Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission Invites Public Input on Regional Economic Development Strategy
Draft plan available for public review; two input sessions scheduled for November 18.
The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC) invites residents, business owners, community leaders and other stakeholders to help shape the region’s economic future by reviewing and providing feedback on the draft Middle Peninsula Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
The draft plan, which outlines a shared vision for strengthening and diversifying the Middle Peninsula’s economy over the next five years, is now available for public review on the MPPDC website at mppdc.com. The Commission will also host two public input sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 offering opportunities for community members to learn more about the strategy and share their perspectives before the plan is finalized.
The Middle Peninsula encompasses six rural coastal counties — Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex — along with the towns of Tappahannock, Urbanna and West Point. Known for its more than 1,000 miles of coastline, abundant natural resources and historic working waterfronts, the region possesses unique economic assets and opportunities. At the same time, it faces challenges including residents commuting outside the region for employment, slow job growth, rising housing costs, tidal flooding and an aging population.
The draft CEDS establishes a framework for addressing these challenges while building on the Middle Peninsula’s strengths to create a more resilient and diversified regional economy. Key priorities include leveraging the region’s natural and coastal resources, retaining local talent, increasing household incomes, expanding housing opportunities, strengthening coastal infrastructure and supporting economic growth across all communities.
As a regional economic development roadmap, the CEDS is intended to help guide collaboration and strategic decision-making among local governments, businesses and community partners.
Public Input Sessions
MPPDC will host two in-person public input sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at the following times:
- Afternoon Session: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
- Evening Session: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Both sessions will take place in the Mattaponi Conference Room at HUB 33, located at 4521 Lewis B. Puller Memorial Highway, Mattaponi, VA 23110.
The sessions will provide opportunities for participants to review the draft strategy, discuss regional economic development priorities and offer feedback that will help inform the final plan.
Residents and stakeholders who are unable to attend either session are also encouraged to review the draft CEDS available online and submit written comments to John Edwards at jedwards@mppdc.com by Monday, Nov. 30, 2026.
MPPDC encourages participation from across the region, emphasizing that community input is an important part of developing a strategy that reflects the Middle Peninsula’s needs, priorities and opportunities.
For more information about MPPDC and its regional planning initiatives, visit mppdc.com.