Newsbrief Archive - Page 4 of 28 - Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission

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Post published:July 14, 2025

Rivanna River Basin Commission Annual ConferenceThursday, September 24th, 9:30 am- 3:00 pmThe Center at Belvedere, Auditorium AJoin the Rivanna River Basin Commission for this year's annual conference. The focus will be on water supply planning, especially as it relates to the region's recent data center development and a growing need for drought resilience. Speakers include Julie Bolthouse (Director of Land Use, Piedmont Environmental Council) and Joe Lerch (Director of Local Government Policy, Virginia Association of Counties). Coffee and light refreshments will be served in the morning, and lunch is included…

Planning for Agricultural Toolkit

Post published:July 11, 2025

American Farmland Trust (AFT) works nationwide, and in Virginia, to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and support farm economies. AFT and its partners are looking to advance a future for farming grounded in policy, partnerships, and community-based planning.A key effort is the Planning for Agriculture in Virginia initiative, designed to help local leaders protect farmland, boost farm viability, and encourage conservation-based practices. TJPDC Deputy Director David Blount has been serving on an advisory committee to the initiative. The toolkit is expected to be launched sometime this fall.

RideShare’s Second Annual Bike Month Business Challenge Triples Community Impact

Post published:June 13, 2025

RideShare is thrilled to announce the success of its second annual Bike Month Business Challenge, held this May in celebration of National Bike Month. This year's challenge significantly expanded on its inaugural run, showcasing a growing community commitment to active transportation and environmental sustainability!The challenge saw enthusiastic participation from local businesses and organizations, including the City of Charlottesville, Piedmont Environmental Council, UVA Facilities Management, Charlottesville Waldorf School, Farmington Country Club, VMDO Architects, Grimm + Parker Architects, Charlottesville Climate Collaborative, and Greene County Economic Development.Their collective efforts yielded impressive results:2,799 total…

Meet the Staff: MaeEllen Megginson

Post published:June 13, 2025

MaeEllen Megginson, Summer InternMaeEllen just graduated in May with a B.S. in Environmental Science from UVA, and will graduate next year with a Master of Public Policy from the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at UVA. Her previous work experience has mostly focused on urban forestry, researching urban tree equity issues and she has worked on a forest patch planting initiative through UVA’s Office for Sustainability. Q: How did you end up at the TJPDC?My undergraduate academic experience provided me with a background on a range of environmental…

Regional Housing Study Kicks Off

Post published:June 13, 2025

We’re excited to launch the Regional Housing Study in partnership with the Virginia Center for Housing Research (VCHR) and HousingForward Virginia. This comprehensive effort will include a housing needs assessment, literature review, and future projections to help us better understand housing challenges across the region. The consultants will also work with local officials to develop strategies tailored to each community’s needs and goals. Stay tuned for opportunities to learn more and get involved!

June 2025 Commission Meeting Updates

Post published:June 13, 2025

The TJPD Commission met on June 5 and considered the following agenda items:Received a presentation on the TJPDC Regional Housing Study;Received a presentation and approved a resolution for applying for hazard mitigation planning grant funds; Approved revisions to the TJPDC's Employee Handbook and Financial Management Policy;Approved a resolution adopting the Move Safely Blue Ridge Comprehensive Safety Action Plan;Approved a slate of officers for FY26 as follows:Keith Smith, Fluvanna County, ChairMichael Payne, City of Charlottesville, Vice-ChairPhil D'Oronzio, City of Charlottesville, TreasurerChristine Jacobs, TJPDC, Secretary6. Approved revised financial targets for the agency;7. Approved…