[Could a true merger work?]

Hi all. First time poster here. This question of merging the cities of Hampton Roads really interests me a lot and I actually found this site during my searches for more information about it. After some reading, I decided to write an op-ed and submit it to the Pilot. Unfortunately, it was never chosen for printing, I think because non-experts (which is me on this topic) are really supposed to use letters to the editor. In any event, I am posting the op-ed here as it is my attempt to put together some kind of argument for a consolidated Hampton Roads city. Hopefully it adds to the discussion and I have also included the sources referenced in it below for anyone to look at.  Happy to hear any thoughts you might have on it.

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Hampton Roads cities compete too much. 

I know what you’re thinking. “This just in: obvious things are obvious. Details at 11.”

But it’s serious. Do these headlines sound familiar?

-Daily Press: “Competitiveness hurt by divisiveness”
-Inside Business: “Hampton Roads needs to bridge its divide, local leaders say”
-Suffolk News-Herald: “Time to think as a region” 
-Virginia Business: “Lines in the dust: Are antiquated government boundaries limiting regional progress?”
-Virginian-Pilot: “Regional success suffers as cities compete”

That last column stated the problem bluntly: “Hampton Roads has long been so self-defeating at regional cooperation that it has materially harmed the region’s economy.” 

Written by business leaders, former city officials, and other experts, these articles and dozens more like them illustrate a clear need for organization, action, and problem-solving that the region’s mixed bag of governments can’t provide. Many counter with “regionalism” — a noble effort indeed — but its failures are legend despite numerous organizations dedicated to promoting it. Before a 2015 Virginia Beach City Council vote on minor road modifications to support Norfolk’s Premium Outlets development, one councilman admitted that “while regionalism is a good thing, I have to do what's in the best interest of Virginia Beach.” 

This example underscores regionalism’s fundamental flaw: It has no authority. No one voted for it. It‘s a glorified pep talk that says “let’s do better next time.” The problem is our governments can’t simply do better. Virginia’s tax structure forces city leaders to engage in shortsighted, zero-sum competition in their municipality’s perceived interest, and we all know how that plays out: Broken agreements. Accusations. Canceled projects. Wasted tax dollars. Disgruntled citizens. Wash, rinse, repeat. 

You deserve better. A borough-style, metropolitan government would eliminate much of the impetus behind these conflicts, or channel it into councils or boards that require cooperation and compromise, while also allowing officials to represent their constituents’ interests.

Imagine that: a city government that does the one basic, almost universal (97% supported in 2014 HRPDC survey) demand of its citizens: work for the good of the region, not just your own locality.

A consolidated, harbor-side metropolis has long been seen as Hampton Roads’ unmistakable common destiny. For instance, at the HRBT opening Hampton Mayor George Bentley predicted a “political union between the cities bordering on this great harbor.” Despite past failures, however, this idea deserves serious consideration again.

I address this now to the region’s leaders: the names that fill the Inside Business Power List each year; leaders in business, government, academia, media, and community organizations; the board members of the regional foundations and institutes, Chambers of Commerce, and Economic Development Authorities, among others.

You’ve seen the reports and articles on our plight. You’ve written columns, been on the panels, and talked at leadership forums about it.  Most importantly, you know the issues well and see their impact: workforce development, transportation, sluggish growth, sports arena, legislative political clout, brain drain, sea level rise, high-speed rail, economic diversification, and many more. Now is the time to act. Collectively, you have the knowledge, resources, and influence to make consolidation work. 

ODU’s 2000 State of the Region report noted 50.5% surveyed supported consolidation and a 2001 Daily Press article reported 72.2% supported consolidation on a local realtor’s online poll. The same 2014 HRPDC survey reported citizens broadly felt we “should not hold back progress to preserve the independence of our individual cities and counties.”  Despite the naysayers, these and other polls reveal significant support for consolidation or at least a reasoned dialogue on it. It will be challenging, but nothing our cities and citizens can’t handle. The real challenge: show people that it’s possible, can be done equitably, and will preserve the unique character and heritage of our communities.

Details like city name or organizational structure often needlessly derail this debate. While important, they must be tabled and decided later by the citizens of the consolidating cities. The primary focus must be a commitment to the formal union of Hampton Road’s localities.

Establish a consolidation committee. Begin a study. Work with regional organizations. Talk with the public. Like minds will gravitate to you. It’s time to look past dated resentments, acknowledge our intertwined destinies, and pursue a system of government that serves all. Failing to take tangible, concrete steps to solve this most fundamental and obvious problem will certainly be judged by future generations as something akin to civic malpractice. 

In an 1895 letter to the Norfolk Virginian, Georgia Senator Patrick Walsh praised the region’s many gifts, but included an apropos warning for its inhabitants: “[Hampton Roads] will be what her own citizens make her — no more, no less.”

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Sources

(newspapers.com sources require a paid account to access - DM me and I can send you the pdf if you like)
1.    Daily Press. (Newport News, Virginia) “Competitiveness hurt by Divisiveness.” Jun 25, 1995. (https://www.newspapers.com/image/237510687) 
2.    Inside Business. “Hampton Roads needs to bridge its divide, local leaders say” Dec 12, 2017. (https://pilotonline.com/inside-business/news/economic-development/article_1e8a4a39-7fa7-5709-b07e-e24ebc6cd958.html) 
3.    Suffolk News-Herald. “Time to think as a region.” Sep 15, 2004. (https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2004/09/15/time-to-think-as-a-region/) 
4.    Virginia Business. “Lines in the dust: Are antiquated government boundaries limiting regional progress?” Mar 2, 2018. (http://virginiabusiness.com/news/article/lines-in-the-dust) 
5.    Virginian-Pilot. “Regional success suffers as cities compete.” Jan 29, 2017. (https://pilotonline.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-regional-success-suffers-as-cities-compete/article_c37d51ac-bf56-5869-8583-9821bd7a5238.html)
6.    Virginian-Pilot. “Va. Beach offers compromise on outlet mall road.” Apr 5, 2015. (https://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/article_594b476a-573d-5a05-ba01-e2d795b2c8a9.html) 
7.    Daily Press. “The opening of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel tied a divided region together.” Nov 5, 2013. (http://www.dailypress.com/features/history/our-story/dp-the-hampton-roads-bridge-tunnel-tied-a-divided-region-together-20131105-post.html) 
8.    Old Dominion University. State of the Region 2000. “The State of Public Opinion.” Page 4. (https://www.odu.edu/content/dam/odu/offices/economic-forecasting-project/docs/2000chapter1.pdf) 
9.    Daily Press. “Regionalism Gets Support in Poll by Realty Firm.” August 14, 2001. (http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-20010814-2001-08-14-0108140024-story.html#) 
10.    Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. 2014 Envision Hampton Roads Research Report. Page 10. (https://www.hrpdcva.gov/library/view/49/envisions-hampton-roads-research-report) 
11.    The Norfolk Virginian. Tuesday, Jan 1, 1895. (https://www.newspapers.com/image/192568452)