The HRPDC took the following actions at its Executive Committee meeting on June 18, 2015:

Workshop Items:

HUD National Disaster Resilience Competition:  Chris Thompson, DHCD Deputy Director provided an update on the application for the regional Resilience Partnership project.  This public-private coalition seeks to reinvent the region around a shared understanding of how to live with water and on-going environmental changes.  The pilot project goal is to align resources to creatively and innovatively test water management solutions associated with recurrent flooding, sea level rise and disaster events.

Hampton Roads Regional Benchmarking Study:  Chief Economist, Greg Grootendorst shared highlights of the annual Regional Benchmarking Study.  Of note from the American Community Survey, Hampton Roads ranks #1 among like sized MSAs in terms of percentage of workers in the Armed Forces and has the least income disparity.  Similarly, the region is consistently higher than the national average for median household income.  The full study is available on the website.  New this year, staff published a pocket guide as a collateral piece which includes much of the benchmarking data.

Potential Office Relocation:  Randy Keaton, Interim Executive Director reviewed an unsolicited proposal from HL Development Service Group regarding potential relocation of HRPDC/HRTPO/HRMFFA offices.  Discussions have been deferred until new Executive Director, Bob Crum comes on board.

Dutch Dialogues Update:  Senior Regional Planner, Ben McFarlane gave an overview of upcoming events surrounding Dutch Dialogues Virginia:  Life at Sea Level.  This five-day workshop will explore potential adaptations to sea level rise with a focus on two Hampton Roads sites.  Elected officials were particularly encouraged to attend the opening and closing sessions.

Regular Agenda

Public Comments: 

• Mr. Ellis James of Norfolk shared his concerns for the senior population in light of recent extreme heat, as well as concerns with the recent shootings in South Carolina.

The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of the April 16, 2015 Quarterly Commission Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• FY 2015 Budget Amendments
• FY 2016 Unified Planning Work Program
• Consultant Services Contract – Regional and Environmental Planning and Analysis
• Consultant Services Contract – askHRgreen.org Marketing & Media Support
• FY 2013 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP)
• Hampton Roads Regional Benchmarking Study
• Consultant Services Contract Task Order – Maintenance Of PARS, SSORS, and FOG Certification Websites

New Business:

Chairman Wright received a letter from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce requesting comments and concerns be sent to EPA and the Congressional Delegation regarding pending changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone.  HRPDC and HRTPO staff will collaborate on an appropriate response and bring to the board for consideration in July.

Retiring board members Jackson Tuttle and Amar Dwarkanath were recognized for their years of service.

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