Program Topics

Community Planning

Virginia is experiencing a progressively unfolding dilemma as a consequence of booming population growth and development in the context of limited natural resources. Urban development, suburban sprawl, reduced acreages of agricultural lands, transportation pressures, coastal densities, habitat fragmentation, water allocation and quality issues will become even more contentious issues than they are today.

However, we have the opportunity to come together as citizens and create innovative ways to build more efficient buildings, towns and communities, conserve natural areas, protect the environment and keep agricultural lands in productivity. It will be a challenge and it will not be easy. Our goal as a state must be to create the optimum and sustainable use of our land for urban, conservation and agricultural needs as far into the future as we can plan.

Extension has a role to play in that by providing an unbiased source of information. Often this means creating an awareness of situations and issues (trends, policies, opportunities, tools). Secondarily, Extension can be called upon to facilitate dialog among interest groups. The Community Viability program is building relationships with existing land use educators across the state and developing new programs in partnership that help localities plan for a brighter future.

To learn more about Community Viability programs and assistance concerning Community Planning

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