City Council Work Session

AGENDA City of Williamsburg City Council Work Session Monday, September 8, 2025 The City Council Work Session will be held Monday, September 8, 2025 p.m. in the Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary Street commencing at 4:00 PM. Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. ITEMS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 A. Council Preview B. Public Comment 4. BACKGROUND PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSION A. Presentation Regarding Sports Williamsburg, a Visit Williamsburg 3 - 41 Initiative - Edward Harris, CEO, Visit Williamsburg B. Presentation Regarding the Hampton Roads Alliance and the Eastern 42 - 66 Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority - Steve Harrison, Chief Operating Officer 5. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS 6. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS September 9 September 17 Architectural Review Board Williamsburg Area Arts Commission 6:30 p.m., Stryker Center 3:30 p.m., Stryker Center September 9 September 23 Williamsburg Farmers Market Advisory Board Architectural Review Board 2:00 p.m., Stryker Center 6:30 p.m., Stryker Center September 10 September 29 Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority Williamsburg Public Art Council 3:00 p.m., Stryker Center 3:30 p.m., Stryker Center September 10 October 6 Economic Development Authority City Council Work Session 3:00 p.m., Stryker Center 4:00 p.m., Stryker Center September 11 October 7 City Council Board of Zoning Appeals 2:00 p.m., Stryker Center 4:003:00 p.m., Stryker Center September 17 Planning Commission  3:30 p.m., Stryker Center 7. OPEN FORUM 8. CLOSED SESSION A. Closed Session Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia for 67 the Purpose of Discussing Two Matters Per Subparagraph 8, For the Purpose of Consultation on Specific Legal Matters Requiring the Provision of Legal Advice by Counsel, Concerning a Contract and Boards and Commissions; Discussing the Award of a Public Contract Involving the Expenditure of Public Funds, and Discussion of the Terms or Scope of Such Contract, Where Discussion in an Open Session Would Adversely Affect the Bargaining Position or Negotiating Strategy of the Public Body Per Subparagraph 29 Regarding Schools; and Discussion of a Special Award Pursuant to Subparagraph 11. B. Certification of Closed Session 68 9. ADJOURNMENT The City Council invites public comment on any subject during "Open Forum." To speak, fill out a Speaker's Card (available at the door) and give it to the Clerk of Council. Please direct all comments to the Chair, limited to 5 minutes. Thank you.  City Council Agenda Item Summary Related Goal Staff Contact Engaging with our Partners Andrew Trivette, City Manager Agenda Item Wording Presentation Regarding Sports Williamsburg, a Visit Williamsburg Initiative - Edward Harris, CEO, Visit Williamsburg Background Information Visit Williamsburg is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. Established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2018 and funded primarily by a special retail sales and use tax (§58.1-603.2), it operates as a public body with a board composition set by statute. In 2022, the region welcomed approximately 2 million visitors who spent $941.4 million, generating $48.5 million in travel-related tax revenue. The Williamsburg Tourism Council, which serves as Visit Williamsburg’s board, includes leadership from Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Busch Gardens, Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association (WHMA), the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association (WARA), Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber, and one elected official from each locality: the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. “Sports Williamsburg” is Visit Williamsburg’s branded initiative focused on attracting and servicing tournaments and athletic events across the Historic Triangle. In March 2025, the agency WHITE64 was selected to brand and market this initiative, with messaging tied to the opening of the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center. Through its Sports Williamsburg portal, Visit Williamsburg provides a range of services to event owners and right-on sales and servicing at every stage, from RFP management and venue selection to lodging blocks, group dining, and curated off-court activities. The portal also features a “Why Williamsburg” toolkit highlighting regional access (three airports and Amtrak), more than 7,000 rooms, mild climate, affordability, and proximity to attractions. Finally, the site frames Greater Williamsburg as offering state-of-the-art complexes and a wide variety of fields and courses, supported by venue matchmaking for specific sports such as soccer, softball/baseball, lacrosse/field hockey, golf, and running/cycling, with example listings like the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center fully integrated into the Visit Williamsburg platform. Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center has generated strong demand, with 10 weekends already booked for tournaments and conventions in 2026, and 22 additional confirmed tournaments or events in 2027. William & Mary is in discussions about future programming, alongside 10 more potential tournaments and conventions for 2027. For 2028, six tournaments and conventions are already secured. Collectively, these bookings have contributed to 49,720 hotel room nights across the region—underscoring the center’s role in  driving substantial tourism and economic impact for Greater Williamsburg. The confirmed tournaments include pickleball, volleyball, basketball, flag football, cheerleading, and wrestling, with potential additions such as table tennis and a cornhole tournament currently under consideration. Attachments Visit Williamsburg Sports Williamsburg Page 2 of 39  Williamsburg Page 3 of 39 Tourism Council SPORTS UPDATE September 8, 2025  I. Where We’ve Been II. Where We Are Page 4 of 39 III. Where We’re Going  Where We’ve Been Page 5 of 39 W her e We’ ve Been I. Tradeshows Page 6 of 39 II. Marketing Development W her e We’ ve Been Tradeshows Page 7 of 39 April, 2025  Tradeshow Appointments and Sponsorships 1. Sports Williamsburg strategically invests in opportunities that go Page 8 of 39 beyond scheduled marketplace meetings. 2. Sponsored initiatives strengthen relationships, increase visibility, and secure long-term business for Greater Williamsburg.  Relationship Building: Connect Marketplace Event Sponsorship – Baseball Game Page 9 of 39 1. Networking with ~30 sports rights holders in a casual, engaging setting. 2. Positions Williamsburg as approachable, fun, and relationship- focused.  Marketing Development Page 10 of 39 Page 11 of 39 Page 12 of 39 Page 13 of 39 Page 14 of 39 Page 15 of 39 Page 16 of 39 Page 17 of 39 Page 18 of 39 Page 19 of 39 W her e We’ ve Been Website Page 20 of 39 Page 21 of 39 SPORTS WEB PAGES  Advertising: Print Page 22 of 39 9/5/2025 20  Advertising: Digital Cross Device Display Advertising • Audience Targeting: Sports Enthusiasts AND Event Planners (50-mile radius of Williamsburg, VA) Page 23 of 39 • Timing: July, 2025 – October, 2025 9/5/2025 21 W her e We’ ve Been Video Page 24 of 39 Where We Are Page 25 of 39 W her e We Ar e I. Current Agreements (Bookings) Page 26 of 39 II. Sports Advisory Committee  Agreements: Secured Group Business Recent “Wins” Page 27 of 39 14,700 ROOM NIGHTS 1,600 ROOM NIGHTS 700 ROOM NIGHTS  Sports: Signed agreements Event Date(s) Location Room Nights Triple Crown: Colonial Cup April-25 McReynolds 500 Triple Crown: Colonial Cup Apr-26 McReynolds 550 Triple Crown: Colonial Cup Apr-27 McReynolds 600 Triple Crown: Virginia State June-25 McReynolds, City of Williamsburg, James 600 City County Triple Crown: Virginia State Jun-26 McReynolds, City of Williamsburg, James 650 City County Page 28 of 39 Triple Crown: Virginia State Jun-27 McReynolds, City of Williamsburg, James 700 City County Little League World Series - VA State Jul-25 McReynolds 500 Championship Soccer Youth: All-American Series Jun-25 Warhill Sports Complex 600 Football Youth: All American Flag Jun-25 Warhill Sports Complex 600 Series DC Fastpitch: Mid Atlantic Jun-25 City of Williamsburg & York County 700 Championship VISSA State Golf Tournament May-25 Williamsburg National 150 USCAA National Golf Championships Oct-26 City of Williamsburg or James City County 250 USCAA National Golf Championships Oct-28 City of Williamsburg or James City County 250 Capital Lacrosse - Colonial Challenge 24-Nov Warhill Sports Complex 500 Capital Lacrosse- Summer Celebration 25-Jun Warhill Sports Complex 1500 ISCA Open Water Festival 1-Sep Jamestown Beach and Event Center 500 USA Tournament Series Aug-26 York County, James City County, City of 1500 Williamsburg  Sports: Signed agreements Paddle Tap Pickleball Aug-25 Back Creek Park (York County) 500 Hype Volleyball Jan-27 GWSEC 1,000 Southern Volleyball Jan-27 GWSEC 1,250 Southern Volleyball Jan-28 GWSEC 1,250 Flag Football Olympics June-26 Warhill 2,200 United Football July-26 Warhill 1,500 Phenom- 7 Events (2026-2027) Dec-July 27 GWSEC 4,900 Page 29 of 39 Phenom- 7 Events (2027-2028) Dec-July 28 GWSEC 4,900 Phenom- 7 Events (2028-2029) Dec- July 29 GWSEC 4,900 Adidas Girls Circuit May-27 GWSEC 7,500 Adidas Girls Circuit May-28 GWSEC 7,500 NTBA June-27 GWSEC 1,100 NTBA June-28 GWSEC 1,300 We Build You Play Jan-27 GWSEC 1,000 Cheers: Flag Football Nov-26 GWSEC 1,000 Great Lakes Water Festival Sept-26 Jamestown Beach and Marina 2,000 Great Lakes Water Festival Sept-27 Jamestown Beach and Marina 2,000 Great Lakes Water Festival Sept-28 Jamestown Beach and Marina 2,000  Sports: Signed agreements AC Sports Group May-26 McReynolds & Kiwanis 600 Paddle Tap- Pickleball Aug-25 Bear Creek Park 450 AJGA Aug-26 TDB- But Won Bid 700 AJGA Aug-27 TDB- But Won Bid 700 AJGA Aug-28 TDB- But Won Bid 700 Memorial Day- Soccer May-25 Warhill Sports Complex 1600 Labor Day-Soccer Tidewater Sharks Sept-25 Warhill Sports Complex 600 Spring Bloom Race April-25 Waller Mill 300 Southern Pickleball Sept-26 GWSEC 500 Capital Lacrosse- Colonial Challenge Nov-25 Warhill Sports Complex 2,000 Page 30 of 39 American Darts Association Feb-26 Ale Works Lab 300 American Darts Association Feb-27 TBD 500 American Darts Association Feb-27 TBD 750 Spring Bloom Race (Broad Run Off Road) April-26 TBD 500 Spring Bloom Race (Broad Run Off Road) April-27 TBD 550 Spring Bloom Race (Broad Run Off Road) April-28 TBD 650 Firecracker July-25 James, York, City 600 Blue Silver Volleyball Feb-27 GWSEC 1,000 Blue Silver Volleyball March-27 GWSEC 1,200 Blue Silver Volleyball Jan-28 GWSEC 1,000 Blue Silver Volleyball Feb-28 GWSEC 1,200 Blue Silver Volleyball March-29 GWSEC 1,200 Top Gun Football June-26 Warhill 3,425 Girls BBall Showcase Oct-26 GWSEC 6,520 85,995 room nights W her e We Ar e Sports Advisory Committee Robbi Hutton Williamsburg Parks and Rec Ron Kirkland Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Assoc. Taylor Sherrill York County Parks & Rec Michael Claar Williamsburg Area Restaurant Assoc. Ben Whitener York County Parks & Rec Page 31 of 39 Lauren Moore Greater Williamsburg Chamber Tyler Cobb James City County Parks & Rec Yuri Matsumoto City of Williamsburg Carla Brittle James City County John Kueser Colonial Williamsburg Ben Hardouin Kemper Sports Laura Flint Busch Gardens and Water Country Dana Youst HTRFA NEXT Meeting: November, 2025  Where We’re Going Page 32 of 39 W her e We’ r e Going I. Upcoming tradeshows II. Sales team structure Page 33 of 39 W her e We’ r e Going Tradeshows Page 34 of 39 W her e We’ r e Going S.P.O.R.T.S. Relationship Conference: Luncheon Sponsorship 1. Stage and video time during luncheon with Page 35 of 39 logo visibility on screens. 2. Custom table signage and branded toppers provided by us. 3. Sponsor recognition on website, mobile app, and conference materials. 4. Option to place promotional item in registration bags. 5. Post-conference attendee list for follow-up. W her e We’ r e Going TEAMS Conference: Golf Tournament Sponsorship 1. Strategic networking opportunity before Page 36 of 39 the conference begins. 2. Targeted exposure: Sponsors highlighted to sports tourism leaders. 3. Memorable connections built through shared experiences on the course. 4. Creates warmer leads ahead of official appointments. W her e We’ r e Going Stakeholder Value 1. Maximizes ROI from tradeshow investments. Page 37 of 39 2. Strengthens Williamsburg’s event pipeline. 3. Positions our destination as engaged, proactive, and visible. 4. Drives room nights and long-term economic impact. W her e We’ r e Going Our Sports Team Future Hires: • Intern Page 38 of 39 • Sports Sales Specialist • Sports Sales Rep Morgan Cordle Sports Sales Manager Page 39 of 39 THANK YOU Edward.Harris@visitwilliamsburg.com 9/5/2025  City Council Work Session Agenda Item Summary Related Goal Staff Contact Engaging with our Partners Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Division Manager Agenda Item Wording Presentation Regarding the Hampton Roads Alliance and the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority - Steve Harrison, Chief Operating Officer Background Information The Hampton Roads Alliance (the Alliance) is a regional economic development organization representing 15 member localities, including the City of Williamsburg. Its mission is to work collaboratively to attract, grow and retain companies and talent, helping to build a more resilient, inclusive and equitable region of choice. In addition to its core services -- business attraction, business expansion, and business intelligence -- the Alliance also provides administrative and management support to the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (EVRIFA). Formed in 2019, the EVRIFA was established to create a regional mechanism for enhancing the economic base of its member localities through cooperative development efforts. The EVRIFA's current priority project is the Kings Creek Commerce Center, a 433-acre industrial park located in York County. The site is being developed to accommodate advanced manufacturing, distribution, and logistics operations, with the goal of attracting major employers to the region. Through regional participation, EVRIFA is working to position the Kings Creek Commerce Center as a competitive, shovel-ready site that can support job creation and long-term economic growth across member localities. City Council Member Barbara Ramsey currently serves as the Chair of the EVRIFA Executive Committee. Previous Relevant Action None Staff Recommendation N/A Attachments Alliance Update - Williamsburg Page 2 of 25 Page 3 of 25 Hampton Roads Alliance Williamsburg’s Ally in Economic Development Steve Harrison, Chief Operating Officer September 8, 2025  AGENDA • About the Alliance • Goals • Key Industries • Results Page 4 of 25 • Hampton Roads Playbook • Meeting the Moment • Initial Projects • October 29th Kickoff • EVRIFA • Overview & Responsibilities • Kings Creek Commerce Center • Williamsburg’s Role  About the Alliance • Hampton Roads’ leading regional economic development organization • Nonprofit, public-private partnership representing 15 jurisdictions and over 100 Page 5 of 25 private investors • Single point of contact to assist domestic and international companies considering the region for investment • Primary focus areas: • Business Attraction • Business Retention & Expansion • Business Intelligence • Real Estate Solutions  ALLIANCE GOALS • Build a world-class regional economic development ecosystem — Targeted Business Development — Integrated Regional Intelligence Page 6 of 25 — Engaging, Strategic Marketing — Comprehensive Regional Salesforce • Invest in our sites and people — Creative Real Estate Solutions — Enhanced Talent Retention & Recruitment • Strengthen our region’s resiliency — Leading Energy Portfolio  KEY INDUSTRIES TARGET INDUSTRIES Page 7 of 25 Defense Energy Aerospace Port & Logistics CORE SECTORS Advanced Business & Food & Beverage Information Manufacturing Shared Services Processing Technology  RESULTS 2025 YTD • 14 Supported Page 8 of 25 Announcements • 1,665 Jobs • $398 Million CapEx  CAPITAL INVESTMENT 2010-2019 2020-2024 $529 MILLION $2.5 BILLION Page 9 of 25  JOB CREATION 2010-2019 2020-2024 6,042 JOBS 7,060 JOBS Page 10 of 25 Page 11 of 25 Hampton Roads Playbook A Regional Economic Development Strategy to Meet the Moment  DRIVING A NEW GLOBAL ECONOMY Disruptive Forces America is. . . Remilitarizing Global Tensions Tech Innovation Increased Energy Needs COVID Pandemic Federal Changes Reshoring Page 12 of 25 Reenergizing Shifting Global Economy The Solution: Create a Regional Defense Invention & Energy Security Digital Nomads Sector Investment Playbook Build-up Adoption Alignment  What makes Hampton Roads Page 13 of 25 unique?  FEDERAL PROCUREMENT & GRANT SPENDING AWARDED ~$15.5 BILLION IN CONTRACTS AND 5TH LARGEST GRANTS ANNUALLY: METRO FOR DOD SPENDING 4-YEAR AVG, $BILLIONS $13.4 BILLION (96%) FROM DOD 53% NAVY Page 14 of 25 SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE REGION 31% VIRGINIA BEACH 28% NEWPORT NEWS 22% NORFOLK  OTHER ECONOMIC CLUSTERS AND RECENT INVESTMENTS ENERGY AEROSPACE LOGISTICS Page 15 of 25 • Nearly $10B for Dominion Energy’s 2.6 • Cutting Edge work on Uncrewed Systems, • $1.4B to expand the Port of Virginia’s gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind BVLOS, and AAM at NASA Langley capacity to be a globally significant trading (CVOW) project • $20M to expand launch capabilities and hub, including: • Future projects include Dominion’s 800 infrastructure at NASA Wallops ⚬ $50M to accommodate ultra-large megawatt CVOW-South project and • Rocket Lab’s Neutron program to expand container vessels Avangrid’s potential 2.4 gigawatt Kitty commercial space launches ⚬ $220M to enable staging of offshore Hawk South project wind turbines  A CONSTELLATION OF INNOVATION RESEARCH HUB Some important research facilities such as Jefferson Lab, NASA Langley Research Center, Tech Center Research Park, and Virginia Cyber Alliance are concentrated in the northern part of the region, primarily in Hampton and Newport News cities. INNOVATION HUB Virginia Beach and Norfolk function as an innovation hub, Page 16 of 25 with universities such as Old Dominion, ECPI, and NSU; and innovative companies such as WR Systems, Mythics, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen, and several others located in this region. MANUFACTURING & TRANSPORTATION HUB Most supplier companies specializing in the shipbuilding and repair industry, and transportation equipment are concentrated in Chesapeake and Suffolk, along with industrial and logistics parks. Additionally, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is under development. MARITIME & DEFENSE HUB Defense facilities, international marine terminals and specialized shipbuilding and repair centers like Huntington Ingalls Industries are concentrated around the Port of Virginia.  INITIAL MAJOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS DEFENSE ENERGY AEROSPACE PORT & LOGISTICS Page 17 of 25  THE VALUE CHAIN Hampton Roads has historically played a large role downstream in the value chain. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 Page 18 of 25 • Strategic research, • Naval architecture, • Engines, • Cutting steel, • Integrating • Sea trials, systems • MRO (maintenance, next-gen naval systems design, hill propulsion, HVAC, assembling hull modules, installing verification, repair, overhaul), concepts, disruptive optimization, electronics, sections or systems, delivery to Navy or digital twins, tech tech digital prototyping sensors, weapons, superstructure completing customer upgrades • Conducted in federal • Typically other systems modules interiors • Often done by lead • Recurring revenue; labs, defense concentrated in • Often produced by • Labor- and capital- • High employment shipyards or increasingly data- innovation hubs, advanced design specialized Tier 1 intensive; heavily impact but lower government and tech- driven universities, bureaus and 2 suppliers, influenced by innovation capture specialized primes sometimes robotics and • Drives long-term internationally shipyard layout competitiveness • Shapes future ship classes Component & Subsystem Life Cycle Innovation Design & Manufacturing Modular Final Assembly & Testing & Commissioning Manufacturing Support & Fabrication Outfitting Modernization Historical strength of Hampton Roads  INITIAL MAJOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS Defense Efficiency & AUKUS NEXUS Production Center Center of Excellence A public-private center to address key A series of subnational hubs in Hampton An innovation hub to accelerate challenges facing the U.S. maritime Roads, Sheffield, and Adelaide that autonomous systems across domains - industrial base - such as production collaborate on submarine industrial base air, land, sea, and space - through delays, workforce shortages, and a innovation testing, commercialization, workforce Page 19 of 25 shrinking supplier network training, and industry engagement. Hampton Roads Ambassador 757 Collab Defense Regional Maritime Training Core Technology Accelerator System (RMTS) A network of local leaders who attract In partnership with NavalX Mid-Atlantic Led by the Hampton Roads Workforce investment and business by leveraging Tech Bridge, DTA is designed to propel Council, RMTS is focused on developing a their networks through coordinated high potential startups in critical qualified workforce for the Hampton outreach, trade missions, and peer technologies into the DoD contracting Roads maritime industry. engagement space  IT’S GO TIME LAUNCHING THE HAMPTON ROADS PLAYBOOK Page 20 of 25 Wednesday, October 29, 2025 3:00 - 6:00PM Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Virginia Beach, VA  EASTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL Page 21 of 25 FACILITY AUTHORITY Better Known as EVRIFA  EVRIFA • Provides a mechanism to encourage cooperative economic development • Allows communities to jointly invest in projects and share revenues • The Alliance serves as the managing entity Page 22 of 25 • Capabilities: Site Readiness, Infrastructure, regionally significant joint development opportunities • Top Priority: Completion of Kings Creek Commerce Center • Current Members: — Chesapeake — Hampton — Newport News — Virginia Beach — Franklin — Isle of Wight — Poquoson — Williamsburg — Gloucester — James City — Portsmouth — York County  KINGS CREEK COMMERCE CENTER Example Site Layout • Acreage: 433 | 183 Developable • Tier 4 Certified Site • Price: $50,000/acre Page 23 of 25 • Zoning: Economic Opportunity • Ideal for manufacturing, distribution • Project Members: — Hampton — Poquoson — Isle of Wight — Williamsburg — Newport News — York County  WILLIAMSBURG’S ROLE Defense/Energy/Aerospace/Logistics • William & Mary • Whole of Government Center of Excellence • School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics Page 24 of 25 Workforce • William & Mary • VPCC & Skilled K-12 Graduates Innovation • Launchpad Infrastructure/Sites • EVRIFA Leadership  Your Ally in Economic Page 25 of 25 Development. 3 Commercial Place Suite 1320 Norfolk, VA 23510 hamptonroadsalliance.com 23  City Council Work Session Agenda Item Summary Related Goal Staff Contact Innovating a Modern City Andrew Trivette, City Manager Agenda Item Wording Closed Session Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia for the Purpose of Discussing Two Matters Per Subparagraph 8, For the Purpose of Consultation on Specific Legal Matters Requiring the Provision of Legal Advice by Counsel, Concerning a Contract and Boards and Commissions; Discussing the Award of a Public Contract Involving the Expenditure of Public Funds, and Discussion of the Terms or Scope of Such Contract, Where Discussion in an Open Session Would Adversely Affect the Bargaining Position or Negotiating Strategy of the Public Body Per Subparagraph 29 Regarding Schools; and Discussion of a Special Award Pursuant to Subparagraph 11. Background Information None. Previous Relevant Action None. Staff Recommendation None.  City Council Work Session Agenda Item Summary Related Goal Staff Contact Andrew Trivette, City Manager Agenda Item Wording Certification of Closed Session Background Information The City Council is required to certify that only matters covered by the closed session motion were discussed in the preceding closed session. Previous Relevant Action None. Staff Recommendation None.