ImagineVB: Review and Comment on Policy Ideas for the Updated Comprehensive Plan
Through collaboration with focus groups and other stakeholders, the City has developed proposed policies for the updated Comprehensive Plan that will guide development decisions for the next 20 years. Now we need to hear from you.
The survey will remain open through June 25, 2024.
Following a months-long process to collect feedback from residents and other local stakeholders, the City’s Comprehensive Plan team has developed policy ideas to guide development in Virginia for the next 20 years and beyond.
The team has reached the final input step of the comprehensive planning process and invites the public to provide comment on these proposed policies through a survey. The materials and information contained in the survey are identical to what was provided for residents to review in the community Open Houses that were held in early May.
Each of the survey navigation steps (5) address a component of the Comprehensive Plan areas: Environmental & Open Space Framework, Rural Context, Transition Context, Inland Context, and Coastal Context. Each section contains maps of the area with proposed policy ideas. To view the maps in greater detail, please select the appropriate map in the Documents section of this project, which can be enlarged.
In the following survey, the select one option responses will record as you make a selection. For the multiple choice responses, please select the "Confirm your selection" button to record your selections. For the open-ended comment questions, you must select the "Comment" button to submit your input.
If you have any problems with the survey, please email SpeakUp@vbgov.com.
Phases
Survey Results
Phase report
Add some text about the phase
Do you agree with the direction of the Environmental & Open Space Framework proposed policy ideas? [#269512]
What are your top three policy priorities of those proposed for the Environmental and Open Space Framework? (Select three options and then "Confirm your selection" to record your answers.) [#270085]
Comments: Which proposed policy idea(s) do you strongly support and why? [#269513]
Respondents most frequently discussed the need for improved transportation options, especially expanded public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Many emphasized the importance of sustainable development, including protecting green spaces, reducing sprawl, and supporting renewable energy initiatives. Concerns about affordable housing and the preservation of neighborhood character were also common, with several respondents urging the city to balance growth with maintaining community identity.
Some respondents highlighted the need for better stormwater management and flood mitigation, referencing recent flooding events as a major concern. There was also support for increased community engagement and transparency in planning decisions, with calls for more accessible public input opportunities.
A few responses mentioned the importance of economic development, particularly attracting diverse businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs. Others raised issues around equity, advocating for policies that address disparities in access to resources and services.
Comments from other users often echoed these themes, with additional suggestions for improving parks and recreational facilities, enhancing safety, and prioritizing environmental resilience. Overall, the most consistent trends were calls for sustainable growth, transportation improvements, and greater community involvement in planning processes.
Comments: Which proposed policy idea(s) do you strongly oppose and why? [#269514]
Respondents most frequently discussed concerns about overdevelopment, especially the impact of new housing and commercial projects on traffic congestion, green spaces, and the character of neighborhoods. Many emphasized the need to preserve natural areas, improve public transportation, and maintain infrastructure before expanding further. Affordable housing was a recurring topic, with several respondents urging for more options that do not compromise environmental quality or community aesthetics. There was strong support for sustainable growth, including mixed-use developments and walkable communities, but also caution about unchecked expansion and loss of local identity.
Comments often highlighted the importance of community input in planning decisions and called for greater transparency from city officials. Some respondents [e.g., specifically requested better stormwater management and flood mitigation measures, while others stressed the need for more parks and recreational facilities. Concerns about rising costs of living and displacement of long-term residents were also mentioned. Overall, the majority of feedback urged a balanced approach to growth that prioritizes environmental stewardship, infrastructure upgrades, and quality of life for current and future residents.
Comments: What policy idea(s) or initiative(s) would you add? [#270054]
Respondents most frequently discussed the need for improved transportation infrastructure, with many emphasizing safer and more accessible options for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as expanded public transit services. Several responses highlighted concerns about overdevelopment and the importance of preserving green spaces and natural resources. There was strong support for policies that protect the environment, including flood mitigation, sustainable building practices, and maintaining tree canopies.
Affordable housing was another recurring theme, with respondents urging the city to address housing costs and ensure a mix of housing types to accommodate different income levels. Some participants expressed concerns about maintaining neighborhood character and managing growth to avoid congestion and strain on public services.
Comments also reflected a desire for more community engagement and transparency in planning decisions, as well as support for economic development that balances job creation with quality of life. A few responses mentioned the importance of equity and inclusion in policy-making, ensuring that all residents benefit from city initiatives.
Comments: If you live(d) or work(ed) near a Linear Park, what locations would you like it to connect to? [#269515]
Respondents most frequently discussed the need for improved transportation infrastructure, with many emphasizing safer and more accessible options for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as expanded public transit services. Concerns about overdevelopment and its impact on green spaces, traffic congestion, and community character were also common, with several urging for more thoughtful growth management and preservation of natural areas.
Affordable housing was another recurring theme, with calls for increased options for low- and middle-income residents and strategies to prevent displacement. Respondents expressed support for mixed-use development and revitalization of existing neighborhoods, but stressed the importance of maintaining neighborhood identity and preventing gentrification.
Environmental sustainability was highlighted, including suggestions for stronger flood resilience measures, better stormwater management, and protection of wetlands and coastal areas. Some respondents advocated for more renewable energy initiatives and incentives for green building practices.
A number of comments addressed the need for enhanced community engagement and transparency in the planning process, with requests for clearer communication and more opportunities for public input. There were also mentions of improving public amenities such as parks, libraries, and recreational facilities, as well as supporting local businesses and cultural initiatives.
Overall, the main trends were calls for balanced growth, improved transportation and housing options, environmental protection, and greater community involvement in decision-making.