News

CSPDC Hosts Graduate Assistant for 2024-2025 Year

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is excited to announce the addition of Hardi Kamali as a Graduate Assistant. Hardi brings a wealth of experience and a unique skill set to his role at the CSPDC.

Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at James Madison University (JMU), Hardi has an impressive background in humanitarian work, particularly in post-conflict regions of the Middle East and Africa. His certifications and training in conflict resolution, emergency response, operational information management, and livelihood projects have equipped him with the tools to navigate complex challenges in global development and public policy. In addition to his humanitarian work, Hardi has experience as a political news correspondent, where he focused on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

The CSPDC has hosted undergraduate and graduate interns in the past, but this is the first time partnering with JMU to serve as a host agency for a full-year assistantship. Through this partnership the student gets an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while providing support to CSPDC staff on a variety of programs and projects. The collaboration between CSPDC and JMU strengthens ties between academia and local government, creating opportunities for mutual learning and community collaboration.

Hardi lives in Rockingham County with his wife and three children. Upon graduation, he hopes to use his MPA degree to engage local communities, address public issues, and develop effective solutions that enhance public policy and administration.

Please join us in welcoming Hardi to the CSPDC. We look forward to his contributions to the commission’s work in supporting the communities of the Central Shenandoah region.

45th Annual Rural Planning Caucus Conference

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From October 16-18, 2024, the Rural Planning Caucus (RPC) of Virginia will hold its 45th annual conference at the historic Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA. This year’s event will spotlight the Town of Vinton and delve into topics such as rural transportation, recreation, zoning enforcement, artificial intelligence, and legislative challenges.

In addition to engaging in discussions on rural resiliency, attendees can look forward to an annual hike and live music during the three-day gathering.

Founded in 1978 in Blacksburg, VA, the Rural Planning Caucus serves as a vital resource for planning professionals in rural and small-town settings. The organization promotes the exchange of ideas and information on planning issues that impact Virginia’s rural communities and landscapes. The RPC celebrates its 46th anniversary in 2024.

For more information and registration, visit https://rpcva.org/.

 

 

UVA Partners with CSPDC to make Afton Express Free for Employees and Students

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Beginning September 23, riders affiliated with the University of Virginia (UVA) will be able to ride the Afton Express fare-free. This benefit is provided by UVA Parking and Transportation’s new program WHAOO COMMUTE! Riders with UVA identification will simply show the driver their ID when boarding and will not need to pay a fare.

UVA has been a funding partner and proud supporter of the Afton Express since its launch in 2021. In 2020, UVA released their 2030 Sustainability Plan, which outlines the University’s goals to be carbon neutral by 2030, and fossil fuel free by 2050. Working toward those goals, Parking and Transportation is actively looking for ways to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on and around Grounds. The Afton Express plays a key role in these efforts by providing employees and students with an alternative mode of commuting to work and school.

In June 2024, Kendall Howell, Assistant Director for Parking and Transportation, presented at a Policy Board meeting of the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) on the value of the Afton Express from the UVA perspective. In this presentation, Mr. Howell shared that over 1,300 UVA employees live in the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and the urbanized portion of Augusta County. That number is even greater when including the rural portions of Augusta County and the counties immediately to the north and south. “The Afton Express provides the model to which all other regional [transportation] providers can aspire for their partnership with UVA” remarked Mr. Howell.

The WAHOO Commute! Program provides benefits to UVA affiliates to encourage individuals to choose climate-friendly commute modes like biking, walking, carpooling, or riding public transit. You can learn more about the program by visiting UVA Parking and Transportation’s website at the following link: https://parking.virginia.edu/wahoocommute

CSPDC Holds Lewis Street Hub Ribbon Cutting

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On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC), with their BRITE partners, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Lewis Street Transit Hub Rehabilitation Project. Ann Cundy, CSPDC Executive Director; Zach Trogdon, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) Acting Director/Chief of Transit; and Mayor Stephen Claffey, City of Staunton made remarks.

The newly rehabilitated Lewis Street Hub now features:

  • New pavement & lighting
  • ADA-accessible sidewalks & curb ramps
  • Increased seating for passengers waiting for buses
  • Beautiful landscaping in harmony with Historic Downtown Staunton

BRITE resumed service at the Lewis Street Hub starting on Friday, August 30, and it has been received well by riders and drivers, and passersby.

The CSPDS is grateful for collaboration with the City of Staunton, along with funding and support from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and DRPT. Additional thanks to Kimley-Horn, McDonough Bolyard Peck (MBP), and WSP for their technical expertise, and Virginia Infrastructure for their great work and timely completion of the project.