Bold New Directions
Our visionary leadership is proactive in anticipating the ever-changing world. We boldly embrace the future in ways that inspire and challenge our citizens to seize the opportunities of the new era. As a historic regional partner, the City engages neighboring communities to solve area challenges. We are committed to using innovation and emerging technologies to succeed in the information and knowledge-based society and create a community of international reputation.

World Class Maritime Center
As a historic waterfront city, Portsmouth is strategically located in the center of the eastern seaboard on the world’s largest natural harbor at mile marker “0” on the intra-coastal waterway. The City boasts a world-class, inter-modal transportation system supporting public and private marine terminals as well as thriving, diverse military facilities. Our waterfront features a unique mixture of recreational boating, marinas, tours, and maritime support industries. Portsmouth is the gateway to international shipping with a global reach.

Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community
Portsmouth citizens are encouraged to become active participants in the process of creating their own quality of life, to ensure community safety and to elevate the livability of their own neighborhoods, creating true communities of choice for the 21st Century. Citizens work together with local government to fully utilize human and community assets, thus producing a state-of-the-art environment that includes excellent schools, public facilities, parks, green spaces, gateways, and roadway corridors. Our neighborhoods have been transformed into communities that promote and celebrate diversity, equity, and the inclusiveness of all citizens.

Portsmouth’s rich cultural diversity is celebrated throughout the year in festivals, concerts, and ceremonies. The City’s exceptional facilities showcase the visual and performing arts. Portsmouth’s seasonal programs and entertainment attract families and tourists from everywhere to celebrate its people, history and future.

A Robust and Prospering Economy
Portsmouth is a financially prosperous community with a superior quality of life. Residents enjoy diverse employment choices from maritime, manufacturing, medical, military, marketing, management and technology-based opportunities. Portsmouth municipal government has created an environment that has embraced a long-term strategic military presence and generated significant private investment. The City is broadly recognized for its quality housing, highly skilled workforce, expanded tax base, and one of the region’s lowest real estate tax rates, along with its enviable bond rating.

Lifelong Learning Community
Education is the foundation of our social, political, and economic wellbeing and is the top priority of the City. Through collaborative efforts of City Council, School Board, and the private sector, Portsmouth has exceptional public and private schools. This includes learning opportunities for early childhood, primary and secondary education, higher education, career technical training, and workforce development. Its preferred educational system has made Portsmouth a top choice for employers and families.

Portsmouth is recognized as a leader in providing learning opportunities to students and adults in conjunction with world-class festivals, performances, and exhibitions for the citizens of the region.

Pride of Past, Promise of Future
Portsmouth’s tomorrows are 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, drawing the grace of our spirit into the nobility of what we have become.