When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, so much of how Americans lived their daily lives changed very quickly in order to stay safe and healthy. As movie theaters, restaurants, bars, and other indoor activities began closing, outdoor recreation emerged as a safe way to get out of the house. While some national, state, and local parks were closed, one result of business closures and stay-at-home orders was a surge in park visitation for those parks that remained open.

With over a half million users per year, the Virginia Capital Trail (VCT)—a paved trail opening in 2015 that starts in Jamestown and runs approximately 50 miles northwest to downtown Richmond—is perhaps the premier trail in Virginia.

Lazy summer days have given way to the rush and routine of the school year in Hampton Roads. As families gear up for everything back-to-school, organizers of the askHRgreen.org public awareness and education campaign are recognizing local schools and youth organizations with an A+ for their creative take on green-based classroom projects funded through its Environmental Education Mini Grant program.

Map of the Month: September – Mode of Instruction in Public Schools for 2020-21

The 2020-21 school year began as the previous year ended—during the COVID-19 pandemic. The abrupt interruption in education in the Spring of 2020 left students, parents, and public school divisions doing their best to continue what was left of the school year via remote technologies. With a few summer months to formulate a plan—and with uncertainty still surrounding the pandemic—all public school divisions began the 2020-21 school year with most students in a remote learning environment.

On July 23, Senator Mark Warner was joined by Congressional Representatives Bobby Scott and Elaine Luria at the HRPDC offices to host a Coastal Resiliency Roundtable. Several Hampton Roads Mayors/elected officials and Secretary Matthew Strickler participated in this session along with representatives from the military, academic partners and community stakeholder groups.

White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy visited Hampton Roads on August 3 to tour the region and discuss efforts around coastal resiliency, offshore wind and sustainability. Advisor McCarthy began with a visit to the Norfolk International Terminal to discuss flooding and regional coastal resiliency efforts (including a focus on the Navy presence in Hampton Roads and national security implications), the Port of Virginia and offshore wind, supply chain and workforce development.

On August 8, the HRPDC was host to several sessions to discuss the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan. These sessions were led by Ann Phillips, Special Assistant to Governor Northam for Coastal Adaptation and Protection and the project consultant team.

Sherrie Adefenwa joined the HRPDC’s Finance Department in August 2021.

After Record Decrease, will Hampton Roads School Enrollment Bounce Back in 2021? (WVEC)

Hampton Roads hopes to provide more affordable housing after receiving $3 million grant (Virginian-Pilot)

Administrator, Office of Community

Affairs and Civil Rights

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The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) and Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) fully comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice, and related nondiscrimination statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. HRPDC's website, www.hrpdcva.gov, and HRTPO's website, www.hrtpo.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. HRPDC public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities and in transit-accessible locations when possible. Auxiliary services can be provided to individuals who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Requests made within seven days will be accommodated to the greatest extent possible. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by HRPDC under Title VI has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint may be in writing and filed with HRPDC's Title VI Administrator and/or the appropriate state or federal agency within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. For more information on HRPDC's Title VI program, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please call (757) 420-8300 or email: kmiller@hrpdcva.gov.