Prince William County in Virginia has launched a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPAM) initiative to incorporate recommendations from the Community Energy and Sustainability Master Plan into its comprehensive plan. The CPAM initiative, approved on May 14, 2024, aims to enhance sustainability and resilience throughout the county.

Key Objectives

1. Climate Action: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve 100% renewable electricity for county operations by 2030 and for the entire county by 2035. The plan also aims for carbon neutrality in county operations by 2050.

2. Sustainable Development: Promote land use that balances economic opportunity, social equity and environmental protection. Focus on energy efficiency, conservation and reducing the county’s environmental footprint.

3. Resilience: Enhance the county’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from multihazard threats. Integrate green infrastructure management and environmental justice into planning efforts.

4. Water Resource Management: Protect and restore water resources, addressing coastal management and sea level rise.

Next Steps

The county’s detailed work plan includes the following.

June – August 2024

1. Scope of Work: Define specific tasks, timelines and deliverables.
2. Consultant Procurement: Engage experts for support.

September – October 2024

3. Community Engagement: Gather input from stakeholders and the public through workshops and forums.
4. Best Practices Review: Learn from successful initiatives elsewhere.

November – December 2024

5. Data Analysis: Collect and analyze relevant data to support the CPAM.
6. Draft Amendments: Develop proposed changes to the comprehensive plan.

January – March 2025

7. Public Hearings: Present drafts to the public for feedback and make necessary revisions.

April 2025

8. Finalization: Finalize the amendments and integrate them into the comprehensive plan.

Led by the county’s planning office, the CPAM initiative aligns with the Prince William County Board of Supervisors’ vision for a sustainable and resilient Prince William County. For more information, visit the county’s website or contact the planning office.