Welcome to the CSPDC

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) represents and serves the local governments of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro as well as the 11 towns within the Central Shenandoah region.

The CSPDC works with its member jurisdictions, communities, and agencies to provide high-quality planning, technical assistance, and facilitation of services that address local, regional, and state needs in an innovative, timely, and cooperative manner. Covering everything from land use planning, transportation, water and waste-water utilities, natural resource management, affordable housing, economic and community development, hazard mitigation, agritourism, to human services, the CSPDC is an invaluable asset to the quality of life in the Central Shenandoah Valley. For more information about the CSPDC, click here.

In Memoriam: Frank Friedman

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Kayla Dixon

With deep sadness, we share the news that Frank Friedman, our Commission Chair and Mayor of the City of Lexington, passed away on July 2nd.

Frank served as CSPDC’s Commission Chair for almost ten consecutive years. He championed a succession plan that ensured a smooth transition between Executive Directors in 2024, and he represented our region on the GO Virginia Region 8 Council and the Improve I-81 Advisory Committee. He ran lively Commission meetings, brought thoughtfulness to every discussion, and was deeply committed to his life as a public servant. We will miss him and his steadfast support of the PDC.

Frank’s family has established the Frank Wilson Friedman Memorial Fund, administered by the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath, and Alleghany, as a lasting tribute to his life. For more information visit cfra.fcsuite.com.

CSPDC Receives Virginia Housing Grant for Regional Data Dashboard

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Kayla Dixon

The CSPDC has received a $50,000 Capacity Building Implementation Grant from Virginia Housing to develop an interactive regional data dashboard. The grant program supports organizations in enhancing their operations, processes, and resources to better serve their communities.

Developed in partnership with the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, the dashboard will build on findings from the Central Shenandoah Regional Housing Study to provide local governments, housing organizations, developers, and other regional partners with timely, accessible demographic, economic, and housing data. Key housing indicators will include housing age and type, occupancy, home values, tenure, and cost burden among renters and homeowners.

Through interactive visualizations, users will be able to compare data across localities and explore connections among income, age, housing tenure, affordability, and other factors.

By putting current, locally relevant information within easy reach, the dashboard will help regional partners better understand housing needs, prioritize investments, and build stronger applications for state and federal funding.

Data collection and analysis are expected to continue through fall 2026, with the dashboard scheduled for completion by early 2027. We look forward to sharing updates as the dashboard takes shape.

Kayla Dixon Joins CSPDC as Outreach and Engagement Planner

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Kayla Dixon

Kayla Dixon officially joined the CSPDC as our Outreach and Engagement Planner on July 1. Kayla began working at the CSPDC in the summer of 2025 as a summer intern and then continued her work with us through the 2025-26 academic year as a graduate assistant. During her time in those roles, she developed and implemented a “Value of Transit” campaign in support of the BRITE Transit system.

In May, Kayla graduated from James Madison University with her master’s in public administration. During her time at JMU, she worked as a Research Assistant in the American Political Reform & Innovation Lab, held an internship with the City of Harrisonburg, and traveled to the Netherlands to explore urban planning and sustainability. Originally from Northern Virginia, Kayla is excited to stay in the Valley and continue her work supporting engagement initiatives throughout the CSPDC region. Outside of work she enjoys crocheting, reading, and getting active by weightlifting and hiking with her dog Callie.