The 2026 State of the Region examines the region’s strengths and opportunities. Produced by the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, attendees will receive a copy of the 2026 State of the Region Report during the event.
This year's topics will include:
Can Hampton Roads Grow in Uncertain Times?
Rising Defense Spending and Headwinds for the Port and Tourism
Early Childhood Care and Education in Hampton Roads
Arts and Culture
The Value of Water: The Hampton Roads Sanitation District and the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT)
Housing in Hampton Roads
Presenters:
Dr. Robert McNab - Professor & Chair of the Department of Economics & Director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy and in the Strome College of Business, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ
Dr. Barbara A. Blake - Executive Director of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Office of Monarch Internships and Co-Ops, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ
Dr. Vinod Agarwal - Professor in the Department of Economics, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ