Andrea Diggs is a candidate for Newport News City Council – Central. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Diggs is running against four challengers for Newport News City Council – Central.
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: Andrea Diggs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CEO of a licensed mental health practice in Newport News where she provides behavioral health services. Andrea also leads a nonprofit agency that serves people living with disabilities on both the Peninsula and Middle Peninsula. Andrea is the proud mother of two children, a junior at The College of William and Mary and a fifth grader in Newport News Public Schools. A dedicated public servant and leader, Andrea has volunteered and served her community in various capacities for many years, including serving on local boards and committees. She is presently seeking the community’s support in her candidacy for the Newport News City Council, representing the Central district. If elected, Andrea would bring a unique perspective to City Council as she is trained in empathetic and active listening, adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, neuropsychology, and cultural humility. Andrea’s educational background includes Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice, a Masters degree in Public Administration and a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. Andrea is skilled in ethical leadership and management, conducting needs assessments, policy analysis and development, budgeting and financial management, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. She is a lifelong learner who has a comprehensive understanding of both the administrative and social aspects of governance, enabling her to create and implement policies that are both efficient and empathetic.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for City Council due to my belief that I can contribute to the future progression of the city of Newport News. I believe that I am the best candidate to fill this open seat due to my proven service to the community, my ability to assess and understand the needs of people and communities, and my background and experience in understanding policies, procedures, and regulations.
What is the top challenge facing Newport News, and how would you address it?
I believe that the biggest challenge facing Newport News is housing, although this can be tied to a number of other issues/needs such as poverty, transportation, and access to livable wages. In my current positions, I see a diverse range of people who are often experiencing problems related to housing and the rise of both rent and mortgage prices. Although housing seems to be a nationwide problem at this time, it is also a Newport News problem, considering the amount of housing that was lost in the downtown revitalization efforts. Acknowledging that revitalizing the downtown area was a good decision, we also need to be aware that some people lost access to affordable (and accessible) housing as a result. Additionally, the impact of other community problems such as covid-19 has caused many people to be displaced and/or face worries related to housing. More specifically to Newport News, we also see a number of housing issues tied to the Newport News Shipbuilding area. I would advocate for more affordable housing, which could increase the city’s retention of working people and families. In order to reach a diverse range of workers and encourage them to relocate to Newport News, we must have housing that is decent, safe, and affordable.
As Newport News grows and makes so many positive changes, I believe it is important to ensure access to affordable, accessible, and safe housing for all Newport News residents. In order to address this, it is important to hear directly from constituents facing housing struggles regarding both the barriers that they are facing as well as the strengths they see in the existing system. It is also important to engage the leaders of other cities to determine what their biggest concerns and issues are as they relate to housing. I believe that our housing problems, although individual, can also be tied to those in our surrounding areas.
I also believe in the importance of holding landlords accountable and responsible for their service to our community. Ensuring fair prices and that landlords have an understanding of the laws and regulations as it pertains to safety and accessibility would be a priority for me. I would also want to ensure that we are addressing the unhoused populations, particularly after the most recent Supreme Court decision. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have a deep understanding of social issues such as housing and I view these issues from both a trauma-informed perspective as well as a holistic perspective, understanding the complex interplay between various social determinants. I would make it a priority to ensure that we create (or invest in existing) services and programs that prevent the criminalization of people due to their lack of housing. Housing is not a privilege, but a right and every Newport News resident deserves dignity and respect.
What is your view on addressing the affordable housing crisis?
See previous response as I believe that ensuring that Newport News residents have access to housing that is affordable and accessible is critical.
What is your view on what the City should do with the Newport News Williamsburg Airport? Should commercial services be suspended to save money? Should the city use general fund revenues to subsidize the airport?
Given that I am not fully acquainted with the extensive discussions regarding the airport, I would defer to the community. However, I would recommend that the city ensures that the airport, just like other businesses, generates revenue for Newport News. I believe that finding sources of economic growth for the city is extremely important. Exploring partnerships with private businesses, diversifying the use of the airport’s space and land, and initiating incentives to engage new airlines are all ideas that could and should be explored when making a decision on enhancing economic growth. I do not have sufficient information to suggest that commercial services be suspended at this time but I do believe that if commercial services are to continue, it will be crucial to engage multiple airlines and implement support measures to maintain robust operations.
No, I do not believe that the city should be required to utilize general fund revenues to subsidize the airport.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my professional practice is grounded in ethical principles and integrity. I firmly believe in maintaining full transparency and accountability in all financial matters. While individuals have the right to support causes or organizations of their choice, it is essential that all stakeholders have access to relevant information to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Any appearance of a kickback or impropriety contradicts the ethical standards I uphold and is unacceptable in my view.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
Disagreements are a natural part of any democratic process, and I deeply value the diversity of perspectives that constituents bring. If elected, my commitment is to represent all constituents equitably, regardless of whether they supported me or not. As a trained clinical social worker and therapist, I am highly skilled at setting aside personal opinions and maintaining a non-biased stance. Being impartial is a core aspect of my professional ethics and daily practice, and I will carry these principles into my work as an elected official. This ability to be objective and inclusive is one of the key qualities that distinguishes me from other candidates and I believe it is essential for effective local leadership. I will remain open-minded and actively listen to differing opinions, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, whether through council meetings, town halls, or casual encounters around the city.
Will you be accessible to journalist inquiries directly, or rely on the newly created City Council Press Secretary position?
At this time, I see no reason for me not to be directly accessible.