
As Fairfax County's multi-year project, Plan Forward, moves ahead to update policies that guide land development, new community outreach opportunities are coming up. Meetings, both in-person and virtual, kick off Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Plan Forward focuses on updating the policies in the Policy Plan, a part of the Comprehensive Plan, which affects future land use decisions and potential development. The county started community outreach for Plan Forward in the spring of 2024 to get different types of community feedback for potential policy updates.
Community members are encouraged to join a community meeting, in person or virtually, this February to learn about new research findings that impact the Policy Plan, submit feedback and ask questions. Besides attending a meeting, county residents can get involved by:
- Signing up for email updates on Plan Forward
- Tuning into Channel 16 to watch a Board of Supervisors Land Use Policy Committee or Planning Commission Policy Plan Committee Meeting about a topic of your interest. Tentative dates can be found on our project webpage.
- Sharing what you see for the future of Fairfax County
- Answering the Plan Forward community survey
Community input will inform recommendations to update the Policy Plan and consider any new policies needed to enhance the Policy Plan.
Covering a wide range of topics, the Policy Plan has not been updated completely since it was adopted in 1990. Plan elements, like expanding economic opportunities, providing access to public facilities and convenient modes of transportation, and creating a pleasing and sustainable environment to live and work in, are all addressed within the Policy Plan. It’s the common thread that guides land use decisions in the county.
Plan Forward is an important chance to ensure the updated Comprehensive Plan policies enhance the quality of life for residents. Plan Forward is guided by several county efforts, such as the Countywide Strategic Plan, One Fairfax, Resilient Fairfax, and the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access Strategy.
Upcoming Community Meetings in February
In-Person Community Meetings
- Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6-8 p.m.
Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton - Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-noon
Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly - Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Virtual Community Meetings
- Monday, Feb. 10, noon-1 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-8 p.m.
Find the virtual community meeting links and more information about Plan Forward and the latest opportunities to participate on the project website.