The City of Virginia Beach has the most aggressive and successful intergovernmental relations program of any jurisdiction in Virginia. This includes the pursuit of a Legislative Agenda that supports the City’s needs. The City has a presence in Richmond on a daily basis during General Assembly Sessions, which occur during the first quarter of each year, promoting and advocating the Legislative Agenda.

The City is also a leader in the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC), the Hampton Roads Mayors and Chairs Caucus, the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA) and multiple other regional organizations. 

At the national level, the City's lobbying efforts have produced over $200 million in earmarks for City projects, including 65% federal funding for the Hurricane Protection Program at the Oceanfront and the nourishment of Sandbridge Beach. Our program has also been successful in having multiple federal laws changed to benefit the City.

Intergovernmental Relations staff work on a daily basis in pursuit of the City's efforts with our Congressional Delegation, the General Assembly Delegation and administrators at the regional, state and federal levels. 

They also work closely with the military bases in Virginia Beach, including the Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and the National Guard Camp Pendleton Reservation, along with the various commands and activities associated with these military installations.

These activities are managed by the Legislative Affairs Liaison and administratively supported by the City Manager's Office. The City contracts with two lobbying firms that assist us in our efforts: one firm with locations in Virginia Beach and Richmond, and another firm in Washington, D.C.