The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission

Welcome to www.tjpdc.org, home of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. TJPDC's mission is to serve our local governments by providing regional vision, collaborative leadership and professional service to develop effective solutions. For more information about the TJPDC please click here.

Long Range Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan

As the region’s designated TDM agency, RideShare is responsible for TDM planning and works to incorporate TDM into regional planning as a voting member on urban and rural transportation committees. Beginning in 2009, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) requires all agencies receiving TDM grant funds to prepare and submit a Long-Range TDM Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to identify and detail the TDM programs currently provided in the region, to outline potential improvements to be carried out in the Plan’s timeframe, and to illustrate the financial resources necessary to implement these programs and improvements. It establishes the scope and benefits of RideShare’s programs and provides information for DRPT to incorporate RideShare’s TDM plans into the State’s overall TDM plans, funding decisions, and programs. Click here to view the latest draft of the plan.

Berkmar Drive Study Completed

TJPDC has completed the Berkmar Drive Extension Study. Various transportation improvements and additional land development was examined for horizon year 2035 by evaluating corridor performances and regional impacts. The analysis shows traffic conditions on US 29 can be greatly improved by increasing the roadway’s capacity or extending Berkmar Drive as a parallel route. The report finds that a combination of US 29 widening to six lanes and the Berkmar Drive Extension will provide the greatest benefit to US 29 and the region. A cost/ benefit analysis included in the report found the alternative with all proposed improvements included except the new Berkmar Bridge across Rivanna River is the most cost-effective strategy while balancing local and regional transportation improvements. Other findings show Berkmar Drive extended will maintain acceptable LOS and parallel roads will be significantly improved by proposed improvements through 2035.

The City and County have approved the final draft and are collaborating with TJPDC to make final improvement decisions based on findings of the study. To review the final report please click here.

TJPDC e–News is issued on a quarterly basis to keep you informed about the programs and projects at the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. In addition to e-mail, every issue of TJPDC e–News is posted on our website. Read the current eNews. 

Green Infrastructure Study Released

Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of green spaces that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions and provides associated benefits to human populations. Typically, a green infrastructure network consists of large habitat areas linked together by corridors, also known as greenways. The benefits include enhanced quality of life for residents, economic development and increased property values, maintenance of water quality and quantity, and protection of wildlife habitat.

The Green Infrastructure Study, funded through the Virginia Department of Forestry, and produced by the TJPDC is now complete. The purpose of the study was to define green infrastructure, identify areas particularly suitable for green infrastructure within the planning district, and provide a list of potential implementation measures. The full plan is available here.

TJPDC Annual Report Now Available

We are pleased to present the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission's 2008/09 fiscal year Annual Report.
This year's report features:

• A letter from our Executive Director
• PDC Services Provided for Localities
• Regional News and Efforts
• A Focus on our Localities
• TJPDC Financial Information
• The Sustainability Accords (Our Guiding Principles)
• FY08/09 Commission and Staff Members

Please click here to visit our online report

RideShare Launches Expansion into Shenandoah Valley

The RideShare program recently expanded to cover the Central Shenandoah Planning District, which includes the five counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro. “RideShare has offered carpool matching to those commuting into or out of the Charlottesville region since the ‘80s,” says RideShare Program Manager, Lisa Horanyi. “We already have RideShare carpools going from Waynesboro to Charlottesville. Now those commuting to areas like Harrisonburg can find a carpool match as well.”  The expanded service was launched during the 6th Annual RideShare Week, October 12-16. For more information, contact Lisa Horanyi at lhoranyi@tjpdc.org or 434-979-7210 x330.

Greene County Multimodal Corridor Study Completed

The Renaissance Planning Group has completed the “Multimodal Corridor Study for the US 29 and US 33 Development Areas in Greene County”. The study was funded through a Multimodal Planning Grant awarded by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to the TJPDC and was timed to coincide with the updating of the Greene County Comprehensive Plan. Renaissance is the consultant to the TJPDC for the project, which includes multimodal transportation solutions, land use strategies, and an implementation plan specific to Greene County, while addressing regional travel needs on the US29 and US33 corridors.  The Study was presented to the Greene County Board of Supervisors on August 25. It has provided valuable information to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors as they complete the update to the Comprehensive Plan.The full Study is available online here. For questions or more information, contact Bill Wanner at 434-979-7310 x390.

Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants Now Available for Virginia Localities

On October 6, 2009, Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that Virginia will begin to accept competitive applications for a $9.7 million program to offer Energy-Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to help localities reduce fossil fuel emissions, stimulate the economy and lower total energy use and costs by improving energy efficiency in the building, transportation and other sectors. The grant program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Applications will be accepted until November 6, 2009.

Eligible Virginia localities apply through and receive project development support from their local Planning District Commission. On-line access to applications, project development guidance and other resources are available on the DMME website.

Please contact Steve Williams, TJPDC Executive Director or David Blount, Legislative Liaison for additional information.

Second Edition Toolkit Now Available

The Second Edition of the Transportation and Housing Alliance (THA) Toolkit is now available and ready for use. The Transportation and Housing Alliance (THA) is a statewide initiative in Virginia linking public and private efforts in the areas of housing and transportation. The Toolkit was produced through a grant awarded to the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD). VBPD recognized the important role of Planning District Commissions in developing and using this Toolkit.

The purpose of the Toolkit is to create plans that lead to livable communities for all citizens. The Toolkit provides approaches to assess current housing and transportation needs, project future needs, and identify overlapping issues and opportunities. To learn more, please visit our THA Toolkit Page.

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission serves the localities in Planning District 10, which include the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.

Created in 1972, the TJPDC is directed by a twelve member board, consisting of two representatives appointed by each local governing board, more than half of whom are local elected officials. The Commissioners meet monthly to discuss the activities and direction of the TJPDC.