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FOREWORD
Serving on a city council is one of the most demanding tasks a citizen can perform, especially in a city as large,
as diverse, and as complex as the City of Newport News. Council members are pulled in many directions, are
often called upon, and (due to the very nature of decision-making) are often subject to criticism. Serving on a city
council, however, is also one of the most rewarding tasks a citizen can perform.
Compared to the federal, and even state level, municipal decisions most directly affect people in the community.
Decisions made about local infrastructure, education, zoning, housing, public safety, development, transportation
and taxation directly affect each of your fellow citizens, your neighbors.
We hope this handbook will offer information, and perhaps a few suggestions, that will make your decision-
making job easier. Obviously, no handbook can possibly touch upon every relevant subject, as the real world
is a dynamic, nuanced and complex place. But it does include a good overview of what we think are the most
important subjects, to include, Council structure, meeting procedures, strategic priorities, and a budgeting
overview in addition to other topics that may come up from time to time.
Of course, if you don’t find what you need within these pages, or if you need clarification of what information is
provided, we are ready to assist you in any way we can.
Working for your success,
Alan Archer
City Manager
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