A Morning of Vision, Collaboration, and Appreciation: The 2025 Joint Annual Meeting
On Thursday, December 4, PlanRVA's Manchester, Richmond offices buzzed with an extraordinary energy as the Richmond Region Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO), Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA), and PlanRVA Commission convened for their Joint Annual Meeting.
It was a morning filled with more than just official business; it was a true celebration of regional partnership, marked by a festive and collegial spirit.
Watch the full meeting Livestream recording:
Attendees gathered over a delicious breakfast, and the room was quickly alive with the pleasant hum of chatter, laughter, and words of encouragement. Amidst the clinking of coffee cups, a shared love for our region and a collective vision for its future resonated through every conversation. It was a testament to the dedication of the elected officials, regional representatives, and PlanRVA staff present, all committed to making the Richmond region a better place to live, work, and thrive.
The meeting itself was a showcase of significant accomplishments and forward-thinking initiatives. PlanRVA Executive Director Martha Shickle, celebrating her tenth anniversary with the organization, highlighted PlanRVA's pivotal role in fostering cooperation across 21 commissions in Virginia and integrating diverse local plans into a cohesive regional strategic vision. She shared insights into the comprehensive economic development strategy and expansive climate action plan, underscoring the commitment to regional and cross-regional collaboration.
CVTA Executive Director Chet Parsons elaborated on the remarkable success of the CVTA in funding and implementing transportation projects, channeling over a billion dollars into infrastructure. Both Martha and Chet spoke with excitement about the $1.495 million in FHWA
funding through the Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) to be used for transportation project scoring, enhancing transparency in project selection and investment, aligning with the "Pathways to the Future" regional strategic vision.
One of the most engaging segments of the morning was Chet Parsons' participation session, where local leaders openly discussed regional opportunities and challenges, contributing thoughts in a digital word cloud app to allow for everyone's feedback. (Video Clip)
Jordan Stewart, PlanRVA Commission Chair (New Kent County), expressed enthusiasm for addressing housing shortages through shared best practices, while RRTPO Policy Board Chair Jody Rogish (Henrico County) emphasized the crucial need for regional bike lane connectivity. CVTA Chair Tyrone Nelson (Henrico County) eloquently reflected on the transformative impact of CVTA funding, celebrating its acceleration of infrastructure projects across the region and fostering a unified Richmond identity. This dynamic exchange truly captured the spirit of collaborative problem-solving that defines our region.
The pinnacle of the morning was the Special Recognitions segment, where exceptional contributions to the Richmond region were honored.
The room (including an overflow section brimming with staff) erupted in applause as the 2025 PlanRVA Employee of the Year Award was presented to Elizabeth Greenwell, Data Analyst. Her nominating colleagues lauded her quiet power, kind tenacity, and deep passion for how data can transform perceptions and decision-making. Elizabeth’s impactful data initiatives, including the Near Miss Dashboard and her Summer Talk Series work with OpenStreetMap US and MapRVA, have brought new residents into the fold and made vital information accessible to the public.
The Regional Champion Award was proudly bestowed upon Joe Vidunas of Hanover County. Joe's remarkable 23-year career has seen him manage a portfolio of 24 projects valued at $230 million, securing numerous awards for Hanover County and earning him recognition as a leader among his peers. His colleagues praised his unwavering dedication to improving road safety and constantly challenging everyone to consider "What is best for the region?"
Faith Walker, immediate past Executive Director of RVA Rapid Transit received the Regional Partner Award for her impactful leadership in improving transit systems and her unwavering advocacy. Her colleagues from RVA Rapid Transit beautifully articulated her grace, calm brilliance, and dedication to centering the goodness and dignity of people. Faith’s initiatives, such as the Riders Voice Hotline, Adopt-a-Stop, and Mobility University, along with her state advocacy for bus shelter installation, have profoundly transformed transit in our region.
Finally, The Honorable Rev. Dolores McQuinn, Delgate, was honored with the prestigious Frank J. Thornton Chairman's Award, presented by the CVTA, recognizing her legislative contributions and her instrumental role as a key patron of the 2020 legislative bill that brought the CVTA into existence. Her long-standing impact on the region's transportation funding was celebrated with immense gratitude.
Recognitions concluded with heartfelt appreciation for Martha Shickle's decade of exemplary leadership and vision at PlanRVA and more recently as Executive Director of the Richmond Region Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO).
The meeting adjourned with a feeling of renewed purpose and strengthened connections. It was a truly inspiring start to the day and a rousing way to walk toward the end of the calendar year, showcasing the power of collaboration and the bright future ahead for the Richmond region.