What does future hold for Dumfries?

What should the town of Dumfries look like in 20, 30 or 40 years?

Town officials soon will ask residents, business­es and others for their opinions.

“We are asking business­es and residents to partici­pate in surveys to commu­nicate their needs as well as their wants. It is vital to generate a solid founda­tion of research to build our future,” said Michele Jurgensen, Dumfries Town Council member and one of those spearheading the effort.

This is the kickoff to the development of a strate­gic plan for the economic development of the town, said Debi Sandlin, the town’s economic development director. “This will serve as a guide for the future growth of the town,” Sandlin said.

To put it together, the town will send out sur­veys and assemble focus groups.

“We want to engage many stakeholders,” Sandlin said. “We want to gather input and feedback from them, so we have an all-inclusive plan when we are done at the end of the day.”

Several groups have been targeted to partici­pate, including residents; business owners; develop­ers and brokers; regional partners, such as Prince William County and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce; those who live and work at Quantico Marine Corps base; defense and technology businesses; and site selection consultants who scout out and make recommendations to companies thinking about relocating. 

“We have developed surveys for each of our stakeholders that are geared toward them,” Sandlin said. 

The same groups also will be invited to participate in focus groups. “Surveys are great for providing the information you want, but focus groups give people an opportunity to be more engaged in the conversation,” she said. The information will be gathered in February and March. 

“This is an opportunity to start putting a roadmap in place. It’s a plan about the town. It is not the staff’s plan. It’s the town’s plan, the community’s plan,” Sandlin said. “Keep in mind, it needs to be flexible. It will need to be updated every several years, so when the market and the economy changes, we will need to go back and see what’s working and what’s not working.” 

Sandlin hopes a draft of the final plan will be ready for review by the Dumfries Town Council this summer, then approved and adopted by the fall. 

“The town of Dumfries’ economic development plan is a work in progress, which started with the 2020 Vision Statement that was adopted on Nov. 5, 2008, by the council. We are dedicated to accomplish that vision with an economic strategic plan,” Jurgensen said. 

The final plan will identify a vision and mission statement to guide the town’s future growth. “This will be accomplished through the development of goals, objectives and implementation strategies designed to achieve the vision and goals of the plan,” Sandlin said. 

Dates for the surveys and the focus group dates will be posted on the town’s website in February. To participate or for more information, contact Debi Sandlin at 703-221-3400, ext. 140, or by email to dsandlin@dumfriesva.gov.