Town Council adopts 'Our Goal, Bedford 2045' comprehensive plan unanimously

The Town of Bedford formally adopted its long-range comprehensive plan, titled Our Goal, Bedford 2045, after council discussion and a unanimous 7–0 vote.

Town Manager Bart Warner told listeners that consultants EPR Incorporated presented the plan and that the planning commission held a public hearing before recommending the document to council. Warner said the Virginia Department of Transportation had found the plan consistent with its requirements on Feb. 2, 2026. Vice Mayor Updike, the council’s planning commission representative, said he would have liked broader public involvement but praised staff and the consultants for their work and emphasized the need to tie the plan to the council’s strategic priorities and to address parks and green space.

The plan provides guidance on land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure and community facilities intended to align future development with community goals through the year 2045. Councilman Dwight Evans moved to approve the planning commission’s recommendation; Councilman Dave Foster seconded. The motion carried unanimously, with all seven members present voting in favor.

Mayor Stanley and other council members noted that the document remains amendable and that staff and council will continue to refine vision and implementation steps as circumstances change. Warner said the planning commission’s review included public engagement and that commissioners had discussed chapters on pocket parks and potential recreational opportunities on town-owned property near the Stony Creek Reservoir; the council has engaged the Bedford Regional Water Authority and the county administrator in those ongoing discussions.

Next steps include posting the adopted plan to the town’s public records and incorporating the plan’s guidance into future budget and strategic decisions. The planning commission and council retained authority to review and propose amendments in future meetings.