West Piedmont Planning District Commission

09/02/2026

📢We're hiring!📢

Community Development Specialist

The Community Development Specialist provides planning and management services to contracted municipalities within the planning district and on WPPDC projects/programs. Services provided may include project development, grant application preparation, comprehensive planning, budgeting and financial reporting, and administration of specific community development programs funded through Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Economic Development Administration, Appalachian Regional Commission, USDA, Virginia Department of Health, etc.

🔗Full job description: https://westpiedmontpdc.org/wppdc-careers/

08/11/2026

📣Press Release: The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and is seeking input from residents, businesses, and community partners through a public survey.

A CEDS is a unified, regionally focused action plan that provides a framework for an area’s economic growth and community development. It serves as an economic blueprint for the region and establishes a process that will help create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions.

"Updating the CEDS is a critical opportunity to guide the future of our region," said Michael Armbrister, Executive Director of the WPPDC. "This plan not only sets our shared vision and priorities, but also serves as a vital tool when competing for grant opportunities that can bring new resources and investments to our communities."

🔗 For full release: https://westpiedmontpdc.org/2026/08/11/wppdc-launches-ceds-update/

🖋️Take survey: https://tinyurl.com/movesovaforward

07/23/2026

Yesterday, our Deputy Director Sean Campbell, particpated in a pairwise chat on regional housing collaboration at Locus' 20th Anniversary Celebration - Transformation Through Partnerships.

When asked why he believes housing requires a regional approach, Campbell explained that housing is one of the few issues that doesn’t recognize jurisdictional boundaries. People may live in one locality, work in another, and access services throughout the region. Employers compete for the same workforce, and families consider the entire region when deciding where to live.

“No single locality has all of the staff capacity, funding, or technical expertise needed to solve today's housing challenges on its own,” stated Campbell. “Some communities have land but limited development experience. Others have strong demand but limited infrastructure. Still others have aging housing stock that requires rehabilitation.”

Campbell shared that a regional approach allows us to share expertise, pursue larger funding opportunities, coordinate development efforts, and avoid duplicating work. It also allows us to tell a stronger story to state agencies, foundations, and private investors. When we demonstrate that multiple communities are working together, we become a much more competitive partner.

Congratulations to Locus on their 20th annivesary and thank you for inviting WPPDC!

Thank you to Fuller Center for Housing of Martinsville and Henry County for capturing the conversation!

Today we had the privilege to attend Transformation Through Partnership: Southern Virginia presented by Locus and got to hear from a few of our supporters like West Piedmont District Planning Commission and the Harvest Foundation.

07/17/2026

Request for Public Comments
Danville Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

The Danville MPO, in partnership with EPR, P.C., has developed its draft 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) in accordance with 23 U.S.C. § 134(i), 49 U.S.C. § 5303(i), and 23 C.F.R. § 450.324. Development of a metropolitan transportation plan is a federal requirement for metropolitan planning organizations under 23 U.S.C. § 134 and 49 U.S.C. § 5303. Consistent with 23 C.F.R. §§ 450.316(a), 450.324(j), and 450.324(k), and the Danville MPO Public Participation Plan, the MPO is providing an opportunity for public review and comment on the draft LRTP.

The public is hereby advised a 30-day public comment period has commenced and will end at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026. The LRTP may be accessed at www.danvillempo.org or by contacting the Danville MPO/WPPDC at (276) 638-3987 or [email protected]. Any person without Internet access desiring to review the draft 2050 LRTP will be provided a copy of the full document by mail or fax.

Any questions or written comments on the draft 2050 LRTP may be directed to Michael Armbrister, Danville MPO Administrator, 1100 Madison Street, P.O. Box 5268, Martinsville, VA 24112, (276) 638-3987, Fax: (276) 638-8137, or email: [email protected]. Hard copies of the 2050 LRTP will also be available for review at the following locations until Wednesday, August 19th, 2026:
• City of Danville Municipal Building, City Manager’s Office, 427 Patton Street, Danville, VA 24541
• City of Danville Rubie B. Archie Public Library, 511 Patton Street, Danville, VA 24541
• Pittsylvania County Administration Building, 1 Center Street, Chatham, VA 24531
• Chatham Branch of the Pittsylvania County Public Library, 24 Military Drive, Chatham, VA 24531
• Office of the West Piedmont Planning District Commission/Danville MPO, 1100 Madison Street, Martinsville, VA 24112

A public hearing with an opportunity for comments will be conducted on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the Danville Regional Airport Terminal Building, 424 Airport Drive, Danville, VA 24540.

The Danville MPO ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Michael Armbrister, MPO Administrator, [email protected] or (276) 638-3987.

06/18/2026

Our office will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

06/15/2026

📢The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) and the Danville Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) are seeking proposals from qualified professional consulting firms interested in providing on- call professional services including, but not limited to, transportation, water, sewer, site preparation and architectural services.

The WPPDC represents a four-county, two-city area in the West Piedmont region of Virginia, which includes the counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania, cities of Danville and Martinsville, and all the towns contained within their boundaries. The Danville MPO encompasses all of the City of Danville and urbanized portions of Pittsylvania County.

To obtain a copy of the RFP for on-call services, please visit the WPPDC website www.wppdc.org or email [email protected]. The deadline for receiving proposals is Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 3:00 pm.

RFP: https://westpiedmontpdc.org/2026/06/15/request-for-proposals-rfp-regional-on-call-consultant-program/

06/05/2026

📷 Today we held another photo shoot to showcase more destinations on the Mountain Spirit: Virginia's Moonshine Heritage Trail.

☀️It was a gorgeous day to visit Fairy Stone State Park in Visit Patrick County, VA followed by a scenic drive through backroads to the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum - BRIM in Visit Franklin County, Virginia!

05/27/2026

❤️ Destination Southwest Virginia is a new regional initiative led by Friends of Southwest Virginia to document the areas story, measure its impact, and create a 10-year roadmap for the future of tourism and the creative economy across 19 counties and four cities.

In the WPPDC footprint, Friends of SWVA encompasses Franklin and Patrick Counties and the Town of Rocky Mount.

Learn more and take the survey at www.destinationswva.org.

05/26/2026

📷 Last Friday, we had a photoshoot to capture some of the destinations on the Mountain Spirit: Virginia's Moonshine Heritage Trail. This is a regional partnership between Visit Floyd, VA, Visit Franklin County, Virginia, Visit Patrick County, VA, Discover Rocky Mount, and WPPDC.

🫙Destinations featured in this shoot:
Olde Towne Social House
The Alley Cat
Moonshine Explosion Museum
Twin Creeks Distillery

🔗To find out more on the trail visit https://www.lifeinsova.com/mountainspirittrail/

05/25/2026

Our office is closed today in observance of Memorial Day.