Vandalia was formed in 1998 as a response to the need by local communities to combat further deterioration of their downtowns and neighborhoods. Its core mission of "economic revitalization" with an emphasis on historic preservation is accomplished through a variety of means, including: Vandalia's own reinvestment in historic and underutilized properties; providing technical assistance to locally based communities, non-profits and residents interested in historic preservation and redevelopment; and ongoing mentoring of and partnerships with other organizations with common goals and limited resources. While a regional organization, Vandalia focuses on local priorities and incorporates a holistic approach to community and economic development, often through planning and predevelopment efforts. Vandalia Heritage Foundation, a 501 c (3) non-profit organization, works in conjunction with its sister organization Vandalia Redevelopment Corporation, to provide the following areas of expertise to communities throughout northern West Virginia:+ Historic Preservation+ Planning and Design+ Restoration, Renovation and Adaptive Re-use+ Project Management and Administration+ Community and Economic Development+ Public/Private Partnerships+ Planning and Redevelopment+ Strategic Real Estate Services