Staunton City Council 2025 Vision
Adopted by Staunton City Council 09/23/2010
Staunton, unique among cities for its natural beauty and architectural heritage, provides an excellent quality of life for its unified community by continuing the tradition of citizen leadership, innovation, and perseverance. The best of our history combined with the best new ideas and technology make Staunton an exceptional small city with charm, energy, ambiance, and creativity that others seek to emulate.
The Staunton City Council recognizes that the quality of our community in the year 2025 depends upon its commitment to the present and its vision for the future. As a council, we will do what we can to foster a high quality of life for all citizens, to promote sustainable economic development and to nurture a greater sense of community. It shall be the vision of Staunton City Council to balance these three goals today so that we may see a better tomorrow for all.
The roles of both City Council and community leaders are characterized by thoughtful planning and wise decisions resulting in strategic, innovative investments that provide positive returns for citizens’ tax dollars. The following six crucial areas provide focus for improvements that are accomplished by individuals, community groups, and citizens who are united as a local government:
Basic Human Services for All
Staunton citizens’ basic needs are met in terms of: Health care, including prevention, nutrition and environmental health; Safety, ensured by well trained and supported Police, Fire and Rescue Departments who respond quickly and appropriately to all areas of the city; Housing choices, including home ownership opportunities for low and moderate income citizens that are available through financing alternatives, workforce housing and a variety of incentives for the rehabilitation of older homes; Excellent educational opportunities, including not only the Staunton public school system and the many colleges in and around Staunton, but training programs created in collaboration with employers and those educational systems.
Quality Infrastructure
Staunton streets are well paved, with curbs and gutters where they are needed, and sidewalks are abundant. Storm water systems are in place to avoid flooding and all public buildings are equipped with energy efficient heating and cooling units and lighting. The water delivery and sewer system has been constructed throughout the city limits and is well maintained, and the Middle River Wastewater Treatment Plant meets all EPA standards. These improvements have been made possible by grant awards and the use of a dedicated local funding stream for capital improvement projects.
Outreach/Citizen Involvement
All citizens feel included and take pride in the city. Most are involved in some way in the continuous improvement of Staunton’s quality of life. This is accomplished through the use of the website and other social media, frequent Town Hall Meetings, print media, and public service announcements that increase awareness and provide useful information exchanges. We are an open, transparent government. Staunton enjoys an open, honest, fair-minded collaborative relationship with Augusta County, other regional partners, government agencies and the media.
City Council successfully advocates for the interests of its citizens in state policy making.
Economic Development
There are enough good-paying, sustainable jobs available for our next generation to have the opportunity to build their adult lives here. Aggressive recruiting, small business development, the use of new technology, and strategic investments have assured Staunton a diversified employment base ranging from retail and hospitality to high technology, green technology, craftsmanship industries, and government agencies.
Natural Environment and Livability
Staunton’s parks, which continue to be the envy of many localities, are now but a small part of the beautiful natural environment throughout the city. The implementation of corridor overlay plans has made every entrance to Staunton visually appealing. Lovely greenways, pocket parks, and bike paths throughout the City, including sections of Lewis Creek, have been restored by concerned and energized residents in partnership with city government and through the use of a dedicated funding stream for the projects. The City has well maintained homes and neighborhoods as a result of positive attention from the City, along with homeowner commitment and participation.
Staunton is pedestrian friendly, with safe walkways connecting much of the older sections of the city. In addition, public transportation has been expanded to meet the needs of our citizens. Both the walkways and the expanded public transportation have helped reduce private vehicle usage and have resulted in improved air quality and less need for additional parking areas.
Cultural Vitality
Staunton is much more ethnically diverse than in the past and is revitalized with the creation of new synergies. The education community assists in creating commitment, energy, and diversity, not only in the premier educational opportunities that are available, but also in our culture and arts. We have remained dedicated to our unique history and renowned architecture, and have welcomed the addition of many new historic, cultural opportunities such as the American Shakespeare Center, Museum of American Frontier Culture and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.
Our citizens continue to display their “southern hospitality” and authenticity. Because of their hard work and perseverance, they are the beneficiaries of the highest possible quality of life and are proud to say, “I am from Staunton.”
