Amherst County, Virginia

Amherst County Board of Supervisors 2025 Goals

AMHERST COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 2025 VISION AND GOALS

In the year 2025 . . .

Our primary identity is that of a well-managed community offering a superior quality of life. Our County provides a setting of enviable natural beauty that is fully appreciated and enjoyed. Residents have limitless opportunities to establish or work in a successful business, acquire a first-rate education, and to take full advantage of global technology. The people that live in our County and are attracted to life here have a foundation of strong values. These values include a strong work ethic, caring about other people, being good neighbors, and knowing right from wrong.

As a Board, we recognize that our County's success is dependent on our ability to look toward the future and skillfully manage change while attending to the needs of citizens in a responsible way. Our desired future includes the following:

Economic Development One Step Ahead

Our vision for the County's economic future is one step ahead of the economy.  Recognizing that more and more people will seek the quality of life that Amherst County provides and that our population will grow, we have thoughtfully prepared for that future. We have a balanced economy with diverse opportunities for employment in manufacturing, education, retail sales, service and repair, agribusiness, high-tech, and health care, among others.   Agencies that promote economic development have worked together to build relationships with business owners and are regarded as a sound resource for support, expansion, and problem solving. An intimate knowledge of the needs and interests of our local businesses have helped them grow so that they are a major contributor to our County's economic health. New businesses are also developing to meet the needs of our community.

Choice opportunities for business location and expansion exist in our County. Carefully planned development at our gateways and our thriving Route 29 Business Corridor offer citizens and travelers a place to eat, obtain lodging, and shop. Businesses on the Route 29 Business Corridor are attractive and inviting.  Signage on the Bypass directs travelers to local restaurants, hotels, shopping, services, and other amenities. Our industrial parks are spacious, accessible, and fully equipped to entice sustainable businesses that make a positive contribution to our economy. Our local workforce is an enviable source of highly trained, industrious employees for all types of employers.

Comprehensive Local Education

Amherst County offers a golden opportunity for one to acquire a productive education without ever leaving the County. Our public schools are second to none. Investments in academic excellence, including curricula, teachers, facilities, technology, and relationships assure us of an educational system that values each child and gives him or her the best education that he or she can attain.  The County's public schools offer academic and vocational choices that successfully prepare students for a changing, diverse global society. The County's community college center offers students of all ages a seamless educational experience to acquire advanced academic and technical training. A network of local universities within easy driving distance provides the student with academic choices to prepare for any conceivable field. Potent partnerships with nearby colleges and universities provide unequalled opportunities for exposure to expanded career paths, workforce preparation, leadership development, teacher preparation, adult literacy, and hands on learning. Such experiences help students realize that Amherst County is the ultimate choice for living and working. The occupational base for the County's current and future economy is successfully developed here at home - we prepare students for all types of careers.

Structured Growth

A high quality of life has a direct relationship with a community's willingness to carefully structure growth. In Amherst County, managing growth and opportunity is a community effort. The Planning Commission is an active, helpful group of citizens that works effectively in the best interests of County residents.  Agencies work together to enforce standards that ensure that our beauty and character are consistently showcased. Through the efforts of many, the County's assets have been carefully preserved and enhanced so that opportunity and quality prevail for all. 

The highway connectors located at Route 130 and Route 210 have developed in an orderly way to provide phenomenal access to all parts of the Commonwealth. Our citizens and visitors have choices that enable them to access other locations with speed, unhampered by heavy traffic.

Old Town Madison Heights is a family oriented community that has been transformed through the efforts of its own residents. People who live there are proud citizens that take care of their homes and community.  There are neat and charming homes, churches, and small thriving businesses within walking distance for its residents. Adjoining Old Town Madison Heights, the Riveredge Park provides families with a nearby opportunity to enjoy varied recreational activities.

Bountiful Recreation Opportunities

Amherst County has diverse recreation choices that appeal to every type of consumer. Our County's youth and adult programs give willing participants the opportunity to exercise, socialize, learn, travel, and to enjoy competitive activities with others. Youth recreation and support for it is a way of life in Amherst County, creating lifelong skills and family solidarity.  With one third of the County in national forest, a strong network of County parks, and an extensive trail system, residents and visitors have an unparalleled opportunity for hiking, biking, camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. Golfing enthusiasts have many superb golfing choices and the amenities that are associated with them. Mount Pleasant is a sought after hiking and camping destination, bringing visitors to the County to view the countryside from one of the highest points at the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Residents fully avail themselves of abundant recreation options to sustain a healthy and happy family lifestyle.

Natural Beauty and Stewardship

Our natural beauty astounds visitors but is also appreciated daily by our own residents. Mountain views, rivers, lakes, rolling farmland, and open spaces instill awe and an appreciation of country life. The County is pristine. Entryways, scenic byways, and roadways are attractive and represent our pride in our County. County facilities also foster public pride and serve as an example to others. The standards employed by the County to maintain its own facilities inspire businesses and residents to similarly upgrade and maintain their properties.

The County is a strong steward of the environment and is steadfast in ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy its remarkable beauty and natural resources. Recycling is an important part of our culture and is supported by effective programs and facilities. Proactive steps to protect the watershed and provide for copious water storage insure that clean water, which is a precious commodity, is available for current and future County residents.

Primary Destination for Community, Culture, and History

Amherst County is a primary destination for visitors, who plan their travel and entertainment with the County first in mind. Our tourism endeavor has been exceptionally successful. Our Visitors Center is open and active. New marketing approaches and regional networking have increased the scope of our festivals and attractions.  Community cultural events enjoy phenomenal participation and every resident takes the opportunity to promote County businesses and attractions so that all benefit from them. The County's historic homes and sites provide a sense of where we have been and where we might go in the future. Responsible preservation of these sites has insured that future generations are aware of and appreciate the values, customs, and lifestyles that are part of our heritage.

Open, Responsible Government

Open government is important in Amherst County. Citizens support County government because they are well informed regarding future plans, the Board's agenda, and how decisions may affect them. Tools such as the County's newsletter and interactive web based services provide opportunities for citizens to obtain information and provide feedback. Consistent efforts to reach out to citizens assure them that they receive high value for their tax dollars. Our cooperation with other local governments and regional partners has led us to enhanced services and economies of scale that benefit our citizens. County staff members treat citizens with the highest level of respect, courtesy, and professionalism.