2022 Year in Review: Responsive Government

Digital Change:

As part of its digital transformation strategy, the City began transitioning to a new data center which will increase business agility, strengthen security and accelerate infrastructure modernization.

New Website Debuts:

The City launched Phase I of its new website, virginiabeach.gov, designed with a fresh look, improved navigation and new interactive tools.

There’s No Pride in Prejudice:

VB earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for the third consecutive year. The 2022 score, which grades communities on how inclusive municipal laws and policies are of LGBTQ+ people, was the highest in the state.

Improved Pipe Cleaning:

Public Utilities reduced scheduled “hot spot” sewer line cleanings by 90% using new acoustic technologies to better assess the interior condition of sewer mains. The collected information revealed that many sewer mains could go longer between cleanings, thus providing for optimal cleaning schedules, and the more efficient use of resources.

Cultural Milestone:

2022 marked the 15th anniversary of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts opening its doors. Since 2007, the Sandler Center has hosted nearly 6,200 events to enrich the lives of residents and guests by providing great and diverse performances, experiences and educational programs for the arts.

Culture of Service:

More than 9,300 City volunteers served 790,109 hours, which equates to $23,663,777, or 3.8¢ saved on the real estate tax rate.

Ripple Effect:

The 2021 Flood Protection Program bond referendum marketing campaign won top awards from City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), Virginia Municipal League (VML) and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Hampton Roads.

Election Day Support:

Over 1,200 election officials/poll workers and 111 student election pages were trained for Election Day 2022 to support 109 polling locations, including one location dedicated to counting early ballots.

Second-Time Finalist:

Parks and Recreation was announced as a finalist for a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Award commending excellence in Parks and Recreation management for the second consecutive year.

Climbing the Ranks:

Virginia Beach enhanced its position in the Center for Digital Government’s 2022 Digital Cities Survey, rising from third place last year to the No. 2 spot in its population category (250,000-499,000). The survey ranks municipalities on their use of technology to deliver services and enhance resident experience.

Nostalgic for the Past:

In the lead-up to the City’s 60th anniversary, at the request of Councilmember Henley, the Communications Department produced a monthly video series telling the story of the City’s history through archived photos and videos as well as interviews with residents. Twenty-four Virginia Beach pioneers and residents were recognized with a “Diamond Award” proclamation for their investment in the community.

Looking to the Future:

The Communications Department announced a refreshed corporate identity as part of the 60th anniversary activities planned for 2023.

Residents Speak Up:

In 2022, a total of 5,953 participants engaged in SpeakUpVB.com surveys on topics such as noise ordinance updates, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and more.