Today more than ever, the contest for economic development and job growth is not between states, nor individual cities or counties. Companies disregard boundary lines and instead focus on regions, principally because they recognize that employees may work in one locality and live, shop and play in another.

In Hampton Roads, for instance, the international airport is in Norfolk, the primary convention center resides in Virginia Beach, the larger manufacturing and distribution centers are in Chesapeake and Suffolk. That's why consolidation of public services, strong regional advisory boards and planning that provides a continuity of development across jurisdictional lines are so critical to the future of our collective community.

The Commonwealth can assist regions by removing roadblocks to cooperation and revenue sharing and providing funding to jumpstart or sustain efforts that advance mutually beneficial partnerships.