3, 2025

From the Ocean Park Civic League
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE– Join us in thanking VB Parks & Rec Lynnhaven Boat Ramp management & staff, P&R Director Kirschman, City Manager Duhaney & office, Councilman Schulman and VBPD 3rd Precinct led by Captain Gordon! We appreciate their listening to our concerns and taking these additional actions!

“With the busy July 4th weekend upon us, Parks and Recreation, Va. Beach Police, and Emergency Management have partnered to add Garda World security personnel to the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp holiday operations. We will have an armed security guard with a marked SUV on-site from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Security personnel will be tasked with providing a presence in cooperation with the police department to address any potential security concerns over the weekend.”

“Additionally, on Sunday, July 6th, the VBPD will have its mobile command unit onsite for the Ocean Park & Bay Lake Pines fireworks display from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.”
OP Civic League

VBCCO Membership Meeting
July 16, 2025

🎉 You’re Invited! – VBCCO Member Appreciation Cookout 🌭🍔

Hosted by the Officers and Directors of the

Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations

RSVPs are required. https://vbcco.org/events

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Bayville Farms Park – Shelter 1

Address: 4132 First Court Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Join your fellow civic-minded residents and VBCCO members for an evening of good food and great conversation! There are no speakers, no agenda — just burgers, hot dogs, chips, and the friendly company of like-minded homeowners who care about our community.

This is a casual opportunity to reconnect, unwind, and enjoy a summer evening with neighbors who share your commitment to improving the City of Virginia Beach through civic engagement.
Events

Voting for City Council
10 - 1 Voting v Modified 7-3-1
July 3, 2025

The band Chicago released a song in 1969 called "Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is". That may be appropriate for this City Council voting system.

The City has a document called a Charter. The Charter contains the rules of the government that Virginia Beach must abide by. The Charter requires a certain way to elect City Councilmembers and if elections are to be held differently, then the Charter must be changed. The Charter currently calls for a "7-3-1" voting system.

What We Had
In a 7-3-1 system everyone voted for 1 Councilmember in your District who had to live in your District (there were 7), everyone voted for 3 "at large" citywide Councilmembers who had to live in certain assigned districts (Residency Districts) who represented everyone and everyone voted for 1 Mayor. So, you could vote for 5 people to represent your interests.

What We Got
As the result of a lawsuit that challenged the ability of minorities to be fairly represented (because of the way the 7 Districts were drawn) a Federal judge required the 7 Districts to be redrawn into 10 Districts and you could only vote for a Councilmember who lived in your District (there are 10) and 1 Mayor. Now you could only vote for 2 people to represent your interests.

Voting Referendum

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

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.

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.