The leaders of Hampton Roads’ cities and counties are dedicated and diverse individuals who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life in their respective communities. Yet, they share a common vision and commitment for the future and recognize the value of collaboration on matters of mutual concern. And, while they may work independently to serve the needs of their constituents on some issues, they understand the interdependencies of their individual municipalities and work hard in transcending traditional boundaries to strengthen and enrich the larger economic unit, the region, to succeed together where each individually can not. Past collaboration efforts have resulted in the consolidation of several government functions under the management of public authorities: trash disposal, sanitation, bus service, airport management and port services. Today, Hampton Roads’ leaders are addressing a myriad of regional issues by actively participating in or providing oversight to a variety of commissions, boards and committees focused on fostering economic growth, improving the region’s competitiveness in the global economy, workforce development, education, transportation/ congestion management, emergency response, water resource and storm water management, senior services, health services, cultural enhancement, and conservation coordination, to name a few.
Portsmouth
Suffolk
Williamsburg
York County
“As Mayor of this historic city founded in 1752, and the state’s only official Coast Guard City, I extend to you a warm welcome from the Portsmouth Family. Portsmouth’s historical and nautical significance makes us as a major contributor to the nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Hampton Roads. We are home to the nation’s oldest and largest Naval Shipyard. At the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, the nation’s oldest continuously-running Naval hospital, we provide the highest quality healthcare to our active duty military personnel and their families. We are also home to the largest privately-owned marine container terminal in the United States, Virginia International Gateway, located along the Elizabeth River - one of the deepest working harbors in the world. With our port facilities, we are truly the gateway to America’s heartland. Our future is limitless, bright, and full of economic potential.”
“Suffolk remains one of Virginia’s fastest growing cities. With outstanding schools, AAA bond rating, qualified labor force, workforce development programs, buy-local pride and an overall excellent quality of life, it is easy to see why so many say “YesSuffolk”. The construction of a new elementary school, a new middle school, new recreation centers, increased waterway access and numerous public infrastructure projects are just a few examples of direct municipal responses to the welcoming population. Suffolk attracts a diverse mix of industries thanks to its prime mid-Atlantic location, room for expansion and pro-business climate. World-class medical and healthcare providers, new hotel construction, desirable retail, restaurants and a multitude of new or growing vibrant and livable neighborhoods can all speak to the strength of Suffolk’s economy. Here, you can reap the amenities of a big city, while at the same time retain the flavor and character of a small town. It truly is a good time to be in Suffolk.”
”The New York Times designated Williamsburg, Virginia as one of the 52 Places to Go in 2019. We are an internationally-known vacation and conference destination and a central hub for culinary and visual arts, education and business. While Colonial Williamsburg continues to inspire new and returning visitors with interactive programming and adventures, visitors and locals alike are enjoying a multitude of emerging eclectic art galleries, shops and eateries that provide farm-to-table cuisine and local dishes not to mention a craft brewery, distillery and even a meadery. As the home of the second oldest college in the nation, the City values the students and faculty of William & Mary, encouraging them, and many others, to start or grow their families and business ventures here in the City. The City of Williamsburg is known for its legion of awards and designations for open government, outstanding regional planning and for innovative green programs. It’s not just the place to go in 2019, it’s a great place to visit time and time again.”
“York County represents the best of the Commonwealth’s past, present and future. Where America fought for independence and won –we still win by providing the best quality of life for our residents. Presently, our schools, public parks, and waterways are the pride of York County and Riverwalk Landing is a destination for thousands of tourists each year. Today we navigate the way to economic diversity and future prosperity by putting a priority on education, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful balanced development. If York County is not part of your past or present, the Board of Supervisors invites you to consider making York County part of your future.”
Mayor John L. Rowe, Jr.
Mayor Linda T. Johnson
Mayor Paul T. Freiling
Chairman Thomas Shepperd
Virginia Beach
Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer
SoutHampton
Chairman Dallas O. Jones
“Southampton County is a beautiful place to visit, live and work. Surrounded by lush farmland, Southampton County is a picture perfect community offering an array of outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, hunting and more. Centrally located between I-95 and the Port of Virginia, Southampton County provides limitless business opportunities. We have committed to dream boldly, plan strategically, invest sacrificially and work faithfully to create and sustain a robust and diversified economy.”
O ur L eaders
”Virginia Beach is a City of the future. Whether serving as a digital port for technology giants like Microsoft or Google or paving the way for new and emerging industries to thrive, we are constantly working to improve the quality of life for our residents, visitors and businesses. We are powered by the will of the people and are grateful to our citizens, who help us improve the services provided by the City through their invaluable input. Named the safest metropolitan City in the United States and one of the best places to start a business, there’s never been a better time to be in Virginia’s most populous City.” w w w.coastalvirginia.net • 7