Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning & Development Council

06/08/2026

Welcome to Inside Region 9, a series highlighting the projects, partnerships, and initiatives shaping communities across Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.

Each week, we take a closer look at a different area of Region 9’s work and how regional planning supports local impact throughout the Eastern Panhandle.

This week's focus is Environmental Stewardship.

Environmental stewardship is about protecting the natural resources that support our communities while planning for future growth and development. Clean water, healthy watersheds, effective stormwater management, and sustainable land use practices all play an important role in creating resilient communities and preserving quality of life.

Region 9 works with local governments, agencies, and community partners to develop projects that improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, strengthen environmental resilience, and support responsible growth throughout the region.

Projects such as the Sleepy Creek Watershed Study, Inwood Park Stormwater Features, and the Paw Paw Community-Wide Stormwater Assessment demonstrate how environmental planning can help communities address challenges before they become problems while protecting valuable natural resources for future generations.

As communities around the world recognize World Oceans Day this week, it serves as a reminder that environmental stewardship begins close to home. The streams, rivers, watersheds, and natural resources of the Eastern Panhandle are vital assets that support our communities every day.

Protecting today. Preserving tomorrow.

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

Please join us in welcoming Olivia Shores to the Region 9 team as our new Environmental Coordinator!

Olivia is a graduate of Shenandoah University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. In her new role, she will help support environmental planning, resource management, project development, and technical assistance efforts that help communities throughout the Eastern Panhandle navigate environmental challenges and opportunities.

Whether assisting with environmental reviews, supporting grant-funded projects, or helping communities plan for a more sustainable future, Olivia's work will contribute to the mission of helping Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties grow and thrive.

When she's not at work, Olivia enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with a good book.

Welcome to Region 9, Olivia!

06/03/2026

The Berkeley County Planning Commission is seeking public input on the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan.

A comprehensive plan serves as a community-driven roadmap that helps guide future decisions related to growth, housing, transportation, infrastructure, economic development, environmental stewardship, and public services.

The plan establishes long-term goals and priorities that help shape how Berkeley County grows and develops over time, while balancing community needs, infrastructure investments, environmental resources, and quality of life.

Public participation is an important part of the planning process, and residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and share their feedback.

📍 Review the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan and submit comments:
https://tinyurl.com/BCCDraftCompPlan

Your voice. Your community. Your future.

06/03/2026

Today is World Bicycle Day, a reminder that sometimes the simplest forms of transportation can have a big impact on our communities.

Whether it's a child riding to the park, a commuter heading to work, or a family enjoying a weekend trail, bicycles help connect people to the places that matter most.

Building safe, accessible transportation networks means thinking beyond roads alone. Trails, sidewalks, crossings, and multi-modal connections all play a role in creating communities where people have more options for how they move.

Last week, we shared the West Virginia Division of Highways survey for the Statewide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. If you haven't had a chance to participate, there's still time to help shape the future of walking and biking in West Virginia.

🚲 Take the survey: https://tinyurl.com/walkridewv

Because good transportation isn't just about getting from Point A to Point B. It's about creating safe, connected communities for everyone along the way.

Walk & Ride Statewide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan

06/02/2026

June is National Safety Month. Here at Region 9, we believe that safety starts long before an emergency by focusing on preparation.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

🚨 Attention, Berkeley County! 🚨

Check out the Draft Update for our Comprehensive Plan and share your thoughts with us!

🔗 https://berkeleywv.org/DocumentCenter/View/12455/DRAFT-2026-Comprehensive-Plan-PDF

Give your feedback here: 🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BerkeleyWVCommunityComment

Join us at the Pop-Up or Drop-In events on June 24! 🗓️

06/02/2026

Welcome to Inside Region 9, a series highlighting the projects, partnerships, and initiatives shaping communities across Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.

Each week, we take a closer look at a different area of Region 9’s work and how regional planning supports local impact throughout the Eastern Panhandle.

This week’s focus is Transportation & Connectivity.

Transportation is about more than roads. Trails, sidewalks, pedestrian improvements, regional transportation planning, and roadway infrastructure all play a role in connecting people to jobs, schools, businesses, recreation, and essential services.

Projects that improve mobility and accessibility help strengthen local economies, support public safety, expand transportation options, and enhance quality of life throughout the region.

As we recognize World Bicycle Day on June 3, it's also a reminder of the importance of safe, connected transportation networks that provide opportunities for walking, biking, driving, and transit for residents and visitors alike.

From multi-modal trails and downtown pedestrian improvements to regional transportation planning efforts, these investments help keep our communities connected and moving forward.