Greetings

The Hampton Roads region is located in southeastern Virginia along the eastern coast of the United States. The region is the birthplace of Colonial America, merging centuries of history with rich culture, beautiful waterfront landscapes, livable communities, modern technology, economic prosperity, a thriving maritime industry and a strong military presence.

Hampton Roads is linked to domestic markets by one of the country’s most modern interstate and state highway systems. Interstate 64, a major east-west route, encircles the metropolitan area. Due west are the principal north-south interstate highways, I-85 and I-95. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel gives coastal highway traffic direct access and saves 145 kilometers of highway distance to the New York/New Jersey corridor. Hampton Roads has much to offer in terms of quality of life. Residents enjoy the best of city, suburban and country living, and can take advantage of expansive shorelines, museums, opera, festivals, sports, Colonial cities and towns, state and national parks, and many retail and residential options.

In addition to being a great place to live, Hampton Roads is a top place for doing business. The region’s excellent business environment is built upon its skilled labor force of almost 800,000 people. Add competitive infrastructure, six federal research labs, the expansive

Port of Virginia, twelve educational institutions, and a low cost of doing business to the mix and it is easy to see why so many businesses choose to operate in Hampton Roads. 

Chesapeake

Mayor Richard W. West

“Chesapeake is proud to be a City of communities, from our bustling urban center, to historic areas rooted deep in our nation’s past, to the rural heart that formed our founding core. We are equally as proud to be a strong participant in the thriving regionalism of Hampton Roads. Working together, internally and externally, Chesapeake strives every day to be an exceptional place to live, learn, work, farm, and play, while never losing focus on our goal of being “The City That Cares.”

Franklin

Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins

“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.”

Isle Of Wight County

Chairman Joel C. Acree

“Isle of Wight County has long been known for its ‘Local Roots and Global Reach’. Located in the heart of Hampton Roads, we are committed to accentuating our agricultural and rural assets while providing easy access to urban conveniences. We enjoy an excellent quality of life that is the driving force in attracting and retaining businesses and residents. We invite you to experience our local charm and to discover why we are a Community of CHOICE that CARES!”

Gloucester County

Chairman Christopher A. Hutson

“As we approach the 375th anniversary of the settling of Gloucester County, we need to remember its history and embrace its future. From Captain John Smith’s involuntary visit to Werowocomoco – home to Virginia’s original First Lady Pocahontas, George Washington’s trips to Warner Hall, Thomas Jefferson’s visits to Rosewell, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Holly Knoll, Virginians and others have visited and enjoyed Gloucester County’s natural beauty. We invite you to join us – to live or visit – while we make and experience history that people will talk about as they continue to see that Gloucester is the “Land of the Life worth Living”.

Mayor Donnie R. Tuck

“Hampton’s motto, ‘From the Sea to the Stars,’ reflects our historic assets and their role in our city today. The sea represents our location on the water, where seafood and boating remain local businesses and recreation. We have repeatedly been named one of the most affordable beach towns in America, and we have recently made significant upgrades along the boardwalk at Buckroe Beach. Our innovative efforts in coastal resiliency are attracting national and worldwide attention. The stars represent our military at Langley Air Force Base and our city’s prominent role the U.S. space program. We are proud of the diversity found in our neighborhoods, just as we are proud of our 100 percent accredited schools and of the critical research being done at Hampton University. Facilities such as the Aquaplex and the Boo Williams Sportsplex make Hampton a destination for young athletes and their families, and last year we were named an All-America City for the fourth time by the National Civic League. Hampton remains the region’s best place to live, work and play.”

James City County

Chairman Ruth M. Larson

“James City County has been known for attracting visitors from around the globe since 1607. Once here, many stay and join us in taking pride in our exceptional public services, high quality education and fiscally efficient government. From multi-million-dollar companies to small start-ups, we are open for business and visitors. After years of being a destination for sports tourism with fields filled with young athletes and their families, we are excited to be part of the future Historic Triangle Recreational Center planned for our area. By joining with the City of Williamsburg and York County, we will be able to attract larger tournaments and events to our community. Whether you are cheering from the sidelines, spending the day at Busch Gardens, shopping at our outlets or having a meal in our restaurants, we hope that you take time to see why James City County is one of the finest communities in Virginia.”

Newport News

M ayor Phillip Jones

“Newport News is a city built on breakthroughs, and we’ve been this way for generations. Approaching life as a unified community allows us to make the most of opportunities, industries, and our collective energy. We smash atoms, build nuclear aircraft carriers, launch international businesses, fly the world’s most sophisticated helicopters, write songs that move millions, invent life-saving technologies, offer transformational support services, and so much more. As a result, we have become the best at what we do. We invite those who want to open or expand a business, attend a world-class university, live in welcoming neighborhoods, embark upon a new career, experience unique adventures, broaden their horizons, and find a place to belong, to become part of our great city.”

Norfolk

Mayor

Kenneth Cooper Alexander

“For over 340 years, Norfolk has stood as Coastal Virginia’s cultural and economic hub, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. Naval Station Norfolk, a vital partner for over a century, supports operations for every branch of our armed services and NATO, solidifying our city’s strategic importance. Renowned for our excellence in healthcare and technical education, Norfolk boasts 7.5 miles of pristine beaches and iconic landmarks like Chrysler Hall, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the scenic Elizabeth River Trail spanning 10.5 miles along the waterfront. Transformational projects such as The Main, Waterside District, Norfolk Premium Outlets, the Glass Light Hotel, and IKEA are drawing new visitors eager to explore our vibrant city. From cheering on the Norfolk Tides at Harbor Park to catching a Norfolk Admirals hockey game at the Scope, there’s never a dull moment in Norfolk. With robust transportation options—including passenger rail, Virginia’s only light rail system, a nearby airport with direct connections to the west coast, and a cruise terminal offering travel to Cuba—Norfolk is one of the most connected cities in the country. Home to prestigious colleges and universities, a rich arts and culture scene, world-class attractions like the Virginia Zoo and Norfolk Botanical Garden, and a burgeoning innovative economy, Norfolk embodies resilience and progress as we shape the coastal community of tomorrow.”

“Poquoson’s unsurpassed quality of life includes an enviable combination of outstanding schools, a civically-engaged citizenry, and a dedicated group of City employees. Our citizens enjoy a variety of shopping and dining opportunities in a conveniently accessible businessfriendly corridor and the City is home to excellent recreational facilities. Given these attributes, our City is the perfect place to live, play and work. Encompassed by 87 miles of beautiful shoreline, Poquoson honors its rich coastal history while moving resiliently forward to a bright future for its community of 12,500 residents. We encourage you to visit us soon and learn more about this jewel of Hampton Roads.”

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.

Portsmouth

Mayor Shannon E. Glover

“From the first explorations of Captain John Smith in 1608, to the town’s establishment in 1752, Portsmouth has played a pivotal role in the history and development of our country. Portsmouth’s historical and nautical significance makes us 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, and home to America’s oldest continuously operating naval hospital, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. Portsmouth is also home to the largest privately-owned marine container terminal in the United States, Virginia International Gateway, on the Elizabeth River - one of the deepest working harbors in the world. As a regional partner in a fiber optic network project, that will provide high-speed internet connectivity for businesses, schools, libraries, hospitals and governmental agencies, our future is full of economic potential.”

Suffolk

Mayor Michael D. Duman

“There are a multitude of reasons so many people and businesses are calling Suffolk home. For many, it’s the small–town charm, rich history, eco-adventures, and abundant natural resources. Our city is also proud of our strong schools, AAA Bond Rating, and robust community support of independently owned businesses. The Downtown District is inspiring locals and visitors to continue to explore our unique shops and eateries. Businesses such as Amazon, Target, and Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, have invested in Suffolk in part due to our ample commercial land opportunities, capable labor force, and ideal central location. Of course, the food and beverage industry has long been an important foundation of Suffolk’s business core, with legacy companies such as Planters and Lipton employing a large portion of the workforce.

With an ever-increasing population and influx of new industries, we keep an eye on growth and thoughtful planning, while remaining committed to our values. It truly is a good time to be in Suffolk.”

Southampton County

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.”

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. 

Williamsburg

Mayor Douglas G. Pons

“Williamsburg is an internationally known 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 as well as 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 within our 9.2 square miles. Williamsburg is known for its legion of awards and designations for open government, outstanding regional planning, and innovative programs. We are a thriving community that is rich in historical precedence as we build toward an even more vibrant future.”

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 — Virginia Beach.”

York County

Chairman Stephen Rhone

“York County exemplifies the essence of the Commonwealth’s history, present achievements, and future potential. It is a testament to America’s struggle for independence and an ongoing commitment to providing our residents with an unparalleled quality of life. Our schools, public parks, and waterways serve as sources of community pride. Today, we chart a course toward economic diversity and lasting prosperity, prioritizing education, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and balanced development. Whether York County holds a place in your past or present, the Board of Supervisors extends a warm invitation to consider embracing it as part of your future.”