What is a Planning District Commission?

Planning District Commissions promote the efficient development of the physical, social, and economic policies of all districts by assisting local governments to plan for the future.

Planning District Commissions were established by the General Assembly in 1969. Presently, there are 21 PDCs and Regional Commissions in Virginia. They are made up of elected officials and citizens appointed by local governments. All 21 PDCs have joined to create the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions.

The purpose of the Planning District Commissions is to encourage and facilitate regional solutions to problems of area-wide significance. This cooperation recognizes regional opportunities and the importance of regional influences in planning and implementing public policies and services.

What services do PDCs provide?

Virginia PDCs provide technical and program services to local governments. Services vary from region to region and may include:

• Grant applications
• Management for grant programs
• Regional economic development planning, including feasibility and locational studies
• Strategic planning for each region
• Evaluation of opportunities for local cost savings
• Land use planning services
• Emergency preparedness
• Water supply, solid waste, and other environmental resource planning, funding, and development
• Technical assistance to smaller communities
• Mapping and information services
• Transportation planning
• Liaison between localities and state agencies
• Welfare reform planning and coordination
• Administration of federal housing program funds
• Collecting and maintaining data in cooperation with the Virginia Employment Commission
• Holding regional forums and meetings to explore regional cooperation on issues such as sustainable development and growth management.

How are PDCs currently funded?

• Annual contributions from local government
• Appropriations of the Virginia General Assembly
• Grants from federal and state governments
• Contract services
• Private foundations

In many instances, state funding of PDCs makes up less than 12% of funding to deliver essential services to local and state government. The largest source of funding is the federal government, which contributes 39%.

Why State support of PDCs?

Planning District Commissions have demonstrated success and effectiveness statewide, and should be seen as part of "the solution"-playing essential roles in support of economic development and basic infrastructure and services for our communities.

They partner with Commonwealth agencies like VDOT to accomplish state projects-and reduce the need for more state personnel.

Planning District Commissions use a small amount of state funding and leverage that funding many times over to deliver essential services in communities across the Commonwealth. The State investment is small and the returns great in support of State objectives.

They are a single comprehensive statewide network that achieve economies of scale through regional approaches.

Planning District Commissions work on a broad range of programs important to the State's future.