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IMPLEMENTATION

CHAPTER 6

investments in public facilities are highly visible and generate the most excitement, they are also the most expensive efforts and will need to be phased over a long period of time, prioritizing projects where they are most likely to catalyze key development opportunities downtown. Updates to policy and town regulations, however, are often done at low expense and are critical first steps towards enabling the private sector to respond with projects that will meet the needs of the community. The value of these somewhat more “invisible” changes should not be underestimated and every effort should be made to complete a majority of these updates within two years after adoption of this plan. It is also important to note that the town may need to be actively involved to facilitate redevelopment of several key sites, with the possibility of forming public/private partnerships, assembling properties, or drafting requests for proposals.

IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS

I MPLEMENT I NG THE PLAN

Strategy 1: Establish Development Opportunities  Town of Blacksburg  Development Community Strategy 2: Address Housing Affordability  Town of Blacksburg  Virginia Tech  Virginia Tech Foundation  Affordable Housing Non-Profit Groups

The Strategic Plan for Downtown Blacksburg sets forth a vision that will add housing, improve the public realm, and spur economic growth. To ensure that implementation does not stall or become eclipsed by other day-to- day needs, it is recommended to designate a point-person or a small committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of this plan. This person or group will act as a project manager, reviewing progress regularly, coordinating the efforts of the various Town departments, advocating for necessary funding, maintaining ongoing communication with citizens and businesses involved in creating the plan, and fostering connections with other entities that can take the lead on specific tasks. The implementation matrix presented in this chapter summarizes all of the plan’s key implementation items and identifies key participants that will likely need to be involved. The matrix also includes a timeline which outlines the general phasing and prioritization of efforts that will need to take place. While streetscape improvements and other Implementation of the strategies laid out in the plan will span efforts in capital improvements, regulatory updates, and other policies that facilitate the type of development that aligns with the town’s priorities and goals.

Strategy 3: Move People, Not Cars  Town of Blacksburg  Virginia Tech  Strategy 4: Enhance the Public Realm  Town of Blacksburg  Development Community  Virginia Tech

Virginia Department of Transportation

Strategy 5: Foster Innovation & Economic Growth  Town of Blacksburg  Development Community  Virginia Tech  Virginia Tech Foundation  Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce  Business Community Strategy 6: Celebrate Town Distinctiveness  Town of Blacksburg  Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce  Local Arts Groups  Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation  Affordable Housing Non-Profit Groups

131 Downtown Blacksburg Strategic Plan

Strategy 7: Six Districts, One Downtown  Town of Blacksburg  Development Community  Community at large