Regional Economics Commons^™

The State Of The Region: Hampton Roads 2006, James V. Koch, Vinod Agarwal, Adrianne Barrett, David Basco, John R. Broderick, Chris Colburn, Vicky Curtis, Steve Daniel, Susan Hughes, Marshall Hutto, Elizabeth Janik, Mark Koch, Feng Lian, Terry Lindvall, Sharon Lomax, Janet Molinaro, John A. Sokolowski, Ray White, Gilbert Yochum

Economics Faculty Books

This is Old Dominion University's seventh annual State of the Region report. While it represents the work of many people connected in various ways to the university, the report does not constitute an official viewpoint of Old Dominion, or it's president, Roseann Runte.

The report maintains the goal of stimulating thought and discussion that ultimately will make Hampton Roads an even better place to live. We are proud of our region's many successes, but realize that it is possible to improve our performance. In order to do so, we must have accurate information about "where we are" and a sound …

Front Matter: The State Of The Region: Hampton Roads 2006, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Cover, front matter, table of contents, and other materials for the 2006 The State of the Region report authored by the Regional Studies Institute at Old Dominion University

Part 3: Tunnel Vision: Traffic Congestion In Hampton Roads, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Traffic congestion already is bad in the region; we estimate the cost in 2006 to be $473 million, or $296 per person. If nothing is done to alleviate the situation, this cost will grow to $1.07 billion, or $608 per person in 2015. Our simulations also predict the speed of automobile commuters going through the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel will fall to 7.2 mph in 2015.

Part 1: Hampton Roads Forecast: The Economic Winds Begin To Blow, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Our regional economy has slowed down to the national average after five superb years of growth fueled by defense expenditures. Defense expenditures are decelerating, the Ford plant is closing and the Base Realignment and Closure process will soon be under way.

Part 5: The Play's The Thing: Theatres And Performing Arts Companies In Hampton Roads, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

The region is plenti-fully endowed with an impressive variety of theaters and performing arts companies. We critique their diverse work, which provides Hampton Roads with vital cultural and economic benefits.

Part 4: It's Not Easy Being Green: Open Space And Parks In Hampton Roads, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Open space and parks are unevenly distributed across our region. Virginia Beach has done a particularly good job in promoting parks and green space. Still, open space is disappearing at a very rapid rate. Either we preserve such space now, or it may disappear forever.

Part 2: The North Carolina Connection: Hampton Roads South Of The Border?, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Currituck County, N.C., already is considered part of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Four other counties (Camden, Gates, Perquimans, Pasquotank) lie just south of our region, but only Gates is sufficiently connected to Hampton Roads to be added in the future.

Part 6: The Youth Of Hampton Roads: Pride Or Problem, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

By several measures, our region’s youth are not doing so well. Particularly problematic are the high percentages of youth who live in poverty and babies born to very young mothers. It is easy to track the societal problems that result.

Part 7: Beach Replenishment: Who Benefits, Who Pays, Who Should Pay?, Regional Studies Institute, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Replenishing the region’s beaches with sand is critical to their attractiveness. More than $100 million has been spent on beach replenishment in Virginia Beach over the past decade, with the federal government paying about two-thirds. We find that beach replenishment pays off handsomely for Virginia Beach, but also that the city probably should pay a larger share of the cost.