Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Funding for Navy Housing, Downtown Revitalization Approved in State Budget

Last week, the Virginia General Assembly approved a budget that provides a $40 million commitment to the City of Newport News, the US Navy, HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding and community stakeholders to support Navy housing and downtown revitalization. The City of Newport News applauds this important investment that further incentivizes the building of critical housing infrastructure for Sailors assigned to ships and submarines being built in Downtown Newport News. 

The cooperative effort between the city, Newport News Shipbuilding, and the Navy is a vital component of revitalization efforts addressing the need for additional services, housing, transportation, and other amenities, all benefitting talent recruitment and retention efforts by the Shipyard, Navy, and other downtown businesses.

The Commonwealth’s recently released budget represents the most significant financial commitments to the City of Newport News in recent history. Newport News Delegate Marcia Price and Senator Mamie Locke were instrumental in securing this funding. The city expressed appreciation for all stakeholders that supported this effort and to the Virginia House and Senate budget conferees for including the language in their final recommended budget.

Celebrating Women Who Impacted Newport News

Michelle Gilliam - A Friend of Fine Arts

Newport News is known throughout the region and Commonwealth as a hub for artistic innovation. Numerous singers, songwriters, performers, and creative geniuses hail from our great city.

A key part of our success in the arts and growth in the industry can be attributed to Michelle Gilliam. Immersed in performing arts in Virginia for three decades, Michelle was the pulse of the Newport News arts community. Sadly, the city and Commonwealth lost our icon last December when Michelle passed away after a valiant fight with cancer.

As an author, playwright, and screenwriter, Michelle’s vision and perseverance were instrumental in the creation of both the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and the Ferguson Center for the Arts. She served as Special Assistant to President Paul Trible at Christopher Newport University, assisted in fundraising events across the Commonwealth, and led performing arts activities on campus to create the Ferguson Center for the Arts. 

Michelle oversaw the construction of the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and launched its programming and partnerships. One of the initiatives she was incredibly proud of is the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival, now in its 26th year. Michelle supervised the Ella Fitzgerald Theater and Gallery spaces at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, fostering every opportunity to support performing and visual artists who were developing their craft. 

A member of the Newport News Arts Commission, Michelle ensured that local artists had access to resources, a platform, and support. As Cultural Supervisor for the City of Newport News, she booked entertainment for outdoor stages at city festivals and events, discovering new talent, and introducing new genres to residents and guests.

An artist in her own right, Michelle wrote, directed, and performed in her own one-woman show “Lanterns,” playing more than 20 female roles. Each of the performances benefitted local theaters, artists, and women in need of medical insurance. 

On Saturday, March 16, the City of Newport News and Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center will celebrate the remarkable achievements of Michelle Gilliam, a true inspiration, mentor, and advocate. The commemoration will commence with a moment of reflection, accompanied by light refreshments at 1 p.m. in the Newport News Community Gallery, providing an opportunity to remember and honor Michelle's contributions. A formal tribute will be presented in the Ella Fitzgerald Theater at 2 p.m. RSVPs are requested. All are invited to attend the celebration. Even if you did not know Michelle, you will be inspired by her contributions and motivated to continue her passionate work.

NOTE: This month we are recognizing women in Newport News who have and continue to make history. If you would like to submit a name for consideration, please send details to branding@nnva.gov.