“If you do not think about the future, you won’t have one.”
John Galsworthy, English novelist and playwright
In November 2011, Virginia Beach embarked on an exciting process to imagine what the city will be like in the year 2063 as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Maintaining Virginia Beach as a successful and healthy community requires focus on economic, environmental and social needs and desires. Sustainability planning, or efforts focused on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, is essential.
The city needs input from residents, business owners, community leaders and everyone interested in how the city moves forward. To participate in an online survey, please visit the Sustainability Plan’s website at www.vbgov.com/sustainplansurvey and submit your comments by March 16. This survey is just one way citizens can be involved in the ongoing process of developing the city’s first Sustainability Plan – a document intended to help guide the city in optimizing its potential as a high-performing community. Comments and ideas about Virginia Beach’s future can also to be e-mailed directly to the Environment and Sustainability Office at eso@vbgov.com.
What’s next? City staff and the consultant team of Clark Nexsen will combine the findings from public input processes, including the online survey, and draft a “plan framework” for review by the Plan Steering Committee. Follow the Plan’s progress at www.vbgov.com/sustainplan.
For additional information about the Sustainability Plan, please contact Clay Bernick in the Planning Department/Environment and Sustainability Office at (757) 385-4899 or visit www.VBgov.com/sustainplan.
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