Commission agrees to pursue planning training, considers VCU program and 'train-the-trainer' option

Commissioners added 'training' to the agenda and discussed available training options for new members, including a certified planning commissioner program run by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). A participant summarized the program details: "The, tuition is $750. Their 1st session, the next session coming up would be April ... The next session begins July 28–29 again in Richmond," and commissioners weighed cost, certification and the possibility of a "train-the-trainer" approach.

Members discussed budgeting for training (an example estimate in discussion was approximately $1,500 to cover tuition and travel for one or two attendees). Several commissioners volunteered to pursue registration and to bring back materials; one commissioner offered to attend the April session if registration timing allowed. Commissioners also suggested using Virginia Municipal League materials and other online resources to supplement in-person certification.

The commission asked staff to circulate course links and to coordinate a training plan (possible centralized session at a later date or distributed training from a certified attendee). They discussed approaching the town council for a small professional-development allocation rather than a formal vote at this meeting.