City of Portsmouth

Quality of Life
Portsmouth will enrich the quality of life of all our citizens by constantly striving to improve community quality and providing a wide range of cultural, recreational and sporting activities. Portsmouth will be the place where many citizens of the region come to enjoy its unique sense of history and place, its cultural attractions, and its recreational activities.

Efficient, Responsive Government
City government will operate in a cost-efficient manner to meet the needs and desires of citizens for government services. Services will be provided with a high degree of professional skill and honesty. Citizens will respect their city government and its officials, and officials will continue striving to be worthy of citizen respect.

A Proud Military Community
The City's military history, which traces back to colonial days, makes it uniquely appreciative of the many contributions and sacrifices our armed forces have made, and continue to make. The City will be fully supportive of local and regional efforts to strengthen our ties to the military presence in Hampton Roads, and also to make Portsmouth a desirable destination for members of the military and their families.

Pride of Past
Portsmouth's future is found in the footsteps of the richest traditions of America, from the earliest days of Colonial Virginia through the victories of equality, dignity, and diversity. As guardian of the collective heritage of many people, we have become one. The Portsmouth family preserves the proudest traditions of the past as the compass for our future.