The Southwest Section is one of nine subdivisions of the APA Virginia Chapter. This section is a small group of professional planners who either live or work in the southwest Virginia. Our members have careers in the public sector and in private practices. Southwest has a vast array of skillsets and specializations. We encourage members to take advantage of future events and networking opportunities provided by this section. Southwest hopes to draw together all of these members to provide training, foster relationships and raise the stature of planning as a profession and practice in our localities.

SECTION DIRECTOR

Vacant
Please contact sections@apavirginia.com if interested.

Section Details

The Southwest Section includes 53 localities, including counties, cities and towns. In terms of area, it spans approximately 6,005 square miles, across southwest Virginia. This is the second largest section, by landmass, out of the nine established by APA Virginia. Conversely, the total population is the smallest of the sections, with 401,745 people who call this area home. Though this population is small, the natural beauty, quality of life and sense of community make Southwest a great place to live and work.

LOCALITIES IN THE SOUTHWEST SECTION

There are 53 local jurisdictions in the Southwest Section, including 13 counties, 3 cities and 37 incorporated towns, along with 3 regional governments. Those government websites are included below.

Counties

Cities

Bland
Wythe
Carroll
Grayson
Smyth
Tazewell
Buchanan
Russell
Washington
Scott
Dickenson
Wise
Lee

Norton
Bristol
Galax

Incorporated Towns

Wytheville
Rural Retreat
Hillsville
Troutdale
Fries
Independence
Bluefield
Tazewell
Richlands
Cedar Bluff
Marion
Saltville
Chilhowie
Glade Spring
Abington
Damascus
Lebanon
Cleveland
Honaker
Saint Paul
Grundy
Haysi
Clinchco
Clintwood
Pound
Wise
Appalachia
Coeburn
Big Stone Gap
Dungannon
Nickelsville
Weber City
Gate City
Clinchport
Jonesville
Pennington Gap
St. Charles

Planning District Commissions

PDC 1 – Lenowisco Planning District Commission
PDC 2 – Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission
PDC 3 – Mount Rogers Planning District Commission