Online Planning Academy

Regional Planning Academy interactive learning activities provide opportunities for citizens to directly observe and participate in the regional planning process and associated activities. Information on upcoming meetings, workshops, and other activities and resources is available on the News and Features section of the Regional Commission's website - www.rvarc.org.

Regional Commission and Metropolitan Planning Organization Meetings
The public is invited to attend regular meetings of the Regional Commission and Roanoke Valley Area MPO. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held at the Regional Commission office located at 313 Luck Avenue, SW in downtown Roanoke. Click here for Regional Commission and MPO meeting dates, times, and locations.

American Planning Association Audio/ Web Conferences
The Regional Commission will host three (3) APA audio/web conferences. These conferences provide long-distance training to planners, planning officials, researchers, students, and other interested parties. There is no cost to attend the audio/web conferences, however, registration is required and available on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited to 30 registrants.

* LEED for Neighborhoods – Wednesday October 3, 2007, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
* Mastering Density - Wednesday February 13, 2008, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
* Community-Based Brownfields Redevelopment - Wednesday May 21, 2008, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

All APA web/audio conferences will be held at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission located at 313 Luck Avenue, SW. Directions to the Regional Commission are available at http://rvarc.org/about.htm. Note: AICP continuing education credits are available for each APA audio/web conference. Additional information and program descriptions are available from the American Planning Association’s website at http://www.planning.org/audioconference.

Regional Commission Library and Planning Resource Center
As a State Data Center Affiliate, the Regional Commission Library is a repository for a wide range of planning related studies, plans, demographic and spatial data, as well as new publications. The library is open to the public from 8:30 am-5:00 pm weekdays. Click here to link to the Regional Commission Library homepage.

Online Demographic Data Sources
The Regional Commission's Online Demographic Data Sources website provides links to a range of frequently requested demographic data and resources. Click here to link to the Online Demographic Data Sources site.

Grant Access Resource Network (GRANT)
The Regional Commission's GRANT is a system to notify area governments, non-profits, and other interested parties in the region of grant opportunities and resources available from federal and state agencies, as well as private foundations. GRANT is a free service ofered by the Regional Commission. For more more information to to join the GRANT elist vist the GRANT homepage.

Regional Commission Internship Program
Internships are available year-round with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission's Internship Program. Academic, volunteer, and special project internships are available for students and citizens covering a range of academic majors, experiences, and interests. Click here for more information on the Regional Commission Internship Program.

Clean Commute Day
Each year RIDE Solutions and the Regional Commission sponsor a Clean Commute Day to highlight the environmental and health benefits of using alternative, cleaner transportation. Citizens are invited to participate in Clean Commutte Day activties such as taking the clean commute pledge or reciveing information from the sponsors and displays. For more information on the annual Clean Commute Day, contact RIDE Solutions.

Regional Commission Interactive Serivces
the Regional Commission Interactive Services were develop to provide basic information on issues affecting the region and facilitate dialog on these issues through discussion forums, blogs, and other online interaction. To participate in the Interactive services users must register. Click here to access the Regional Commission Interactive Services website.

Roanoke Valley Area MPO Transportation Survey
Citizens can provide input on regiona transportation issues by completing the online RVAMPO online Transportation Survey. Survey results are compiled and review as part of the long range transportation planning process. Click here to complete the transportation survey.

Other Opportunities and Information
Check the News and Features section on the Regional Commissions website - www.rvarc.org - for upcoming workshops, meetings, and other planning related activities.