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The community’s input helped to crystalize a clear vision for the future of Blacksburg’s Downtown. This vision strives for a balance between the three elements shaping the area’s future: growth of the area’s population and economy, a commitment to expressing and celebrating Blacksburg’s distinct identity, and the need to address the rising cost of housing in order to ensure that Blacksburg is an equitable community as it develops and grows. Each of these three elements must come together in a way that allows Downtown to be the type of place that is inviting, accessible, vibrant, walkable, and, above all, unique to Blacksburg.

V I S I ON STATEMENT The vision that emerged through the public participation process offers a lens through which to understand the conditions affecting Downtown Blacksburg’s evolution. It also offers a foundation for the goals, objectives, and tangible strategies for guiding the area’s future.

The remainder of this Downtown Strategy document explores the opportunities and challenges presented by Downtown Blacksburg’s existing market, economic, physical, and policy context, then expands on the goals, objectives, and strategies that the town can pursue to achieve this vision. These strategies will help to guide the tangible investments in Downtown that will shape its evolution into the future.

What is our vision for the future of Downtown Blackburg ?

Downtown will be a dynamic , progressive , and accessible place that fosters growth and innovation ; celebrates the town’s history , character , and distinctiveness ; and offers a diversity of housing options to ensure an equitable future.

Chapter 1 - Process: Community Input

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