Pr o m o t i n g Le a d e r s h i P in Co L L a b o r a t i o n

A n n u A l R e p o R t

2012

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Virginia’s 5th Planning District

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The Regional Commission

Commission Members and Local Governments

AlleghAny CountyThe Honorable Carolyn Barnette

The Honorable Shannon CoxJohn Strutner

Botetourt CountyThe Honorable Stephen Clinton

Erin HendersonThe Honorable Billy Martin, Sr., Chairman

Ned McElwaine

City of CovingtonJ.B. Broughman

The Honorable Bill Zimmerman

City of roAnokeThe Honorable David A. Bowers

Jay FosterChris MorrillBraxton Naff

The Honorable Court RosenThe Honorable David Trinkle

City of SAlemThe Honorable John Givens

The Honorable Jane Johnson, Vice ChairMelinda Payne

CrAig CountyThe Honorable Richard Flora

The Honorable Martha Murphy

frAnklin CountyThe Honorable Bob Camicia

Frank ChrzanowskiThe Honorable Ronnie ThompsonThe Honorable Charles Wagner

Chris Whitlow

roAnoke CountyThe Honorable Ed Elswick B. Clayton Goodman, III

The Honorable Kevin HutchinsDean Martin, Treasurer

The Honorable Charlotte MooreJ. Lee E. Osborne

town of Clifton forgeDarlene Burcham

The Honorable Jimmie Houff

town of roCky mountJames Ervin

The Honorable Robert Strickler

town of vintonThe Honorable Bradley E. Grose

Chris Lawrence

liAiSon memBerS (non-voting)Beth Doughty

Roanoke Regional Partnership

Teresa HammondAlleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Landon HowardRoanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

Debbie KavitzSalem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Robert SandelVirginia Western Community College

Dr. Richard Teaff Dabney S. Lancaster Community College

Doloris VestWestern Virginia Workforce Development Board

Joyce WaughRoanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce

our 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.”

(Served during program year July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012)

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Promoting Leadership in Collaboration

inSide the AnnuAl report

GIS Mapping and Tech. Services... 4

Environmental Planning...................5

Transportation Planning...............6-7

Sustainability Programs................8-9

Community and Econ. Dev.......10-11

Livable Roanoke Valley.................12

Recognitions and Accolades.........13

Financial Report.............................14

Staff................................................15

The Regional Com-mission continuously

strives to provide the highest level of service to our member governments. This year’s Annual Report highlights the key projects we pursued during the FY2012 Program Year. Our work ranges from pro-ducing the regional Long Range Transportation Plan to helping our governments address state mandated plans, such as the Long Range Water Supply Plan.

I am very proud of our staff and the excellent work they do each year. Without assistance from the Commission’s staff, our member governments might not be able to pursue projects that enhance the quality of life in their communities. Our staff not only prepares plans but tries to help our commu-nities implement plans by

Chairman’s Message Executive Director’s Report(Served during program year July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012) assisting in the preparation

of grants to help pay for plan implementation. Addi-tionally, the staff serves as a liaison between our local governments and State and Federal agencies. Our desire has always been to assist the communities in our region to reach their goals, whatever those goals may be.

As we enter the FY 2013 Program Year, we will work hard to make sure the major goals of our member local governments are addressed. Please let me know how we can help your community when the need arises.

When I think of the work that the Commission

does, I think of the idea of a “Regional Community”. A regional community looks at a region as a puzzle where each piece links to one another, helping to create a picture of a strong, vibrant region.

This doesn’t mean that individual local govern-ments follow each other in a lock-step fashion, but instead, the governments recognize the benefits of working cooperatively to benefit citizens by sav-ing money or providing a more effective way to deliver a service. Reduc-ing air pollution, improving water quality, ensuring an adequate water supply, and promoting an efficient transportation system are all regional goals that help promote a better quality of life for citizens.

The path to building a re-gional community can’t be built without groups work-ing together. The Commis-sion sees our organization as one piece of a larger mix of organizations that work cooperatively to make things happen in our region.

Our staff often works in the background to prepare reports and data to help inform decision makers about issues. We assist re-gional leaders, both public and private, in looking at possible future problems that need to be addressed, or point out opportunities to help strengthen our region. We look at the work we do as building a cooper-ative environment where a regional community can thrive.

Many of those collaborative efforts are presented in our FY 2012 Annual Report. The Commission staff will continue to find opportuni-ties to work cooperatively to build a strong regional community in the area.

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GIS Mapping & General Technical Services

Additional Work Programs & Services

• Demographic Analysis• Economic Analysis• GIS, GPS, and Digital

Map Services• Stormwater Management• Water Supply Planning• Watershed Improvement

Plans• Open Space and

Recreation Planning• Tree Canopy Study• Air Quality Planning• Emergency and Hazard

Mitigation Plans

BroAdBAnd StudyIn collaboration with local governments and the private sector

Early in 2011, local government and business leaders recognized a need to identify opportunities related to recent open-access fiber investments being

made adjacent to Botetourt County as the result of federal stimulus funding. The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission was asked to facilitate these discussions. The public and private participants pooled their resources to hire Design Nine Incorporated to perform the analysis and make recommen-dations. As a result of the project, a Roanoke Valley Broadband Task Force was created to improve broadband services as recommended in the report. One of the first tasks was to work with existing private providers to gain their expertise on opportunities to expand service offerings. The Task Force contin-ues their work and the full report can be found at www.highspeedroanoke.net.

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VA Midland Trail Website CompletedIn collaboration with the Alleghany Highlands and other partners throughout the StateVirginia’s Midland Trail (U.S. Route 60) runs nearly 315 miles east/west from Hampton Roads to West Virginia. The road was developed in the 1800’s as various turnpikes were connected to move people and goods west of Richmond. It was designated a US High-way in 1926. Interstate 64 largely replaced US 60 by the 1980’s. Regional Commission staff completed a website in an effort to encourage travel to the destinations and sites along the Trail. Visit midlandtrailva.com for more information.

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Nelson

Amherst

Rockbridge

Buckingham

Alleghany

Chesterfield

Henrico

Appomattox

PowhatanNew KentCumberland

York

Virginia Beach

James City

Norfolk

York

Richmond

HamptonNewport News

Lynchburg

Virginia Beach

Williamsburg

Buena VistaCovington Lexington

Clifton Forge

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Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, 2012

Resolution of Support by Local Government

Regional Greenway and Trail User Count ProgramIn collaboration with the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley Greenway CommissionThe Regional Commission continues to monitor the use of our greenways and trails through The Regional Greenway and Trail User Count Program via automated counters placed throughout the trail and greenway network. The goal is to obtain baseline data for general planning and maintenance purposes, and to compare with future use as the greenway network is expanded, connected, and promoted. Data is collected at four points along the Roanoke River Greenway and Carvin’s Cove, and the Tinker Creek and Lick Run Greenways.

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Environmental Planning

CheSApeAke BAy wAterShed improvement plAn And mApping reviewIn collaboration with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

RVARC staff worked with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and a Regional Steering Committee to review data and mapping for the Phase II implementation

of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Improvement Plan (WIP). The DCR requested that local governments join the agency’s efforts to work with EPA to refine the WIP by reviewing data used in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed model and providing additional data gathered at the local level. The resulting report developed by the Steering Committee provided a review of the model data and mapping, a review of local best management practices and identified the resources needed to implement the watershed improvement plan.

Craig County Solid Waste Transfer Station

In collaboration with Craig County, USDA Rural Development Office, and Mattern & Craig EngineeringStaff worked with the Craig County Industrial Development Authority, the USDA Rural Development office and Mattern & Craig Engineering to develop a low-interest loan appli-cation to fund improvements to the County’s existing solid waste trans-fer station and create a new conve-nience center in the western portion of the County. The improvements to the transfer station, including a new compactor and new method for loading the trash trucks, will reduce the County’s solid waste manage-ment costs.

McKinney Hollow Road Water Line Project

Environmental ReviewIn collaboration with Alleghany County and Virginia Department of Housing and Community DevelopmentRegional Commission staff worked with the Alleghany County Engineer to complete the environmental review for the McKinney Road Hollow water line project. Alleghany County successfully utilized a Self-Help grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to extend water service to the neighborhood.

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Stormwater ManagementOver the past few years, the staff of the Regional Commission has worked with local government of-ficials to examine how to address stormwater management issues in a cooperative fashion. The Com-mission established a Stormwater Management Committee and a Technical Committee to provide guidance on how best to pursue a regional approach to stormwater issues. The new stormwater regu-lations being implemented by the Commonwealth was the topic of discussion at a regional workshop and at a Regional Commission meeting. The staff will continue to work with its member govern-ments to address the new storm-water mandates from the State.

VA Midland Trail Website CompletedIn collaboration with the Alleghany Highlands and other partners throughout the StateVirginia’s Midland Trail (U.S. Route 60) runs nearly 315 miles east/west from Hampton Roads to West Virginia. The road was developed in the 1800’s as various turnpikes were connected to move people and goods west of Richmond. It was designated a US High-way in 1926. Interstate 64 largely replaced US 60 by the 1980’s. Regional Commission staff completed a website in an effort to encourage travel to the destinations and sites along the Trail. Visit midlandtrailva.com for more information.

Regional Greenway and Trail User Count ProgramIn collaboration with the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley Greenway CommissionThe Regional Commission continues to monitor the use of our greenways and trails through The Regional Greenway and Trail User Count Program via automated counters placed throughout the trail and greenway network. The goal is to obtain baseline data for general planning and maintenance purposes, and to compare with future use as the greenway network is expanded, connected, and promoted. Data is collected at four points along the Roanoke River Greenway and Carvin’s Cove, and the Tinker Creek and Lick Run Greenways.

Current Craig County Transfer Station

Water Line Installation

The James River

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Regional Transportation Planning

rvAmpo reCeiveS trAnSportAtion mAnAgement

AreA deSignAtionFollowing the release of the Census 2010 data, our region is embarking on a new era in regional transporation planning.

The Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (RVAMPO)

is moving up to a higher status MPO classification. Transportation Management Areas are MPOs that have a population greater than 200,000 within their Census defined urban area. RVAMPO passed that threshold with the announcement of Census 2010 urbanized boundary results in March 2012. As the lead staff agency and fiscal agent to RVAMPO, we are embarking on an exciting time of transition that includes developing the region’s first ever Congestion Management Plan. Additionally, the MPO Policy Board will be able to decide which projects and proposals will receive funding using Regional Surface Transportation Planning funds and Transportation Alternatives funds. The combined amount of MPO discretionary funding will probably top several million dollars annually. Last, but not least, Montgomery County will participate on the Policy Board as a voting member. The inclusion of Montgomery County complements Bedford County’s inclusion a decade ago, and makes the RVAMPO truly multi-regional.

Transportation Planning Highlights

Regional Freight Study Staff contacted nearly 200 regional companies to update our regional freight profile for inclusion in our Long Range and Congestion Management Planning process.RVARC staff completed a Freight Trip Generation Study for the Roanoke Valley. The purpose of the Study was to develop a regional freight profile to be used in the long-range transportation planning process. The Study examined businesses and their outbound and inbound freight movement in the Roanoke Valley. Results from the freight study will be incorporated in the upcoming Congestion Management Plan and the next Constrained Long-Range Transportation Plan. These results will help us make sure that we are incorporating needs important to businesses that rely on supply chain management and logistics as a part of their business model in the planning process.

RVAMPO Policy Board Voting MembersBedford County

The Hon. Bill Thomasson

Botetourt County

The Hon. Billy Martin, Sr., Vice Chair Ron Smith

roanoke County

The Hon. Richard Flora, Chair The Hon. Charlotte Moore

City of roanoke Dr. M. Rupert Cutler The Hon. Ray Ferris

City of Salem

The Hon. Jane Johnson Melinda Payne

town of Vinton

The Hon. Doug Adams Carolyn Fidler

Greater roanoke tranSit Company Carl Palmer

roanoke reGional airport CommiSSion

Jacqueline L. Shuck

reGional CommiSSion J. Lee E. Osborne

Vdot-Salem diStriCt

Rob CaryNon-Voting Members

Va dept. of rail and puBliCtranSportation

Michael Todd

federal HiGHway adminiStration

Tammye Davis

federal tranSit adminiStration

Tony Cho

TOTAL REVENUES $1,598,756 Personnel $938,479

BOTETOURT COUNTY

CRAIG COUNTYCRAIG COUNTY

ROANOKE COUNTY

SALEM ROANOKE

VINTON

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BOTETOURT COUNTYBOTETOURT COUNTY

BEDFORD

MONTGOMERY COUNTYMONTGOMERY COUNTY

NEW URBANIZED AREA BOUNDARIESUrbanized Area

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Regional Transportation Planning

vAlley metro BuS Stop AnAlySiSIn collaboration with the Greater Roanoke Transit Company

RVARC staff analyzed ridership data for Valley Metro and completed a Stop Analysis that is aiding in the transit agency’s effort to identify effi-

ciencies and opportunities for enhancing their service, schedules, and routes. RVARC partners with Valley Metro in collecting ridership data every three years via on-board surveys. In 2012/13, RVARC will continue collaborating with Valley Metro by providing data, analysis, mapping, and research to sup-port their organization goals.

Downtown Parking StudyStaff completed Phase I of the Downtown Roanoke Parking Study. The primary focus of this Study is to inventory and analyze the downtown parking capacity, location, time-limit restrictions, utilization, and to make initial recommendations. The Study will complement the work that the City of Roanoke has conducted in its pursuit of a comprehensive downtown parking strategy. City of Roanoke staff and the Down-town Mobility Task Force provided input and guidance throughout the planning process.

Public Transit and Multi-Modal Highlights Additional Work Programs & Services

• Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals Webinar Hosting

• Bicycle and Greenway Planning

• Congestion Management Planning

• Corridor Studies • Downtown Parking Study• Long Range Transportation

Planning• Rural Transportation

Planning• Transportation

Improvement ProgramCraig County Transit Feasibility StudyIn collaboration with Craig County, a consultant created these Transit Service and Program Oversight recommendations:• out-of-County SerViCe to Salem and roanoke: Initially running 1 day a week,

the service would provide access to medical facilities, shopping centers, and community colleges.

• in-County, Zone BaSed SerViCe: Initially running 1 day a week, the proposed zone-based service would divide the County into three zones,and each would receive bus service to New Castle once a week.

• enHanCed rideSHarinG SerViCe: This service would require designation of Park & Ride locations in the County and would allow individuals with similar trip origins and destinations to share a ride.

• a tranSportation CommiSSion would be an all volunteer community stakeholders group including Craig County citizens, local businesses/organizations, and elected officials. The Commission would provide guidance to the service provider in order to improve service and disseminate information to a wide audience.

• a moBility manaGer would serve as the local point of contact for individuals needing transportation assistance and oversee and manage day-to-day transit operations, while working closely with the Transportation Commission.

TOTAL REVENUES $1,598,756 Personnel $938,479

BOTETOURT COUNTY

CRAIG COUNTYCRAIG COUNTY

ROANOKE COUNTY

SALEM ROANOKE

VINTON

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BOTETOURT COUNTYBOTETOURT COUNTY

BEDFORD

MONTGOMERY COUNTYMONTGOMERY COUNTY

NEW URBANIZED AREA BOUNDARIESUrbanized Area

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Sustainabilit y Programs

ride SolutionS expAndS to region 2000 Region 2000 has agreed to fund the expansion of the RIDE Solutions program for its member governments.

Following the end of the 2011/12 fiscal year, RIDE Solutions expanded its service area to include the Region 2000 planning district. The expan-

sion now means that RIDE Solutions serves the largest geographic area of all Transportation Demand Management agencies in the State. As the pro-gram grows, it will continue to update its resources and services to reflect a more connected region in terms of commuter services. More information about this and other news can be found at ridesolutions.org.

Additional Work Programs & Services

• Carpool Matching• Bike Routing • Public Transit Information• Vanpool Information• Bike, Hike, Bus Maps• Bicycle Friendly Business

Support/Applications• Workplace Partnerships• Air Quality Mitigation• Guaranteed Ride Home • Community Engagement

RIDE Solutions Program Highlights

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Mayor’s RideEach year, we work with the Roanoke Parks and Recre-ation and the City of Roanoke to host the Mayor’s Ride. Led by Mayor Bowers, the ride honors those who have supported our region’s biking initiatives and growth. This year, Rob Issem and Wake Fulp were presented the region’s Bike Month Awards.

2012 Bike Month Events2nd Annual Bike Shorts Film FestThe Shadowbox Microcinema and The Taubman Museum joined forces with RIDE Solutions to host this year’s festival and featured directors from around the region.This year’s winner, Joseph Cald-well hailed from Rad-ford and highlights the true regional support we have for cycling.

Open Streets Festival

The Open Streets Festival partnered with Festival in the Park in an effort to re-envision how we use our urban spaces. Attendees participated in Yoga in the Streets, a Bike Fashion Show, Powertool Drag Racing, Street Tennis, Street Soccer, and more.

Clean Commute Challenge

RIDE Solutions’ feature annual event of Bike Month helped remove nearly 32,000 miles of driving from our roadways. Businesses and individuals competed with each other for bragging rights and in doing so, also elimi-nated nearly 38,000 lbs of air pollution in May alone.

2012 Clean Commute Challenge

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Sustainabilit y Programs

RIDE Solutions Program Highlights Volunteers for Energy Initial Funding Period ClosesVolunteers for Energy (VfE) wrapped up its initial funding period in April of 2012. Nearly 750,000/sq.ft. of commercial space was audited over 23 different sites. Clients were given a free energy audit with recommendations for improving their building’s per-

formance and efficiency with each site averaging over $7,300 in rec-ommended savings. Originally funded by the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, VfE is currently discussing future funding options that will build on the program’s initial wave of success. Visit rvarc.org/energy/ for more information about this program.

rvArC ASSumeS

mAnAgement of

SAve-A-tonIn collaboration with Clean Valley Council, Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition, Community Alliance for Energy Efficiency, RC CLEAR, Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke and the Town of Blacksburg.

In 2011, citizens and governments in the Roanoke and New River Valleys launched

Save-A-Ton, a new campaign to help people save money on energy use. The multi-media campaign encourages people to visit saveaton.org to learn about energy savings and share their ideas and results on social media. The website offers tips, links and resources in five categories – lighting, vehicle efficiency, energy conservation, weatherization and water conservation. Building off the success of RVARC’s other Sustainability Programs, we have assumed responsibility for maintaining the website and contin-ue expanding the educational resourc-es available through Save-A-Ton.

A VfE Success StoryVfE conducted a multi-site audit for the Roanoke Public Libraries to identify potential areas for improving their building’s performance and efficiency. As a result of the audit and subsequent report, a water leak was identified, although the source was unknown. It was readily apparent that the leak was causing thousands of dollars in excess usage. The library has since addressed the water leak and thanks to the work of VfE will save thousands of dollars in water bills in the coming years.

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The Roanoke Bike Summit In collaboration with the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the League of American BicyclistsBuilding off of Roanoke’s Bicycle Friendly Community Bronze des-ignation, RIDE Solutions and the Regional Commission hosted The Roanoke Bike Summit at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. The event provided information on League of American Bicyclists “Bicycle Friendly America” programs and offered guidance and professional assistance to regional organizations looking in becoming bicycle friendly.

RIDE Solutions continues offering support to businesses seeking Bicycle Friendly designations by assisting with the application pro-

cess. One of those assisted was Carilion Clinic. RIDE Solutions staff worked hand-in-hand with Carilion in identifying programs and services that will enhance the application process. Learn more about this process and how RIDE Solutions can help by visiting www.ridesolutions.org.

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Additional Work Programs & Services

• Grant Writing and Management Assistance

• Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan Updates

• Land Use Planning• Comprehensive Economic

Development Strategy• Tourism Studies• Enterprise Zone Assistance• Mayors and Chairs

Meetings• Chief Administrative

Officials Meetings• Virginia’s Western

Highlands Tourism Stakeholder Committee

Western Virginia Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative

In collaboration with Virginia Tech, the Mount Rogers and New River Valley Planning District Commissions The Western Virginia Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Competi-tiveness Initiative (TEMCI) is a joint effort being conducted by Virginia Tech, the Regional Commission, and the Mount Rogers and New River Valley Planning District Commissions. Through this regional collaboration, a $1.6 million grant was secured in September 2010 to provide transportation equipment manufacturing companies within Southwest Virginia with subsi-dized technical assistance from Virginia Tech to address product develop-ment, process improvements, and the integration of “green” technologies.

JACkSon river SCeniC trAil grAnt AppliCAtionIn collaboration with Alleghany County Parks and Rec and VDOT

Regional Commission staff worked with the Director of Alleghany County Parks & Recreation to develop a grant application for the VDOT Transportation Enhance-

ment Program to fund the next phase of the Jackson River Scenic Trail. The County received approval for a $325,000 grant from the VDOT Transportation Enhancement Program in June 2012.

Communit y & Economic Development

RVARC Open House and Public Information Meeting

A Public Information Meeting and Open House was held in May 2012 to show-case the various programs/projects undertaken by the Roanoke Valley-Al-leghany Regional Commission and the Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and to obtain citizen and business input on regional transportation planning issues.

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Webinar HostingThe Regional Commission hosted 6 American Planning Associa-tion Web Conferences on such topics as complete streets, design guidelines, and planning law. AICP certified planners are able to earn up to 1.5 certification maintenance credits for each conference they attended. This service is available free to all local government em-ployees in our region.

Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy In collaboration with RVARC Member Governments

Commission staff continued work on the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process, a strategy which reflects local economic needs and priorities. Staff worked closely with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional CEDS committee to receive project nominations and to rank those projects by a set of regionally selected criteria. The Alleghany Regional Commerce Center is the premier site for locating high-wage industrial and commercial prospects that require modern, cus-tom-built facilities in the Alleghany Highlands. Please visit www.regionalstrat-egy.org for more information on the CEDS process. Alleghany Regional Commerce Center

Jackson River Trail Entrance

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Virginia Outdoors PlanIn collaboration with the VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation and Regional GovernmentsStaff worked with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to host public input meetings in March for the update to the Virginia Outdoors Plan. More than 50 citizens attended the meetings and provided input on topics such as boating access, hiking trails, horseback riding and recreation sites. In addition, RVARC worked with local gov-ernments to develop a list of priority recreation projects for the region.

Bridge the gAp CAmpAignRVARC staff continues its support for the regional Greenway system. In addition, staff provides education-al and promotional efforts for the greenway system including mapping and technical support.

The Greenway Commission has an immediate goal to connect all sections of the Roanoke River Greenway through the urban portion of the Valley. As of May 2012, funding has been secured for all segments of

this route except the 4-mile “gap” that lies between Roanoke and Salem, and are now over halfway to raising the $7 million that will be needed to “Bridge the Gap”. The Greenway Commission has made funding of this section its top priority. In cooperation with the non-profit Pathfinders for Greenways, Inc. and the four local-ities, the Regional Commission will seek support from a broad range of partners to “bridge the gap.” When this section of the path is finished, the Roanoke River Greenway will provide a continuous route from Green Hill Park to Tinker Creek Greenway, a distance of more than 18 miles. Visit Greenways.org to donate or learn more about the campaign.

Communit y & Economic Development

Blue Ridge Interagency Council on HomelessnessThe Interagency Council includes members of the public, local governments, mental health programs, state and federal programs, non-profit organizations, businesses, and colleges throughout the Roanoke-Alleghany region. The Regional Commission continues to coordinate the Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness, which fa-cilitates and coordinates the region’s efforts to prevent, treat, and end homelessness and serves as the lead entity for the area’s Continuum of Care planning process. The Annual Winter Point-in-Time Count and Shelter Survey Report was completed and offers insight into the challenges the region faces in dealing with homelessness. Additional infor-mation is available at www.rvarc.org/homeless.

Regional LeadershipIn collaboration with the Coalition for Economic DevelopmentThe Commission, working in conjunction with the Coalition for Economic Development, coordinated the Regional Leadership Trip to Greenville, South Carolina in September 2011. Forty business and government leaders attended the two-day trip. The goal of the leadership trips is to have government and business leaders come away with practi-cal and innovative ideas to enhance economic and community development opportunites within our region.

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RVARC and the Greenways

The Regional Commission facilitated development of the Regional Greenway Plan. It has continued to provide greenway services, particularly GPS data and GIS mapping, web assistance, bicycle route assessment and planning, and open space planning. In 2007, the Regional Commission obtained a grant for the update to the greenway plan and continues to provide significant staff time and support to the Greenway Commission.

Piedmont Park on Roanoke River Greenway

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Partnership For A Livable Roanoke Valley

About The PartnershipTo continue to make the Roanoke Valley one of America’s best places to live and work, stimulate local economies and realize the region’s fullest economic and cultural potential, more than 60 organizations, including local governments, non-profits, businesses and educational institutions have formed the Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley. The Partners are embarking on a process to develop the Valley’s first coordinated regional plan. This effort will be guided and shaped by citizens - those who know the Roanoke Valley best.

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Courtesy Kurt Konrad Photography

the pArtnerShip for A livABle roAnoke moveS into phASe ii

The goal of this effort is to promote economic opportunity and a greater quality of life for all Roanoke Valley residents.

In the summer of 2012, the Partnership began

its Phase II efforts with the development of a public telephone survey regarding citizen’s values and priorities regarding the region’s livability. The survey was developed with the assistance of the Virginia Tech Center for Survey Research. Virginia Tech researchers conducted telephone interviews with over 1000 Roanoke Valley citizens. A repository for project deliverables, future events and opportunities for involvement is available

at www.LivableRoanoke.org. In addition, the site provides a forum for collecting ideas and promoting dialogue among interested citizens in an effort to further engage the public in the planning process. During the upcoming year, a series of public workshops will be held at various locations in the Roanoke Valley to share the results of the surveys and provide a forum for input regarding the vision, principles, and goals for a more livable Roanoke Valley. The workshops, along with the activities from Phase 1, will help inform the development of strategies to achieve the defined livability goals and principles.

Focus Areas • Housing• Transportation• Land Use• Energy & Environment• Economic & Workforce

Development• Health & Education

Top Driving Trends in the RegionState & Federal Funding

Health Care CostsHousing Costs

Workforce QualificationsCultural Attitudes/HabitsRegional Infrastructure

Demographic ChallengesEnvironmental Quality

Government EffectivenessEmployment Opportunities

Regional Economic CompetitivenessAccess to Natural Resources and Scenic Beauty

Changes in Technology

Steering Committee• Botetourt County• Citizen Representative• Craig County• Carilion Clinic• Franklin County• Roanoke County• City of Roanoke• City of Salem• Council of Community

Services• The Regional Commission

• Roanoke Valley Area MPO

• Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce

• VA Department of Transportation

• Virginia Western Community College

• Western Virginia Water Authority

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Regional Recognition and Accolades

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Innovation Awards from the National Association

of Development Organizations

The Commission was recognized with Innovation Awards from the National As-sociation of Development Organizations (NADO) for its work on the following two projects:

Save-A-Ton Program This is a regional energy efficiency and conservation awareness and education program that seeks to connect citizens in the Roanoke and New River Valleys with local products and service providers to help them save energy and money.

Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Economic

Development Map Tool Commission staff partnered with the Roanoke Regional Partnership to develop an online economic development map tool that included layers of data such as available industrial sites, enterprise zones and other facilities. The features were mapped and integrated into the site using Google maps. Each site on the map was linked to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s database.

Ride Solutions Program Coordinator Jeremy Holmes Honored With Association for Commuter

Transportation Top 40 Under 40 AwardOver the past 5+ years, Jeremy Holmes has built a national reputation for his management of the RIDE Solutions program. His efforts to in-fuse social media, community building, collaboration, and data analysis into the program has helped other Transportation Demand Manage-ment agencies across the country establish new strategies for growing, supporting, and engaging their service areas. The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) is an international trade association that supports individual mobility management professionals and orga-nizations in their efforts to reduce traffic congestion, conserve energy and improve air quality. ACT recently recognized Jeremy for his many contributions to the field of Transportation Demand Management.

RVARC Named the Coolest Organization in the Roanoke Region by the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition

Wayne Strickland, RVARC’s Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of the Commission while Richard Flora, Chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, and Court Rosen, Vice Mayor of Roanoke City presented the award.

RVARC was awarded the Special Achievement Cool Citizen award for its leadership in regional sustainability efforts. Programs recognized for this award were:

ride SolutionS- Creating strategies to encourage carpooling, bicycling, and other alternative transportation

volunteerS for energy- Providing free energy audits and recom-mendations for local organizations to reduce energy costs

pArtnerShip for A livABle roAnoke vAlley- planning to promote economic vitality, environmental quality, and equal opportunity in the Roanoke region

Jeremy w ACT Award

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Financial Report

finAnCiAl StAtement

The Regional Commission’s financial performace has enabled it to finish the year with a balance of $21,200 in excess of revenue over

expenses. The charts breakdown the financial details for our 2011/12 Fiscal Year. Of the total funding received from all sources, 71% goes to Transportation programs, 13% to ARC Regional Planning, 8% to Local Planning, and 8% goes towards the Livable Roanoke Initiative.

Federal Grants and

Appropriations51%

State Grants and

Appropriations18%

Local Grants and

Appropriations15%

In Kind Contributions

10%

Broadband3%

Leadership2%

Other1%

2011 Grants and Appropriations

GRAnts And AppRopRiAtionsFederal Grants and Appropriations $810,014 State Grants and Appropriations $290,295 Local Grants and Appropriations $242,712 Miscellaneous and Interest

In Kind Contributions $160,994 Broadband $53,511 Leadership $26,270 Other $14,960

Transportation Programs, $435,691 Volunteers for

Energy, $149,142

HUD, $132,518

CEDS, $20,736

Chesapeake Bay, $9,500

ARC, $62,427

2011 Federal Funding Breakdown

FedeRAl FundinG BReAkdownTransportation Programs $435,691 Volunteers for Energy $149,142 HUD $132,518 CEDS $20,736 Chesapeake Bay $9,500 ARC $62,427

Personnel59%

Contract Services

16%

Operations and Other

Expenditures25%

2011 Expenses

expensesPersonnel $938,479 Contract Services $247,090 Operations/Misc Expenditures $391,987

2011/2012 FISCAL R EPO R TGRANTS AND APPROPRIATIONS Federal Grants $810,014 State Grants and Appropriations $290,295 Local Grants and Appropriations $242,712 Miscellaneous and Interest $255,735 TOTAL REVENUES $1,598,756 Personnel $938,479 Contract Services $247,090 Operations & Other Expenditures $391,987 TOTAL EXPENSES $1,577,556 EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES $21,200

Annual Report 2012w w w. r va rc . o rg 15

Staff

Cristina Finch, AICPLEED AP

Regional Planner III cfinch@rvarc.org

Jake Gilmer, AICPLEED GA

Senior Plannerjgilmer@rvarc.org

Jeremy Holmes, LEED GASustainability

Programs Coordinatorjholmes@rvarc.org

Scott BurtonRegional Planner IIsburton@rvarc.org

Tyler GodseySustainability

Programs Techniciantgodsey@rvarc.org

Olivia DooleyFinance Directorodooley@rvarc.org

Shane SawyerRegional Planner III ssawyer@rvarc.org

Mark McCaskill, AICP Senior Planner

mmccaskill@rvarc.org

Matt Miller, GISPDirector of

Information Services mmiller@rvarc.org

Wayne G. StricklandExecutive Director

wstrickland@rvarc.org

Eddie Wells, AICP, CZASenior Plannerewells@rvarc.org

Jackie PaceOffice Managerjpace@rvarc.org

313 Luck Ave., SW • PO Box 2569 • Roanoke, VA 24010Ph: 540.343.4417 • Fax: 540.343.4416 Email: rvarc@rvarc.org • www.rvarc.org

For Media Inquiries Contact: tgodsey@rvarc.org