What is the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is the City of Martinsville's most important document regarding growth, development, and change. It establishes government policy to help guide public and private activities as they relate to land use and resource use. The Comprehensive Plan is our City's basis for land development regulations and decisions (i.e., rezonings, conditional use permits), capital improvements (i.e., schools, parks, libraries), transportation, environmental, and historic resource protection. 

About the Process

The City of Martinsville has employed the services of Berkley Group, a Virginia-based local government planning and consulting firm, to facilitate this update process. Updating the Comprehensive Plan will be a collaborative effort between City Council, Planning Commission, residents, business owners, and other stakeholders. The process began in November 2024 and is anticipated to be completed late summer of 2026. Community information will be gathered and updated, and new priorities, goals, and strategies will be established based on input from community members. The vision and goals in the updated Comprehensive Plan will be based heavily on public input, so we appreciate all of the Martinsville community members who participated in our community engagement activities in spring 2025!

Project Schedule

Drafting Worksessions with the Planning Commission and City Council are currently ongoing. Please note that meeting dates and discussion topics are subject to change. 

• Drafting Worksession #3 | Tuesday, January 27, 2026
  • Discussion Topics: Housing; Transportation; Future Land Use

Public Draft Review and Open House: Spring 2026
Final Review Joint Work Session: Spring 2026
Public Hearing for Adoption: Summer 2026

Community Engagement 

During the Martinsville Momentum Comprehensive Plan update process, the City of Martinsville and Berkley Group sought a variety of public and stakeholder input. Opportunities for residents included a public survey, seven focus groups, and four drop-in events.  

Public input was consistent across all forms of engagement. Most participants have a positive opinion of Martinsville - citing quality of life and affordability as the primary reasons.

View the full community engagement summary document HERE.

Draft Plan Chapters

• Chapter One: Establishing Momentum
  • Presented to City Council and Planning Commission on July 22, 2025. A draft will be posted here pending final edits. 
• Chapter Three: Natural and Historic Resources
  • Presented to City Council and Planning Commission on October 28, 2025. A draft will be posted here pending final edits. 
• Chapter Four: Community Health and Safety
  • Presented to City Council and Planning Commission on October 28, 2025. A draft will be posted here pending final edits. 
• Chapter Five: Community Facilities and Infrastructure
  • Presented to City Council and Planning Commission on October 28, 2025. A draft will be posted here pending final edits. 
• Chapter Six: Economic and Workforce Development
  • Presented to City Council and Planning Commission on October 28, 2025. A draft will be posted here pending final edits.