The Newport News City Council Work Session on June 24, 2025, focused on the presentation of results from a recent community survey conducted in partnership with Polco. This survey aimed to gather resident feedback on various topics, including quality of life, satisfaction with city services, and perceptions of community livability. The insights gained from this survey are expected to significantly influence the city's upcoming strategic plan and help set priorities for the council's July retreat.

Sonia Wittink, Executive Vice President of Data Insights at Polco, presented the survey findings, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in local governance. The survey, which was conducted over six weeks, involved a random sample of 7,000 Newport News residents, with 313 responses collected. Although the response rate was lower than some other cities, it was deemed statistically valid with a margin of error of plus or minus 6%.

Key findings from the survey indicated that approximately 90% of residents rated their overall quality of life in Newport News as excellent, good, or fair. Safety emerged as a top priority, with 80% of residents feeling safe in their neighborhoods during the day. However, perceptions of safety in downtown areas and concerns about crime were noted as areas needing improvement, as they ranked below national benchmarks.

Economic health was another significant concern among residents, with a notable gap between the perceived quality of the local economy and its importance to residents. The survey highlighted that while many aspects of the local economy were rated similarly to benchmarks, issues such as the cost of living and the vibrancy of downtown Newport News received lower ratings.

The council discussed the implications of these findings, particularly regarding safety and economic health. Council members expressed interest in exploring educational campaigns to improve perceptions of safety and enhance community engagement. The survey results will serve as a foundation for ongoing discussions about resource allocation and policy focus in Newport News.

In conclusion, the community survey results provide valuable insights into resident priorities and perceptions, which will play a crucial role in shaping Newport News' strategic planning efforts moving forward. The council is expected to delve deeper into these findings as they prepare for their upcoming retreat and future initiatives.