Virginia Beach Daily: $355M VA Clinic, Parking Fees Paused, Counselor Training Partnership
Virginia Beach, VA – March 5, 2026 – A $355M VA clinic plan, free parking delay at key venues, new VBPD counseling training, and election office move.
Top local headlines
$355M VA outpatient clinic announced
City leaders unveiled plans for a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Virginia Beach, a project priced at about $355 million and projected to create roughly 600 jobs. The facility is slated for about 180,000 square feet of medical space near the Norfolk Premium Outlets area, with a projected opening in 2029. Officials said the project is tied to expanded veterans health funding approved in recent years and is aimed at improving access for the region’s large veteran population.
Convention Center and Sports Center parking fees paused
Plans to start charging for parking at the Convention Center and Sports Center this April have been put on hold for 2026, keeping those lots free through the upcoming tourist season. City leaders said the pause will allow more public discussion and give staff time to review how the shared lots are used when big events overlap. Under the delayed proposal, rates would have started at $1 for the first hour and capped at $10 per day.
New push to train counselors inside police settings
Old Dominion University and the Virginia Beach Police Department announced a partnership to better prepare mental health counselors to work with first responders. Beginning in fall 2026, selected graduate students would complete a yearlong internship embedded with public safety agencies while continuing coursework, with the goal of building cultural familiarity and reducing barriers officers cite when seeking care.
Elections office relocation note for residents
The city’s public meetings calendar is also highlighting a permanent move for Voter Registration and Elections: services are now tied to the 500 Studio Drive location, off Independence Boulevard near Mount Trashmore. If you have upcoming registration questions or election paperwork, double-check the address before heading out.
Sources
- https://virginiabusiness.com/virginia-beach-to-get-355m-va-clinic-creating-600-jobs/
- https://www.whro.org/2026-03-04/virginia-beach-holds-off-on-charging-for-parking-at-convention-and-sports-centers
- https://www.whro.org/health/2026-03-05/odu-virginia-beach-police-partner-to-train-counselors-working-with-first-responders
- https://virginiabeach.gov/connect/events/virginia-beach-electoral-board-meeting-10
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