The Community Revitalization Section (CRS) with the Department of Planning and Development, facilitates strategic redevelopment and investment opportunities that will transform Fairfax County’s older commercial areas into pedestrian-oriented mixed-use activity centers. Through its seven program areas and its broad-based perspective that spans from initial plan or project conceptualization to final implementation, CRS is uniquely positioned within the Fairfax County government to foster the repositioning of these areas.
Community Visioning
CR supports community groups in developing the vision for their area. CR has a particular skill set in designing and facilitating community engagement and problem-solving processes, including design charrettes to help communities develop design solutions to improve the character, function and vibrancy of a place.
Market-based Problem Solving
CR develops and promotes uniquely tailored and market-based solutions to foster redevelopment opportunities. These may include public financing tools, market research and obtaining feasibility analyses to inform decision-making.
Public Policy
CR works collaboratively with internal and external partners to solve emerging policy questions. This includes formulating strategies for new initiatives, undertaking innovative pilot projects, devising improvements for identified process challenges, and developing best practices and standards for redevelopment.
Strategic Partnerships
CR fosters public/private partnerships that leverage public assets to achieve mutual benefits. CR works to create catalytic projects to stimulate redevelopment within these communities.
Community Building
CR supports local revitalization area stakeholder groups and functions as a liaison between residents, other County agencies, and the development community to facilitate redevelopment and investment opportunities in keeping with the community’s vision.
Placemaking
CR plays a key role in fostering a collaborative problem-solving culture, with a focus on urban design and economic viability through its involvement in projects and policies that enhance the public realm and foster a strong sense of place.
Education and Promotion
CR engages stakeholders and others to disseminate information related to the revitalization activities of the county and to actively promote revitalization areas for redevelopment and investment.
