Commission Notes Cooperative Programs

In its third release of the Regional Report Card, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission cites 117 cooperative programs or projects involving the localities it serves.

“The communities within this region [counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke; the cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem; the towns of Clifton Forge, Rocky Mount, and Vinton; and neighboring localities] have a history of collaborating on issues of mutual concern,” notes Wayne Strickland, executive director of the Regional Commission. “It is important to recognize the positive work that localities have accomplished collaboratively and to encourage localities in the region to continue to seek collaborative solutions to issues that affect us all.”

From environmental and social services to education and economic development, the Regional Report Card highlights numerous initiatives being undertaken by two or more localities.

Most of the programs involve more than two local governments, however. For example, the Court-Community Corrections Program involves 18 local governments in western Virginia. Since the original Regional Report Card was completed in 2002, localities in the region have engaged in additional cooperative activities.

Some of the highlights from the list of new or expanded activities include:

• Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Process· Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Advisory Council on Homelessness.
• US 220 Water Line Extension Project.
• Roanoke Valley and Alleghany Highlands Entrepreneur Express Workshop Initiatives.
• Franklin County Joining the Western Virginia Water Authority.

The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission is one of 21 planning districts in Virginia. The Commission’s board is composed predominantly of local elected officials and is the only regional forum where these officials get together monthly to discuss and act on issues affecting the region.