My record as a City Councilman

I’ve made a number of key decisions as the City Councilman for the 8th District of Virginia Beach.  Below is a list of articles that chart my involvement in community and votes I have taken.

2024
“This is our aquarium.” VB City Council votes to continue partnership with Virginia Aquarium
“This is our aquarium.” VB City Council votes to continue partnership with Virginia Aquarium

Councilman Chris Taylor supports the Virginia Beach Aquarium.  He is quoted as saying “This is our aquarium, this is not a political stunt. Slow down and listen to their concerns. Slow down and collaborate with them. We ignored them and went in a direction that we are now trying to…
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‘Childcare crisis’ discussions continue in Virginia Beach
‘Childcare crisis’ discussions continue in Virginia Beach

Councilmember Taylor added that he would welcome a forum where representatives from Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Parks and Recreation, and private daycare owners could work together to address childcare issues. On Tuesday, City Council was briefed on the status of childcare including the growing cost. The average cost of…
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Juneteenth at Virginia Beach celebrates a tribute to the culture
Juneteenth at Virginia Beach celebrates a tribute to the culture

On Sunday, Virginia Beach Councilman Chris Taylor organized the first ever “Jubilee Run to Celebrate Juneteenth 5K and mile run” with the Tidewater Striders. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Juneteenth at the beach continues at The Oceanfront. The 3-day festival invites families out for a long list of activities. “We…
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Alumni Spotlight: Chris Taylor, Class of 2006
Alumni Spotlight: Chris Taylor, Class of 2006

Virginia Beach City Council Member says Virginia Wesleyan’s supportive and inclusive environment was key to success. University News | June 10, 2024 A Business Management major, the Virginia Beach native, current city council member, and candidate for mayor looks back with great fondness on his years at Virginia Wesleyan. He…
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Virginia Beach festival task force calls for more accountability from event producers
Virginia Beach festival task force calls for more accountability from event producers

https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/05/28/virginia-beach-festival-task-force-calls-for-more-accountability-from-event-producers/ VIRGINIA BEACH — City-sponsored festivals and events should provide an accounting of funds in order to continue to receive support, a festival task force recommended to the City Council Tuesday. It was one of many priorities the group laid out in a report meant to guide policies on city-sponsored…
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Virginia Beach adopts $2.6 billion budget, cutting taxes and increasing city worker pay
Virginia Beach adopts $2.6 billion budget, cutting taxes and increasing city worker pay

The spending plan was approved in a 10-1 vote. Councilman Chris Taylor, the only member who voted against it, cited several reasons for his opposition but said the budget didn’t go far enough to reduce the tax burden on residents. “I don’t think the 2-cent reduction is going to do…
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Latest issue muddies waters at surf lagoon | Daily Press
Latest issue muddies waters at surf lagoon | Daily Press

Councilman Chris Taylor first brought up the water issue at Tuesday's council meeting before the body met in private to discuss it. It could be hashed out in a public meeting soon. This is not the first time "unforseen site conditions" have driven up the city's cost on the public-private…
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Divided Virginia Beach council approves 7th economic study of convention center area
Divided Virginia Beach council approves 7th economic study of convention center area

Four disagreed: Barbara Henley, Jennifer Rouse, Chris Taylor and Sabrina Wooten voted against the study, which is estimated to cost about $200,000. Taylor said he believes the area has been studied enough and that this latest one is “being strategically done to defer the Capstone proposal.” Washington-based Capstone Development was…
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2023
Virginia Beach budget proposal requests $12.5 million more for surf park project
Virginia Beach budget proposal requests $12.5 million more for surf park project

Costs are rising for the Atlantic Park project again [...] Councilman Chris Taylor, who wanted to find a way to lower taxes, questioned if his input and that of the residents who have been reaching out to council members have been fully considered. “We had over 50 emails from individuals…
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Opposition grows as Westminster-Caterbury’s 22-story tower gets the green light
Opposition grows as Westminster-Caterbury’s 22-story tower gets the green light

Councilman Chris Taylor was the only one to vote no on Westminster-Canterbury's "ordinance of relocation." The controversial project would be an expansion to the senior living facility's existing property on Starfish Road. The $450 million project has long been a point of contention among those living along Shore Drive, with…
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Career & Accomplishments

Here is a snap shot of where I’ve been as a professional and business owner in Virginia.

Great Atlantic Management, SL Nusbaum, Ripley Heatwole

Commercial Real Estate / Multi-Family Management

  • Worked as a lifeguard for Great-Atlantic in High School

  • I was promoted to Regional Property Manager within 12 months and managed over 70 employees across 3 different departments

  • Managed Midtown at City View  for Ripley Heatwole on Bonney Road – Responsible for leasing and increasing overall occupancy rates from 86% to 99% in 6 months

DuPont Sustainable Solutions

Public Sector Account Manager

  • Began with the company in 2011

  • Recognized for outstanding collaboration efforts – City of Tulsa Consulting Engagement in 2012

  • 2012 recipient of one of DuPont’s most prestigious sales awards honoring the Top 10% of sales professionals globally – Achieving Customer Excellence (ACE)

Heart of Compassion Partnerships

Non-Profit Organization

  • Managed after-school programs for two outreach centers in South Norfolk communities

  • Oversaw programming and mentoring programs

  • Promoted to Executive Director in 2018 by the founder and President Dr. John Dooley

Smoothie Stop Cafe

CFO & Founding Partner

  • Locally owned fast-casual smoothie business.  We started the business in 2018

  • Expanded to multiple retail locations across Hampton Roads

  • Responsible for a strategic growth plan across multiple cities

Family History & Bio.

I am the 6th generation in my family to have grown up in the King’s Grant area of Virginia Beach. My great-great grandmother, Mary Jane Etheridge, lived to be 112 years old.  My great grandmother, Charolette Ann Berry, and my best friend, lived to be 105 years old. They both lived their entire lives in King’s Grant.

In fact, my family has lived in the same neighborhood since the early 1900s.  Much of my family attended King’s Grant Elementary School.  My mother and neighbors helped to integrate King’s Grant Elementary.  Below is a picture of my mother, Janice Berry, in 1966.

I also attended Kings Grant Elementary, Lynnhaven Middle School, and then First Colonial High School. In 2006, I graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a degree in Business Management.

Hard work and good behavior were instilled in me from an early age. I have a passion for business and service to others. My great grandmother used to tell me,“If you can find a way to add value, you will never be without a friend.”  I’ve taken this to heart and it still guides my decisions today.

My Life Today.

Building off the foundation that the strong women in my family laid, I have focused on business and creating something lasting in our community.

My wife, Kimberly Taylor, and I were married in 2015.  We have two young sons named Caleb and Christian, and a new born daughter, Charlotte. I am a family man at heart, but my duties as a City Councilman have helped me stay in touch with the community.  I’ve learned a great deal about our city and my focus is on growth and supporting families throughout Virginia Beach.

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