PLANNING WITH YOU IN MIND: The Comprehensive Plan includes citizen insight!
A Comprehensive Plan is a document that is considered for update every five years. It takes the input of citizens and subject matter experts to create community development goals for transportation, utilities, land use, recreation and housing.
.png)
Step I:
The Virginia Beach City Council and Planning Commission approve of an approach to plan development as presented by City staff. This approach builds off of the City Council priorities and goals established during its yearly retreat. Status: ACCOMPLISHED
Step II:
Provide citizens various public input and outreach opportunities; to include a survey, pop up events, public meetings, civic league and community group presentations, etc. This gives residents, neighbors and other stakeholders a platform for sharing insight on their community needs and values. Feedback is then recorded and utilized to shape the vision of the Comprehensive Plan and other City strategic planning. Status: UNDERWAY
Step III:
Develop a draft plan through extensive multi-departmental staff collaboration, Planning Commission workshops, City Council briefings, public meetings and focus groups.
Step IV:
Hold public hearings. The Planning Commission holds the first to review the updated Comprehensive Plan draft. The City Council holds the latter public hearing prior to the plan’s adoption.
Community input is an invaluable tool because it gives the City an opportunity to hear from citizens, neighbors and other stakeholders on what is important to them.
www.publicinput.com/virginiabeach is a platform that allows community members to engage when you have the time. The site is active 24/7 with various surveys created to develop strategies that reflect the community’s priorities and vision. Get involved and get results at the same time!
WE'RE TAKING THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD: Comprehensive Plan Pop-Up Meetings
In this, Phase II of the Comprehensive Plan, the City is creating a unique way to bolster community engagement through pop-up meetings. A Pop-Up Meeting brings the opportunity for thought exchange to where people already are, rather than holding an event and hoping that people show up. Advertised formal public meetings will still be held, but pop-up meetings give the City a chance to reach pockets of citizens whose voices might otherwise not have been heard. If you spot one of our Planning and Community Development tables around town, all you have to do is answer three short questions on housing preferences and you'll earn a cool giveaway! By the way, the three-question exercise is interactive and likely to be way more FUN than you'd expect. However, you must be at least 13 years of age to participate.
Hope to meet soon at an unexpected location near you!