Draft Focus Action Plan emphasizes people, places and partnerships; council asks for clearer language on economic development

Deputy City Manager Monica Kravski briefed the council on a draft Focus Action Plan covering fiscal years 2025–27 and summarized the process for turning council retreat priorities, departmental performance plans and resident feedback into measurable initiatives. She described the plan’s three pillars — people, places and partnerships — and said staff will track progress through departmental performance plans and the Office of Performance and Accountability.

Kraskvi (sic) — Monica Kravski — presented results from two resident input efforts: a Speak Up Virginia web survey with 12,63 respondents and a demographically representative survey administered by ETC. Public safety, housing affordability, flood protection and education emerged among top priorities, Kravski said, and staff proposed initiatives across the plan’s pillars, including traffic calming, apprentice programs tied to schools and review of public‑private partnership guidelines.

Councilmembers sought clearer framing on 'economic development' versus outcomes such as job opportunities and attainable housing, and asked for stronger emphasis on regional partnerships. Councilmembers also requested accessible copies of the public comments (more than 1,000 open‑ended responses) and a refresher briefing on the parks needs-assessment before a final vote. Kravski said staff will return with edits and targeted clarifications and is aiming to present an updated plan for council action in late November or December.

Why it matters: The focus plan sets council priorities and guides staff performance plans and budget tradeoffs; language and prioritization choices affect program selection and timing across major issues such as housing, transportation and flood protection.

The council did not adopt the plan at the session; staff will revise the draft per council direction and circulate changes ahead of the adoption timeline.