The HRPDC conducted its Annual Retreat on April 21, 2016.  The following summarizes the discussions:

Public Comments: 

• Ms. Donna Sayegh expressed her concerns about expanding regional governance via UASI and CEDS.  She requested organizational charts of the HRPDC and HRTPO and an explanation of how they interact.
• Mr. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky conveyed his skepticism regarding the progress on the SPSA agreement and the approach the board has taken in signing on with a company using unproven technology.  He urged Portsmouth to go their own way.

Executive Director, Bob Crum gave an overview of the agenda for the Retreat.

The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

• Urban Area Security Initiative Contract for Purchase of Regional Communications Equipment
• Meeting Minutes of the March 17, 2016 Executive Committee Meeting

2016 Retreat Workshop

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Executive Director Crum and various community business and economic development partners commented on the need for a revised regional CEDS.  Questions and concerns about the role of the HRPDC and costs were discussed with the entire group Facilitated small group discussion followed.  Group reports indicated a consensus that the HRPDC should take the lead in revising the regional CEDS, provided that there was no additional cost to localities.

HRPDC Governance Recommendation

Members of the Regional CAO Committee provided a recommendation to reduce the size of the Commission by having only one representative per locality (with an alternate and weighted voting) and removing CAOs as voting members.  The current Personnel and Budget Committee would remain the same.  Discussion centered on issues concerning quorum and having a minimum number of jurisdictions approve an item to protect the interests of smaller localities.  Small group reports included items such as ensuring ways to maintain opportunities for participation, considering meeting on alternate months with the TPO to allow for more substantive meetings, encouraging more formal updates of PDC business back to local boards and councils.  This item will be further finalized by the CAOs and will require a bylaws change.

ENVISION Hampton Roads

Principal Planner, Jai McBride provided an overview of the status of the regional strategic planning effort known as ENVISION Hampton Roads.  Members were treated to the debut of a video about this project based on the initial listening sessions that staff has conducted around the region.  Commissioners were asked to comment on any areas of the initial priorities that they supported or did not support and to indicate any gaps in the priorities.  Some key ideas focused on better communication and coordination between neighboring localities, better opportunities regardless of socioeconomic status, revenue sharing across the region, identify key things we have to offer Fortune 500 companies, better education and training for workforce development and how we best leverage our environmental assets.

Chairman Haulman and the Executive Director commended staff and participants for a very engaging and productive session.  There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.