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Issue 11, Fall 2023

header_autumn_leaves.jpg

in this issue

message from the president

get to know PDCs

in the news

upcoming events/calendar

about vapdc

vapdc has a new address!

message from the president


It’s hard to believe November is here, with the summer-like temperatures we have had in recent weeks. But we know that winter can’t be far behind. VAPDC has been occupied this fall with talking about exciting new programming in our future and taking action to seek additional revenues for PDCs (more details on these below). It is certain to be a busy few months ahead!


The annual VAPDC Board of Directors recently held a Fall Planning meeting, and as a follow-up to discussion at recent Program Committee and Board meetings, dove into charting a path to structure training opportunities for PDC staff in the new year. As a result of the discussions held, we’ll be working to shape some initial skills training offerings for next Spring and Summer.


VAPDC is seeking additional base state funding for planning district commissions in the upcoming state budgeting process for FY25 and FY26. We’re reaching out to Administration and key legislative officials about the request, and have invited our local government members to weigh in about the value PDCs bring to their communities and the need for additional capacity at the PDC level. We’ll keep you posted as we move through the budgeting process.


Looking ahead to early in the new year, we again will partner with VML and VACo for Local Government Day on Thursday, February 1 in Richmond. It will be an important time during the annual legislative process, so we’ll look forward to hopefully seeing many of you in Richmond.


I continue to be impressed by the many meaningful collaborations and great work of which PDCs are a part. Keep it up! Best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday season. 

Lou Ann Wallace
VAPDC President

get to know...the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission

The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is comprised of 17 localities: the Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg; the Counties of Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Southampton, Surry, and York; and the Town of Smithfield. The HRPDC was formed in 1990 by the merger of the Southeastern Virginia Planning District Commission and the Peninsula Planning District Commission. Encompassing just over 3,571 square miles, the HRPDC is home to 1,751,852 people (Weldon Cooper Center, July 1, 2022). 

 

The Hampton Roads PDC (Planning District 23) prides itself on being a forum for local elected officials and chief administrators to deliberate and decide issues of regional importance. HRPDC provides the local governments and citizens of Hampton Roads credible and timely planning, research, and analysis on matters of mutual concern and offers strategies and support services to other public and private, local and regional agencies, all in an effort to improve the region's quality of life.

 

The HRPDC serves as a resource of technical expertise to its member local governments. It provides assistance on local and regional issues pertaining to economics; emergency management; environmental education; housing; planning and water resources. It coordinates regional legislative affairs and provides education and outreach programming as well. Additionally, the HRPDC has undertaken several key regional initiatives on behalf of its localities, including convening local elected officials, police chiefs, and mental health experts for roundtable events on violence; setting the stage for a region-wide housing assessment; and creating and supporting the installation of a regional fiber network, ensuring broadband access for underserved residents. The HRPDC staff also serve as support staff for the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO).

 

The current chair of the HRPDC is Mayor Douglas G. Pons (Williamsburg) and Robert Crum is the Executive Director. 

in the news

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life. The 2023 projects, which will be recognized at NADO’s Annual Training Conference this week, have made significant impacts on their regions and demonstrate the diversity of services and program delivery provided by regional development organizations across the country. Congratulations to these 2023 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award winners from Virginia:


  • New River Valley Regional Commission-New River Valley Public Health Task Force After Action Report
  • PlanRVA-Preparedness Partnership Project with Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball Team
  • PlanRVA-PlanRVA Flood Aware: A Flood Risk Awareness Campaign in the Richmond Region
  • PlanRVA-Pathways to the Future
  • West Piedmont Planning District Commission-Boones Mill 2040, The Town’s Comprehensive Plan


New River Valley Regional Commission (NRVRC) Executive Director Kevin Byrd and Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission (CPPDC) Executive Director Scotty Wampler recently were named by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Board of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation. This is a reappointment for Byrd, and a new appointment for Wampler, who replaces LENOWISCO Executive Director Duane Miller on the Board. The Foundation works to encourage the economic development of Southwest Virginia through the expansion of cultural and natural heritage ventures and initiatives related to tourism and other asset-based enterprises.

upcoming events/calendar

November 7-10, 2023

November 15-17, 2023

December 8,2023

January 10, 2024

February 1, 2024

NADO Annual Training Conference

Governor’s Housing Conference

VAPDC Executive Directors Committee meeting

VAPDC Board of Directors meeting

VACo/VML/VAPDC Local Government Day

Would you like to see your PDC newsletter or job listings on the VAPDC website?
thank you to our Newsletter Sponsor!
about vapdc

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) is an organization comprised of the 21 Planning District Commissions/Regional Councils in Virginia. The PDCs joined together to create the VAPDC to share best practices and further regionalism across the State. VAPDC works to bring diverse resources together at the regional level in partnership with local, state and federal entities to strengthen regions and the Commonwealth.
The purpose of the Association is to promote coordination and cooperation among the Commonwealth's Planning District Commissions/Regional Councils to heighten their effectiveness and efficiency; provide mutual assistance and the exchange of ideas; and otherwise promote understanding for how PDCs/RCs can help save their regions and the Commonwealth time and money. 
 
association contacts
David Blount, VAPDC Executive Director
434-422-4820
Connie Long, VAPDC Administrator
757-412-2664
thank you to our Virginia Partners for 2023 - 2024
CHECK OUT OUR NEW ADDRESS BELOW!
Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions | Website
869 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 113 #244
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
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