AGENDA DATE: 1/11/2023
TITLE:
Title
AC44 Phase 2
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Share an overview of the Phase 2 engagement plan, proposed updated structure for the Comprehensive Plan, and the updated Framework for an Equitable and Resilient Community and request Board feedback on the Phase 2 engagement plan and Comp Plan structure.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Filardo, McDermott, Kanellopoulos
PRESENTER (S): Tori Kanellopoulos, Senior Planner II; Vlad Gavrilovic, Principal Planner at EPR, PC
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In November 2021, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors directed staff to begin work on the Comprehensive Plan update: Albemarle County 2044 (AC44). The AC44 process includes four phases and three project goals:
1. Update plan content to reflect recent County-wide strategic initiatives including climate action, economic development, and multi-modal transportation planning.
2. Ensure that equity is integrated into the engagement process and the updated plan content, consistent with the County’s “Community” organizational value.
3. Improve Plan usability by articulating clearly prioritized goals, incorporating metrics for tracking progress, and applying a modern, streamlined document design.
The Comprehensive Plan update is moving into Phase 2. As part of the update process, staff will ask for Board feedback on engagement plans at the beginning of each phase of work.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life of all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: The AC44 process is beginning Phase 2. This phase will identify main topics for the Comprehensive Plan, such as transportation, land use, and economic development. The expected deliverables for Phase 2 are updated policies for each topic and the development of toolkits for land use, transportation, and other topics as needed. Phase 2 will:
• Affirm a new structure for the Comprehensive Plan and identify the main Plan topics.
• Review existing conditions, current trends, challenges and opportunities, and equity and climate action considerations by topic.
• Review and update the current (2015) Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives (referred to as ‘policies’).
• Develop and refine toolkits for land use, transportation, and other topics as needed. Toolkits may include development guidelines, multimodal system planning, and other recommendations.
Staff’s proposed Phase 2 Engagement Plan is provided in Attachment A for Board review and feedback. The Engagement Plan includes overall engagement goals, a summary of the engagement approach, and a tentative schedule for Phase 2.
Consistent with the third AC44 project goal, the proposed updated Plan structure would be modern, streamlined, and improve Plan usability (Attachment B). The Framework for an Equitable and Resilient Community will be used to guide the work of upcoming AC44 phases, including updating policies and drafting toolkits.
The Framework was developed during Phase 1 and was shared with the Planning Commission at their September 27 work session and with the Board of Supervisors at their October 19 work session. The Framework has been updated based on feedback from the Planning Commission and Board and is included as Attachment C.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this agenda item. The Fiscal Year 2022 budget identified $665,000 from the Board of Supervisors Strategic Priority reserve to fund work associated with the Comprehensive Plan Update and Zoning Ordinance Update.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board receive the project update and provide feedback on the Phase 2 engagement plan and the proposed Comprehensive Plan structure.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Phase 2 Engagement Plan
B - Overview of Updated Comprehensive Plan Structure
C - Framework for an Equitable and Resilient Community