Norfolk Mayor Touts Progress in Public Safety, Housing, and Economic Development

Mayor Kenny Alexander highlights key achievements in his 2026 State of the City address.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:19pm

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A cinematic painting depicting the Norfolk skyline with the iconic Battleship Wisconsin in the foreground, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the city's maritime heritage and modern development.Norfolk's historic maritime heritage and modern skyline converge in a scene of quiet contemplation, reflecting the city's progress and enduring community spirit.Norfolk Today

In his annual State of the City address, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander emphasized the city's progress in public safety, housing affordability, and economic development. Alexander cited a 30% decrease in homicides, 24% drop in non-fatal shootings, and 11% decline in overall violent crime. The city has also committed $89 million to expand housing production and reduce homelessness, including the $120 million St. Paul's Transformation project. Additionally, Norfolk has seen $276 million invested in infrastructure and development projects, with new job opportunities on the horizon from a fast-food development, a new Target location, and the upcoming Norfolk Casino Hotel and Resort.

Why it matters

Norfolk's State of the City address provides a comprehensive update on the city's key priorities and initiatives, showcasing its efforts to improve public safety, increase affordable housing, and drive economic growth. As a major city in the Hampton Roads region, Norfolk's progress has significant implications for the broader community.

The details

In his address, Mayor Alexander highlighted Norfolk's notable improvements in public safety, citing a 30% decrease in homicides, a 24% drop in non-fatal shootings, and an 11% decline in overall violent crime. He credited these changes to ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and community leaders. The city has also committed $89 million in capital funds to expand housing production and reduce homelessness, with the $120 million St. Paul's Transformation project as a key initiative. On the economic front, Norfolk has seen $276 million invested in more than 70 infrastructure and development projects, including improvements to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, transit systems, and Norfolk International Airport. New job opportunities are also on the horizon, with a fast-food development, a second Target location, and the upcoming Norfolk Casino Hotel and Resort expected to create thousands of jobs.

  • In the past year, Norfolk has seen a 30% decrease in homicides, the lowest number in 40 years.
  • Non-fatal shootings dropped by 24% in the past year.
  • Overall violent crime declined by 11% in the past year.
  • The $120 million St. Paul's Transformation project is already taking shape.
  • The Norfolk Casino Hotel and Resort is set to open in fall 2027.

The players

Mayor Kenny Alexander

The mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, who delivered the 2026 State of the City address highlighting the city's progress in public safety, housing, and economic development.

The City of Norfolk

A major city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, known for its maritime industry, economic growth, and efforts to improve public safety and housing affordability.

The Port of Virginia

A key economic driver for Norfolk, advancing a $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program to expand berth space, cranes, rail capacity, and yard infrastructure at the port.

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What they’re saying

“In Norfolk, we move forward together, we solve problems together to achieve something bigger than ourselves.”

— Mayor Kenny Alexander, Mayor of Norfolk

“We lead because of our people — neighbors who care for one another, workers who power our economy, families who invest in our future, and young people who are already shaping what comes next.”

— Mayor Kenny Alexander, Mayor of Norfolk

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor and report on progress in public safety, housing, and economic development initiatives. Key upcoming milestones include the opening of the Norfolk Casino Hotel and Resort in fall 2027 and ongoing investments in the Port of Virginia's expansion.

The takeaway

Norfolk's State of the City address highlights the city's commitment to collaborative, community-driven solutions that are driving measurable progress in public safety, affordable housing, and economic growth. These efforts position Norfolk as a thriving, opportunity-rich city in the Hampton Roads region.