Author Archive: Kayla Dixon

In Memoriam: Frank Friedman

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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

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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.

CSPDC to Map Child Care Gaps Across the Blue Ridge Region

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Where are the child care deserts in the Blue Ridge region — and what would it take to close them? CSPDC will help answer that question as part of a new statewide effort to strengthen child care access, in partnership with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.

Over the coming months, we will analyze regional child care supply and demand data, working alongside Ready Region Blue Ridge leadership to turn the findings into an action plan. The data and methodology come from a partnership between VECF, PlanRVA, and the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions — giving every region in the state a common starting point.

The results will feed directly into the region’s economic development strategy, tying child care access to workforce growth — recognizing that families can’t go to work if there’s nowhere for their kids to go.

Findings are due by the end of September.

Floodplain Management Workshop for Locality Staff

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On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the CSPDC will host a Regional Floodplain Management Workshop in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

The free, half-day workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the BRITE Transit Facility in Fishersville. Participants will hear about five key aspects of floodplain management — floodplain mapping, regulations, substantial improvement and substantial damage requirements, permitting, and flood insurance — with time reserved for questions and discussion.

CSPDC organized the workshop in response to a need identified during the early stages of the CSPDC’s Flood and Stormwater Resilience Plan, when localities expressed interest in additional training and resources to strengthen floodplain management and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) compliance.

The workshop is intended for local floodplain administrators, plan review staff, code officials, and anyone involved in—or interested in learning more about—floodplain management and NFIP requirements. Whether you are new to floodplain administration or simply looking for a refresher, this workshop is a chance to strengthen your knowledge, ask questions, and connect with regional peers.

For more information, please contact the CSPDC office. To inquire about registering, please email cspdc@cspdc.org.

 

 

BRITE Transit Begins New Chapter with Resource Management Systems

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BRITE riders can expect the same dependable service, now with a fleet of new vehicles on the road. On July 1, Resource Management Systems (RMS) took over as BRITE’s turnkey operations and maintenance contractor, a transition CSPDC marked with fare-free rides for the entire week of June 29.

RMS was selected through an open and competitive procurement process, required of CSPDC as a recipient of federal and state funding. The Georgia-based provider brings more than 30 years of experience in public transportation, paratransit, and non-emergency medical transportation — including service to numerous rural counties and regional commissions across the Southeast — and will operate BRITE under a five-year base contract, with options to extend to nine years.

Visit www.britebus.org  to learn more about BRITE.