2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT
REGIONAL BROADBAND AUTHORITY RURAL TRANSPORTATION GREENWAY PLANNING
CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PLANNING STORMWATER PARTNERSHIP FOR A LIVABLE
ROANOKE VALLEY INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUTER SERVICES SAVE A TON RIDE SOLUTIONS
HIGHLIGHTING THE STRENGTH OF OUR REGIONAL COMMUNITY
PASSENGER RAIL PUBLIC TRANSIT AIR QUALITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COLLABORATION
URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL VITALITY
TOURISM HOMELESSNESS ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLANNING WATER SUPPLY WAYFINDING AGE WAVE ARTS AND
CULTURE OUTDOOR RECREATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP NATURAL
RESOURCES FREIGHT AND INTERMODAL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
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THE REGIONAL Commission Members and Local Governments (Served during program year July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017)
ALLEGHANY COUNTY
The Honorable Shannon Cox Jon Lanford The Honorable Richard Shull
BOTETOURT COUNTY
The Honorable Todd Dodson Erin Henderson Gary Larrowe The Honorable Billy Martin, Sr.
ROANOKE COUNTY
The Honorable George Assaid Tom Gates The Honorable Kevin Hutchins Dean Martin The Honorable Joe McNamara J. Lee E. Osborne
TOWN OF CLIFTON FORGE
CITY OF COVINGTON
Darlene Burcham Vacancy
CITY OF ROANOKE
James Ervin The Honorable Mark Newbill
Richard Douglas The Honorable Allan Tucker The Honorable Bill Bestpitch Courtney Campbell The Honorable Michelle Dykstra The Honorable John A. Garland Chris Morrill Braxton Naff
CITY OF SALEM
The Honorable Jane Johnson The Honorable Bill Jones The Honorable James Martin Melinda Payne
CRAIG COUNTY
Clay Goodman, III The Honorable Martha Murphy
FRANKLIN COUNTY
The Honorable Bob Camicia Mike Smith The Honorable Ronnie Thompson The Honorable Charles Wagner Chris Whitlow
TOWN OF ROCKY MOUNT TOWN OF VINTON
The Honorable Bradley Grose Barry Thompson
LIAISON MEMBERS (NON-VOTING)
Beth Doughty
Roanoke Regional Partnership
Teresa Hammond
Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Landon Howard
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Jill Sluss
Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce
Dr. John Rainone
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
Dr. Robert H. Sandel
Virginia Western Community College
Joyce Waugh
Roanoke Regional Chamber
THE MISSION To be a leader in driving collaboration and strategy within our communities on issues that are critical to the economic growth, quality of life, and sustainability of this region.
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2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT | 3
COMMISSION
Uniting as a region to chart a clear path forward
A
s I come to the end of my tenure as Chair of the Regional Commission, I want to thank everyone who has supported the Commission over the past two years. Our Commission members need to be recognized first since they take time from their busy schedules to attend our monthly meetings and who direct the work of our staff. Commission members have been very supportive of the work that we undertake and I appreciate their willingness to serve on various committees, participate in our meetings and help spread the word about the importance of regional approaches to issues that transcend local government boundaries.
It is also important to thank officials of our member governments for their support, because without them, the Commission would not be successful in the numerous multi-jurisdictional programs/ projects we pursue each year. Our various partners in the region, such as our transportation, economic development and community development organizations, must also be recognized for their assistance to the Commission in our regional initiatives over the years. Finally, I want to thank the staff of the Commission for their dedication to this region and this organization. They are a professional group of individuals who are passionate about the work they do to ensure
Kurt Konrad Photography
that communities throughout our region continue to thrive. Serving as Chair of the Regional Commission has truly been a pleasure for me. I believe the Commission has accomplished a great deal in the past and will continue to provide important services to member governments and citizens in the future. Again, I want to express my appreciation to our Commission members for the support they provide in promoting collaborative activities throughout the region.
The Honorable Charles Wagner Chairman
The FY 2017 program year has been a busy one. Our Annual Report outlines a number of multijurisdictional projects as well as local technical assistance projects. Below are a few highlights of this past year. •
• • •
The Regional Commission was designated as an Economic Development District by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. We worked diligently over the last few years to secure this designation, which will provide our member governments and partner organizations with another funding tool to help with their economic development projects. At the request of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority, the Commission took over the administrative and financial work associated with the activities of the Authority. On behalf of the County of Roanoke, the City of Roanoke, the City of Salem, and the Town of Vinton, the Commission made application to the Virginia Tourism Corporation for funding to assist the Roanoke Valley in marketing the Roanoke River Blueway. The Commission published another edition of the Regional Report Card, which outlines multijurisdictional contracts and agreements among local governments in the region. Ninety-nine (99) multi-jurisdictional cooperative programs/projects are highlighted in the Report Card. The Commission published its first Regional Report Card in 2003.
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REGIONAL COMMISSION STAFF Wayne G. Strickland Executive Director
Matt Miller Director of Information Services
Dorian Allen Transportation Planner I
Virginia Mullen Admin/Accounting Clerk
Sherry Dean Director of Finance
Jackie L. Pace Office Manager
Cristina Finch AICP, LEED AP, Director of Transportation
Tim Pohlad-Thomas Outreach and Communications Specialist
Bryan Hill AICP, Regional Planner III
Rachel Ruhlen Transportation Planner I
Jeremy Holmes Eddie Wells LEED GA, Director of Ride Solutions AICP, CZA, Director of Community Development Programs Amanda McGee Regional Planner II
STAFF PHOTO Regional Commission Staff (left to right) (Back Row) Bryan Hill, Tim Pohlad-Thomas, Eddie Wells, Wayne Strickland, Amanda McGee, Jeremy Holmes, Dorian Allen, Matt Miller (Front Row) Cristina Finch, Sherry Dean, Virginia Mullen, Jackie Pace, Rachel Ruhlen
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT T
he Regional Commission’s financial performance has enabled it to finish the year with an increase in fund balance of $67,483. SOURCES OF REVENUE
2016-17
Federal Grants and Appropriations
$472,347
State Grants and Appropriations
$389,918
Local Grants and Appropriations
$341,504
Contract Income
$251,683
Other TOTAL REVENUE
Sources of Revenue Other <1% Contra ct Income 17% Loca l Grants a nd Appropriations 23%
$1,271
Federal Gra nts a nd Appropriations 33%
Sta te Grants and Appropriations 27%
$1,456,723
Expenses EXPENSES
2016-17
Personnel
$931,630
Contract Services
$217,463
Operations/Misc Expenditures
$240,147
Opera tions & Other Expenditures 16% Contra ct Servi ces 17%
Pers onnel 67%
TOTAL EXPENSES
FEDERAL FUNDING
2016-17
Regional Transportation Programs
$409,269
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
$58,902
USDA Forest Service
$4,176
TOTAL FEDERAL FUNDING
$472,347
Appa lachian Regi onal Commi ssion 12%
$1,389,240
Federal Funding USDA Forest Service 1%
Regi onal Tra ns portation Progra ms 87%
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STRENGTHENING REG ROANOKE RIVER BLUEWAY
The Roanoke River Blueway Stakeholder Committee continued to meet to guide promotional efforts for the Roanoke River Blueway this year. A logo was adopted for the Roanoke River Blueway, and the Facebook page and website were both updated. Regional Commission staff also worked to apply for the Virginia Tourism Corporation grant, which was awarded by the Governor in February. Grant funds will go towards designing a promotional brochure to attract and inform users of the blueway. The grant was received in partnership with Roanoke Outside, the Greenway Commission, and Visit Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blue Ridge.
The Regional Commission worked with Franklin County Parks and Recreation staff to develop an assessment of potential access points along the Blackwater and Pigg Rivers
STORMWATER
The Regional Commission is proud to continue to serve as a catalyst for regional stormwater conversations. Staff coordinated biennial meetings with locality stormwater staff and private stormwater professionals. Efforts will continue this year, including coordinating a floodplain management workshop in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, please contact Amanda McGee at amcgee@rvarc.org.
WATER SUPPLY
FRANKLIN COUNTY BLUEWAYS ASSESSMENT
The Regional Commission worked with Franklin County Parks and Recreation staff to develop an assessment of potential access points along the Blackwater and Pigg Rivers. Franklin County has used the assessment to identify future potential access points along the rivers which will make the blueways better outdoor recreation destinations.
In 2005, the Local and Regional Water Supply Planning Regulation was passed. It required that all localities in the Commonwealth participate in creating a water supply plan. Our region successfully participated in three water supply plans: a water supply plan for member localities in the Roanoke River watershed; a water supply plan in conjunction with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission for member localities in both regions located within the James River watershed; and a water supply plan for Craig County. The Regional Commission continues
to support efforts to update these plans. Localities should reach out to RVARC staff if they have questions or concerns about this process by contacting Amanda McGee at amcgee@rvarc.org.
ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS BROADBAND PLANNING
In 2015, Commission staff prepared a successful grant application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of the Town of Clifton Forge to initiate a broadband planning process for the greater Alleghany Highlands. The Alleghany Foundation provided matching funds, and Design Nine Inc was hired to develop strategies to improve affordable broadband service in Alleghany County, Craig County, Covington, Clifton Forge and parts of Botetourt County. The final report and additional work was completed by Design Nine in FY2017 and is available on the RVARC website.
ARBOR DAY GRANT SUPPORT
In conjunction with regional Urban Forestry efforts, staff was once more able to assist the localities of Roanoke County, City of Salem, and the Town of Vinton to conduct Arbor Day celebrations. These were funded this year through the Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant provided through the Virginia Department of Forestry. It was another successful year educating children on the benefits of trees and a healthy urban forest canopy.
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GIONAL CONNECTIVITY TINKER CREEK GREENWAY
The Tinker Creek Connectivity Study is an ongoing project this year. Research and results for the Greenway Plan Update showed that Tinker Creek is the public’s next priority for buildout, after the completion of the Roanoke River Greenway. Staff served on this committee and assisted with GIS mapping, as well as helping to coordinate public input meetings in conjunction with the Greenway Plan public input process. For more information about the Tinker Creek Connectivity Study, please contact Amanda McGee at amcgee@rvarc. org.
GREENWAY PLAN UPDATE
Efforts to update the 2007 Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan began this year. Regional Commision staff assisted the Greenway Commission in collecting data and coordinating
a public input process. Public input meetings were held in March and April, and survey data was collected. The survey yielded over 500 responses, showing strong public interest and support of greenways in the Roanoke Valley. Citizens identified connectivity as a main priority for the greenway system, and designated their priorities for routes and destinations. For more information about the Greenway Plan update process, please contact Amanda McGee at amcgee@rvarc. org.
US BIKE ROUTE 76 STUDY
Staff worked with localities to draft a study of the US Bicyle Route 76 corridor. This study includes recommendations and observations of USBR 76 as it passes through Botetourt and Roanoke Counties. This document will be available on the Regional Commission website in October.
REGIONAL GREENWAY AND TRAIL USER COUNTS
Staff continued to support the Greenway Commission and locality greenway planning by operating and maintaining the Trafx infrared counter system. This year, counts expanded to Carvins Cove trailheads by City of Roanoke request. A counter was also placed on McAfee’s Knob trail in partnership with the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
R O A N O K E VA L L E Y ’ S PEDESTRIAN VISION PLAN
Photo Caption: Robert Beatty of Botetourt County discusses Greenway Plan Updates.
In 2016, the Roanoke Valley’s Pedestrian Vision Plan was honored with an award from the National Association of Development Organizations, and in 2017, the plan was selected to be presented at the National Walking Summit in St. Paul, MN. The National Walking Summit was sponsored by America Walks, a national non-profit organization leading the effort to make America a great place to walk. The Roanoke Valley’s Pedestrian Vision Plan highlights the region’s vision to make more places throughout the Valley walking-friendly for common, everyday trips.
N AT I O N A L B I C Y C L E AND PEDESTRIAN DOCUMENTATION PROJECT
Annual bicycle and pedestrian counts were conducted at several locations throughout the City of Roanoke. Count data is included in our annual Performance Measures and support locality bicycle and pedestrian planning initiatives.
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IMPROVING OUR REGIO R O A N O K E VA L L E Y TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (RVTPO)
Policy Board Members (July 2016-June 2017)
BEDFORD COUNTY
The Honorable Bill Thomasson
BOTETOURT COUNTY
The Honorable Todd Dodson The Honorable Billy Martin, Sr.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY The Honorable Annette Perkins
ROANOKE COUNTY The Honorable George Assaid The Honorable Jason Peters CITY OF ROANOKE
The Honorable Ray Ferris The Honorable John Garland
CITY OF SALEM
The Honorable Jane Johnson The Honorable Bill Jones
TOWN OF VINTON
The Honorable Keith Liles The Honorable Janet Scheid
GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT COMPANY (VALLEY METRO) Carl Palmer (Alt: Kevin Price) ROANOKE-BLACKSBURG REGIONAL AIRPORT Diana Lewis (Alt: Tim Bradshaw) VDOT – SALEM DISTRICT Ken King, PE. (Alt: Michael Gray) VIRGINIA DEPT. OF RAIL & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Jitender Ramchandani (Alt: Nick Britton) NON-VOTING MEMBERS
Kevin Jones- Federal Highway Administration
Melissa McGill- Federal Transit
Administration J. Lee E. Osborne- Roanoke ValleyAlleghany Regional Commission
VIS IO N 2 040: ROA N O KE VA L L EY T
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he RVTPO approves a long-range multimodal transportation plan every five years. The plan reflects current and anticipated trends, availability of funds for transportation investments, and an overall vision for how the region’s future transportation network will address the need for people and goods to move throughout the Roanoke Valley. In December 2016, the RVTPO Policy Board approved a condensed version of the plan, and it is anticipated that in September 2017 the full plan entitled “Vision 2040: Roanoke Valley Transportation” will be approved. The plan will include a list of projects anticipated to be undertaken over the next 25 years with the anticipated funding available, as well as a vision list of projects should additional funding become available. The plan will be available for review on the RVARC website.
FY 18-21 TRANSPORTATIO
T
he Transportation Improvement Pro projects receiving federal funds in the Organization (RVTPO) region for federal The TIP represents the transportation Constrained Long-Range Multimodal T adopted by the RVTPO Policy Board on
SIX-YEAR IMPROVEMEN I
n June, the Commonwealth Transportation Board adopted its Fiscal Year 2018-2023 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP). The SYIP reflected Fiscal Year 2018 funding through the SMART SCALE program. There were 12 projects receiving funding for a total of $56,151,681 from the Roanoke Valley TPO (RVTPO – urbanized area) and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region (RVARC – rural area).
SMART S
Franklin Rd. Sidewalk Improvements 3
Hollins Road and Orange Avenue Inters
Route 419 and Route 221 Ad
West M
Plantation Road Bicycle, Pedestrian and
I-81 Southbound Safety Improvements M
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ONAL TRANSPORTATION
TR AN SPO RTATION
RVTPO FUNDS ESSENTIAL REGIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
T
he Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization is responsible for approving funding for federally funded projects that best address the most important transportation needs in the Roanoke Valley. The Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) is one opportunity for which the RVTPO Policy Board allocates approximately $5 million a year towards transportation projects. In April 2017, the RVTPO approved the FY18-23 RSTP six-year financial plan. Eight key transportation projects are listed in the plan to receive a total of $17,192,853.
RVTPO FUNDS TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
O
ON IMPROVEMENT PLAN
ogram (TIP) is a list of all transportation e Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning l fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. priorities for implementing the region’s Transportation Plan 2040. The TIP was n April 27, 2017.
n a smaller scale, the RVTPO also approved two projects to receive Transportation Alternatives (TA) funding. At their March 2017 meeting, the RVTPO Policy Board allocated an equal amount to each project request with the CTB providing the remaining funds needed. Those projects are: TA Project
Total Funding Approved (RVTPO + CTB)
Downtown Salem Streetscape and Intersection Improvement
$240,000
Williamson Road Pedestrian Improvement
$217,424
NT PLAN - SMART SCALE FUNDING Total Funding Approved
SCALE Project Title
Total Funding Approved
3100 Blk. to U.S. 220
$1,116,510
I-81 Southbound Auxiliary Lane between Exit 143 and 141
section Improvements
$3,552,250
Smart Way Vehicle Expansion Project
daptive Traffic Control
$663,457
Valley Metro’s Route 91/92 Vehicle Expansion Project
$1,700,000
Main Street Sidewalk
$902,699
GRTC’s Automatic Vehicle Locator/Real-Time Project
$1,604,000
d Streetscape, Phase II
$1,752,210
Mason Creek Greenway Phase 3 – 419 Multimodal Improvements
$2,610,310
MM167.4 to MM169.5
$5,834,264
Downtown Salem Intersection and Streetscape Improvements
$3,629,870
SMART SCALE Project Title
$32,168,111 $618,000
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REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
H
eadquartered in the Regional Commission, RIDE Solutions provides transportation demand management programs and services throughout central and southwest Virginia. Since 2006, the program has partnered with the New River Valley Regional Commission, Region 2000 Local Government Council, and the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board to reduce traffic on the region’s roads, encourage cleaner and more cost effective transportation choices, and improve our regional environment and quality of life. As the population and employment center for the broader region, the Roanoke Valley sees a net intake of commuters each day, making our transportation demand management efforts an important part of our regional economy and economic development initiatives. RIDE Solutions delivers its services through a combination of
E
commuter- and employer-focused tools customized to the needs of our municipal and private-sector partners. RIDE Solutions directly serves almost 1,600 members and over 40 employers, reaching over 45,000 employees in the broader region. RIDE Solutions members report reducing their miles traveled by 30,000 miles a day. Alleghany Highlands
New River Valley
Roanoke Valley
Region 2000
West Piedmont
Serving Our Region Since 2001 RIDE Solutions has become one of the nation’s most respected TDM
agencies for its creativity and unique approaches towards community engagement. The rapid growth and success of its Ride Smart Celebration is a key part of this. The Bike Shorts Film Festival, the Ride Smart Challenge, and the Night Rider’s Ball are the feature events for the Ride Smart Celebration, which includes events supporting National Bicycle Month. These events draw attention and attendance from all over the region and beyond; in fact, the Bike Shorts Film Festival regularly screens films from around the world. We create strong bonds with our region through innovative events, strategic collaboration, art, and effective commuter services. These bonds help us better understand the needs and demands of regional commuters and enable us to better provide new tools and solutions to help with their transportation needs.
SELF-GUIDED BICYCLE TOURS
leven short, self-guided bicycle tours help Greenway bicyclists take the next step—low traffic streets. Themed routes feature art, history, and scenic views. “Harshbarger Historic and Endangered Sites” and “Melrose Historic and Endangered Sites” showcase historic sites in danger of being lost forever, identified by the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation. The StoryMap app shows the route, points of interest, and information about each point. The routes take advantage of the versatility of bicycles, using little known informal paths to circumvent uncomfortable roads. Photo Caption: The Brown-Robertson Park, a point of interest on the “Flood of ‘85” tour.
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REGIONAL PROGRAMS
A
RIDE SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES BIKESHARE
fter much anticipation, RIDE Solutions launched Bikeshare by RIDE Solutions on May 24th. In partnership with provider Zagster and a coalition of local partners and funders, RIDE Solutions installed 9 stations and 50 bikes in and around downtown Roanoke and surrounding neighborhoods. Bikeshare by RIDE Solutions delivers a full-scale bike share to the entire Roanoke community — with the vast majority of funding coming from private sponsorships. That unique feature is made possible by a community partnership, facilitated by RIDE Solutions and Zagster, that includes lead funding from the Carilion Clinic and supplemental funding from Allegheny Partners, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Downtown Roanoke, Inc., Garland Properties, RGM Communities, Richmond Loft Co., Roanoke Natural Foods, Access Advertising, CitySpace, and Freedom First Credit Union. Bikes can be found via the free Zagster Mobile App — available for iPhone and Android — or online at zagster.com/ridesolutions. With just the single touch of a button in the app, riders can control a Bluetoothenabled locking system that features two points of security. (Alternatively, riders can obtain unlock codes via text message to use with an on-bike keypad.) A ring lock prevents the rear wheel from spinning or being removed, and two sturdy cables —
one at each station dock, and one on each bike — connect to the ring lock, allowing riders to either tether bikes to Zagster stations at the end of their trips, or to public bike racks for mid-ride stops. 50 cruiser bikes are available at 9 stations for members to use for on-demand, local trips. Riders can pay by the hour, or join the program by signing up for annual memberships. Rides for members — who must be 18 or older — are free for the first hour, and then $3 per hour after that. Program performance in the first four months of operation has been phenomenal, reaching its annual membership goal of 1,000 members
by week 7 of operation. Bikeshare by RIDE Solutions is delivering approximately twice as many trips and members as other Zagster programs in equivalently-sized cities and supporting two system expansions planned for fall of 2017 and spring of 2018 to at least five more stations in the valley. With a focus on serving and expanding from Roanoke’s urban core, Bikeshare by RIDE Solutions supports the Commission’s overall transportation demand management goals by providing a car-free transportation option for short commute or other practical trips. As the program expands, RIDE Solutions hopes to integrate more neighborhood and village centers into the network to provide exponentially more transportation options to residents of the valley, including expansion into Vinton, Salem, and Roanoke County.
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SUPPORTING OUR REG LO C AL TECHNIC AL ASS I STAN CE ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS DRONE CENTER
Staff assisted Alleghany County, the City of Covington and the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation with an application to the Appalachian Regional Commission for funds to establish a retail, training, and manufacturing center for drones. The project received $100,000 in planning funds to perform the necessary up-front engineering and design work.
Architectural Report and Site Plan for the proposed community center.
ALLEGHANY COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN 5-YEAR UPDATE
Staff worked with the Alleghany County Department of Public Safety and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Region VI to update the county’s Emergency Operations Plan.
ROANOKE DOWNTOWN CRAIG COUNTY COMMUNITY EVACUATION PLAN CENTER PLANNING GRANT Staff worked with the City of Roanoke
Staff worked with Craig County and the Craig County Library Board to apply for a planning grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to develop a new community center. The planning grant will fund the Needs Assessment and Feasibility/ Programming Plan, Staffing and Operations Plan, and Preliminary
Fire and EMS to develop mapping for a downtown evacuation plan. With input from the City of Roanoke’s Police Department, Transportation Division, and GIS Department, and Valley Metro, evacuation routes were mapped along with drop off sites, fire and rescue stations, hospitals and other related information.
Photo Caption: A quad race drone during the Flying Circus First Person View Festival. Photo Courtesy of Roanoke.com
T
THE REGIONAL SCO
he scope of the Regional Co beyond the programs liste services and projects that the Com
• Coordinated an Aging in Place by the Western and Central Virg in Place Council. • Organized an Aging in Place S the Town of Rocky Mount. • Provided technical assistance Department of Health for comm • Provided demographics, technic City of Roanoke to create plann • Provided assistance to Craig C layout of the 2017 edition of a map. • Provided administrative support, to the Roanoke Valley Broadba • Provided administrative suppo Western Virginia Regional Indu • Continued support for the Pa Valley and researched method • Worked with localities in the reg compensation study. • Provided survey and economic Regional Partnership, Alleghany Total Action for Progress, and s
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GIONAL COMMUNIT Y LOC A L T ECHN I C AL ASS I STAN C E
OPE OF OUR WORK
ommission’s work extends well ed in our Annual Report. Other mmission has supported include:
Symposium which was sponsored ginia Chapter of the National Aging
Seminar for Franklin County and
and demographics to the Virginia munity planning initiatives. cal assistance, and mapping to the ning profiles for 28 neighborhoods. County in the update, design, and a Craig County tourism and street
FRANKLIN COUNTY SIGNAGE INVENTORY AND WAYFINDING STUDY
Staff completed an inventory of signage along major roadways in Franklin County in an effort to determine the need for additional tourism and directional signage. Input was provided by the Franklin County Department of Planning and Community Development, Parks and Recreation and Division of Tourism.
REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM PLANNING
Staff continued to work with the Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) to address regional food system planning. Staff provided food system inventory mapping and data for the “Roanoke Local” Regional Food & Agriculture Report. The report analyzed characteristics of regional food production, highlighted the potential for the local food economy, and used income and
poverty statistics to show economic barriers for accessing local food.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DESIGNATION
In January 2017, the U.S. Economic Development Administration designated the Roanoke ValleyAlleghany region an Economic Development District (EDD). This designation enhances our localities ability to obtain grants from EDA. A key function of EDDs is to develop, maintain and assist in implementing a regional CEDS and support local governments in short-term planning activities. The designation will create more opportunities to work with EDA and its Federal partners such as HUD, EPA, ARC and FHWA on initiatives that require large amounts of funding from more than one resource.
, technical assistance and mapping and Authority. ort and technical assistance to the ustrial Facility Authority. artnership for a Livable Roanoke ds to create community indicators. gion to issue an RFP for a regional
impact assistance to the Roanoke y Highlands Chamber of Commerce, several businesses.
Photo Caption: Roanoke City Market.
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REGIONAL PHOTOS
Kurt Konrad Photography
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2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT | 15
MEDIA INQUIRIES
313 Luck Ave., SW • PO Box 2569 Roanoke, VA 24010 Ph: 540.343.4417 • Fax: 540.343.4416 Email: rvarc@rvarc.org Web: www.rvarc.org Media Inquiries: media@rvarc.org
REGIONAL BROADBAND AUTHORITY RURAL TRANSPORTATION GREENWAY PLANNING
CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PLANNING STORMWATER PARTNERSHIP FOR A LIVABLE ROANOKE VALLEY INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUTER SERVICES SAVE A TON RIDE SOLUTIONS
PASSENGER RAIL PUBLIC TRANSIT AIR QUALITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COLLABORATION
URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL VITALITY TOURISM HOMELESSNESS ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLANNING WATER SUPPLY WAYFINDING AGE WAVE ARTS AND
CULTURE OUTDOOR RECREATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP NATURAL
RESOURCES FREIGHT AND INTERMODAL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS