Candidate Profile: Kenneth Alexander (Norfolk Mayor)

Biography: Elected Mayor of the City of Norfolk on May 3, 2016, and re-elected in May 2020. A lifelong resident of Norfolk with a distinguished reputation in civic, business, legislative, and community leadership.

President of Metropolitan Funeral Service, and chancellor of a network of career community colleges – 14 Aviation Institute of Maintenance campuses across the country, and six Centura College and Tidewater Tech locations within Virginia. A native of Norfolk, beginning a public service career more than two decades ago.

Member, Senate of Virginia from 2012 – 2016, serving on the committees on Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation, and Privileges and Elections. Member, Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 until 2012, serving on the committees of Commerce and Labor, Education, Privileges and Elections, and Rules.

Held positions in various organizations including the Norfolk Economic Development Authority, City Planning Commission (vice chair), and Human Services Commission. Affiliated with the Greater Norfolk Corporation, Norfolk Chapter of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and an alumnus of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.

Community service began as president of Berkley’s Beacon Light Civic League and Beacon Light Community Development Corporation. First full-time job was with the City of Norfolk’s Department of Parks and Recreation as a cemetery manager 1989 to 1990.

Graduate of Norfolk’s Lake Taylor High School, associate degree in mortuary science from John Tyler Community College, a bachelor’s degree in political science from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in diplomacy from Norwich University, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.

A guest columnist in many of Virginia’s major newspapers, and author of Persistence: Evelyn Butts and the African American Quest for Full Citizenship and Self-Determination which was published in May 2021.

Married to Donna Burnley Alexander for 34 years and we are the proud parents of Kenneth II, a second-year law student at the University of Richmond, and David, a junior at Virginia Tech.

Why are you running for this office?

I’m running for mayor to continue the momentum, to build a Norfolk that uplifts all its residents, ensuring secure and vibrant communities where families thrive, and businesses grow. I aim to foster entrepreneurship, enhance well-being, provide top-notch education, create job opportunities, prevent crime, and stimulate innovation. I will invest in modern infrastructure, build inclusive neighborhoods, listen to citizens’ concerns, and collaborate with community leaders to drive positive change.

What is the top challenge facing Norfolk, and how would you address it?

Public Safety, Housing, Economic and Workforce Development, Education, and Rising Sea Level/Resilience

Public Safety: Enhancing Community Well-being through Collaboration and Proactive Measures

• Traffic Enforcement:
• Code and Zoning Enforcement:
• Neighborhood Community Policing:
• Grassroots Public Safety Education:
• Supporting and Staffing our Police Department

Housing:

• Create New, Attainable, Accessible, Affordable, and Workforce Housing
• Preserve existing housing
• Create Missing Middle Housing
• Deconcentrate poverty and increase mobility
• Build Regional Capacity and Coordination
• Secure ongoing state and federal funding

Economic and Workforce Development: Fostering economic growth and workforce development through:

• Enterprise Zone Program
• Commercial Corridor Program
• Support small, local, and startup businesses to promote economic growth and diversity

Education: Investing in Norfolk’s Future

• Supporting Norfolk Public Schools with significantly increased funding
• Working to expand career and technical education, job training, and workforce development for our students
• Addressing and adapting to the changes in the way we live, work, and learn to that our students can succeed

Rising Sea Level and Resilience:

• Designing a coastal community of the future
• Connecting communities, deconcentrating poverty, and strengthening neighborhoods
• Implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies
• Creating economic opportunity by growing existing and new sectors
• Promoting Coastal, Economic, and Neighborhood Resilience
• Collaborating with our state, federal, and regional partners

What is your view addressing the affordable housing crisis?

• Create more homeownership opportunities, ensuring housing options are inclusive, affordable, and accessible to all segments of the population
• Accessible Housing
  • Grants/Financial aid for retrofitting homes
  • Tax Credits/Incentives for builders and homeowners
• Preserve existing housing stock
• Revisit development patterns of some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods with a variety of housing options—duplexes, four-plexes, cottage courts—interspersed with single-family homes. This varied housing stock, termed “Missing Middle” can:
  • Meet the growing demand for walkable, urban living
  • Respond to household demographics
  • Address the need for more housing choices at different price points

What is your view on transparency and how do you feel the city can improve, if at all?

I strongly believe in transparency and openness in government. To that end, I fully support Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act and sunshine laws. Since taking office, we have implemented measures to increase transparency, including:

• Continuing to broadcast new business sessions on television and live stream, even after the regular agenda items
• Allowing public comment at every council meeting, regardless of the length of the regular agenda
• Created the Norfolk Open Data portal, making city data easily available for the public to access

These actions demonstrate my commitment to ensuring that our city government is accessible and accountable to its citizens. I am always open to exploring additional ways to improve transparency and welcome suggestions from the community.

Do you believe the city focuses too much of its efforts downtown at the expense of other areas in the city?

I believe every Norfolk neighborhood deserves attention and investment. While downtown is a vital hub, we’ve distributed efforts and resources citywide. Since taking office, I’ve collaborated with the city council to:

What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?

I do not accept political contributions from individuals who have business before the city council. Instead, I support and follow the current law, which requires transparent disclosure and reporting of contributions to the Virginia Department of Elections. This ensures accountability and maintains the integrity of our decision-making process.

Norfolk has long been accused of having a shadow government, in which decisions are made by influential business leaders who support certain elected officials. Is this a fair criticism?

I understand the concerns about Norfolk’s decision-making process and the perception of a ‘shadow government.’ To address this, I’ve taken steps to increase transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. On my first day, I established the Council Agenda Setting Committee, ensuring that key officials are involved in setting the council’s agenda.

Additionally, I’ve led initiatives that promote transparency and data-driven decision-making, such as:

• Enhancing data analytics
• Establishing the City Investment Management Committee, including a citizen member with financial expertise
• Launching the Norfolk Open Data portal

Furthermore, I believe in empowering our citizens to play an active role in shaping our city’s future. The council appoints over 400 citizens to various Boards and Commissions, giving them a voice in advising City Council and making recommendations on critical matters.

These efforts have earned Norfolk its first AAA bond rating and strong investor confidence. While there is always room for improvement, I believe these steps demonstrate my commitment to transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance, reducing the influence of special interests and ensuring that decisions serve the best interests of all Norfolk residents.