Chapter 1 Update: Vision

The City of Falls Church 2040 Vision

Adopted unanimously by the City Council on April 10, 2017:
In the year 2040, the City of Falls Church is a welcoming and inclusive community – a special place in the heart of Northern Virginia. Involved citizens are key to the City’s long-term success as a leader in education, environmental sustainability, multi-modal transportation, and vibrant economic development.

By investing in neighborhoods, community services and facilities, schools, and parks the City preserves small-town character and history while honoring a deep commitment to progress and a growing community. The continual rejuvenation of robust commercial areas supports the City’s high quality of life for all citizens.

What is the Vision Chapter?

The Visioning Chapter provides an overarching picture of what the City wants to be over the next 25 years. The Vision Chapter is part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for all aspects of planning and development.
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Why Was the Vision Chapter Updated?

Before the 2017 revision, the City's Vision Chapter was last updated in 2005. Since that time, many changes have occurred within the City and the larger metropolitan area. Updating the Vision Chapter gave the community an opportunity to discuss the following questions - Is the 2005 vision still valid? Does it accurately reflect the community's values? Does it need to be modified to respond to changes that have occurred in and around Falls Church over the last 10 years? Is it compatible with the planning efforts of surrounding jurisdictions and larger regional trends?

The public engagement process included over 30 opportunities to learn and give feedback about the Vision Chapter. See the schedule below.

Public Engagement Schedule

Date Group Type of Event
June 18, 2016
 Community Public Meeting #1
August 1, 2016 through
​ September 9, 2016		 Community Survey
August 6, 2016 Community Pop-Up Meeting at Farmers Market
August 10, 2016 Community Pop-Up Meeting at Panera
August 24, 2016 Community Pop-Up Meeting at Eden Center
August 31, 2016 Community Pop-Up Meeting at Falls Plaza
September 6, 2016 Planning Commission Update Briefing
September 19, 2016 City Council Work Session
October 1, 2016
 Community Public Meeting #2
October 24, 2016 City Council Status Report
November 5, 2016 Community Pop-Up Meeting at Farmers Market
November 7, 2016 Planning Commission Work Session
November 21, 2016 City Council Work Session
​Concurrence to go to Boards and Commissions
December 6, 2016 Economic Development Authority (EDA) Work Session
December 7, 2016
 Architectural Advisory Board (AAB)
 Work Session
December 7, 2016 Recreation & Parks Advisory Board Work Session
December 14, 2016 Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) Work Session
December 15, 2016 Arts and Humanities Council Work Session
December 15, 2016 Environmental Sustainability Council (ESC) Work Session
December 15, 2016 Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) Work Session
January 10, 2017 Housing Commission Work Session
January 12, 2017 Chamber of Commerce Work Session
January 17, 2017 Planning Commission Work Session
January 18, 2017 Tree Commission Work Session
January 26, 2017 Historical Commission Work Session
January 26, 2017 Historic Architecture Review Board Work Session
February 6, 2017 Planning Commission
 Public Hearing and Action
February 21, 2017 City Council Work Session
February 27, 2017
 City Council
 Meeting
March 8, 2017 through March 19, 2017 Community Survey
March 27, 2017 City Council Meeting
April 3, 2017 Planning Commission Public Hearing and Action
April 10, 2017 City Council Public Hearing and Action