Hampton Roads Planning District Commission

09/04/2026

Thank you to Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova for joining us yesterday for a special meeting of the HRPDC Regional Environmental Committee.

Secretary Bulova shared the Administration’s environmental priorities and spent time in an open discussion with our local government members and regional partners about issues especially important to Hampton Roads: from Chesapeake Bay restoration and stormwater to flooding, energy, groundwater resources, and affordability.

We appreciate Secretary Bulova taking the time to hear directly from Hampton Roads and engage in a thoughtful conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

09/03/2026

City Managers and County Administrators from around the region gathered yesterday at the new Suffolk Library for the HRPDC Chief Administrative Officers meeting.

The group discussed small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and challenges related to our military installations, Federal Opportunity and Maritime Prosperity Zones, and the region’s 2027 Legislative Agenda.

These conversations provide an opportunity for leaders from across Hampton Roads to share perspectives, address regional challenges together, and look ahead to opportunities for our communities.

09/02/2026

Join us tomorrow at 10 a.m. for a special Regional Environmental Committee meeting featuring Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova.

Secretary Bulova will share insights into Governor Spanberger’s priorities and approach on issues important to Hampton Roads, including Chesapeake Bay investments, stormwater permitting, RGGI, groundwater resources, energy policy and other environmental initiatives.

Most importantly, this will be a rare opportunity for Q&A and discussion directly with the Commonwealth’s environmental leadership.

📍 The Regional Building, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake
🕙 Thursday, 10 a.m.

We encourage our committee members and regional partners to join us -- and bring your questions!

08/28/2026

Earlier this week, we hosted our Legislative Committee meeting, where our team connected with regional legislative aides, government employees, and elected officials to request input from the Committee members on potential topics that could be regional legislative priorities to be considered by the Commission and
Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Board.

08/26/2026

We were excited to attend the York State of the County Address at the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center recently.

We are pleased to hold our October 15 HRPDC and Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Board meeting at this wonderful new facility – we hope you will mark your calendars and join us!

H/T to our friends from Visit Williamsburg for the exterior shot of the building!

08/24/2026

OMGoodness, check out the news from our friends at askhrgreen.org:

The new askHRgreen.org website is live – and it’s packed with practical, local resources to help Hampton Roads make greener choices every day.
Looking for ways to make a difference? Start here:
❓Don’t Guess. Just Ask. Get answers to your recycling questions.
🍃Discover ways to get involved in making Hampton Roads cleaner and greener.
💧Find environmental programs, services and resources in your community.
♻️ Put your skills to the test and try our waste-sorting game.
✏️ Apply for a grant for your school or community
Explore the new www.askHRgreen.org today!

08/21/2026

A Look Back at Virginia's 1980 Drought: History reminds us why every drop counts.

During Virginia's 1980 drought, communities faced prolonged dry conditions that affected water supplies, agriculture, and everyday life. More than 45 years later, Virginia is once again experiencing significant drought conditions, with the Commonwealth seeing its driest period since 1941. State officials are encouraging residents to voluntarily conserve water to help protect our shared water resources.

While today's monitoring tools are more advanced, one thing hasn't changed: every small action makes a difference.

Here are a few easy ways to help:
💧 Water your lawn only when necessary.
💧 Fix household leaks promptly.
💧 Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
💧 Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
💧 Install water-efficient fixtures.
💧 Collect rainwater with a rain barrel.
💧 Follow other local water conservation guidelines.

To learn more, visit https://www.hrpdcva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=339

08/20/2026

As you drive home and enjoy your evening tonight, be aware of the threat for severe weather! Stay up to date with posts from the US National Weather Service Wakefield VA and Virginia Department of Emergency Management!

Severe thunderstorms are possible across Central and Eastern Virginia and the Maryland Eastern Shore this afternoon through late tonight.

Primary hazards include:
Damaging wind gusts of 60+ mph
Isolated large hail

A brief tornado or two (mainly for northeastern portions of the area)
Localized flooding
Stay weather aware this afternoon and evening!

08/18/2026

A pro soccer team in Hampton Roads? If the World Cup was any indication, the support could be there...

Check out more from our friends at The Virginian-Pilot, courtesy of the work from Nikki Johnson!

Soccer leaders say Hampton Roads could support a major league team. However, someone would need to pay for the sizeable price tag.

08/17/2026

ICYMI: Check out this update (featuring some input from our HRTPO team) on the HRBT from our friends at The Virginian-Pilot:

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel project is on target for 2027 completion, VDOT says.