Mayor Phillip Jones on the Year of the Youth

An Honorable Profession

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Newport News, VA’s youngest elected mayor Phillip Jones. They discuss his first State of the City Address, where he proclaimed 2024 as the Year of the Youth, thanks to his initiatives like Night Nets and the Summer Youth Employment Program, as well as investments in expanded childcare throughout his city. Debbie and Mayor Jones also talk about his journey to becoming an “Education Mayor,” his work on climate justice, and what has surprised him the most about the job of mayor. Tune in to listen to Mayor Jones' tips on how to engage young people in government and his insights into what will motivate Virginia voters this November.

• [01:04] Welcome to Newport News, VA, Mayor Phillip Jones, the youngest person to be elected mayor of his hometown.

• [02:36] His favorite thing about being Mayor so far and why his parents are his toughest constituents.

• [05:08] The two initiatives that funding allocated to the youth is going towards: Night Nets and Youth Career Program.

• [08:52] Why education is always top of mind for Mayor Jones and the results he has seen.

• [11:55] His efforts to impact climate change.

• [13:06] What Mayor Jones loves most about his city.

• [15:05] How service became such a major theme in his life.

• [16:21] The journey to running for office.

• [20:29] How education became a priority prior to his appointment as mayor.

• [21:58] Which issues Mayor Jones hears about the most and how he is responding to them.

• [23:10] Advice for young people looking to get involved in politics.