We were recently asked to talk to a group about regionalism between the Roanoke and Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSAs. What would it take for the two to operate more like one region?

The simplest answer is to have more people working in one sub-region and living in the other.Attached is the formal process to combine MSAs… combine-msas. Other ways of making it happen include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in the NewVa Corridor Technology Council - Probably the most regionally focused organization in the two valleys.
• Complete the Smart Road- This will eliminate about 7 minutes from the commute and essentially moves the Corporate Research Center to the Shelor Motor Mile.
• More funding for the Smart Way Bus – Some current routes are at capacity with people standing on the commutes. This alternative public transportation model is the future. Invest now.
• Development between Salem and Christiansburg- Terrain is an issue, but there are some opportunities around Dixie Caverns and Ironto. Plus, the new Intermodal facility should foster this growth.
• Expand Interstate 81 – Add more lanes for a more enjoyable and safe drive.

The earliest an official join MSA would occur would be 2020. There are at least four other ways in which regionalism can be achieved. We will look at these in the future.

The Great Southwest of Virginia has created this video to showcase their region and the Return to Roots program to attract and retain young adults to the region.

Kudos for using YouTube and for creating a link of the video that can be embedded and shared in platforms such as these.

Creating an additional organic video that is not polished by those young guys profiled demonstrating the things to do in the region would be very powerful too.

For more info on how to move to the area visit Return to Roots or Roanoke Connect.