Permanent Memorial

5/31 Memorial Planning Committee

The second meeting of the 5/31 Memorial Committee took place from 4-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, at The HIVE, 4636 Columbus St., Suite 100. The meeting was open to the public and the live stream recording is available. On Thursday, March 31, committee members had a guided van tour of a sampling of potential permanent memorial sites. Eight sites were visited at the Municipal Center, Princess Anne Commons Gateway Park, Beach Garden Park and Williams Farm Recreation Center. The public was invited to follow the tour which began at 2:30 p.m.

City Hires Kearns & West to Facilitate the Memorial Planning Process

Request for Proposal: CVB-21-100207 Liaison and Facilitator for the 5.31 Permanent Memorial Process. Closed on March 4, 2021 @ 3 p.m Kearns & West is a 37-year-old, women-owned small business providing collaboration, public involvement, and strategic communications services virtually and across the country with offices in Austin and 10 other locations. Whether it is facilitating complex processes for public involvement, providing neutral conflict resolution services to chart viable solutions, or increasing visibility by strategically putting messages in context before the right audiences, Kearns & West offers expertise and a diverse toolset to help clients achieve their goals. The firm combines decades of experience with new tools of engagement to customize their approach to the project at hand. Kearns & West is expert at integrating innovative and leading-edge collaborative technology solutions to connect and engage stakeholders regardless of location. More information about Kearns & West can be found on the City of Virginia Beach News Center

City Council voted on the committee members and selected the following 12 individuals: George Alcaraz, William Almond, Sharon Felton, Kurtis Hooks, Lawrence W. Duff Kliewer, Cosette Livas, Jason Nixon, Tara Reel, Brian Ricardo, Shelby Slutzker, Sylvia Strickland, Charlotte Zito, Michael Berlucchi, Sabrina Wooten, Emily Labows,

This presentation includes recommendations on a path forward after working with a national network of communities affected by similar tragedies to model as we determine how to meet the needs of our families and community while forming our own policies, equitable outreach and input program and memorial timeline. Communication feedback from the families and our community is key while building trust and inclusivity every step of the way. We deeply understand that each person affected by this event will need the appropriate time and space to grieve. As we know, this takes time and is different for everyone. Some might not feel ready to be a part of conversations until months or years while some are ready for action. It is our duty to meet everyone where they are at with empathy, reverence, and provide the appropriate time needed.