Hampton Roads Horizon

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Hampton Roads Horizon is a long-range regional strategic plan development effort led by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC). The plan is focused on improving quality of life, strengthening economic competitiveness, and guiding coordinated decision-making across the Hampton Roads region.

This is a plan for the region. It builds upon the work of local governments, regional partners, state agencies, and existing plans to address shared challenges and opportunities that cross jurisdictional boundaries.


Help Shape the Future of Hampton Roads

Take the Hampton Roads Horizon public survey and be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards!

Your voice can help shape the future of Hampton Roads and you could win a gift card just for sharing it!  It takes less than five minutes to complete the survey, but your input will help guide regional goals, strategies, and decision-making for the long term.

Take the survey now

You can also get involved in the Hampton Roads Horizon planning process by participating in one of two upcoming workshops to share your perspective:

February 20, 2026 ***This workshop is FULL. We are accepting WAITLIST applicants.***
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
HRPDC Regional Board Room
723 Woodlake Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320

February 27, 2026 ***This workshop is FULL. We are accepting WAITLIST applicants.***
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
HRSD North Shore Operation Center
2389 G Avenue
Newport News, VA 23602 

Sign up here to apply to participate in a workshop

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Why a Regional Strategic Plan?

The Code of Virginia (§15.2-4209) calls for the development of regional strategic plans to promote high-quality development across key sectors, including transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental management. The statute also requires plans to establish regional goals, strategies, and mechanisms to measure progress over time.

Hampton Roads Horizon is intended to:

  • Improve quality of life for residents
  • Enhance regional economic competitiveness
  • Promote cross-jurisdictional and cross-sector collaboration
  • Support informed, long-term decision-making

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The Strategic Framework

Hampton Roads Horizon is organized around six interconnected dimensions that reflect the region’s most critical priorities:

  • Economy – Opportunity and wages, private sector growth, innovation, federal investment
  • Infrastructure – Public transit, road networks, energy systems, broadband
  • Housing & Community Development – Housing availability, placemaking
  • Natural Environment – Flooding, water quality, green spaces, public access
  • Resident Well-Being – Health, education, social equity
  • Visitor Appeal – Regional identity, amenities, tourism

HR Horizon Framework

Key features of the framework:

  • Builds on existing plans, initiatives, and regional data
  • Enables comparison with peer regions
  • Supports dashboard-style tracking of goals and progress

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The Planning Process

Hampton Roads Horizon is being developed in two phases, with stakeholder engagement at the center of the effort.

Phase 1: Regional Assessment & Priority Setting
Phase 1 focuses on understanding current conditions and identifying shared regional priorities through:

  • Compilation and analysis of regional data and indicators
  • Review of existing local, regional, and state plans
  • Stakeholder engagement, including in-person workshops and a public survey

Findings from Phase 1 will be documented in a synoptic report that summarizes regional conditions, priorities, and potential performance metrics.

Phase 2: Goals, Actions & Implementation
Phase 2 will translate identified priorities into action by:

  • Continuing stakeholder engagement
  • Establishing measurable regional goals tied to priorities
  • Developing action plans for each priority area

Together, these phases will produce a clear, actionable roadmap to guide the region through 2050 and beyond.

Be Part of the Plan

Hampton Roads Horizon is a collaborative effort shaped by voices from across the region. Your participation helps ensure the plan reflects the region’s diverse communities, sectors, and priorities.

Take the next step:

Register for a workshop today

Questions? Contact Eric Walberg ewalberg@hrpdcva.gov or Tho Tran ttran@hrpdcva.gov.