A core group of regionalism enthusiasts met this week to craft the process of identifying community values for Hampton Roads.  Stakeholders from all facets of the region came together to discuss how to tackle the first true regional strategic plan. 

The plan, authorized by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, will start with a series of focus groups and interviews to identify shared values for the Hampton Roads community.  From there, the process will involve defining a shared vision based on those values, formulating strategies to achieve the vision, creating action plans to make each strategy a reality, identifying needed and existing resources and finally, implementation.

The process is useful in two ways.  First, the values identified by residents will help elected officials and planners solve issues in ways that are responsive to the needs and desires of the public they serve.  The process will also assist local leaders in communicating the benefits of strategic growth and development for the entire Hampton Roads area.

There are still a variety of ways to get involved in this effort!  If you or your organization is interested, please contact the HRPDC at 757-420-8300 or jhillegass@hrpdcva.gov.  We look forward to your input in this important process!

Watch the video from the November 13, 2013 meeting.