Jeff Lazenby

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's strategic plan and 2025 program of work aim to cultivate a thriving, vibrant, and diverse business community with a balanced and growing economy. The plan is guided by four strategic pillars: Invest, Connect, Engage, and Prosper, focusing on providing quality programs, enhancing collaboration, advocating for business interests, and strengthening the local economy. It includes specific goals for 2025-2028 related to membership growth, retention, and financial stability, supported by various committees and initiatives.

The Town Council is considering Ordinance 2100 to amend the FY 2025/2026 Operating Budget by accepting and appropriating funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and unappropriated fund balance for the Cycle Track project. The project's bids exceeded the budget due to inflation, and the additional funding would allow construction to proceed as planned. The budgetary impact of the Town's share of funding would be $108,846 less for Capital Improvement Projects next year.

The strategic direction and 2025 program of work for the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce focuses on cultivating a thriving and diverse business community with a balanced economy. The plan outlines goals for 2025-2028, including increasing membership to 17% of businesses in Montgomery County and the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, maintaining an 86%-88% membership retention rate, and ensuring 15% of the membership is comprised of minority-owned businesses. The Chamber aims to support its mission through quality programs, community investment, collaboration, and advocacy for equality and business growth.

The Town Council is considering Ordinance 2093, which amends the FY 2026 Operating Budget to accept and appropriate $55,000 of grant funding from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to the General Fund, to purchase public safety equipment. The grant requires a local match of $19,000, which is available in the Police Department's FY 2026 Operating Budget. The funding must be expended by December 31, 2025.

The Blacksburg Town Council's strategic goals for 2024-2026 focus on transportation improvements that prioritize pedestrians, bicycles, and transit, along with encouraging affordable and middle-income housing development. The plan aims to support downtown economic development by planning additional parking and investing in streetscape projects. It also seeks to expand recreational opportunities by improving park amenities and investing in trails. Further goals include enhancing community well-being through various initiatives, improving communication with citizens, and continuing efforts in environmental sustainability, neighborhood quality, affordable housing, and regional cooperation.