NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The theme of this year’s event is “Building Forward" and how to make that a reality.
His speech, roughly an hour long focused on crime, engaging the youth and enhancing the city.
When it comes to business and tourism, Mayor Jones noted how far the city has rebounded.
“Tourism is a vitally important industry and an economic engine to those of us here on the Peninsula. I am proud to report that our tourism numbers are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels," Jones said.
In the office for just over a year, the youngest mayor in Newport News history says more is coming to bring more arts and culture in the future.
"You’re going to see more activity. Newport News is a great place to live. We’re going to increase fun and culture within the next year and you’ll see that in the budget coming up," Jones said.
Mayor Jones says a new office for community safety will open soon. It'll focus on creating a hospital-based violence intervention program and continue to strengthen relationships. He says his goal is to decrease gun violence, especially when it comes to teens in the community.
“I will make sure they have the agency to get things done. I promise that we’re going to reduce gun violence in Newport News and I’m going to put the resources in dollars behind it," Jones said.
When it comes to the youth in Newport News, Mayor Jones wants to reintroduce a work program for teens and strengthen partnerships with community groups.
“Youth doesn't have a lot to do in the summer. If you look at Newport News, a lot of things, a lot of violence happened in the summer and with youth. We're going to ensure that we have a youth employment program. We had it a few years ago, but it went away. I’m bringing it back.”
Jones' initiatives are starting as early as this weekend. He will play pickup basketball with children in the community.