Chairman Haulman convened the June 16, 2016 HRPDC Executive Committee Meeting.  The following actions were taken and items discussed:

Special Presentations – Vice Chairman Ward presented resolutions of appreciation to outgoing Commission members Clyde A. Haulman, George E. Wallace and Paul D. Fraim and thanked them for their service to their cities and the Hampton Roads region.

Public Comments – Donna Sayegh, Ellis James and Frank Papcin provided public comments to the Commission.

Nominating Committee – Chairman Haulman reported that the Nominating Committee recommended the election of Dr. Ella P. Ward as Chairman and Mr. Michael Hipple as Vice Chairman of the Commission effective July 1, 2016.  The Commission voted unanimously to approve the recommendation.

Executive Director’s Report – Mr. Crum highlighted four awards that the HRPDC staff recently received from the Public Relations Society of America. 

• First Place – Video – “What does Water mean to You.”
• Second Place – Video – ENVISION Hampton Roads. 
• Second Place – Publications – Little Book of Big Data. 
• Second Place – Magazines – Coastal Virginia Magazine.

The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

• Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2016 HRPDC Executive Committee Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report of April 2016
• Budget Amendments
• Various Consultant Services Contracts
• Purchase of Regional Communications Test Equipment
• Information Technology Services Contract

Hampton Roads Regional Benchmarking Study - Chief Economist, Greg Grootendorst shared highlights of the annual Regional Benchmarking Study, which contains over 170 regional socioeconomic illustrations for Hampton Roads.  Of note, the Hampton Roads economy has been stagnant over the past seven years, realizing the second least employment growth among similar size MSAs over the past three years.  Since 1970, private employment comprises an ever growing share of the regional economy.  While Hampton Roads per capita income is below the national average, median household income remains significantly above the national average.  The report shows that compared to similar sized metropolitan areas, Hampton Roads has the least income disparity between the haves and the have-nots.  This socioeconomic indicator correlates with other quality of life indicators such as a relatively low poverty rate and low violent crime.  After a number of questions and comments, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the release of the study.

Annual Work Program – Deputy Executive Director, Randy Keaton reviewed the annual Work Program for the 2017 Fiscal Year.  New Activities for the HRPDC were highlighted.  The Commission voted unanimously to approve the Work Program.

Chairman Haulman noted future meeting topics and other items of interest included in the packet.  There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.