Category Archives: News

Afton Express Releases 2025 Annual Report

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We are pleased to present the 2025 Afton Express Annual Report, which documents the commuter service’s performance, regional impact, and key initiatives from the past year. The report highlights the service’s fourth consecutive year of ridership growth, with 23,725 passenger trips recorded a 24% increase over 2024. This growth reflects Afton Express’ vital role in connecting the Central Shenandoah Valley and the Greater Charlottesville region. 

We hope you will review the Annual Report to learn more about milestones like implementing schedule optimization to better align the service with commuter travel patterns, and broader regional outcomes associated with the service, including cost savings for riders, reductions in vehicle miles traveled, and improvements to quality of life for the regional workforce. The 2025 Afton Express Annual Report is available for review here: Afton Express Annual Report

New Census Data is Here: 2020-2024 ACS Estimates Released

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The wait is over for the latest demographic profiles of our region. On January 29, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau officially released the 2020-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates. As the “gold standard” for local planning, the ACS provides the most comprehensive look at social, economic, housing, and demographic trends across the country. This latest release is particularly notable as it introduces eight new tables specifically focused on housing and race, offering deeper insights into our community’s makeup. 

The CSPDC serves as a central hub for regional data. This fresh information allows our staff to support city officials, local businesses, and non-profits with precision. These figures are the backbone of critical decisions including determining exactly where funding and services are needed most, planning for affordable housing, and informing disaster preparedness, transportation planning, and agritourism development. 

To make this data accessible, the CSPDC is updating our Facts & Figures reports. These sub-regional reports are easy-to-read snapshots of people, jobs, and schools data. Stay tuned for the official release of these updated sub-regional profiles in the coming weeks. 

Save the Date: VAPDC Funding and Financing Workshop

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On May 13th, 2026, CSPDC will host the first of four super-regional workshops organized by the Virginia Association of PDCs (VAPDC). The day-long workshop is intended for local and regional economic development staff, lenders and developers to learn about funding and financing opportunities available from state and federal agencies for public infrastructure projects. The Virginia Resources Authority will provide a lunch-time keynote presentation.  

The workshop will take place at Hotel 24 South in Staunton. We look forward to sharing more details about registration and the final agenda this spring.  

CSPDC Issues Intent to Award Contract for BRITE Transit

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NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD CONTRACT

DATE ISSUED: February 15, 2026
RFP No. 2025-001
PROJECT NAME: Turnkey Contract for Transit Operations and Maintenance Services
INTENT TO AWARD TO: Resource Management Systems, Inc.
SOLICITATION TYPE: Competitive/Request for Proposals – Best Value
AMOUNT: $23,622,452

This is a notice of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC)’s intent to award the Turnkey Contract for Transit Operations and Maintenance Services (RFP #2025-001) for the BRITE Transit system. Two bids were received for this solicitation and both were determined to be competitive and responsive. This notice indicates the intent to award and should not be considered an official award of the contract.

In accordance with CSPDC Procurement Policy, time must be allotted for participating firms to comment on or protest the award decision. Protest procedures allow that written protests must be submitted no later than ten (10) days after the announcement of the decision to award. Any offeror who wishes to protest this Notice of Intent must file the protest within ten (10) days from the posting of this notice in accordance with the CSPDC’s protest procedures.

Written protests shall be submitted to:

Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission
Attn: Ann Cundy
112 MacTanly Place
Staunton, VA 24401

The CSPDC ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights in regards to this program, or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or language access, please contact the Title VI Coordinator at (540) 885-5174. Sign language or non-English language interpreters and accessible formats for the visually impaired will be provided if needed and requested from the CSPDC no later than seven working days prior to any meetings or deadlines to submit public comment.

 

CSPDC Holds Inaugural State of Transit Event

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) hosted a “State of Transit” event to celebrate public transportation and highlight the accomplishments of the BRITE Bus system over the past year. The event brought together regional partners, stakeholders, and community members for an afternoon focused on reflecting on progress, discussing what lies ahead for transit in the region, and premiering BRITE’s “Value of Transit” video.

Attendees heard from voices in the transit community as CSPDC staff outlined recent service improvements, expanded partnerships, and efforts to improve accessibility across the BRITE network. The program emphasized how public transit continues to support access to jobs, services, and daily destinations throughout the region, while also sharing updates on the BRITE system and exploring what lies ahead.

The event concluded with the premiere of BRITE’s new “Value of Transit” video, which showcased the essential role public transportation plays in supporting regional mobility and quality of life. The video highlighted the many ways BRITE connects communities and reinforces the importance of continued investment in transit as a vital regional resource. You can view the video below.

Director of Planning Presents at Rockbridge Area Innovation and Funding Forum

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On January 15, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) participated in the Business Innovation & Funding Forum, a collaborative event co-sponsored by the Rockbridge Shenandoah AFCEA Chapter and the Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. The evening forum, held at the Rockbridge Innovation Center, brought together local businesses, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to explore critical funding opportunities and innovation resources available in our region.

CSPDC Director of Planning Jeremy Crute joined an expert panel alongside Chuck Kirby of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Lee Harris from the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society (VMPS), and Ryan Hall of the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF). The panel discussion focused on equipping local innovators and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully pursue federal and state funding for business development, workforce initiatives, and innovation projects.

The forum addressed key topics including grant opportunities, funding resources for business initiatives, and workforce development programs. Panelists shared practical insights on navigating the application process and positioning projects for competitive success in securing public and private funding.

The strong turnout reflected the growing interest among local businesses and organizations in accessing funding opportunities to fuel growth, innovation, and workforce development in our region.

Paula Melester Appointed to Statewide Transit Board

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Director of Transportation Paula Melester was appointed to the Virginia Transit Service Delivery Advisory Committee (TSDAC) by the director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. TSDAC members represent transit agencies of all sizes from across the Commonwealth, as well as a liaison to the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Authorized in the Code of Virginia, the TSDAC advises DRPT in the development of a distribution process for transit capital and operating funds. Ms. Melester’s appointment to the Committee is emblematic of her engagement with matters of transit funding policy and thorough understanding of the needs of smaller, rural systems like CSPDC’s BRITE Transit. “I’m honored to serve on TSDAC and contribute to Virginia’s transit funding policy development,” said Melester. “Because CSPDC operates transit differently than most agencies in the state, we’re always closely tracking how policy and formula changes affect us. Running BRITE Transit with a small but highly capable team means we handle everything from FTA compliance to day-to-day operations, which gives me a ground-level understanding of how funding decisions translate into actual service delivery for our community.”

VA Route 259 (Mayland Road) Corridor Improvement Study Completed

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VDOT, in partnership with the towns of Broadway and Timberville, Rockingham County, and the CSPDC, completed a corridor improvement study a four-mile segment of VA 259 (Mayland Road) from Broadway to the I-81 Exit 257 in January.

The study analyzed crash data, traffic operations, and roadway conditions to identify safety concerns along the corridor. VDOT conducted a road safety audit and gathered public input to develop recommendations for targeted safety improvements. An online survey conducted in September 2025 received 322 responses with general support for the proposed improvements.

The study recommends safety improvements at three locations including enhanced signage and warning systems, roadway shoulder widening with guardrail, and a new left turn lane at the Mauzy Park and Ride entrance. VDOT will implement low-cost improvements using district maintenance funds and pursue larger projects through SMART SCALE or Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding.

VDOT will provide a summary of the study recommendations at the CSPDC Rural Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (RTTAC) meeting on March 20, 2026.

 

CSPDC and DEQ Host Brownfields and Voluntary Remediation Workshop

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The CSPDC and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) brought together local government staff and developers on December 16, 2025 for a hands-on workshop on brownfields redevelopment, learning about how to transform underutilized properties into community assets.

DEQ’s Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) and Brownfields team facilitated an interactive session covering environmental assessment, remediation strategies, and reuse planning from individual sites to community-wide initiatives. The team shared real-world success stories and addressed common challenges that communities face when redeveloping contaminated properties.

Attendees learned how to identify brownfield sites, access DEQ technical assistance through VRP, and apply for state and federal funding opportunities including the Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund.

DEQ is hosting the statewide Virginia Brownfields Conference in Staunton from June 8-10, 2026. CSPDC staff are ready to support localities with brownfields project development. Contact us to learn how we can help advance property reuse projects in your community.

BRITE Transit and Commuter Assistance Operating Budgets Set for FY27

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is pursuing nearly $2.8 million in state funding to support and enhance regional transit services and transportation options.

Nine grant applications will be submitted to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation by the February 1 deadline. The requested funding would support critical transit operations, capital improvements including ADA improvements for an existing bus stop and facility equipment, route transit planning and marketing projects, and the CSPDC region’s commuter assistance program – Rideshare.

These grants represent essential funding for maintaining and improving public transportation throughout the CSPDC region. The investments would benefit both urban and rural transit services, ensuring residents across the region have access to reliable transportation options.

DRPT will review applications and release funding recommendations with the draft Six-Year Improvement Program in spring 2026.