Vote November 3rd, 2026
For City Council, Ward 1 Scott Guirlinger
Leading Norfolk’s Future
I love Norfolk. For more than 20 years, I have chosen every day to live and work here — embracing all that our city was, is, and can be. This is home for me and my family.
I’ve also watched friends and neighbors who loved Norfolk feel compelled to leave. When schools, safety, traffic, and daily quality of life tip the scales too far, people make difficult choices — and too often, those choices mean leaving our city behind. That reality has stayed with me, and it’s why I’m running for City Council.
Together, let’s build a culture of Yes Norfolk — a city that believes in itself, invests in its people, and creates a future where families choose to stay, grow, and thrive.
Priorities
My interests in public service center on improving quality of life for residents, supporting a strong local economy, enhancing neighborhood and business district safety, and helping prepare Norfolk for the future through thoughtful planning and educational excellence.
Citywide Safety
Safety is about trust, visibility, and peace of mind. I will prioritize full staffing, strong resources, and community-focused policing so that every neighborhood feels safe, and every resident can move freely with confidence and peace of mind.
School Accountability
Public schooling represents nearly a third of our city’s budget, yet we are not seeing the educational outcomes that we expect. I will work closely with the School Board to ensure accountability, transparency, and a sense of urgency.
Economic Innovation
I will make it easier for businesses to start and grow in Norfolk, creating vibrant business districts with unique shops and supporting innovative spaces like the Norfolk Innovation Corridor that attract defense and maritime companies to pursue economic growth here.
Quality of Life
Norfolk should be a national leader in quality of life, but too many residents feel the city has lost momentum post-pandemic. I will build a culture of Yes Norfolk by pushing for innovation, accountability, and real results that make our city a place people are proud to live, work, and visit.
Who I am
Passionate Builder. Servant Leader.
I have been a Norfolk resident since 2005 and live in Wards Corner with my wife Amy and our two children who attend Norfolk’s public schools. As a homeowner and active church volunteer, I believe deeply in investing time and care into the community we call home.
For nearly a decade, I have served as president of the Wards Corner Civic League, working closely with neighbors, local organizations, and city partners to strengthen our neighborhoods. I represented Ward 1 on the NFK2050 advisory committee. I currently serve on the board and executive committee of Hope House Foundation and help lead Scouting Troop 5—where I look forward to one day standing beside my son as he earns the rank of Eagle Scout.
My professional and academic background spans engineering, technology, and human-centered design. I hold degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics from Penn State, Modeling & Simulation from Old Dominion University, and Human–Computer Interaction from Iowa State. For the past 18 years, I have worked at Hexagon, a global technology company serving the engineering and construction sectors, where I now lead a worldwide team focused on designing intuitive, effective software used on major infrastructure projects around the world.
I also bring firsthand small-business experience. I founded and operated Ghent Bar Tours, a fundraising nonprofit that generated nearly half a million dollars for local charities, and led the Kickball League of Hampton Roads—giving me real insight into how local businesses start, grow, and navigate city regulations.
I believe Norfolk deserves highly capable, accountable leadership. I have been leading in one form or another since being elected a scout patrol leader at age 13. And I have traveled to all six continents and more than 40 countries—experiences that give me perspective on what successful cities do well and how Norfolk can do better. As an engineer, I rely on data, collaboration, and practical problem-solving to create real results. I see every challenge as an opportunity to improve our city for my family, my neighbors, and future generations.
Get Involved
I believe deeply in Norfolk — in our neighborhoods, our families, and our shared future. But real progress only happens when we work together.
Your support can make a real difference. From displaying a yard sign to canvassing your street, helping at the polls, or hosting a house party, there’s a place for everyone in this campaign.
Be part of the momentum. Sign up today and help define Norfolk’s next chapter.
Help power this campaign
Your contribution helps power a people-first campaign focused on safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, and a brighter future for our city. Every dollar makes a difference.