SAW Housing will convene on June 27, 2024 to discuss the next steps in addressing housing challenges in the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro (SAW) area. Since the October 2023 SAW Housing Summit, the SAW Housing Steering Committee has been actively identifying strategies and solutions while sponsoring “Lunch & Learn” events on specific housing issues. Now, the Steering Committee is ready to introduce its proposed framework for future work.

Attendees will have the opportunity to preview the findings and recommendations from the CSPDC-commissioned Regional Housing Study. Mel Jones from the Virginia Center for Housing Research will present an overview of the SAW-specific data, while Jonathan Knopf from Housing Forward Virginia will outline the study’s recommendations and strategies.

The SAW Housing Summit: The Next Steps will take place from 9:00 AM to noon on June 27 in The Great Hall at the Blackburn Inn & Conference Center in Staunton. For more information on the event and to RSVP, please click here.

SAW Housing is an initiative led by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, Augusta Health, Valley Community Services Board, Shenandoah Valley Partnership, Valley Homeless Connection, Community Action Partnership of Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro (CAPSAW), and the CSPDC.

Rachel Kinzer joined the CSPDC as their newest Regional Planner on June 3. She is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Urban and Environmental Planning. She was an undergraduate and graduate research assistant for UVA’s Environmental Institute’s Climate Restoration Initiative. In that role, she helped conduct qualitative research on the potential of several carbon-capturing land uses and practices in select rural and urban localities in the state. Rachel is from Farmville, VA, and currently resides in Fishersville. In her free time, she enjoys walking trails with her dog. She looks forward to supporting and providing assistance to the communities in the region.

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) is offering a free series of virtual training sessions to be held on June 10, August 5, and September 5 at 12:00pm. Topics include FOIA for All, The Virginia Legislative Process, Communications—Telling the PDC Story. Register HERE to participate.

May is not just another month on the calendar; it’s Bike Month – a time to celebrate the joys and benefits of cycling! As we dust off our bicycles and hit the roads and trails, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustainable transportation and the positive impact it has on our communities. CSPDC and RideShare join the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) in promoting biking as a viable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Bike Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of cycling. Beyond its environmental advantages, biking offers a host of personal benefits, including improved physical health, reduced stress levels, and cost savings on transportation. Whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, cycling enriches our lives in countless ways. During May, riders are encouraged to log their bike-to-work trips for a chance to earn rewards and win prizes. DRPT is giving away an e-bike and helmet to one lucky winner! Each trip logged in the ConnectingVA app increases your chances of winning.

Together with our state and regional partners, we recognize biking as an integral part of Virginia’s transportation system. Both the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro (SAWMPO) and Harrisonburg-Rockingham (HRMPO) Metropolitan Planning Organizations actively promote the development of bike-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes, trails, and bike-sharing programs.

As we celebrate Bike Month this May, let’s reaffirm our commitment to sustainable transportation and embrace the power of the pedal. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to hop on your bike and explore all that Virginia has to offer. Together, we can pedal towards a greener, healthier, and more vibrant future for our communities!

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission has selected Paula Melester to be the next Director of Transportation. Paula has been at the PDC for two-and-a-half years working with the transportation and transit team first as a Regional Planner and most recently as a Senior Planner. In her previous role, Paula served as the coordinator of the Rideshare Commuter Assistance program, worked with the BRITE Transit System, and managed the Afton Express Commuter Bus Service.

The Director of Transportation serves as the administrator for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham and Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organizations, coordinates rural transportation planning efforts, manages the CSPDC’s On-Call Consultant Program, and oversees the BRITE Bus Transit System. Paula will take over leadership of these programs from Ann Cundy, who was recently selected as the CSPDC’s Executive Director. “Ann has set the bar high for leading this team and managing these programs, so I have big shoes to fill. But I am inheriting an excellent team of planners and will strive to continue to deliver the same level of service our partners have come to expect from our transportation team” Paula says.

Paula holds a Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Organizational Communication and Human Resource Management, and a Master’s Degree (M.P.A) in Public Administration, both from James Madison University. Paula is excited to continue her work with our regional, state, and federal transit and transportation partners, and she looks forward to forging new relationships with our member jurisdictions to promote safe, equitable, and accessible transportation solutions throughout the region.