Eldon James, representing the Virginia chapter of the American Planning Association, gave the House Committee on County, Cities and Towns an annual update and highlighted the chapters citizens handbook on land‑use law.

James told committee members the handbook is updated each year after the General Assembly session and is meant "to be kind of a citizen's handbook to be able to read and understand the land use laws and enabling legislation in Virginia in simple to read" form. He said planners — both private‑ and public‑sector — help communities define long‑range visions and that the comprehensive plan must be implemented through local tools such as zoning and subdivision ordinances, erosion and sediment control ordinances and capital improvement programs.

The presentation explained that the comprehensive planning process is an engagement exercise to define community goals over 15 to 25 years, and that the plan itself does not automatically carry force without implementing ordinances. James encouraged committee members and their constituents to use the chapters materials and to contact the Virginia APA with follow‑up questions.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the presentation; the item was an informational update on resources available to localities and planners.