Housing, Trails And Public Safety: Fredericksburg Council Adopts 2026-2029 Plan

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Fredericksburg City Council adopted 34 priorities to guide city work through 2029 and agreed to form a transportation and trails committee during its Sept. 22 meeting.

The priorities and implementation plan address housing affordability, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, arts and environmental initiatives. Council approved the plan 6-0.

Mayor Kerry Devine said the priorities will guide budget decisions and allow residents to track progress through quarterly updates.

“It’s basically marching orders,” Devine said.

Housing, Infrastructure And Public Safety Priorities

The plan follows council and staff discussions in June and a review in August. It supports a broader community vision extending to 2050.

Planned initiatives include a housing study to identify ways to expand housing options while avoiding displacement, an updated economic development strategic plan, water and sewer improvements, and exploration of relocating the CSX railyard.

The plan also calls for establishing a Fredericksburg Youth Advisory Council, expanding the police department’s Crisis Intervention Response Team from one response team to two, and improving lighting and other safety infrastructure in parks and along trails.

Arts initiatives include a street mural at Sophia and Charlotte streets, a mural at City Center on Caroline Street and expanded opportunities for public sculpture.

Council member Susanna Finn said residents had expressed interest in more murals and street activities following the community’s participation in a best Main Street competition. Those interests were reflected in the priorities, she said.

Transportation Committee To Include Public Input

Council members gave informal assent to Devine’s proposal for a transportation and trails committee led by Vice Mayor Charlie Frye Jr. and council member Will Mackintosh.

Devine said residents and business owners would be invited to participate as the city considers next steps for downtown streets and trail connections.

She pointed to the conversion of Fall Hill and Washington avenues to two-way traffic, discussions about additional street changes and early work on the Dixon Park connector.

“At this point we’re sort of in a holding pattern,” Devine said, adding that the Virginia Department of Transportation was waiting for city action.

Devine said further information about the committee’s membership would follow.

Budget Changes And School Funding Approved

Council approved fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments on first reading involving $182,500 in insurance recoveries and a roughly $1.83 million transfer between debt service funds.

Finance Director Amanda Six said the insurance proceeds would help offset litigation settlement costs incurred during the fiscal year.

The transfer would correct how investment earnings on bond proceeds were budgeted between the city’s general obligation and education debt service funds. Six said the correction would not require additional city funds or increase overall spending.

The staff memorandum identified Oct. 13 as the planned date for second reading.

Separately, council gave final approval to additional fiscal year 2027 school funding through its consent agenda. The resolution adds $61,935 to the school operating fund and $42,315 to the school grant fund to reflect final state funding allocations. No additional local funding is required, according to the agenda materials.

The consent agenda also included the appointment of Brianna N. Ivy as assistant city attorney and updates to towing, private alarm and zoning provisions.

Soccer Club And Community Events Highlighted

Devine proclaimed Sept. 23 as Fred City Soccer Club Day. A club representative told council that the organization had completed its documentation with USL and expected to begin its season in May 2027 at the University of Mary Washington’s Roy Gordon Field.

Former city attorney Walter Sheffield presented a framed historical photograph showing council members and residents gathered at the Princess Anne Hotel. The presentation came as the city prepares for its 300th anniversary.

Council also approved five Fredericksburg Arts Commission appointments and the minutes of its July 14 work session and regular meeting.

Through informal assent, council agreed to have council member Joy Crump serve as a liaison to the Fredericksburg Religious Freedom Alliance.

Holmes reminded residents that Art Attack will bring artists to downtown streets Oct. 3, with a book festival scheduled for the same day at Riverfront Park.

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