In 1968, Virginia was divided into planning districts based on the community interest among its counties, cities and towns. A Planning District Commission (PDC) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth as chartered through the Regional Cooperation Act. PDCs are creations of the local governments within them and are encouraged by the State. The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) was chartered on September 30, 1969.

The CSPDC is comprised of five counties, five cities, and eleven towns in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in the western part of Virginia. The Region encompasses a land area of 3,439 square miles has a population of over 278,000 and is bounded on the west by the Allegheny Mountains and on the east by the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both mountain ranges are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. In the Region, over one million acres of land is publicly held. Villages and farms dot the landscape. Cities are graced with historic landmarks and prominent academic institutions. The Region is known for its scenic beauty and rural way of life.

A Board of representatives from each governmental subdivision oversees the activities of the Commission. Appointment of Board Members is based on population with a majority of the members comprised of local government elected officials.

Since September 1969, assisting the local governments in the Region with planning and public administration, fiscal management, and project development and implementation are the primary functions of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. The lives of the Region's citizens are affected directly or indirectly through the work done by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.