Tag Archives: Rockbridge County

Rockbridge Outdoors Begins 2026–2030 Strategic Planning Process

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On March 12, 2026, graduate students in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia School of Architecture facilitated an on-site workshop at the Virginia Horse Center to support the Rockbridge Outdoors Strategic Plan update for 2026–2030. This marks the initiative’s third strategic planning process since the Rockbridge Outdoors Area Partnership launched in 2018.

Rockbridge Outdoors’ mission is to collaboratively advance, create, and promote outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the Rockbridge area. The initiative is made up of approximately 50 organizations excited about supporting a regional vision for outdoor recreation in the Rockbridge area.

During the session, the students introduced two engagement tools designed to gather community input: an asset map highlighting outdoor recreation resources and a public survey to capture feedback from partnership members. Rockbridge Outdoors’ project teams–Community Wellness, Marketing, Trails, and Water Trails—also met and reviewed existing action plans and established updated priorities for the next four years.

The strategic planning team is continuing its information-gathering process through several focus groups composed of outdoor recreation stakeholders. The finalized strategic plan is expected to be completed and delivered by the end of April.

Director of Planning Presents at Rockbridge Area Innovation and Funding Forum

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On January 15, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) participated in the Business Innovation & Funding Forum, a collaborative event co-sponsored by the Rockbridge Shenandoah AFCEA Chapter and the Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. The evening forum, held at the Rockbridge Innovation Center, brought together local businesses, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to explore critical funding opportunities and innovation resources available in our region.

CSPDC Director of Planning Jeremy Crute joined an expert panel alongside Chuck Kirby of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Lee Harris from the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society (VMPS), and Ryan Hall of the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF). The panel discussion focused on equipping local innovators and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully pursue federal and state funding for business development, workforce initiatives, and innovation projects.

The forum addressed key topics including grant opportunities, funding resources for business initiatives, and workforce development programs. Panelists shared practical insights on navigating the application process and positioning projects for competitive success in securing public and private funding.

The strong turnout reflected the growing interest among local businesses and organizations in accessing funding opportunities to fuel growth, innovation, and workforce development in our region.

Regional Leaders Gather to Share Legislative Priorities Ahead of 2026 General Assembly Session

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Left to Right: Delegate Terry Austin, Jeremy Holmes, Ann Cundy, and Senator Chris Head

On Monday, December 1st, local government administrators from Bath and Rockbridge Counties and the Roanoke Valley gathered at the historic Masonic Theater in Clifton Forge for a legislative lunch hosted by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.

Delegate Terry Austin and Senator Chris Head joined the roundtable discussion, listening as local leaders shared their perspectives on issues affecting their jurisdictions. The format allowed for candid conversation and meaningful dialogue between local governments and those who craft legislation in Richmond.

Attendees discussed a variety of municipal challenges, and common themes included housing, adequate funding for fire and rescue personnel and equipment, and maintaining local autonomy in land use decisions.

As the 2026 General Assembly Session approaches, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission remains committed to facilitating these important regional dialogues and strengthening the connection between our member jurisdictions and their state representatives.

Rocks to Roofs: A Housing Symposium for Tomorrow

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Community leaders, developers, policymakers, and housing advocates will soon convene on Tuesday, October 21, from 8:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA, to explore the area’s most pressing housing challenges. Through presentations from Virginia Housing, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and other partners, attendees will explore ways to advance housing opportunities across the Rockbridge area.

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) will also share its findings and housing solutions from its Regional Housing Study. In February, the CSPDC released its Regional Housing Study, funded by Virginia Housing and developed in partnership with Virginia Tech’s Center for Housing Research and HousingForward Virginia. The study offers an in-depth analysis of housing markets across the Central Shenandoah region and presents locally tailored strategies to address housing needs.

Rockbridge-area solutions featured in the study include:

  • Empowering Economic Development Authorities to support housing development
  • Expanding incentives for residential construction and rehabilitation
  • Laying the groundwork for high-quality mixed-use development

Rocks to Roofs: A Housing Symposium for Tomorrow is a collaboration between Virginia Housing, Rockbridge County, Cities of Buena Vista and Lexington, Rockbridge Highlands Realtors Association, Central Shenandoah Planning District, and The Chamber of Commerce, Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. The official speaker lineup will be announced soon.

To learn more or register:
🔗 Rocks to Roofs: A Housing Symposium for Tomorrow

To explore additional materials related to the Regional Housing Study, visit our CSPDC Connects page.

Rockbridge Area Pursues Airport Feasibility Study

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The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) has long identified a service gap in Rockbridge County—meaning it’s a 45-minute drive in any direction to a general aviation or commercial airport. Recognizing this gap and the economic development opportunities that a general aviation airport can create, a group of local elected officials, Economic Development Authority members and staff from Rockbridge County and the Cities of Buena Vista and Lexington approached DOAV and the CSPDC to undertake a feasibility study for a general aviation airport in the County.

The Virginia Aviation Board approved a scope of work and funding for the Feasibility Study on August 15th, and we will soon be underway with Delta Airport Consultants, LLC to evaluate aviation demand for the region, conduct a comprehensive market analysis, and develop a recommended general facility design and governance structure. Additionally, the study will provide order of magnitude cost estimates and operational budget projections based on demand forecasts. Once underway, the study is anticipated to take nine months to complete.