112 MacTanly Place
Staunton, VA 24401
phone: 540-885-5174
fax: 540-885-2687
Investments in the Region Report FY24
CSPDC Housing Study Report Released
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Welcome to the CSPDC
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) represents and serves the local governments of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro as well as the 11 towns within the Central Shenandoah region.
The CSPDC works with its member jurisdictions, communities and agencies to provide high-quality planning, technical assistance, and facilitation of services that address local, regional and state needs in an innovative, timely and cooperative manner. Covering everything from land use planning, transportation, water and waste-water utilities, natural resource management, affordable housing, economic and community development, disaster mitigation and preparedness, agritourism to human services, the CSPDC is an invaluable asset to the quality of life in the Shenandoah Valley. For more information about the CSPDC, click here.
Latest News
CSPDC Hosts MPO Roundtable in Fishersville
Transportation planning professionals from across Virginia gathered at the BRITE Transit Facility in Fishersville on August 27th for a collaborative roundtable discussion hosted by CSPDC’s transportation team. The three-hour event brought together staff from eight different Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to tackle shared challenges and exchange valuable insights.
The afternoon began with a networking lunch that allowed participants to connect informally before diving into substantive discussions. The facilitated roundtable centered on meeting local transportation needs, along with persistent funding gaps that challenge project implementation across regions. The second discussion topic focused on examining the unique challenges faced by localities along the I-81 corridor where congestion and incidents on the interstate often force through traffic onto the local roadway networks. Participants shared experiences and strategies for advancing projects in these high-impact areas.
The event concluded with an open discussion where staff highlighted current projects, sought advice from peers, and exchanged ideas related to ongoing studies. This collaborative exchange was especially meaningful for the many participants who are new to their agencies or positions.
Future roundtables could explore different topics and rotate to various locations throughout the State, ensuring broader accessibility while maintaining the valuable in-person networking component that made this inaugural event so successful.
Senator Emmett Hanger Recognized for Outstanding Legislative Service
Pictured from left to right; Frank Friedman, CSPDC Chairman, Senator Emmett Hanger, David Blount, VAPDC Executive Director
The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) recently celebrated the far-reaching legislative impact of former Senator Emmett Hanger with the Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award at the August 18th Board of Commissioners meeting. David Blount, VAPDC Executive Director and longtime colleague of Senator Hanger presented the award, noting “VAPDC is excited to present this Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award to Senator Hanger. Having worked with Senator Hanger during his time in the Senate, I saw firsthand his passion and leadership on so many issues important to localities and regions.”
In 2018, Hanger was recognized as the nation’s 10th most productive state legislator by FiscalNote. Hanger earned the distinction with his cumulative legislative record since his election to the Senate in 1995 — not including eight years he served in the House of Delegates.
Our region is grateful for Senator Hanger’s many years of service in the General Assembly and we were honored to host him at his “home” PDC for the award presentation.
National Park Service Partners with Goshen to Transform Unused Land into Community Park
For over two decades, residents of the Town of Goshen have watched 42 acres of donated land sit empty, waiting for its promised purpose. Now, that wait is finally over.
In 2025, the NPS selected Goshen to receive technical assistance to support the planning and development of a new community park. The proposed park site is Town-owned, features scenic views of the surrounding Alleghany Mountains, and has direct access to the Calfpasture River.
The proposed new park offers benefits not only to Goshen residents, but also to neighboring communities. Mayor Thomas McCraw says that many Town and surrounding Rockbridge County residents must travel between 8 and 20 miles to reach the nearest community park. The new park would provide convenient, local access to outdoor recreation opportunities for seniors, families, and individuals in the area.
Preliminary concepts for the park include a large public green space, a music venue, and a network of walking trails and boardwalks. With guidance from the NPS, the Town will develop a clear framework to ensure the final design reflects the community’s highest priorities and most desired amenities.
Ann Cundy, Executive Director of the CSPDC states “The CSPDC is proud to support Goshen and the National Park Service on this transformative project. Recently, we helped the Town and County secure access to the Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) for the revitalization of the Stillwater Facility as well as secure Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a new community center in Goshen. I am inspired by the Town’s vision, persistence, and commitment. They have so much to be proud of.”
Nathan L. Hilbert from the NPS says “We are excited to dig into the project with Goshen to make the community park a reality. The NPS-RTCA program will assist in gathering community input and developing conceptual designs that will lead to future funding. I was really inspired by the history of Goshen, the dynamic park committee, and the goals laid out over the next year. The park is a unique opportunity for the community to create a space that builds connection, wellness, and just plain fun.”
