Newport News voters may decide on a school-construction sales tax

Newport News voters may eventually decide whether to authorize an additional local sales tax of up to 1% for school construction and major renovations. The City Council took the first formal step on July 14, 2026, by passing Resolution 13999-26.

That action does not impose a tax, begin collections or guarantee that the question will appear on a ballot. Instead, the resolution asks the Newport News Circuit Court to order a referendum under Virginia law. As of July 28, 2026, the court and election authorities had not confirmed the final ballot placement or election date.

What the council approved

The resolution proposes a ballot question asking whether Newport News should be allowed to enact an additional local retail sales tax of up to 1%. The proposed revenue would be used solely for capital projects serving Newport News schools, including construction or major renovations.

The proposed ballot language also includes an expiration date of June 30, 2046. If school projects are financed through bonds or loans, the tax could expire earlier when those obligations are repaid, subject to the final legal terms.

Why this is not a tax yet

Virginia Code Section 58.1-605.1 requires voter approval before a locality can levy this type of school-construction sales tax. The process also involves the local governing body’s initiating resolution, court and election procedures, and later city action before the tax could be implemented.

In practical terms, no additional 1% charge is currently being collected in Newport News because voters have not approved the proposal. The next formal steps are the circuit court’s consideration of the city’s request and confirmation of the election schedule and ballot language.

Who could pay it

If voters approve the measure and the city completes the required implementation steps, the additional charge would apply to qualifying taxable retail purchases made in Newport News, subject to the final legal and ballot terms. The proposal therefore concerns consumer purchases rather than a direct increase in the city’s property-tax rate.

The resolution does not specify a projected annual revenue total, and it does not identify a final list of school projects that would be funded. The money would be restricted to eligible school capital work rather than general city operations.

School needs remain part of the discussion

Newport News’ FY 2027 budget materials identify future capital needs involving schools, including references to Denbigh High School and Warwick Middle School. Those references show why school construction is part of the broader budget discussion, but they do not mean either school has been selected or guaranteed funding from the proposed tax.

Residents should watch for the circuit court’s action, the official election notice and the final ballot language. Until those steps are completed and voters approve the measure, the proposal remains a possible future funding option—not an active city tax.

Sources

• Newport News Resolution 13999-26
• Virginia Code § 58.1-605.1
• Newport News City Council FY 2027 Budget Packet
• WHRO Radio IQ report