The City of Staunton invites residents and stakeholders to a community open house kicking off public engagement for the city’s Comprehensive Plan Update.
The open house will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Staunton High School cafeteria, 1301 N. Coalter St., Staunton.
A Comprehensive Plan is a community’s 20-year roadmap, required by Virginia law, that sets a vision and outlines strategies to achieve local goals in areas like land use, housing, transportation, and economic development.
“A successful plan depends on the voices of our community members,” said Staunton Director of Community Development Rodney Rhodes. “The feedback we receive through this process plays a vital role in shaping the plan and ensures that it reflects the needs and aspirations of those who call Staunton home.”
The open house is the first of three public meetings to be held in the next 18 months for project design and collaboration with community members to shape the city’s future. Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the city’s most pressing needs, identifying priorities that will guide local policies and decisions.
The event is open to everyone, and participants are welcome to arrive anytime within the 90-minute window. The open house will feature informational posters and multiple interactive stations where attendees can provide input.
Staunton’s Comprehensive Plan will inform local elected officials on critical issues that impact citizens’ daily lives. The project will include a robust engagement process, with various methods to reach the community, including surveys, stakeholder discussions, interviews and additional public meetings to garner broad community support.