Regional Cooperation
Over the past few years, Roanoke and 16 other counties and cities have been working together to expand their economic influence to include an area known as the New Century Region. This expanded area of influence recognizes the interdependence of economic activity, and organizations like The Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership are working to more effectively market the region’s business assets across a broader area. The City of Roanoke has spearheaded regional efforts to address specific public service issues cooperatively, including the use and conservation of environmental resources, sewage treatment, solid waste disposal, a regional library and a regional animal shelter. Roanoke officials regularly initiate meetings with other governing bodies on these and other regional concerns and Roanoke is pursuing long-term strategic alliances with local universities in an effort to work jointly on regional planning issues.

Roanoke’s regional participation and resource-sharing include:

·   The creation of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority comprised of three
    jurisdictions for the management and disposal of solid waste.

·   The creation of the Western Virginia Water Authority for the management,
    distribution and treatment of potable water supply and wastewater.

·   The development of City of Roanoke and Roanoke County Fire/Police and EMS joint
    training process and shared facilities.