By Absolon Kent
The City of Norfolk held a community development strategy meeting with approximately 100 Norfolk residents, Norfolk State officials and City employees, at Norfolk State University on October 17. Hosted by Bob Bathcher, Norfolk’s communications and public information office director, the meeting is one eight meetings hosted by the City of Norfolk, designed to gather information as city officials prepare to develop the next strategic plan. Delegate Yvonne Miller, Norfolk’s Chief of Police Sharon Chamberlin, and City Manager Marcus Jones were all participants in the meeting.
Participants gathered in 10 small groups for discussions regarding their vision of Norfolk in five years and what they could contribute to make that vision a reality. Specific focus areas identified by the groups included lowering the city’s crime rate, developing a community heritage, having opportunities for teens, developing job training programs and fostering better ommunity connectivity between the city, Norfolk State University, and residents. City officials promised to email a progress report to people who attended the meeting.
