What Technical and Program Services Does TJPDC Provide?

Updated

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) provides regional vision, collaborative leadership, and professional service to local member governments, partners, and stakeholders. Its technical and program services include grant application assistance, management services for program implementation, and land use planning services and mapping. These services are directed at member governments, partner organizations, and stakeholders rather than individual residents seeking direct assistance.

Core Technical and Program Services

TJPDC describes three main categories of service in its own summary of what it offers:

  • Grant application assistance — support for member governments and partners in preparing and submitting grant applications.
  • Management services for program implementation — help carrying out programs once they are funded or approved.
  • Land use planning services and mapping — planning support and map-based analysis for local land use decisions.

These are the services the Commission lists directly. Other activities fall under its broader areas of involvement rather than this core service list.

Areas of Involvement

TJPDC organizes its work into four areas, each with specific projects and initiatives.

Transportation

  • Metropolitan Planning Organization
  • Rural Transportation
  • RideShare
  • Bike and Pedestrian Planning
  • Regional Transit Planning
  • PATH

Community

  • Broadband
  • Legislative Services
  • Economic Development
  • Area Planning
  • Land Use & Environmental Planning Committee
  • Blue Ridge Cigarette Tax Board

Housing

  • Regional Housing Partnership
  • Regional Housing Study
  • HOME Consortium
  • Housing Development Grant
  • Housing Preservation Grant

Environment

  • Chesapeake Bay (WIP) & Rivers
  • Solid Waste Planning
  • Hazard Mitigation Planning
  • Rivanna River Basin Commission
  • Septic Assistance Program
  • Regional Environmental Coordination
  • Regional Water Supply Planning
  • Intergovernmental Reviews

Who Can Apply or Participate

TJPDC serves local member governments, partners, and stakeholders. Member localities are the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.

The Commission is guided by a twelve-member body that is locally appointed, with at least 51% being local elected officials. Commission meetings are open to the public and are held the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm at the TJPDC Office.

For public input opportunities, TJPDC posts notices such as public comment and hearing periods — for example, a Housing Preservation Grant pre-application Statement of Activities comment period from August 18, 2026 to September 3, 2026. If you are a resident or organization wanting to weigh in, these notices are the entry point.

How to Get Started

  1. Identify the relevant area — determine whether your need falls under transportation, community, housing, or environment.
  2. Check whether you qualify as a participant — services are aimed at member governments, partners, and stakeholders, so confirm your organization's relationship to TJPDC.
  3. Review current projects and initiatives — TJPDC maintains a projects page listing what it is actively involved in.
  4. Watch for public comment and meeting notices — these are posted under news and announcements and on the events calendar.
  5. Contact TJPDC directly — for grant assistance, program management, or planning and mapping support, reach out through the Commission's office channels.

Key Details to Keep in Mind

  • The Commission's role is regional: it assists member governments and partners rather than providing services directly to the general public.
  • Grant application assistance and program implementation management are distinct services — one helps you secure funding, the other helps you carry out the funded work.
  • Land use planning and mapping are offered as a combined service.
  • Public participation happens through open Commission meetings and formal comment periods, not through individual service requests.