The VBCCO is proud to introduce VBCCO Academy, a new educational initiative designed to empower residents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage effectively with City Government. VBCCO Academy is hosted by Chris Taylor, former Virginia Beach City Councilmember for District 8, whose firsthand experience and perspective bring unique insights into how our City operates and how citizens can make their voices heard.

For more than six decades, VBCCO has served as a trusted voice for neighborhoods across our city. With VBCCO Academy, we are taking that mission a step further—providing a structured series of classes that open the door to how Virginia Beach City Government works, and how everyday citizens can influence the decisions that shape our community.

What You’ll Learn

VBCCO Academy offers practical, hands-on sessions covering:

• Understanding City Government – Learn the roles of the Mayor, Councilmembers, City Manager, and staff. Participate in an interactive mock City Council session

• Civic Engagement & Advocacy – Practice writing public comments, delivering remarks to Council, and using feedback tools like town halls and surveys

• Navigating City Resources – Discover how to use the City’s website, submit FOIA requests, and access zoning maps, budgets, and public records

• Building Relationships – Explore effective ways to work with Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners, and Department Directors

• Strategic Civic Leadership – Gain skills in community advocacy, conflict resolution, crisis communication, and neighborhood resilience

• Advanced Topics – Learn how to influence the City budget process and understand how state and federal legislation impacts Virginia Beach

Classes are open to all Virginia Beach residents interested in civic engagement. Each session combines real-world examples, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow citizens who share a passion for shaping the future of our city.