Overview
The Commission was created in 1969 pursuant to the Virginia Area Development Act and is a confederation of several local governments established to plan for the region's orderly and efficient physical, social, and economic development. The region encompasses the Cities of Martinsville and Danville, the Town of Rocky Mount, and the Counties of Henry, Franklin, Patrick, and Pittsylvania. The responsibility of the Board includes the development of an Annual Work Program to guide its staff in a wide range of activities, including comprehensive planning, technical assistance, grant seeking, and regional coordination efforts. Other decisions made by the Board include the establishment of regional priorities for the Virginia Community Development Block Grant Program and reviewing and commenting on requests for Federal funds made for projects within Planning District 12 through the Virginia Intergovernmental Review Process. The Board’s bylaws state that each governmental subdivision within the planning district shall appoint three members: two governing body members and one non-elected resident qualified voter. The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. There are no term limits for this board.
The Commission also serves as the West Piedmont Economic Development District Board. The Commission received designation from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development, as an Economic Development District in 1992