Regional Economic Development Plan: February 2002

The TJPDC unanimously adopted the Proposed Economic Development Plan at their February 2002 meeting. The plan is the work of the Economic Development Plan Committee, which was appointed by the TJPDC in the spring of 1999.

This plan addresses economic development for the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, including the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. The Economic Development Plan Committee's view of economic development is not primarily based on physical developments, but rather on preserving and supporting the quality of life of our citizens. The committee embraces the objectives of providing a strong and diversified tax base and making provisions for upwardly mobile employment, but considers it essential that these objectives be kept in balance with preserving the unique qualities of our community. In this view, economic development fits within the principles of sustainability, preserves the integrity of designated rural areas and open space, and recognizes the impact of development on natural resources.

Strategies for realizing increased economic activity are not limited to attracting new businesses to the area, but also include supporting existing business and industry, protecting profitable agriculture, and attracting tourists by promoting the region's natural beauty and historical and agricultural heritage. Looking at economic development from a regional perspective addresses the interdependence of adjacent jurisdictions on the use of natural resources, recognizes the regional impacts of cross-jurisdictional shopping and commuting patterns, and uses the diverse strengths of the overall region to support the localities.

The plan presents a coordinated strategy using public authority to direct development in sustainable ways. The plan seeks to establish efficient land use patterns and identify efficient transportation systems in order to restrict the wasteful use of land, reserve and promote development areas and preserve and protect rural, natural and heritage areas. The plan strongly recommends that economic development goals be pursued and realized within the concept of quality of life and that economic development efforts respect and build on the strengths and unique characteristics of our region.