Michael Berlucchi is a candidate for Virginia Beach City Council – District 3. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Berlucchi, an incumbent in District 3, is running against Christina Miriam Felder and Cleon Jones for Virginia Beach City Council.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Biography: Michael Berlucchi was born and raised in Virginia Beach. He is a graduate of First Colonial High School, George Mason University, the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia and the CIVIC Leadership Institute at Old Dominion University.
Michael is the Community Relations Manager for the Chrysler Museum of Art, where he creates and implements educational and community partnerships designed to expand and diversify museum audiences, particularly among underserved constituencies. He has been recognized as one of Inside Business’ Top Forty Under 40, as an OUTstanding Virginian by Equality Virginia, and for his work to support minority students and HBCUs by the UNCF.
Michael was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2020. Michael served as a member of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and the Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation and has served consecutive terms as President of Hampton Roads Pride.
Why are you running for this office?
Michael is running to continue the work he has started to protect the integrity and safety of neighborhoods, fully fund education, increase funding for mental health, and work to make Virginia Beach more affordable for all residents.
What is the top challenge facing Virginia Beach, and how would you address it?
Rising costs of everything from housing to groceries to transportation is causing real challenges to the affordability of living in Virginia Beach. We must address these real concerns through tax relief, advancing affordable housing strategies, investing in transportation solutions and increasing salaries by attracting higher-paying jobs.
What is your view on preserving agricultural land while also addressing the affordable housing crisis?
I am a strong supporter of increasing affordable housing and making sure Virginia Beach is open and welcoming to all, but I am equally passionate about preserving Virginia Beach’s agricultural community and the economic strength that agriculture produces in our city. We can increase housing opportunities and protect our rural sections of the city from development.
How do you view Virginia Beach’s continued growth strategy? What would you change?
Our challenge is funding infrastructure and services for neighborhoods that exist now. Transportation needs increased investment and city services including roads, parks, recreation centers and schools are showing signs of aging. We should focus on economic growth and generate business revenues that will help pay for infrastructure needs that a city our size demands.
What is your view on changing the operational model of the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center?
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Foundation have a long and successful partnership and I will ensure that continues.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
I have been honored by support from a wide range of individuals, from both political parties and businesses and residents alike. I am an independent voice on City Council and answer only to the people I serve: my constituents. Candidates should disclose their campaign supporters and I consistently do so.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
Our best decisions come from listening to citizens from all sides of an issue. I value the views of everyone who participates and it helps me make the best decision possible.
