| VAPDC |
| About PDC's |
| Directory |
| Map |
| Employment |
| Best Practices |
| Calendar |
| Leadership |
| Committees |
| Resource Links |
| GIS |
| Corp. Support |
| Contact Us |
| Home |
An Introduction To Planning District Commissions
In 1968, Virginia was divided into planning districts based on the community of interest among its counties, cities and towns. A Planning District Commission is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth chartered under the Regional Cooperation Act by the local governments of each planning district. As such they are a creation of local government encouraged by the state. The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions helps its members meet their responsibilities to local and state government and coordinates inter-PDC functions.
There are 21 PDCs in Virginia. They are made up of elected officials and citizens appointed to the Commission by member local governments. The Commission selects an Executive Director responsible for managing daily operations. Commission offices are located generally in a central location for the region as determined by the Commission charter. Meeting schedules vary, and meetings are open to the public. Persons needing additional information are encouraged to contact your local PDC .
The purpose of Planning District Commissions, as set out in the Code of Virginia, Section 15.2-4207, is
|
"...to encourage and facilitate local government
cooperation and state-local cooperation in addressing on
a regional basis problems of greater than local
significance. The cooperation resulting from this
chapter is intended to facilitate the recognition and
analysis of regional opportunities and take account of
regional influences in planning and implementing public
policies and services. The planning district commission shall also promote the orderly and efficient development of the physical, social and economic elements of the district by planning, and encouraging and assisting localities to plan, for the future." |
Virginia's PDCs provide a variety of technical and program services to member local governments. They include grant application assistance, management services for program implementation, land use planning services and mapping. The merging of mapping and information services has created the field of geographic information systems , where PDC's often lead the way. Transportation planning is another role for PDCs, who may deal with highway development, ridesharing, airport planning, and specialized transit.
For the Commonwealth, PDCs serve as an accessible network that gives quick and complete statewide coverage. Each serves as the Affiliate State Data Center for the region. In this role they provide important information to businesses as well as citizens. PDCs are the regional contact for the Commonwealth Intergovernmental Review Process and provide input for a host of agencies and commissions.
The program work of PDCs has been meeting the needs of local and state government for the last 30 years. Within their region they may serve to build regional approaches to issues like economic development, solid waste management and legislative priorities. In other states, organizations like PDCs are known as regional councils, regional commissions, and councils of government.
One important duty of the PDC's is to create a strategic plan for their region of service. This plan is created in cooperation with local governments, businesses, citizen organizations, and other interested parties. The plan is intended to help promote the orderly and efficient develpoment of the PDC by stating goals and objectives, strategies to meet those goals, and mechanisms for measuring progress.
Other duties of the PDC's are:
-To identify and study potential opportunities for local cost savings
and staffing efficiencies through coordinated local government efforts;
-To identify mechanisms for the coordination of state and local interests on a regional basis;
-To implement services upon request of member localities;
-To provide technical assistance to state governmentand member localities; -To serve as a liason between localities and state agencies as requested;
-To review local government aid applications as required by applicable law;
-To conduct strategic planning for the region as required by applicable law; -To develop regional functional area plans as deemed necessary by the commission or as requested by member localities
-To assist state agencies, as requested, in the development of substate plans;
-To participate in a statewide geographic information system, the Virginia Geographic Information Network, as directed by the Department of Planning and Budget; and
-To collect and maintain demographic, economic, and other data, acting as a state data center affiliate in cooperation with the Virginia Employment Commission.
PDC Website Directory
(Click on the Executive Director's
Name for Contact Information)
PDC Map
Employment Links
Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association
Employment Ads
Organizations are invited to post employment opportunities at no cost.
Email your ad to the VAPDC. Please include a close date.
Executive
Director
Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission
(Posted
7/30/08)
The TJPDC is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as Executive Director to lead the agency in expanding discussion and effecting increased regional cooperation and policy development in a number of areas including land use, transportation and environmental planning. The TJPDC area, consisting of the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson Counties is located in central Virginia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to approximately 224,995 residents who enjoy a high quality of life in an area known for its history, scenic beauty and well managed, progressive and environmentally conscious governments. The TJPDC currently houses the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization and coordinates a wide variety of transportation, planning, local government technical assistance and environmental planning programs. Education and work experience equivalent to possession of a Master’s Degree in Planning or Public Administration from an accredited college or university is required. A minimum of three to five years of experience in a responsible staff position, public role, or acting as a consultant in a comparably sized and progressive regional planning district commission, local government, or in a state or federal government agency is also required. Experience working with and understanding the processes of local, regional, state and federal planning and program requirements is highly desirable. Experience beyond the minimum stated, in a variety of local government, regional agency or comparable settings, providing a wide range of planning, coordination and implementation services is also highly desirable. The ideal candidate should also possess significant experience in interacting with a variety of local governments and agencies facing a multitude of growth related issues and interpreting and communicating complex issues to groups with varying interests. Success and experience in working with issues of sustainable development, new planning and development trends and methods, transportation planning and bringing together a wide variety of groups and constituencies to foster creative and practical solutions is a plus. Salary range between $90,000 - $120,000, DOQ plus excellent benefits. Submit letter of application, detailed resume with employment and salary history and work related references to: John A. Anzivino, Senior Vice President, Springsted Incorporated, 1564 East Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228; Fax 804-726-9752 or e-mail Richmond@Springsted.com by August 23, 2008. For a full profile describing the region and the position please visit www.springsted.com. The TJPDC is an EOE.
Transportation Engineer
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
(posted 5/8/08)
Organization Description
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is one of 21 planning district commissions (PDCs) in the State of Virginia. The HRPDC fosters inter-governmental cooperation and support addressing regional issues concerning: Economics, Transportation, Physical and Environmental Planning, Emergency Management Planning, and Housing.
The HRPDC represents over 1.6 million citizens in 16 jurisdictions. The HRPDC, funded by state appropriation, per capita “dues” from each of the 16 jurisdictions, and several grants and contracts from the federal and state governments, is not a regulatory agency. It is an analytical group that is directed by the leaders of its member jurisdictions. It provides research, analysis, and reports regarding issues that affect the region, and advises what would happen if certain actions are pursued. The HRPDC’s work makes the decision-making process easier for the region’s leaders.
Successful candidates would become part of a team of transportation engineers and planners providing information to decision-makers on the expected impact of transportation facility investments. Complete position descriptions can be found at www.hrpdc.org. Starting salary range is $48,000-$55,000, DOQ. Qualified applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Send cover letter and resume to the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320, or via email to: dfarmer@hrpdcva.gov EOE.
Job Descriptions, Knowledge, and Skills
Successful candidates must exhibit a thorough understanding of transportation engineering/planning concepts and principles. Education and skills in areas of transportation planning/engineering studies, traffic simulation, intelligent transportation systems principles, data management and GIS data analyses are required.
The primary responsibilities for this position can vary and may include any combination of the following:
-
Knowledge of the theories, principles, and techniques of traffic engineering and transportation planning.
-
Knowledge of literature and recent developments in the transportation planning and engineering area.
-
Ability to use industry standard computer hardware and software for the execution of daily traffic engineering and planning tasks.
-
Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare and present technical reports.
-
Ability to use computer aided drafting in the preparation of graphical displays for inclusion in technical reports and presentations.
Job Qualifications
Qualifications include Bachelor/Masters degree in Civil Engineering with major work in transportation engineering/planning. Strong communications are required. Knowledge in using transportation engineering software, spreadsheet and GIS software is desirable.
Senior Planner - Planning and Information Systems
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
1/1/08 until filled
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission seeks a professional planner to support the agency’s coastal and environmental resource planning program, rural transportation planning program, and to provide community planning assistance to member localities. In addition, support is needed for the agency’s information data services and historic resources planning programs. Individual should be highly organized, possess excellent analytical skills, and have a clear understanding of local government processes and procedures. Work is performed under the direction of the Planning and Information Systems Director.
Minimum salary $38,256 with masters degree in planning or a related field and one year planning experience. Salary DOQ for additional relevant experience and training. Excellent fringe benefits package. Submit in confidence an application available at www.richmondregional.org, with cover letter, resume, and salary history to Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, Executive Secretary, 9211 Forest Hill Ave., Ste. 200, Richmond, VA 23235 or by email to jfry@richmondregional.org. Applicants selected for interview will be requested to provide references and work samples. Position open until filled. EOE.
Planner – Transportation
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
1/1/08 until filled
The Richmond Regional Planning District Commission seeks highly motivated, skilled, self-starting professional planner for the Urban Transportation Planning Division’s work in support of Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (RAMPO) programs. Major emphasis is on transportation data development and maintenance and GIS mapping for RAMPO plans, studies, and programs. Successful candidate will also assist planners in other major program areas such as Intelligent Transportation Systems, Congestion Management Systems, and Long-range Transportation Plan. Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; working knowledge of ArcGIS preferred. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing is essential.
Minimum salary $32,300 with undergraduate degree in planning or a related field and one year experience. Salary DOQ for additional relevant experience and training. Excellent fringe benefits package. Submit in confidence an application available at www.richmondregional.org, with cover letter, resume, and salary history to Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, Executive Secretary, 9211 Forest Hill Ave., Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23235, or by e-mail to jfry@richmondregional.org. Applicants selected for interview will be requested to provide references and work samples. Position open until filled. EOE.
Send us your stories to post here. Email to VAPDC.