By Tim Ryan

Recent discussions among Hampton Roads city leaders have spotlighted a concerning trend: residents are increasingly relocating to other regions, raising alarms about the area’s future vitality. A recent report by WTKR highlights that factors such as rising living costs, safety concerns, and limited job opportunities are prompting individuals, particularly younger, childless, and non-military residents, to seek prospects elsewhere.

Joshua Johnson, a Portsmouth resident, shared his reasons for considering a move: “Change of scenery. And Portsmouth has gotten expensive as well, just for what I’m paying for with what I am getting. I also look at the crime as well.”

Nancy Grden, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, emphasized that these concerns are not unique to Hampton Roads but are prevalent in many areas. She noted that regions like Charlotte, Nashville, and Charleston are experiencing significant population growth, underscoring the competitive challenge Hampton Roads faces in retaining its residents.

Taking Action: Steps Toward Retention and Growth

In response, city leaders are proactively developing strategies to enhance the region’s appeal. Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover stated, “We want to retain as many folks in our city and in our region as we can. So we have got to work collaboratively with all of the organizations within our city to get the message out that we want people to stay in Portsmouth to live, work, and raise a family.”

Some of the initiatives being explored include:

  • Economic Development: Attracting and nurturing businesses to create diverse job opportunities.
  • Public Safety Enhancements: Implementing measures to improve safety and reduce crime rates.
  • Affordable Housing Projects: Developing housing solutions that cater to various income levels.
  • Community Engagement Programs: Fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents through local events and initiatives.

These efforts aim to address the root causes of outmigration and position Hampton Roads as a region where individuals and families can envision a prosperous future.

A Regional Business Perspective

As a region, we must do a better job of “selling” ourselves to the residents within our own community. We need to approach this with the mindset of running a business: if we cannot retain the residents already here, attracting new residents from outside the region becomes a far greater challenge. As the saying goes in business, “It’s more economical to keep the customers you have than to acquire new ones.” The same holds true here.

Investing in our current residents—by making Hampton Roads a desirable, secure, and vibrant place to live—creates a ripple effect. When our residents feel valued and satisfied, they become our strongest ambassadors, attracting others to join our community.

I see what you are all doing to make a difference. Together, we can build a stronger, more unified Hampton Roads. Let’s take the steps now to ensure the future we all envision. I’d love to hear your thoughts.