Government

Chesapeake Mayor Richard W. West

“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.”

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!”

Hampton MayorDonnie R. Tuck

“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.”

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.”

James City County Chairman Jim Icenhour

“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 d iversifying 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.”

Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS

“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.”

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 Mayor John L. Rowe, Jr.

“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.”

SoutHampton Chairman Dr. Alan Edwards

“Southampton County is the quintessential blend of preserving tradition and engaging in the future. Our area is surrounded by both picturesque farmland and crucial transit corridors connecting you to the entire East Coast. Southampton is a beautiful place to visit, live and work. It offers outdoor activities: kayaking, fishing, hunting and the like and provides limitless business opportunities. We are committed to dreaming boldly, planning strategically, investing sacrificially and working faithfully to create and sustain a robust and diversified economy.”

Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson

“Suffolk remains one of Virginia’s fastest growing cities. With outstanding schools, AAA rated by all rating agencies, 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. The energy of entrepreneurs is palpable in our Historic Downtown and the ongoing renaissance of our commercial core. We continue moving ahead with our Downtown Initiatives Plan to support new business growth and to provide entertainment options including concerts and community gatherings to draw even more events and people. If you haven’t joined us lately, come experience, see, and taste what so many are talking about. 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.”

Williamsburg Mayor Paul T. Freiling

”In 2020, Williamsburg, Virginia was recognized in Southern Living’s fourth annual South’s Best Awards as the Best Small Town. We are an internationallyknown travel 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 and beer hall, distillery and even a meadery. As the home of the second oldest university 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. Williamsburg is known for its legion of awards and designations for open government, outstanding regional planning and for innovative green programs. We are not just the best small town, we are a thriving community rich in historical precedence with our eyes on the future.”

Our Leaders

Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer

”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. 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.”

York County Chairman W. Chad Green

“What makes York County such a great place to live and work is the quality of life provided to our residents. Our schools, public parks, and waterways are the pride of the Peninsula and Riverwalk Landing is a destination for thousands of tourists each year. My fellow Supervisors and I continue the tradition of serving our citizens with an open government, customer friendly workforce, full funding for our schools, and support for public safety initiatives –all represented in the Board’s strategic priorities. We have been America’s future since 1781 and maybe, if not already, York County will be in your future too!”