SUFFOLK, Va. — Rather than a challenge, Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman said the city's recent population growth is a visible sign that the city is doing something right.
"It would be a problem if no one wanted to move here," said Duman. "We are seeing the opposite."
During Suffolk's State of the City, Duman said more than 100,000 people call Suffolk home. It's the greatest population growth seen across Hampton Roads.
With the increase in population, the mayor said it would be predictable to see an increase in crime rise. However, law enforcement recently saw an 8% drop in both violent crimes and property crimes across the city.
Duman credited the recently established Public Safety Committee with the drop in crime.
"When you put everyone in a room together, who either directly or indirectly has a responsibility towards public safety, things are going to get done," said Duman. "We can sit down, share ideas, and truly meet as friends."
Instead of crime, he said the population increase has brought more jobs and economic opportunities to the city.
City leaders recently recorded nearly 800 new jobs created in Suffolk.
Duman also said the city has seen more than $300 million put into capital investments across the city.
"Businesses want to come to Suffolk, and we want them to be here," said Duman. "The fact that we are seeing this kind of growth just shows the vitality Suffolk has."
Investments are also being made to education as more than $70 million is going toward building a new John F. Kennedy Middle School.
Duman also pointed to $400 million allocated for "new construction" in Downtown Suffolk and beyond.
"Now is the time to focus on our growth, while maintaining the charm that Suffolk has always had," he explained.
Duman said city leaders will work towards the comprehensive plan to expand Suffolk by 2045.