Monthly Archives: March 2025

CSPDC Staff Member Receives Social Marketing in Transportation Certificate

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CSPDC Transit Planner Danielle Gannon recently completed the Social Marketing in Transportation course from the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. The course was five months long and focused on how to address transportation issues in our communities through social marketing.

Social marketing is a form of marketing that is centered around encouraging behavioral changes that promote positive social action and address societal issues.

In the course, participants chose a transportation issue and priority population that were relevant to their community and then applied formative research techniques to identify both internal and external determinants that influence that group’s behavior. Ms. Gannon focused on understanding the stigmas related to public transit, and helped create a campaign that was centered around promoting safer driving habits in young men.

Gannon will use these tools at the CSPDC in both her role as a transit planner for the BRITE system, as well as in her role as TDM Coordinator for the Commuter Assistance RideShare Program.

VDEM Leads Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Workshop for the Region

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On March 10th, representatives from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) led a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) workshop with local government staff, emergency response managers, floodplain managers, and various regional organizations, gathered to discuss the program, the role of the regional hazard mitigation plan, and eligible projects.

During the meeting, VDEM grant specialists raised awareness of Federal funds awarded to the State related to Hurricane Helene (FEMA-DR-VA-4831). They noted that 15% of these funds could be used for mitigation efforts through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Eligible projects include but are not limited to property acquisition and demolition, mitigation reconstruction, infrastructure protection, mitigation planning, and flood control.

While this opportunity is open statewide, priority will be given to declared localities, particularly in Southwest Virginia.

CSPDC Applies for Grant to Support Three Affordable Housing Projects

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) has applied for funding through Virginia Housing’s Regional Housing Development Program to support three affordable housing developments in the region. If awarded, the $1.5 million grant will help produce 180 affordable housing units across Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and Rockingham County.

The selected projects include:

  • 1030 Alston Court – Developed by Enterprise Community Development, Inc.
  • BJS Harrisonburg Family I – Developed by the Beverly J. Searles Foundation, Inc.
  • Locust Grove II – Developed by Cosner Construction, Inc.

The Regional Housing Development Program aims to increase the inventory of affordable housing opportunities and address housing issues flagged in recently completed housing studies. In February 2025, the CSPDC released its Regional Housing Study, which provided valuable insights and helped identify high-impact projects for the grant application. The Regional Housing Development Program is a continuation of the previous PDC Housing Development Program. In the last iteration, the CSPDC was able to award $1.66 million in gap funding to seven housing developers, supporting the construction of 58 affordable housing units across the Central Shenandoah.

March is Transit Operator Appreciation Month

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March is Transit Operator Appreciation Month, with an official day of celebration on March 18. Transit Operator Appreciation Day commemorates the first known bus line that began operating in Paris in 1662. These celebrations are a way to recognize the hard work and vital role that transit operators play in our communities. Public transportation is an invaluable fixture to any community and drivers are a key element to such structures.

Tyrone Alston and Yvonne Smith

This year, Virginia Regional Transit wanted to highlight and thank two drivers, Yvonne Smith and Tyrone Alston, for their dedication and outstanding service to public transit. Virginia Regional Transit staff noted that these drivers have shown flexibility and stepped in on short notice to maintain route connectivity, and that they have shown constant professionalism and work ethic. The Central Shenandoah Planning District and Virginia Regional Transit will be showing extra gratitude this month for their drivers.

CSPDC Supports Two Outdoor Recreation Grant Applications

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In February, the CSPDC supported the submission of two technical assistance grant applications through the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RCTA) program. The RCTA program supports locally led conservation and outdoor recreation projects by assisting communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors.

The CSPDC assisted Rockbridge Outdoors apply for a RCTA grant to develop a 5-year strategic plan to guide their efforts as it pursues projects that prioritize community wellness, environmental stewardship and the local economy. Rockbridge Outdoors is a community initiative striving to enhance outdoor recreation in the Rockbridge area.

The CSPDC also assisted the Town of Goshen apply for a RCTA grant to create a phased development plan for the Town’s first park. This is the first step toward transforming the 42-acre site into a community amenity that will provide significant recreational and environmental benefits to Goshen residents and neighboring communities.

HRMPO Holding Open House for Public Feedback on Proposed Port Republic Road – Peach Grove – Neff Avenue Study Improvements

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The Harrisonburg Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO) is holding a public open house from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 at Stone Spring Elementary School for proposed safety and congestion improvement concepts for all modes of travel in the Port Republic Road – Peach Grove – Neff Avenue corridor. The area is one of the busiest corridors in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham region, and the intersection itself has the highest vehicular crash rate in the region.

Open house attendees will be able to review the proposed concepts, ask questions, and provide input on potential improvement strategies during the open house to staff from HRMPO, VDOT, and the City of Harrisonburg. Public input will be documented in a final corridor study, which will be complete in May 2025 and available to the public.

The study area includes the area bounded by Devon Lane to the north/west, Portland/Wine Drive to the south/east, Turner Ashby Lane/A Dream Come True Playground to the north/east, and Stone Spring Road to the south/west. The designs also incorporate ways to ensure safe biking, walking, and scooting use of the corridor, many of whom are students at James Madison University (JMU).

In addition to the open house, an online survey will be available before, during, and after the meeting to collect public feedback via the CSPDC Connects Social Platform at https://connect.cspdc.org/hrmpo-port-republic-road-2025-study which will be open from 8:00AM on March 3 through March 14, 2025 at 5:00PM. Written or oral questions and comments may be submitted to Garreth Bartholomew by emailing garreth@cspdc.org or calling 540-885-5174, before or after the open house.

Share Your Feedback on Proposed Regional Transportation Projects

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The Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) is updating its Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) which defines a vision and proposes transportation projects in our region for the next 25 years. Input from community members helps us align these projects with what’s important to you.

We’re currently in Phase Two, focusing on gathering input on a proposed list of transportation projects and areas for future study. Help us shape the future of transportation in our region. Get involved by:

  • Exploring and Commenting: Use our interactive map to leave feedback on proposed regional transportation projects.
  • Visioning the Future: Look at areas for future study and let us know your priorities.
  • Attending an Open House: Stop by an open house to share your thoughts.
    • Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Waynesboro YMCA
  • Asking a Planner: Submit your questions for our weekly “Ask a Planner” live chat sessions on Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and Noon through the end of March.
  • Watch a recap video of what we’ve learned so far.

The SAWMPO Policy Board is eager to receive public input on the proposed projects and studies in the 2050 LRTP. In Phase One, community feedback identified bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, enhanced vehicular safety, intersection improvements, and increased transit services in rural areas as priorities for the SAWMPO.

Stay connected for updates, events, and additional ways to engage by visiting our interactive project page on CSPDC Connect.

CSPDC Staff Attend SERDI Leadership Conference

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The Southeast Regional Directors Institute (SERDI) is a voluntary professional development association for regional council executive directors in the southeastern United States. SERDI provides technical assistance and training designed and tailored specifically for regional planning agencies.

CSPDC staff attended the SERDI’s 2nd Leadership Development Training Conference held on February 19-21, 2025 in Greenville, South Carolina. The Training was designed for council’s deputy directors, and department heads and it focused on six areas important to leadership in regional councils: (1) Basic Understanding of Leadership (2) Key Things that are Needed to Understand the Finances of a Regional Council (3) Basic Human Resources (4) Board of Directors and Your Local Government Logistics and Working Relationships (5) The Various Programs of Regional Councils Across the SERDI Footprint, and (6) Technology/AI.

CSPDC Localities Awarded $1.4 Million in CDBG Funding

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On February 6, Governor Youngkin announced more than $23.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 33 projects across the Commonwealth. Three of these projects were located in the CSPDC.


Goshen Community Service Facility – CDBG Community Improvement Grant

Total: $1,250,000

The Town of Goshen was awarded a $1.25 million CDBG Community Improvement Grant to build a multi-purpose community service facility. The facility will improve quality of life for town residents and the surrounding area by creatively providing an array of essential services under one roof. The proposed facility would provide health care, a food pantry, senior services, and many needed community services under one roof in an area that currently lack easy access to these basic amenities.

Briery Branch Community Center – CDBG Planning Grant

Total: $100,000

Rockingham County received a $100,000 Planning Grant to support the renovation of the Briery Branch Community Center and address the growing demand for accessible childcare services in the area. The center, which has served local communities since 1958, faces critical building and equipment needs. The planned renovation will ensure the center continues to serve the Briery Branch area for years to come while expanding access to childcare providers.

Fountainhead Subdivision Bridgewater – CDBG Planning Grant

Total: $60,000

The Town of Bridgewater was awarded a $60,000 Planning Grant to address infrastructure issues in the Fountainhead Subdivision, where aging water, sewer, and stormwater systems have caused frequent service problems. The grant would fund the development of preliminary engineering and design plans to upgrade the subdivision’s infrastructure, which will then be used to bid and implement necessary improvements.

Over $19 Million Awarded for Affordable and Special Needs Housing in Waynesboro and Harrisonburg

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On February 26, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced $139 million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) loans for 41 projects across the state, including five within the CSPDC’s region. Of this total, more than $19 million has been allocated to affordable housing projects in Waynesboro and Harrisonburg.

The funding aims to create and preserve housing units for low-income and extremely low-income households. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the ASNH program, with funding drawn from multiple sources, including the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE), and the Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHTF).

Among the local recipients:

  • The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority secured over $9 million for two developments as part of the Bluestone Town Center.
  • The Beverly J. Searles Foundation received a $5 million loan for its Harrisonburg Family I project.
  • Enterprise Community Development received $4 million for its 1030 Alston Court project in Waynesboro.
  •  Woda Cooper Development was awarded $1 million for the Rosenwald Pointe project in Waynesboro.