One of the CSPDC’s roles in economic development is to be a resource for data about the region and the PDC’s localities. To help support this important function, the CSPDC creates and distributes Facts & Figures, an easy-to-read snapshot of each sub-region’s people, jobs, schools, and other unique attributes. The 2023 Facts & Figures documents are now available on the CSPDC website.

The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center released its official population estimates for Virginia counties and independent cities this January. The Weldon Cooper Center’s estimates provide an accurate approximation of a locality’s population count on July 1st, 2023.  Government agencies use this data for funding allocations, planning, and budgeting purposes.

The CSPDC’s 2023 population estimate is 310,528. From the prior year, the region’s population grew by 1,740 people or 0.6%. Since the 2020 Census, the City of Harrisonburg experienced the greatest growth. From 2020 to 2023, Harrisonburg added 1,180 people to their population count, a 2.2% population increase. In contrast, Rockbridge County, the City of Buena Vista, the City of Lexington, and the City of Staunton experienced a slight population decline since the 2020 Census.

The 2023 population estimates are available on the Weldon Cooper Center website. Yearly population data is also available on the CSPDC’s Regional Data Center.

Donnie Kern joined the CSPDC Team as Finance Director on January 16, 2024. Donnie’s scholastic background spans earning an undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Radford University and a Master of Science in Accounting degree at Liberty University. Donnie also earned his Enrolled Agent credential with the United States Department of the Treasury allowing him unlimited representation before the Internal Revenue Service. Donnie is a commissioned Notary Public.

Soon after graduation he was employed with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) holding the position of Lead Accountant and Lead Senior Accountant at its LewisGale Alleghany hospital facility in Low Moor, VA. Donnie’s role during the past eight years would be best described as having fiscal management of approximately $40 million dollars and ensuring compliance with GAAP and the insurmountable expansive Sarbanes-Oxley Act. One major achievement during his first tri-annual audit with Ernst & Young was to improve the facility over all audit areas from the previous year with no memo comments being issued. HCA’s Division Controller Scott Weatherford stated regarding the facility’s financial desk reviews were the “cleanest” out of all the hospitals he reviewed.

Donnie is married to Kelly. Donnie and Kelly share the same birthday (July 1) as well as two children Christian (14) and Caylin (12). When not inundated with work or side hustles Donnie advocates for the civil rights of children with specific needs. Donnie volunteers his time to charitable causes assisting organizations with incorporating and filing for 501(c)3 non-profit status. Donnie also enjoys the great outdoors and is a habitual swimmer.