VAPDC Hosts First Funding and Financing Workshop in Staunton

On May 13, the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) kicked off a series of four “Finding Funding for the Future” workshops across the state. VAPDC designed these day-long events for local and regional government staff to learn from State agency partners and their peers about securing grant funding and financing programs for community development projects.

CSPDC was the host region for the first workshop in Staunton. Focused on projects in the Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke and Charlottesville, the workshop featured presentations by regional airport executives in a session titled “Innovative Funding and Real-World Aviation Case Studies.” Shawn Crumlish with the Virginia Resources Authority gave a keynote presentation on the housing, drinking water, and resiliency programs they back with State funding through various loan programs. An expert panel of housing advocates titled “Making Affordable Housing Profitable – Innovative Capital Stacks” rounded out the day demonstrating funding strategies for housing projects including adaptive reuse/mixed use, faith-based building conversions, workforce housing, and rural affordable housing.

The next workshop takes place June 17 in Wytheville, followed by Fredericksburg on July 15th and Farmville on August 12th. For more information and to register for the sessions visit 2026 VAPDC Super Regional Workshops.

Bath County Awarded $75,000 Housing Rehabilitation Planning Grant

Bath County has been awarded a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to conduct a county-wide housing assessment to identify properties eligible for housing rehabilitation assistance. The grant will fund a comprehensive windshield survey as well as targeted home inspections to document existing housing conditions and rehabilitation needs. 

According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 21.1% of Bath County residents live below the poverty line, more than double the statewide average. In addition, more than 200 households are cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing, with at least one-third of those households allocating more than 50%. Many of these households include low-income seniors, single-earner families, and renters with extremely limited incomes. With few affordable housing options available, residents in Bath County may be at risk of displacement or homelessness if their homes become unsafe or uninhabitable. 

Through this planning process, Bath County and its partners will be well positioned to develop targeted housing rehabilitation strategies to preserve existing housing stock. Bath County Administrator Mike Bender expressed appreciation for the award, stating, “We welcome efforts to support our citizens and are grateful to the Planning District Commission for assisting Bath County with this important work.” 

BRITE Transit and Commuter Assistance Operating Budgets Set for FY27

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is pursuing nearly $2.8 million in state funding to support and enhance regional transit services and transportation options.

Nine grant applications will be submitted to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation by the February 1 deadline. The requested funding would support critical transit operations, capital improvements including ADA improvements for an existing bus stop and facility equipment, route transit planning and marketing projects, and the CSPDC region’s commuter assistance program – Rideshare.

These grants represent essential funding for maintaining and improving public transportation throughout the CSPDC region. The investments would benefit both urban and rural transit services, ensuring residents across the region have access to reliable transportation options.

DRPT will review applications and release funding recommendations with the draft Six-Year Improvement Program in spring 2026.