CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions awarded the 2026 Robert W. Baker Achievement Award to the recently retired chairman of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Thomas Jefferson Planning District, Keith Smith.  

According to a release from the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions, Smith earned the Baker Award for being “involved directly in planning district commission activities” and for furthering regional planning and development in Virginia at a community level. 

“He has been a tireless advocate for the work and services of the TJPDC during his time on the Commission and is very deserving of recognition for his service, leadership, and commitment to regionalism,” said Christine Jacobs, Executive Director of the TJPDC, in a statement.   

Smith has served as Treasurer of the Commission as well as a member of the executive committee, finance/executive committee, and the building committee.  He served the organization for 15 years and played an important part in the creation of the Central Virginia Regional Housing Partnership, an advisory group that works to inform those with influence about the housing needs of the community.