The Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) has completed the first phase of public engagement for the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), gathering valuable insights from residents about their vision for the region’s transportation future.

The SAWMPO, staffed by the CSPDC, collected feedback from 284 community members through an online survey, community consultation sessions, and pop-up events across the region. The survey revealed strong community interest in expanding the options for transportation in the SAW area, particularly for walking, biking, and public transit. Other key findings from the public engagement survey include:

• Missing sidewalks and crosswalks ranked as the top transportation concern, followed by safety issues and distracted driving
• Residents noted other concerns about traffic safety and speed controls, particularly around interstate interchanges and impacts on local roads near residential areas during I-81 incidents
• Respondents expressed strong interest in protected bike lanes and family-friendly trails connecting neighborhoods to services
• Expanded public transit service was highlighted as a priority, especially in rural Augusta County areas

The SAWMPO also conducted targeted outreach through five community consultation sessions with 20 organizations with the goal of reaching traditionally underrepresented populations and establishing new partnerships for future engagement. SAWMPO hopes these consultations will help better refine efforts to reach all populations in SAW as the planning process moves into project development and prioritization phases in 2025.

These findings will directly inform Phase Two of the LRTP process, beginning in February 2025, when residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on specific proposed projects.

Visit Long Range Planning – Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization to view the complete Public Engagement Summary Report and learn about upcoming opportunities to participate in Phase Two of the LRTP update.

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) has begun a Rural EV Charging Infrastructure Study as part of its Rural Transportation Program. The study aims to assess and plan for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure needs in the region’s rural areas. According to Virginia EV Driving data, there are currently 865 EV-driving residents in the non-MPO, rural parts of the CSPDC Region. These drivers collectively travel an average of 25,000 miles on a typical weekday and studies indicate this number is likely to increase significantly over the next decade.

This study will help strategically plan for infrastructure development by identifying optimal locations for EV charging stations, assessing grid capacity, and developing implementation strategies tailored to the unique needs of the PDC’s rural areas. The study will also involve collaborating with Virginia Clean Cities, VDOT Office for Transportation Sustainability, and localities for gathering local data and perspectives.

The study is expected to conclude in March 2025, with regular updates provided to the Rural Transportation Technical Advisory Committee. For more information, please email Garreth Bartholomew, Transportation Planner (garreth@cspdc.org).

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.