HAMPTON, Va. — Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck praised the city’s efforts to reduce crime, enhance education and innovate in his annual State of the City address Friday afternoon.
More than 500 people came out to hear what the mayor had to say.
When he discussed crime in the city, he gave kudos to the Hampton Police Division and its new Chief Jimmie Wideman for their data driven approach to place officers in specific areas to build trust and improved apprehension rate.
"At the root of much of the violence in our city is trauma, homelessness, instability, poverty and hopelessness. If we can address those issues, we will reduce crime. The reality is the problems we're talking about cannot be solved by just arresting people and throwing them in jail," he said.
Tuck emphasized the $2.4 million American Rescue Plan Act funds being used to partner with 21 non-profits that work with youth in the area. He also mentioned a $4.6 million grant to combat gun violence. That is going towards creating neighborhood resource centers in five specific areas. He said services will include trauma-informed care, workforce development, access to health care, mentoring, conflict resolution and educational programs.
Tuck also announced that the city is partnering with the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and other localities to address gun violence as a region. He also applauded their fourth time being named one of 10 All-American Cities.
On top of that, he says the city is partnering with Langley Air Force Base to build a new police training center at Fort Monroe.
"The base needed a new training facility. So did our police division. By sharing costs, everyone benefits," said Tuck.
Looking at Hampton City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes said once again, their schools are 100% accredited without conditions. He also said the class of 2023 had a 96% graduation rate with a dropout rate of less than 1%.
"The most exciting new that I am honored to share is that Hampton City Schools has achieved the distinction of becoming the first and, at this time, only Ford Next Generation Learning K-12 community in the nation," said Haynes.
When it comes to addressing mental health, Tuck touted a new psychiatric emergency department from Riverside Health System — the first of its kind in the state.
He also touched on multiple housing projects the city is working on, saying this is a needed step forward.
"We know that the need for more quality, affordable housing is a concern not just in Hampton, but for other localities in Hampton Roads," said Tuck.
Tuck also placed and emphasis on innovation in the city, including using AI to read an interpret images taken by their drones.
"Hampton is field-testing the software and teaching the AI to get better. New technologies also allow the city to repair underground pipes without digging up entire street," he said. "Because Hampton is pioneering this technology, we are leading the way for other localities."
When it comes to flooding and environmental resilience, Tuck said their $12 million impact bond helped leverage grants from state and federal governments now totaling $24.4 million. He pointed out the groundbreaking for one of their first projects: reconstructing Lake Hampton to hold and filter more water.
Looking at tourism, Tuck said 2022 was a good year for the city.
"It's easy to see why Hampton saw double-digit percentage increases in visitor spending, employment, and tourism revenue in 2022. Visitors brought in $14.3 million in meals and hotel taxes alone," Tuck said.
"I’m so glad Hampton is my home."