Operating Budget 2025-2026

TOWN MANAGER

NARRATIVE

The Town Manager’s Office provides leadership and support to town activities and departments and carries out the policies of the Town Council in a fair and equitable manner. The mission is to facilitate effective communication between town government, citizens, community organizations and institutions, and neighboring jurisdictions including the State and Federal government. It serves as the Town’s economic development office while also managing special projects. FY 2024-2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Obligated all $13million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the business community, affordable housing initiatives, and quality of life enhancements. • Completed the Multi-Modal Transit Facility (MMTF) project on the Virginia Tech campus. • Recruited and hired Directors of Planning and Building and Engineering and GIS due to the retirement of the incumbents. • Assisted the new Directors of Planning and Building and Engineering and GIS with the transition to the organization. • Completed the construction of the Interim Draper Road Streetscape project. • Hired a Business Solutions Manager to assist existing and aspiring businesses in Blacksburg be successful. • Relaunched the Downtown Façade Grant Program to reinvest in downtown Blacksburg buildings. FY 2025-2026 OBJECTIVES • Address Town Council’s Strategic Goals and Community Values. • Recruit and hire a Director of Finance due to the retirement of the incumbent. • Assist the new Director of Finance with the transition to the organization. • Continue to address development service improvements to best manage growth impacts and housing initiatives. • Encourage investment in and improved maintenance quality of downtown buildings through the Downtown Façade Grant Program. • Work with Retail Strategies and community partners to implement the five-year Action Plan for downtown as well as improve the economic vitality of retail in Blacksburg through various small businesses recruitment and retention initiatives. • Assist the Fire Department in conjunction with the Insurance Services Office (ISO) with evaluating the communities Class 5 rating by ISO for fire protection capabilities.

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