Planning commission reviews AC44 'Thriving Economy' chapter; members press for more site-ready land, housing and workforce steps

Albemarle County planning staff presented the “Thriving Economy” chapter of AC44 to the Planning Commission during a March 11 work session, asking commissioners for feedback on draft objectives and actions that focus on land use, site readiness and workforce supports.

The chapter, which planning staff said is intended to guide a 20-year implementation horizon, emphasizes maintaining an inventory of land and infrastructure for employment uses, encouraging infill and redevelopment in activity centers, supporting small businesses and workforce development, and aligning the comprehensive plan with a forthcoming economic development strategic plan.

“AC44 recognizes the economic development Strategic Plan as the primary document guiding the county’s economic development and growth,” Ben Holt, presenting for the AC44 team, told the commission. “The draft chapter actions are more focused on land use and regulatory efforts, which are less likely to change with future strategic-plan input.”

Why it matters: The AC44 comprehensive plan will shape the county’s long-range land-use decisions and help prioritize projects in the capital-improvement plan. Commissioners said the economy chapter needs to address where jobs will locate, how to provide a range of building sizes and types, and how to retain and train a local workforce — not only recruit employees from outside the county.

Commission questions and staff responses

Commissioners focused on three interrelated issues: the supply of…