Lisa Lucas-Burke is a candidate for Portsmouth Mayor. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Lucas-Burke, who is currently vice mayor, is running against Shannon Glover, the incumbent, and Harold Carothers III for Portsmouth Mayor.
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: Lisa Lucas-Burke was born and raised in the City of Portsmouth and educated in four of the public schools. Lisa furthered her higher educational opportunities at Norfolk State University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering (1987) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (2016). Lisa accepted her first professional position with the City of Portsmouth in the Information Technology Department (1988) and was promoted several times, ultimately obtaining a position of Computer Programmer Analyst after a 13 year career, which is where she first learned municipal government, as an employee of the City. Lisa is married (since June 2000) to Herbert Burke (Virginia Beach) and they have one adult daughter, Demesha, who resides in North Carolina. Lucas-Burke joined her family business of Lucas Lodge after leaving city government in 2000, where she began as a Program Manager, and is now Executive Director and business partner with her mother, Senator L. Louise Lucas. Lucas Lodge is a small minority owned business, a provider of services to adults with developmental disabilities, which is where Lucas-Burke gained a passion of advocating for people, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. Lucas-Burke was appointed to the Economic Development Authority in 2010 by the City Council, where she was an EDA Commissioner for 6 years and ultimately achieved the position of Chairman of the Board. Lucas-Burke gained a passion for Economic Development during her appointment, and was instrumental in ushering in many new businesses and developments to the city. Lucas-Burke made the decision to run for public office after serving several years on Boards and Commissions, and became the top-vote getter in her 2016 race for Portsmouth City Council. Lucas-Burke was re-elected to Portsmouth City Council in 2020. During Lucas-Burke’s eight year tenure on the Portsmouth City Council, she was unanimously voted in twice to serve as Vice Mayor by her City Council Colleagues, where she currently holds the Vice Mayor title. Lucas-Burke has community affiliations too numerous to name them all, but will list a few for this circular. Lucas-Burke is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and her chapter affiliation has been with the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., since 1996. Lucas-Burke served as Chapter President of Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter for two, two-years terms (2008 – 2012); Lucas-Burke is also a member of the Portsmouth (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (2017 – present); Martin Luther King, Jr., Leadership Steering Committee (2006 – present); Portsmouth Democratic Committee (2006 – present); Lefcoe Trustee Board (2013 – present); Member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church (2009 – present); Lucas-Burke is also a former board member and Chair of The Portsmouth Boulevard – Center for Youth (2006 – 2012), where she served as member, Treasurer and President over her six year term on the board.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for Mayor, because I am the most credentialed, experienced and tenured member to serve as our next Mayor. The City of Portsmouth is in need of new leadership, who will be honest and fair with citizens and council members; who will bring civility back to the council, and restore hope to our city. The city is in need of a mayor, who will work collaboratively with council and other stakeholders, and remain an effective leader in moving the city forward in a positive direction. The city is in need of a mayor who will be able to effectively engage with elected leaders across the City, Region and Commonwealth of Virginia. I am a proven leader for change that the citizens of Portsmouth desire as their next mayor, and one who will lead us in a new direction of future prosperity for our city.
What is the top challenge facing Portsmouth, and how would you address it?
I believe the top challenge facing the City of Portsmouth is the high levels of crime. I would choose to address this issue by working collaboratively with members of council and stakeholders to secure services that will introduce robust violence interrupter programs that effectively address root causes of crime; such as homelessness, mental health, affordable housing, healthcare access and poverty. I truly believe if we take an active interest in the welfare of our city, and use our influence to create better policies that invest in areas affected by crime, we will begin to see positive changes across our city.
What is your view addressing the affordable housing crisis?
My view with addressing the affordable housing crisis would be to become better partners with current and new developers who can bring affordable housing options to our city. I would advocate for incentives for developers that would hopefully get them interested in investing in our city. I would additionally advocate that lending agencies look favorably on businesses and developers by offering interest rates that would help make Portsmouth a preferred location to build future affordable housing. In closing, I would look at undeveloped land parcels and dilapidated buildings that could be redeveloped and renovated into diverse affordable housing options.
The city has a longstanding history of poor council management. How will you civilly manage the six other members you will serve alongside?
I believe that each member was elected to serve, and we bring a different community perspective to the council. I believe that every voice should be heard. I would choose to civilly manage the other six members on council by allowing collaborative conversations in order to come to a unified conclusion. I understand that the mayor is elected to preside over council meetings, not to serve as the sole voice for council. I understand Parliamentary Procedures from my past service as Chair on various boards and commissions and as the past president for a large group of 200 + members. I understand how to lead and follow, while enforcing Roberts Rules of Order to effectively govern over meetings in a fair and consensual manner.
What is your vision for the former Civic Center and Holiday Inn site in Olde Town Portsmouth?
As a former member and Chair of Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, I have a passion for Economic Development. My vision for the former Civic Center and Holiday Inn site in Olde Town Portsmouth is one of a revenue generating entity with a mix-used of affordable housing and entertainment options. I would love to see something like an Inner Harbor effect or National Harbor type venue in the prime waterfront space. I believe that Portsmouth is in need of an entity that will attract not only current and new citizens, but tourists and visitors alike. I know that the city will be served well to include a new hotel option within this attractive space as well as affordable housing for seniors. I feel that the city should seek public solicitation for development that will include a variety of options that will make Portsmouth a new preferred destination across the Coastal Cities in the Region.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
There is a fine line between support and favors. I do not believe that elected members should accept money from persons who will likely have business before the city, because it can viewed as a bribe or paid vote. I am an advocate for people and love the City of Portsmouth. I was elected by citizens to serve in the best interest of the city and will utilize my vote to act effectively and efficiently to bring the best options to the City of Portsmouth. I work hard in my family business daily and for the city each week, and realize that there is a guiding force for effective leadership. I know how to differentiate between support and favors and know there will be times when developers or interest groups will want to support me as an elected leader. I have served as an elected official long enough to be an effective leader, and understand when to accept support and when to decline favors.
