Housing, Economic Development: Loudoun Board Of Supervisors Adopt 6 Focus Areas

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — With a new year, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will take directions with focus areas like economic development, diverse housing, preservation and more.

The board approved six focus areas for members' remaining term through 2027. The board had held a strategic planning retreat in June and approved the final focus areas in December.

Those focus areas are:

Supporting Businesses and Promoting Economic Development

With the largest concentration of data center in the world in Loudoun County, the board acknowleged the impact on revenue and keeping homeowners' real estate taxes low. However, the board wants to focus on supporting existing businesses and diversifying the economy by attracting new industries.

Diverse Housing Needs

While there is demand for housing over all income levels, the county said there is a particular need among households earning 0 to 60 percent of area median income. The board could update its comprehensive plan to promote "innovative and accessible housing," including multimodal, walkable housing while protecting western Loudoun's open space.

Preserving Open Space and Environment

While the county grows and presents more development potential, the board recognized that two-thirds of the county is rural with an agricultural economy. The board is seeking to permanently preserve open spaces in western Loudoun to preserve its character and rural tourism. In addition, the board wants to focus on more community, neighborhood and district parks for residents throughout the county.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

The board wants to continue work on making the county welcoming for all people. That could include finding new ways to engage the community to guage their needs. The board previously created an Office of Equity and Inclusion and has discussed establishing a Human Rights Commission.

Transportation Connections

The board wants to continue work on connecting the county by completing major transportation projects. The focus area will include improving county’s bus services by focusing on high-traffic, lower-income areas and considering an on-demand bus program. The county could look to make improvements along Route 50 to receive federal and state support for transportation projects as well as support for agritourism.

Community Programs and Services

The board will continue looking at how to boost existing programs and services and develop new ones. Members also discussed improving access to programs and services, adding more arts programs and addressing cost barriers and barriers for people with disabilities.

Along with the six focus areas, the board revised its vision statement by adding visitors: "While appreciating and acknowledging our rich history, Loudoun County strives to be a prosperous, inclusive, equitable and sustainable community where residents and visitors feel free to live, work, learn and play."

Next, the board will develop a work plan to help county staff prioritize projects during the board's term. The first work plan update could be presented to the board in early 2025.