Candidates call for zoning review, clearer economic strategy and marketing for Stafford

Several candidates said Stafford needs a clearer zoning and economic-development strategy to attract families, reduce transiency and increase sales-tax revenue.

Candidate William Bosley and others said Stafford should expand efforts to attract hotels and destinations at the Stafford Center to drive “heads and beds” and boost sales tax. Bosley described an upcoming business symposium and a plan to create a dedicated Stafford Economic Development Corporation director position to coordinate business recruitment.

Multiple candidates urged updating Stafford’s comprehensive plan and re-examining zoning to preserve corridors, reduce warehouse sprawl and create distinct areas for retail, entertainment and residential uses. “If you want to drive the direction of where you want to take the city, you have to look at zoning,” a candidate who served on the zoning commission said, noting the comprehensive plan had not been updated since about 2018.

Christopher Caldwell and others warned that some agreements with developers (referred to as “the grid”) delay the city’s receipt of sales-tax revenue for years; they urged internal audits of contracts and stricter review of incentive packages so the city benefits sooner from new development.

Candidates tied zoning and economic strategy to population trends and school enrollment, saying well-located retail and family-friendly amenities could help attract and retain young families.