In recent sessions, the Hampton City Council has taken significant steps to address pressing community issues, including affordable housing, homelessness, and urban agriculture.
Formation of NexGen HRHA
On August 13, 2025, the Council unanimously approved the creation of NexGen HRHA, a nonprofit subsidiary of the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority. This initiative aims to preserve and modernize affordable housing across the city, ensuring local control over housing affordability and public investment.
Addressing Homelessness
In May 2025, Hampton joined a regional effort to combat homelessness following the Virginia Peninsula Homelessness Study. The study identified a lack of affordable housing as the primary driver of homelessness in the region. The city is collaborating with neighboring localities to implement coordinated strategies and shared solutions to address this issue.
Urban Agriculture Ordinance
In March 2026, the Council discussed a proposed ordinance to regulate urban agriculture, including the keeping of chickens within city limits. The ordinance aims to balance residents’ interest in urban farming with public health and safety considerations. A first reading of the updated ordinance is expected at the Council’s regular meeting on March 26.
These initiatives reflect the Council’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Hampton’s residents through thoughtful policy and community engagement.