Thriving Communities
PEC believes that the work of protecting natural resources and the work of building better communities are integral to each other.
PEC helped students in Purcellville save the last mature forest in town for their school's outdoor lab and create a new public nature trail.
(Albemarle) The City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission are hosting a series of community outreach workshops to inform citizens of the Charlottesville and Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan.
What fears are separating kids from nature? What changes when they reconnect? Read the full article, which ran in the Fall issue of Piedmont Virginian magazine.
Kids can taste the difference on Local Foods Day, when all the cafeterias in the Rappahannock County Public Schools serve food that was grown in the county. Read more about how PEC has helped the Farm to Table Program bring local food to students.
A key strategy is to link land use planning with transportation planning so that thoughtless growth doesn't overwhelm our roads and new road construction doesn't lead to unplanned growth.
This unique art exhibit uses words, images and interactive elements to explore the interconnection between urban and rural environments. Read more about the exhibit in this article from the Summer 2009 Piedmont View.
Local Comprehensive Plans are meant to express the community's vision for its future and to guide all local policy.
Uncontrolled growth can cause taxes to skyrocket, but with good planning and the use of proffers and other tools, communities can accommodate growth without a budget crisis.
Definitions and descriptions of important terms and concepts.
PEC offers cutting edge tools to connect people with local events and issues, including Action Alerts and the Piedmont News.
From green spaces in local neighborhoods to American landmarks like the Appalachian Trail, parks and trails offer much-needed opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Newspaper, TV, and radio reports on the issues shaping our communities and quality of life.
Learn more about thriving communities and smart growth through these web resources.
