Pathway to 2040: Comprehensive Plan Update

The Planning Office is incorporating community and Board of Supervisor comments into the next draft of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, named the "Pathway to 2040." Now is an excellent time to refresh our collective memories as to what a comprehensive plan is, how is it used, and why it is now being revised. 

What is the Prince William County Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is the blueprint for projected growth and development of the County over the next 20 years.

It addresses: Community design, cultural resources, economic development, environmental protection, housing, infrastructure and facilities needs, land use, mobility, open space and utilities.

It ensures alignment with:

• Recent planning efforts
• Population projections
• Demographic projections

It is responsive to:

• The needs of the County
• Guiding the County’s future growth, redevelopment and preservation
• The County’s investments in future public infrastructure

How is the Comprehensive Plan used?

The Comprehensive Plan is a guide the County, residents, businesses, developers and other stakeholders use to ensure that development is in line with the Board's vision for the County.

• The Board of County Supervisors uses the Plan to evaluate rezoning projects and the Capital Improvement Program.
• Developers use the Plan to guide their proposals.
• Staff uses the Plan to negotiate rezonings and special use permit cases.
• The community uses the Plan to learn where new growth and development is likely to occur.

Having a visionary, up-to-date Comprehensive Plan is critical to the long-term success of Prince William County.

Why is the Comprehensive Plan being revised now?

According to the Code of Virginia, a Comprehensive Plan should be prepared and adopted by a locality. Once the Comprehensive Plan is adopted, it shall be reviewed by the local planning commission to determine whether it is advisable to amend the Plan.

Prince William County is a dynamic and growing county in a metropolitan area that has seen significant changes since the current Comprehensive Plan was last updated. Updating the Comprehensive Plan provides an opportunity to review, confirm, and refine the County's vision for the future considering current demographic, land use and transportation patterns.

Visit the project portal to find more information about the draft Comprehensive Plan updates. (The portal is no longer available with the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in December 2022.)

Subscribe to PWC Alerts to stay updated on upcoming opportunities to participate in the Comprehensive Plan Process. Under My Subscriptions, select Pathway to 2040.