Draft Chapter: Thriving Economy

Read the Thriving Economy Chapter | Ask a Planner | Review the Chapter Actions | Prioritize the Chapter Objectives

Chapter Summary

This chapter of Albemarle County's draft comprehensive plan focuses on a thriving local economy. A thriving and sustainable economy provides residents with job opportunities, competitive wages, and opportunities for career advancement. A strong economy enhances the community's visibility, attracts visitors, and retains current residents.

Key points include:

The County’s Economic Development Office is undertaking an update of the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan concurrent with the update of the Comprehensive Plan. The goal for the Thriving Economy chapter establishes the County’s higher-level expectation for a thriving economy. At the same time, the objectives identify important elements that contribute to maintaining and enhancing economic vitality. Further direction and actions will be established with the update of the strategic plan.
This chapter identifies priority actions that 1) primarily relate to land use and infrastructure decision-making, and 2) address the provision of services needed for our local workforce (e.g., workforce support services, career and job training).
Land use is critical to supporting, growing, and sustaining economic development in Albemarle County. Designating adequate land for commercial, industrial, and office use is essential for existing and future businesses to expand and thrive.
The 2022 land use buildout analysis, which estimates the capacity of the Development Areas to accommodate future demand for housing and businesses, found that sufficient usable and developable land, as well as affordable structures, must be available to support market demand for economic activity and growth. The specific need is to provide sites that are ready for development, zoned, and with existing or readily available infrastructure.