Norfolk · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Norfolk public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
School Safety for Walkers and Bikers
The Elizabeth River Trail team finished four community meetings on the proposed pedestrian bridge, with concerns centering on trees and landscaping, parking, land use, and design and maintenance. More engagement is planned at the GLOW Party and Ghent Task Force in November.
Rising injury crashes on Hampton Boulevard
Crash data from the first seven months of 2026 shows more crashes involving injuries than in 2025, even as property-damage-only crashes stayed steady. Ghent and Park Place areas saw notable increases.
Hampton Boulevard crash and injury trends
Crash data through July 2026 shows injury crashes rising while property-damage crashes stayed flat, with Ghent and Park Place areas seeing increases. Truck crashes and blocked railroad crossings are also tracked.
Automated License Plate Readers (Flock) Controversy
Two speakers argued the half-million-dollar Flock Safety contract diverts money from programs residents actually ask for — jobs, rec centers, violence interrupters — and said council members don't listen to public comment. A rally outside City Hall is planned for October 13.