In 2007 Charlottesville City Council adopted a new "vision statement" following months of discussion and a year of input from the public. This new document will serve as a guide for future Council discussion and will direct city staff in implementing new projects and initiatives.

City Council Vision 2025 calls for the City to be a leader in innovation, environmental sustainability, and social and economic justice; to be flexible and progressive in anticipating and responding to the needs of the citizens; and to act as the cultural and creative capital of Central Virginia. There are eight main areas of focus: economic sustainability, lifelong learning, quality housing opportunities for all, arts and culture, green city initiatives, healthy city initiatives, a connected community, and smart, citizen-focused government. Councilors hope by making this distinction and creating this direction, future Councils, staff and decision-makers will have a clearer picture of the type of City that citizens wish to encourage and create.

The process started with the strategic planning process that began in 2005. The "In Our Backyard" neighborhood exercises challenged citizens to become visionary city planners. A committee of several dozen citizens and staff from all interests across the city and county then conducted a lengthy series of brainstorming sessions in 2006 to come up with recommendations for Council to follow in the years to come. Council then took that input to build this comprehensive vision through the year 2025. The end product very closely follows the citizen-directed strategic plan.

PRESS HERE for the Vision Statement

PRESS HERE for City Council's Strategic Plan - Draft 1