Economic development director details $270 million in recent investments, pushes workforce and housing strategies

Leonard Sledge, director of economic development, presented a strategic update that emphasized job creation, business retention and a focus on higher‑value housing and tourism. Sledge quantified recent wins: "Between fiscal year 20 and fiscal year 24, the Department of Economic Development, we worked hand in hand with a number of organizations, both large and small, on projects that have resulted in over $270,000,000 in announced capital investment." He framed those investments as anchors for long‑term employment and tax‑base growth.

Sledge described four strategies — jobs anchored by institutions, business attraction/expansion, retail corridor revitalization and housing — and highlighted specific projects: the Constellation (a roughly $35,000,000 mixed‑use project with about 125 units and new commercial space), Trilogy (noted as a $100,000,000 investment with multifamily units under a development agreement), and the Phoenix Commerce Center and Hampton Logistics Center as major industrial additions. He noted that a portion of recent manufacturing expansions straddle city lines (citing Liebherr and Leavitt expansions) and said the city is positioning to capture logistics and automated manufacturing opportunities near port infrastructure.

Council asked detailed questions about workforce alignment, sports tourism room‑night guarantees and use of enterprise zones and opportunity zones. Sledge and staff said the city can require preferred hotel room nights when feasible and will continue to work with regional partners and the Hampton Roads Alliance. He also noted the city's participation in the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Development Authority (RIFA) as a tool to invest regionally and attract industrial projects that can deliver returns to Hampton while supporting job creation.