Policy Plan Update Approved by Board of Supervisors

Updated policies will now be incorporated in the Policy Plan, which impacts future land use decisions and potential development throughout the county. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved Phase 1 of the multiyear project, Plan Forward, which focuses on a wholistic update of several topics in the Policy Plan that had not been updated since 1990.

The Policy Plan is a key part of the county’s Comprehensive Plan that guides land use decisions through a wide range of topics. Elements addressed within the Policy Plan include 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.

As approved by the board, Plan Forward Phase 1 will incorporate the following into the Policy Plan:

• Updates to the Comprehensive Plan Overview, previously called the Preface/Introduction
• Revisions to several elements within the Policy Plan including Land Use, Transportation, Environment, and Parks and Recreation, Refinements to the Glossary
• Creation of a new Healthy Communities Element
• Incorporation of equitable development policies throughout
• Absorption of the Visual and Performing Arts, and Human Services elements into other elements of the Policy Plan.

Community feedback was used alongside staff analysis to inform changes to the Policy Plan. Plan Forward’s community engagement opportunities were available from spring 2024 through fall 2025 and included several in-person and virtual meetings, a community survey and outreach at community events like farmer’s markets, libraries and back-to-school events.

Plan Forward Phase 2 is anticipated to kickoff in 2026 and will focus on reviewing the remaining Policy Plan elements: Housing; Economic Development; Heritage Resources; Parks and Recreation; Revitalization; the Chesapeake Bay Supplement; Public Facilities; and the Glossary. Opportunities for community engagement will be shared through the project webpage. The community is encouraged to stay informed and sign up to receive email updates about Plan Forward.