AGENDA DATE: 8/5/2026
TITLE:
Title
AC44 Implementation - Activity Center Plans
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Work session to present the Activity Center Plan process and the location of the first plan.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Svoboda, Barnes, McDermott, Swartzendruber, Holt, Wilkinson
PRESENTER (S): James Wilkinson
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The County’s recently adopted AC44 Comprehensive Plan went into effect on January 1, 2026. On April 15th, the Board reviewed the five Work Projects proposed for AC44 implementation. One of the Work Projects is Activity Center planning, an effort to provide a clear roadmap for identified locations of higher-density development and redevelopment, tax base diversification, and public initiatives as we welcome 31,000 new residents over the next 18 years. The effort will directly address the Big Moves, Goals, Objectives, and Actions established in AC44 and align with the County’s Strategic Plan.
Since the April Board of Supervisors meeting, CDD staff have conducted background research for major Activity Center clusters across the Development Areas, drawing on existing master plans, recent rezoning activity, area VDOT projects, existing development, property ownership patterns, GIS analysis, online planning resources, and internal discussions. The goal was to evaluate these areas using selection criteria and identify the best candidate locations for the first Activity Center planning effort. Staff have also refined the process for Activity Center planning efforts, including timelines, milestones, and key deliverables.
The prioritization effort identified three areas with similar, high-ranking scores, qualifying each as priority candidates for Albemarle's first Activity Center Plan:
The U.S. Route 29 - Airport Road area south to Ashwood Boulevard
The U.S. Route 29 - Rio Road area
South Pantops
Following a work session with the Planning Commission on June 9 to review the three locations, staff has selected the U.S. Route 29 - Airport Road area south to Ashwood Boulevard location for the first Activity Center Plan.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality of Life - Encourage a vibrant community with economic and recreational opportunities that serve all community members.
DISCUSSION: Staff will present an overview of Activity Center Planning as well as the prioritization of locations in the Development Areas for Activity Center planning activities (Attachment A). Staff will also provide more information on the Activity Center planning process, including timelines and deliverables (Attachment B). The intention is to provide information to the Board on the Activity Center Planning process and the location selected for the first Activity Center Plan, providing confirmation of the next steps for the implementation of this AC44 Work Project.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this agenda item.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff requests that the Board review the information on the Activity Center planning process and the first Activity Center Plan location and provide general agreement/approval of the approach to this work project.
ATTACHMENTS:
Att. A. ACP Overview and Priority Location Review
Att. B. ACP Detailed Process Table