Community Participation

A Shared Vision for the Future

Every five years, Virginia Beach takes a new look at its long-term vision for the community.  That vision is called the Comprehensive Plan.  The participation of Virginia Beach residents and friends was critical to the City Council and Planning Commission’s endeavor for a shared vision for our future. The best plans grow from the ground up, and this Comprehensive Plan was a grass-roots effort developed by and for the residents and friends of Virginia Beach.

The City held 12 public open houses in the fall of 2008 to learn about planning issues and goals that were important in the minds of our citizens.  A number of meetings were also held with a wide range of stakeholder groups to gather information of importance to them.  After carefully considering all comments, a final draft of the Comprehensive Plan was completed on October 1, 2009.

This Plan is Our Current, Collective Vision

Three public information meetings were held in late October 2009 to afford citizens the opportunity to learn more about the final draft of the Plan and talk to city planners about issues of interest to them.  The Planning Commission considered all comments received and held a public hearing to obtain further public comment on the Plan.  Following discussion of these comments, the Planning Commission approved their recommended changes to the Comprehensive Plan Final Draft for City Council consideration.  This occurred on November 12, 2009. 

The City Council held a public hearing on December 1, 2009 and another public session a week later on December 8, 2009 when they voted unanimously to adopt “It’s Our Future,” the City of Virginia Beach’s Comprehensive Plan.  More​​