introduction: Hampton Roads Governments
Chesapeake
Hampton
James City County
Mayor Richard W. West
Mayor Donnie R. Tuck
Chairman Jim Icenhour
“Leaders in each municipality will likely proclaim their unique and rich contribution to our region. Chesapeake is no different. We are proud of our history and our place in the evolution of Hampton Roads. But if we are ever going to realize our enormous potential as a region and acknowledge that we need one another we cannot truly be economically competitive. We must continue our joint effort.”
“Embracing its past while looking forward to the future, the City of Hampton continues to play a key role in the region, the state and the nation. Hampton City Schools were100% accredited last year and has embraced a new academy program that promises to help prepare students for trade, technical and academic excellence. Langley Air Force Base, the world’s oldest continually active air base, stands at the forefront of our national security efforts. We are home to a diverse mix of businesses from advanced manufacturing to groundbreaking aerospace and scientific research. We proudly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Hampton Coliseum and for the fourth year in a row, Hampton has been named one of the most affordable beach towns in America. Whether you are looking for a great place to live, work or play, Hampton has something for you, come see what makes Hampton a special place.”
“Whether you are looking for great schools, outdoor adventure, culinary delights or history, you can find it all in James City County. From the time settlers landed on our shores in 1607 to form the first permanent English colony in America until today, James City County remains a premier community in which to live, work and play. We take pride in our exceptional public services, high quality education and fiscally efficient government. We are committed to developing a sustainable longer term water supply and expanding and diversifying our local economy. From multimillion dollar companies to small start-ups, we are open for business. James City County is leading the way and we would love to have you stop by and see for yourself.”
Franklin
Mayor Frank Rabil “Home to just over 8,000 residents the small but resilient City of Franklin is driven and focused on diversifying our local economy. Located between two major metro areas, the City of Franklin provides convenient access to Highway 58 and Interstate 95. The City’s well positioned location makes a trip to the city, the beach or the mountains a breeze. We invite you to come enjoy our local charm, explore our scenic rivers and experience our business friendly environment.”
Gloucester
Chairman Phillip N. Bazzani
“Gloucester County has a significantly important distinction in the history of the United States. Founded in 1651, just 44 years after the Jamestown settlement, Gloucester was the home to King Powhatan, Pocahontas, Dr. Walter Reed, and the birthplace to one of Virginia’s First Families. It is rich in culture, farmland, has a vibrant fishing industry, and is nick-named the “Daffodil Capital of the World”. It is truly “the Land of the Life Worth Living!” 6 • Coastal Virginia 2020-21
Newport News
Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS
Isle of Wight
Chairman Joel C. Acree “Isle of Wight County is home to over 37,000 residents and has long been known for its Local Roots and Global Reach. Located in the heart of Hampton Roads, the County provides an excellent quality of life that balances rural tranquility and easy access to urban conveniences We are proud of our commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities and vocational resources focused on preparing a sustainable workforce for the future to complement our business attraction and retention efforts. Residents enjoy the natural beauty of waterfront and rural vistas and regularly hosts visitors from all over the world. We invite you to visit us, see the natural beauty of our community, and you will find that we are indeed a Community of CHOICE that CARES.”
“Newport News is a city of opportunity for all. We are proud to be a place where businesses of all sizes can launch and expand, relocate or make a capital investment. We are home to Newport News Shipbuilding, the sole designer and builder of aircraft carriers for the U.S. Navy. I love being able to say that the largest industrial employer in the Commonwealth is in our city! Our world-class national lab, Jefferson Lab, recently completed a $338 million upgrade, making Newport News a hub for technology and innovation. Our schools offer more advanced placement courses than any other school district or private school on the Peninsula and utilize STEM practices and cutting-edge curriculums to develop tomorrow’s leaders. Newport News is a vibrant city where dreams come to life and hard work pays off, a place where innovation meets tradition and creativity abounds. Our historic city by the sea is a great place to live, work, relax and do business.”
Norfolk
Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander “For more than 300 years we have served as Coastal Virginia’s cultural and economic center, mixing ideas, connecting people and creating new businesses and experiences. For more than 100 years, Naval Station Norfolk has served as a critical partner for the City of Norfolk and we are the location of choice for facilities supporting operations for every branch of our armed services and NATO. Norfolk is a regional leader in health care and technical education. Transformational projects including The Main, Waterside District, Norfolk Premium Outlets, the Glass Light Hotel and IKEA are attracting new visitors who are excited to experience Norfolk. Spend the day at Harbor Park enjoying a Norfolk Tides game, or an evening at the Scope enjoying Norfolk Admirals hockey. Our evolving waterfront city is among the most connected cities in the country. We have passenger rail that connects us to other major cities on the east coast, the only light rail system in Virginia which connects our diverse and unique neighborhoods, an airport less than 20 minutes from our downtown that has direct connections to the west coast, and a cruise terminal steps from our city hall that connects travelers to Cuba. We are home to colleges and universities, world class art, theater, festivals, opera, The Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Garden, more than seven miles of beachfront, a growing innovative economy, and a resilient spirit that is creating the coastal community of the future.”
Poquoson
Mayor Gene Hunt
“Many things make Poquoson a special community including a resilient and civically-invested citizenry, a business-friendly atmosphere, an excellent public school system, and numerous recreational opportunities. In short, Poquoson is the per-fect place for families and businesses to call home and the City is proud of its inclusion on CNBC’s National list of “10 Perfect Suburbs”. I-64, the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, NASA/Langley and Newport News Shipbuilding, are all within a few minutes travel time and Poquoson also offers convenient water access to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. We invite you to visit and discover first-hand Poquoson’s spirit of community and surpassing quality of life. Poquoson is the Place, and you’re invited.”
