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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
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
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"...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
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
PDC Member Localities
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LENOWISCO PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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CUMBERLAND PLATEAU PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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MOUNT ROGERS PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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NEW RIVER VALLEY PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION |
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CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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NORTHERN SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL COMMISSION |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL COMMISSION |
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RAPPAHANNOCK-RAPIDAN REGIONAL COUNCIL |
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THOMAS JEFFERSON PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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VIRGINIA’S REGION 2000 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL |
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WEST PIEDMONT PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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SOUTHSIDE PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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RICHMOND REGIONAL PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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GEORGE WASHINGTON REGIONAL COMMISSION |
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NORTHERN NECK PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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CRATER PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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ACCOMACK-NORTHAMPTON PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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HAMPTON ROADS PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION |
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Note: The Richmond Regional PDC and the Crater PDC share Chesterfield County. The Middle Peninsula PDC and the Hampton Roads PDC share Gloucester County. The Crater PDC and the Hampton Roads PDC share Surry County. The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany RC and the West Piedmont PDC share Franklin County.
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.
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Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, Front Royal, VA
Senior Planner for Transportation
(Posted 3/23/11)
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (serving the City of Winchester and the Counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren) is accepting applications for the position of Senior Planner. This position assists in the development and implementation of the Commission’s planning programs. In particular, the Senior Planner will provide support to the Commission’s transportation planning initiatives including corridor studies, access management plans, bicycle/pedestrian facilities planning, travel demand management, transit planning, etc. The NSVRC provides administration and planning services to the Winchester-Frederick Metropolitan Planning Organization.
This position requires the ability to coordinate multiple programs among various jurisdictions. Candidates must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Experience with travel demand modeling is preferred.
This position requires a Master’s Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Administration, Civil Engineering or related field and a minimum two years of related experience. A Master’s Degree may be substituted for experience.
A position description can be found on the Commission’s website at www.nsvrc.virginia.gov.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Senior Planner Search Committee
Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
103 East 6th St.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Salary range is $42,000 – $67,000 per year and is negotiable depending on qualifications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
For more information, please contact (540) 636-8800.
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Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
Front Royal, VA
Executive Director
(Posted 3/9/11)
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (serving the City of Winchester and the Counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren) is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. The primary functions of the Commission are to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation and provide local technical assistance services to our member jurisdictions. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Commission and its programs including planning, community development, transportation (including the Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization), natural resources, and local technical assistance.
This position requires the ability to lead a diverse professional staff, develop and manage an annual budget in excess of $2 million, administer contracts, and coordinate multiple projects among various jurisdictions. Management experience (both project and personnel) is required. Candidates should have experience working with local, state, and federal elected and appointed officials and must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation is also required. Grant writing and administration experience is preferred.
This position requires a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Planning, Public Policy, or related field and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible related experience.
A complete position description is available on the Commission’s website at www.nsvrc.virginia.gov.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Executive Director Search Committee
Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
103 East 6th St.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Salary range is $70,000 – $100,000 per year. Starting salary is negotiable depending on qualifications. Applications will be accepted until March 27, 2011. For more information, please contact (540) 636-8800. Equal Opportunity Employer
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New River Valley Planning District Commission
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROJECT COORDINATOR
(Posted 2/16/11)
The New River Valley Planning District Commission, (NRVPDC) the regional planning organization serving the New River Valley region in southwest Virginia, is seeking an experienced Planning Project Coordinator to support implementation of a HUD Regional Sustainability Planning grant over the next three years.
Summary: This is a professional position with a high degree of responsibility in the support and implementation of a planning grant with multiple project elements and numerous community partners. The person in this position will lead the development of key elements of the New River Valley regional sustainability plan. Work requires a collaborative team perspective; however, competent independent decision making is critical. The position requires an individual with a strong results orientation, and excellent facilitation, project design, project management, communication and interpersonal skills. The Project Coordinator will supervise a Community Outreach Facilitator to be hired and will be supported by existing NRVPDC staff from throughout the organization. Specific job responsibilities for this position will require individual effort as well as direction to support staff and to team members.
Starting salary for the position is $50,000 - $53,000, depending upon qualifications. The NRVPDC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package.
This position is currently funded by a federal grant for three years.
For full job advertisement please visit www.nrvpdc.org
PLEASE SUBMIT COVER LETTER, RESUME, AND REFERENCES TO:
New River Valley Planning District Commission
6580 Valley Center Drive, Suite 124
Radford, VA 24141
Application Deadline: March
11, 2011, or until filled. The NRVPDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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New River Valley Planning District Commission
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES COMMUNITY OUTREACH FACILITATOR
(Posted 2/16/11)
The New River Valley Planning District Commission, (NRVPDC) the regional planning organization serving the New River Valley region in southwest Virginia, is seeking an experienced Community Outreach Facilitator to support implementation of a HUD Regional Sustainability Planning grant over the next three years.
Summary: This is a professional position with a high degree of responsibility in the support and implementation of a planning grant with multiple project elements and numerous community partners. The person in this position will lead the community outreach elements of the New River Valley regional sustainability plan. Work requires a collaborative team perspective; however, competent independent decision making is critical. The position requires an individual with a strong results orientation, and excellent facilitation, project management, communication and interpersonal skills. The Community Outreach Facilitator will be supervised by the Project Coordinator and will be supported by existing NRVPDC staff from throughout the organization. Specific job responsibilities for this position will require individual effort as well as direction to support staff and to team members.
Starting salary for the position is $40,000 - $45,700, depending upon qualifications. The NRVPDC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package.
This position is currently funded by a federal grant for three years.
For full job advertisement please visit www.nrvpdc.org
PLEASE SUBMIT COVER LETTER, RESUME, REFERENCES AND EXAMPLES OF FACILITATION EXPERIENCE TO:
New River Valley Planning District Commission
6580 Valley Center Drive, Suite 124
Radford, VA 24141
Application
Deadline: March 11, 2011, or until filled. The NRVPDC is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
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Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, Front Royal, VA
Community Planner
(Posted 1/17/11)
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (serving the City of Winchester and the Counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren) is accepting resumes for the position of Community Planner. This position assists in the development and implementation of the Commission’s local and regional planning programs and provides support to the Commission’s Consolidated Plan initiatives (e.g. Community Development Block Grant, HOME Program, Continuum of Care, etc.).
The Community Planner position requires the ability to coordinate multiple tasks including community development projects, grant administration, data analysis, comprehensive planning, ordinance development, etc. Candidates must demonstrate effective communication (oral and written) and data management skills and must be able to work effectively in a team environment. Experience with Community Development Block Grant (or similar federal/state) programs is preferred.
This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Administration, Human Services, or related field and a minimum one year of related experience.
A complete position description can be found on the Commission’s website at www.nsvrc.virginia.gov.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Christopher M. Price, AICP, Executive Director
Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
103 East 6th St.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Salary range is $34,000 – $49,000 per year. Starting salary is negotiable depending upon qualifications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For more information, please contact (540) 636-8800.
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