WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg residents will have chances to weigh in on goals for the city’s future at multiple upcoming community forums aimed at shaping the vision for the city.
The “Future Festivals” are part of the city’s efforts to develop a two-year workplan, also known as the 2025-26 Goals, Initiatives and Outcomes.
There will be seven festivals spread over two weeks, beginning next week:
- Sept. 10 at Bicentennial Park, 320 Court St.
- Sept. 11 at Walsingham Academy, 1100 Jamestown Road
- Sept. 13 at Crim Dell Meadow, William & Mary campus
- Sept. 16 at Kiwanis Park, 125 Longhill Road
- Sept. 17 at Highland Park Community Park, 703 N. Henry St.
- Sept. 18 at former DMV site, 952 Capitol Landing Road
- Sept. 19 at Quarterpath Recreation Center, 202 Quarterpath Road
All of the events will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., except for the Sept. 13 event at William & Mary, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The events will feature games aimed at getting feedback from the community. Food and drinks will be provided.
“All these games are designed to be interactive and fun,” Mayor Douglas Pons said in a video explaining the goal-planning process. “We have hamburgers and hot dogs and free drinks, and it’s all free and provided by the city” in the hopes of getting community members to come out and give feedback.
The mayor explained that city staff will form a vision and goals for the city moving forward based on the feedback.
“This GIO process helps us build the vision for Williamsburg in the future,” Pons said. “Let’s think 20, 40 years down the road — what is it that you want to see Williamsburg be?”
There will also be an online survey to collect feedback from those who can’t make it to events in person. The survey will launch this month, according to the city.
Resident feedback along with City Council priorities and city staff input will go before City Council for approval in November.
Sam Schaffer, samuel.schaffer@virginiamedia.com
