The Blacksburg Town Council establishes strategic goals to help focus the council and staff on current issues of community interest and guide the town’s work plan. Blacksburg is prized for its natural beauty, small town charm and the quality of life afforded by a 21st century town-gown community. It is critical to keep these qualities in mind as our town continues to grow and develop. A successful and sustainable town must have a thriving business community and a beautiful, healthy environment with safe and enriching neighborhoods. For our town to retain these qualities and build upon these attributes, the following strategic goals have been identified by the Blacksburg Town Council in 2024.

Town Council Strategic Goals 2024-2026

Transportation

Plan and construct transportation improvements that focus on “moving people, not cars” as well as prioritizing investments in pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.

Housing

Implement strategies to encourage the development of affordable and middle‐ income owner‐occupied and rental housing for long‐term residents, young professionals, families and seniors.

Downtown and Economic Development

Plan for additional structured parking, cultivate and support independent retail, protect the Town’s historic character, and continue to invest in streetscape and place‐making projects in downtown.

Expand Recreational Opportunities

Provide amenities to improve the user experience in the park system, plan for indoor recreation improvements, continue to invest in trails and outdoor recreation and further develop the supporting infrastructure for high‐quality parks.

Community Well being and Engaged Community

Promote initiatives and events to enhance community wellbeing and residents’ connection to each other, individually and institutionally.

Communication

Focus on clear, intentional, and effective communication by actively engaging our citizens, welcoming their diverse perspectives, and ensuring they receive timely, accurate, and accessible information.

Continuing Community Values

Environmental Sustainability ‐ Continue the Town’s environmental sustainability efforts to implement the Town’s Climate Action Plan.

Neighborhood Quality ‐ Continue the ongoing focus on code enforcement activities in key neighborhoods to address negative impacts of rental properties. Continue to look for and use all tools available to the town for effective neighborhood code enforcement.

Affordable Housing – Continue to support the development of affordable housing in Blacksburg and the surrounding region.

Regional Cooperation – Continue positive relationships with Virginia Tech and neighboring communities in the New River Valley. Work to build closer working relationships with the Roanoke Valley and communities in Southwest Virginia.