Virginia Beach's Strategic Growth Area Office opened last year with one manager and an assistant. Soon, if the proposed budget is approved, the office will boast a staff of 15 and a budget of $8.5 million as it ramps up to manage some of the city's biggest development projects, including the potential light-rail line.

Virginia Beach officials say that most of the department's budget and staff have been moved from other areas, and that little additional money is actually being spent.

Homeowners can benefit from an office dedicated to overseeing the city's orderly growth. Well-planned development that keeps pace with improvements to infrastructure can help raise property values.

Read more in The Virginian-Pilot....