City of Staunton

May 8, 2026— The City of Staunton is entering a pivotal phase in shaping its future, inviting residents to review and provide feedback on the full draft of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update. This review period represents the culmination of over a year of community engagement, moving the city closer to a final roadmap for long-term growth and investment.

The draft is available at https://arcg.is/1PTXmP0

The comment period will be open until May 25.

Shaped by the Community
A Comprehensive Plan serves as the community's "roadmap for the future," guiding decisions on land use, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. This latest draft incorporates significant feedback gathered through stakeholder meetings, community open houses, and previous surveys. Key highlights in this draft driven by community input include:

• Walkable Communities: A new land use designation in the Future Land Use Map for Mixed Use Developments to facilitate more connected, walkable neighborhoods.
• Infrastructure Priorities: A strengthened emphasis on maintaining city infrastructure, with a specific focus on "closing the gaps" in the city’s sidewalk network.
• Preserving Character: Policies encouraging compatible infill development to protect Staunton’s unique historic character.
• Natural Resources: New goals for expanding the urban tree canopy and implementing responsible lighting practices to preserve natural assets.

Next Steps to Adoption
The public input window is timed to conclude ahead of a special City Council Work Session scheduled for June 3 at 6 p.m. in the 2nd-floor meeting room of the Staunton Public Library. Feedback received during this period will be shared with City Council to inform potential final revisions.

“This is an exciting moment where residents can see their vision translated into policy,” said Long Range Planner Meggie Taylor. “We want to ensure the community has one more look at the full picture before we move toward the formal public hearings and adoption this summer.”

How to Participate
The City encourages all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to share their thoughts through the following channels:

• Online: Online: The draft is separated into four easy-to-navigate sections. Use the dedicated comment boxes located below each section on the Comprehensive Plan Website.
• Email: Direct comments can be sent to Meggie Taylor at Taylormj@ci.staunton.va.us.

Following this review and the June work session, formal public hearings will be held before the Planning Commission and City Council later this summer.