CSPDC Staff Member Receives Social Marketing in Transportation Certificate
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
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
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
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
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.