"PDC's across the Commonwealth benefit from Senator Ruff's outstanding leadership and contributions to the promotion of regional planning," said VAPDC President Robert K. Coiner. "We appreciate his efforts on behalf of Virginia's regions."

 

Senator Ruff's public service career spans more than 20 years with wide-ranging committee service such as General Laws and Technology; the Senate Finance subcommittee on Economic Development; the Broadband Advisory Council; the Small Business Commission; and the Virginia Board of Workforce Development. In 2016, Senator Ruff was an integral part of significant legislation for the establishment of the Virginia Collaborative Economic Development Act, a bipartisan initiative adopted by the Virginia General Assembly. Senator Ruff sits on the GO Virginia State Board whose mission is to encourage collaboration among business, education, and government in regions across the Commonwealth on activities that will enhance private sector growth and opportunity, economic competitiveness, and alignment of workforce development programs with the needs of employers.

 

VAPDC's leadership created the Legislator of the Year Award to recognize public officials who not only support regional collaboration, but who are actively engaged in public policy efforts that advance economic prosperity in the Commonwealth. The 2017 award was announced at the VAPDC's Annual Awards Dinner last night in Richmond. The Award will be presented to Senator Ruff at a later date.

 

Planning District Commissions were established by the General Assembly in 1969. There are 21 PDCs and Regional Commissions in Virginia made up of elected officials and citizens appointed by local governments. The purpose of the Planning District Commissions is to encourage and facilitate regional solutions to problems of area-wide significance. This is done by promoting the efficient development of the physical, social, and economic policies of all districts by assisting local governments to plan for the future. The PDCs of Virginia have joined together to create the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions to share best practices, and further regionalism across the commonwealth. For more information about VAPDC, visit the website at www.vapdc.org .