Clifton council approves $31,200 NVRC contract to update town comprehensive plan

The Clifton Town Council on Feb. 3 approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission to provide technical assistance updating the Town Comprehensive Plan.

VM Jay Davis said the NVRC’s scope includes updated maps, demographics, land-use data, and written plan sections; NVRC staff listed in the agreement include Senior Demographer/GIS Analyst Jill Kaneff and other planners. The council recorded that NVRC completed Clifton’s 2009 plan and will deliver updated maps and draft plan updates within a six-month timeline after contract execution.

Council members noted the cost for the NVRC services rose from an earlier $25,000 estimate to $31,200. The FY2026 budget includes $20,000 for the plan and $5,000 for consulting services, so the council acknowledged that an additional $7,000 would need to be budgeted next fiscal year. VM Davis moved to approve the agreement; CM Darrell Poe seconded and the motion passed by roll call.

The MOU states NVRC will update maps (zoning, future land use, parks, floodplain, pedestrian walkways and other exhibits), verify and update narrative sections (population, housing, groundwater, infrastructure and climate), and deliver high-quality mapping products and a draft updated plan. The agreement limits NVRC compensation to $31,200 unless modified by written amendment and anticipates completion within six months of the start date.

The council authorized the agreement but did not appropriate funds beyond the MOU’s stated cap; staff will return to council with any required budget adjustments.